Hello All,
Last week’s blog was a recap of pure exhaustion, this week’s post will be over the Greek saying, "αργά αργά" which translates to “slowly slowly.”
In the United States, we are constantly rushing to the next activity, event, appointment, or whatever it may be. And I have been quick to learn that in Greece it is very much the opposite. Coffee dates, dinner, a shopping trip, or anything else can take over two hours each. Everything takes time and they are not going to rush it. Another important thing regarding “αργά αργά” is time for rest/nap in the afternoon. Many small stores are typically closed from any time after 3 until 5, allowing the owners and employers time for a nap. Greek culture is based around slow movement and taking in every moment.
Reflecting on my first week of classes at Perrotis College, I see how the saying “αργά αργά” is represented. I found out in my classes that it is common for students to be late, and even more common for professors to be late. When the students do arrive in class they usually just bring themselves and a coffee. Talking to the Greek students, many of them do not leave the dorms until the time class is supposed to start. Then during class, which is usually two hours long, there are 1-2 breaks that are about 10-15 minutes long and then another break that is usually 20-30 minutes long. This style of class is very relaxed and I have found that it allows students and teachers to have a relaxed relationship. Teachers also hold students to a standard of memorizing the information and not being able to rely on their notes.
Perrotis College is accredited by Cardiff Metropolitan University. With Perrotis being based on the UK system, there are hardly any similarities in our educational systems. Bachelor programs are only three years long and it is a set program with little-to-no variation. The first year has no influence on the GPA, the second year has a small impact, around 20% I believe, and the third year has a large impact, around 80%. Classes rarely have homework, and if they do it is based on lab assignments. In my classes, there are only two ways to earn a grade. One is a paper/project that is 2,000-2,500 words and it holds 70-80% of the grade, and then a 1-2 hour final exam which is 20-30% of the final grade depending on the class. To pass you have to earn a minimum of 25% on each assignment.
The UK grading system has a very large range. The percentages are as followed: 70%-100% is an A; 60-69% is a B; 50-59% is a C; 40-49% is a D; 35-39% is marginal failure; and <34% is a failure. Personally, this grading system does not impact me as they will send my percentages to Iowa State University, and my grades will be based on the U.S. grading system.
The classes I am taking are Olive Production Systems, Greenhouse Technology and Management, Greek Language, Greek Cultural Experience, and Environmental Soil Science. Two of these classes meet the core requirements for my Agriculture Education degree at Iowa State University.
Today, Sunday, February 2nd myself along with Julia and Morgan, two of my suitemates, headed with a tour company to Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa Waterfalls. We met our tour guide at 8 a.m. in Thessaloniki, and then headed on a 90 minute ride through the countryside to the Pozar Thermal Baths where we were given approximately two hours to enjoy the baths. Here there were two very natural baths, along with a large pool that was heated by the same natural spring. The water was approximately 95 degrees fahrenheit and the outside temperatures were about 60 degrees fahrenheit. At the Pozar Thermal Baths, the saying “αργά αργά” is very true as people sat and absorbed the view and moment. In the large pool, there were people just sitting poolside and others just floating in the pool. People took their time getting from one pool to the next. After the Pozar Thermal Baths, we headed to the Edessa Waterfalls. Here there are twelve natural waterfalls that were formed from a geographical or weather event, commonly thought as a possible large earthquake. Visiting here there are only four visible waterfalls, but they are absolutely STUNNING. I cannot put words into my thoughts on the views. It left me breathless, and all I could think was “How amazing!” After the Edessa Waterfalls we made our way back home through the countryside where we saw lots of agriculture. On the drive I saw farmers plowing the land, many orchards, a rice mill, and many other farms. After talking with the tour guide, he said that peaches, cherries, and apples are very common to be grown within that region.
During this week, I visited the city twice and another nearby town once and I truly love the vibes of “αργά αργά.” There is no rush to life and everything is at a very slow pace. The feeling that it is socially acceptable to stop and take in the view is amazing. There is no stop to take a picture and leave, it is more of a stop and awe at the beauty and then take a picture. The pace of classmates and instructors make learning easier as there is a heavy accent to native Greek speakers and it can be hard to understand.
- With Love, Cambrie
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