Birthday in Greece

Ever since I have been a kid, I have had mixed feelings about having a summer birthday.  On one hand, I do not have to go to school, and I have the whole day to do whatever I feel like doing.  On the other hand, no one remembers my birthday, I don’t get cake at school, and I have a hard time deciding when to have my birthday party since everyone leaves for summer vacation.  I know it seems like I’m asking for a pity party, but really I’m not.  

Me at the Acropolis :)

This year was definitely a year to remember.  Who would not want to have their birthday in Greece?  At midnight, my roommates and the other students bombarded me down stairs and threw balloons at me as they sang “Happy Birthday”.  We all slept well that night and woke up ready for the birthday festivities.  We went to lunch at a local restaurant called Palmie Bistro and then spent almost all day down in the main square of Monstarki.  We walked around the different shops and got chicken pitas.  That night, we walked down to the acropolis and watched it as it lit up!  It was truly a magical thing as we walked the streets and listened to the various sounds of street musicians playing random tunes.  There were vendors selling popcorn and cotton candy, artists selling their pieces, and couples laughing and holding hands as their children ran circles around them and tugged on their pant legs asking for money to buy toys from the men selling light-up sling shots.  Other than one of my roommates getting their purse stolen, it was the best birthday I have had thus far. The best part is, I still get to celebrate with my family and friends when I get back home!!