Wow... We Live Next Door to the Acropolis!

Ladies and Gentlemen of our Blog Reading Community: Exciting News!

Em and I last checked in waiting for a train in Tbilisi, Georgia. We were heading for Batumi and the Black Sea, making our way to Turkey and Greece to hopefully find employment for the winter. High on life but low on funds, we chose Athens, Greece as the starting point for our job search -- an average winter temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit contributing positively to this decision.

To summarize a potentially long story, Jess had been frantically searching online for anything resembling winter employment options for months, with little response. Nearly ready to volunteer at a hostel in exchange for weekly pocket change, Jess browsed "the site of last resort" -- Craigslist. There she found and applied for what turned out to be...

Our winter jobs! That's right -- we write to you today from Hotels Fivos and Dioskouros, our new employers in the marvelous and ancient city of Athens, Greece! Owned by a father and son, our hotels offer everything the cash-strapped world travelers could desire: a monthly wage, acommodation, AND breakfast! Not to mention the ability to stay in one place for longer than 3 days, shower and wash our clothing regularly, and get the chance to really explore and get to know this interesting city. Oh, and don't forget the stunning backdrop of the Acropolis, just down the street, which day and night towers over us and reminds us that we chose the coolest city in the EU to work in (and not only because we're here)! And finally, we have a mailing address (see below)!

Need we say more? Rhetorical question, because we will either way.

We're both working reception, Jess in the evening and Em at night, keeping our eyes open for second jobs as we wander around during the days. And what wandering we have done! Each neighborhood of Athens has a distinct character, with little alleys tucked away between large neoclassical buildings, and ruins (literally) everywhere. Wandering down any of the main (and not so main) streets, its possible to stumble upon age-old ruins that were found when the metro was being dug, when buildings were being erected -- basically whenever you dig deeper than a few meters anywhere in (and around) Athens. And, to Em's delight, the ruins are juxtaposed with the walls of the city, displaying the more modern artists' declaration of history, politics, and beliefs: graffiti. It's everywhere!

Example.

So, about that mailing address. You, our friends and family, have not only been following us around the world, but have oft asked about sending care packages, socks, and various other things a traveling soul may desire. We have had to decline these generous offers in the past -- but no longer! If you want to send us a care package, here's your chance! Our address is below, accompanied by a modest list of things we'd really, really, really like to have sent to us. (Of course, anything not on the list is welcome as well- be creative!)

Jessica Scott and Emily Kirschner
Hotel Dioskouros
6 Pittakou Street
Plaka, Athens, Greece
105 58

(see below for a note on money)

Em's modest list (in no particular order):
Protractor
Pictures of Everybody
A large hardcover Moleskin journal (orange label)
Fig Newtons
Sudoku Book
Orbit Cinnamon Gum
Reflective Aviator Sunglasses
Earbud Headphones

Jess's modest list (ditto):
Lonely Planet East Africa
Earbud Headphones
Thin Mint/Tagalongs/Samoas Girl Scout Cookies (yes, I know its the wrong season. A gal can still hope!)
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Granola bars
Tea Tree Oil
Scented satchet for travel bag (so that all my clothes don't smell like old gym socks)

Note: If you are going to send us anything, please post a comment on this blog post as to what you will send so that others don't duplicate your effort (unless it's cookies. Send as many of those as you want).

Our final note is in regards to money. If you don't feel like contributing peanut butter or socks to our adventures, and would prefer to throw some spare change into our proverbial empty hat (ie make a monetary contribution, which would be a tax write-off if the government would just call us back ...), we'd be eternally grateful. Please contact Jess at jess(dot)p(dot)scott(at)gmail(dot)com for a note on how to do this without the need to send money across international borders.

Thank you to one and all for your continued support and well wishing (and, in advance, for sending us stuff). We love you, and will write again soon! WT Jess and Em, signing off.