What really counts: Coffee and Naps

The Greek way of life is something I can really get on board with. Every day, there is a siesta period. I have no idea why they call it a siesta, as that is a Spanish word rather than a Greek word for rest time. I asked my professors, and they are equally perplexed.

The shops all shut down and you must remain quiet within your apartment. It is a little difficult to get used to the fact that I can't go down to the store to pick up some nail polish remover whenever I want, but the benefits of a nationally embraced nap time far outweigh the hassle.

The coffee: It is Strong. The national drink is called a frappe. It is literally instant coffee, whizzed up to create heavy foam on top. If you get it with milk, you are getting sweetened, condensed milk. The frappe was first invented by construction workers so that they could drink it on the job. The dust and dirt remained on top of the foam and never polluted their drinks. It gained in popularity, and is now Everywhere. I bought my own to go mug (a type specific to the drink) and the instant coffee grounds (mom, you would be so proud). Just add water and an ice cube, shake it like a martini shaker, and viola: a fully formed frappe.

To be perfectly honest, I prefer the espresso. It is bitter and strong, just the way it should be. When I order an espresso freddo (entirely in Greek, which is my latest accomplishment) it comes as three shots of espresso, ice, and, oddly, with foam on top as well. Yum.

So between the naps and the coffee I am feeling plenty energized and ready to explore Athens!