I like the idea of being a seasoned explorer

I leave for Greece in a little over 24 hours. I have no idea what to expect, and am quite proud of myself for not drifting in to fantasies of what I think it will be like (too often). Before I left for Paris, a little before this time last year, I had my mind wrapped around every cliche, every stereotype, every movie I'd ever seen that showed the couple sharing a passionate kiss below the Eiffel Tower. It is all too easy to transport the passion to a sunset scene on a Greek beach, but I'm really trying to restrain myself. I know this  experience will exceed my expectations, but I also know it will be all the better if I try not to expect anything at all. 

I am actually quite nervous. I hate traveling be myself. I always manage to make things a lot more difficult than they should be. I find as I get older, however, I get less afraid of messing up. The idea of taking a wrong turn and getting lost doesn't scare me as much as it used to. I remember towards the end of my trip in Paris I decided I would venture out on my own. I have always loved cemeteries and decided to visit the beautiful and rather venerable Pere-Lachaise. I went the wrong way on the metro and it took me twice as long as it should of but I eventually found my way. It was probably one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had and I feel like I would have enjoyed the city so much more if I would of allowed myself to explore. 

Greece will be amazing. And not just Greece. The dirt I'll be shoveling up and pushing around will be just as lovely. I'm worried that my minimal training in Southwest archaeology has given me a big head. Classics is a whole new world. I know very little about Greek/Roman antiquity. It is overwhelming to study a culture who kept record of everything, a culture so rich in mythology and shaped by great literature and art. I'm regretting having skimmed so much of the reading in my Civilizations of the West course. Tonight and tomorrow I have to come up with some sort of presentation on the Hera temple of Perachora, to be presented a few weeks in to my time in Greece. I'm a little worried as my research has made me realize the Hera temple is more than one structure. I'm still trying to understand what an oracle is...apparently there was one at Perachora. I feel like this is all beyond me and only hope I can catch up. 

Well, I felt this need to write something here before I left. I realize the picture at the top has no relation to Greece whatsoever, but I guess it represents the start of my summer. I drove out with some relatives to visit family headstones. The one in the photo is of my great grandmother and grandfather Drescher. My great grandmother Elizabeth Drescher was a seasoned traveler, a seasoned explorer. She was never afraid to see what was out there. Today my mother, aunt and grandmother talked about how proud she would have been of all of the grandkids. I'm just amazed by the opportunities that have come my way and I can't help but think they are small part of something much larger and much more, i dare-say (don't laugh...you know who you are, haha), epic. 

Here's to what life is meant to be...epic.