Valencia in Athens!

It was middle of July, when I received a message in my facebook inbox, that was coming from Carlos -my friend Irene's boyfriend. Irene was Spanish and she was a very good friend of mine, whom I'd met in my theatre group, Escena Erasmus. Carlos wrote me that, since Irene's birthday was closer, he had bought two tickets to Greece, as a gift for her. He was planning on surprising her, so she didn't know anything yet. The two of them would start their trip from the island of Santorini -which is extremely popular for foreign travelers and ideal for couples- and afterwards they would come to Athens. Carlos was wondering if I was going to be there in the beginning of August, so that Irene could get the chance to see me. He also told me not to tell Irene anything yet, since she didn't have a clue. I has thrilled to read this message and it was the best news I had got, especially since I was studying for my exams and I could definitely use this type of break. I answered to him right away, confirming that I would be in Athens and, of course, offering to host them in my house. I also sent him some information on Santorini and also on when and how they could take the ferry from there to Peireaus port. A few days later, it was already Irene's birthday. I wished to her, but didn't mention anything, because I wasn't sure at which point of the day she would learn about her present. She thanked me, without mentioning something either. On the next day, though, she wrote me again, telling me she had just learned about her upcoming trip with Carlos. She was excited and so was I.

A few weeks later, the big day had come. At first, Irene and Carlos spent some days in Santorini, which they loved and then they came to Athens and stayed at my house for three days (just two nights). They came at my house, carrying a bunch of presents: books, a teddy-bear, a bracelet and a pan where you make paella! They felt comfortable at my house and got along very well with my mother -it was pretty funny, because my mother doesn't speak Spanish, and neither them nor my mother speak English fluently, so there was a Spanish-English-Greek mix-up going on. I was their translator, but the moments that they tried to talk directly to each other were the best. Gestures, looks and mime served as language and the truth is, it actually worked!

This entry serves in order to let you know how you could bring your erasmus spirit back to your hometown thanks to a visit like mine:

• Let your guests know everything they need about your city. I had informed Irene and Carlos about all the means of transport they could get from my house in Glyfada to any sights they were interested in, such as Acropolis or Plaka. If you can, accompany them as well! I couldn't go to Acropolis with the guys, because I has to study for the exams, but I had told them all they needed to know about the metro or bus stops, the names of the roads, as well as the prices of the tickets and the possible discounts. Remember that your friends are not just some tourists who can easily be lost or tricked into paying more than something's worth -they already know you, a local person, who can and should help them deal with any problem and any possible situation they could be in. Tell them “secrets” about your city, like well-hidden coffee places that only a student in your area would know, or maybe a square that is not that touristic, but might be too beautiful to miss!

• Keep the erasmus spirit alive. Do whatever it is you were doing with your friends back at the city of your erasmus. Now is your chance. On their last night at my house, Irene and Carlos decided to cook us a paella. I invited three of my friends over and the guys explained to all of us the whole procedure of making a paella. It seemed just like a spanish dinner in Valencia! We all helped a bit, we waited impatiently for the paella to be ready and in the end we had a great dinner all together, taking photos and talking in multiple languages once more. But, isn't that what happens during erasmus as well? That's exactly my point. Also, the last afternoon before Irene and Carlos left, we sat and watched “Y cambiamos de vida”, our theatre performance from last February, on a dvd. We saw friendly faces on tv, as well as our own, we made comments, we laughed or even got emotional. It was just like old times and we loved it.

• Be traditional! Your guests definitely want to learn more about your culture. Visiting a country is not all about the sights or shops. It is mostly about the history and culture. I tried to let the guys know more about Greece's history, our traditions regarding religious holidays, things we are used to doing etc., and I even taught them some greek words. My mum was responsible for cooking them greek food, which they absolutely loved. It's all part of a city, a town and a person -so, it's also part of you, and your ex-erasmus visitors will definitely want you learn about all that!

I know a phrase that says “time flies when you're having fun”. I couldn't agree more! Irene and Carlos left in what seemed like too soon. However, we had had a really good time and we tried to keep this out of the whole story. My mother and I drove the guys to the bus stop, so that they could take the bus to the airport. There were tears, just like it happens every time with Irene and me. But, this wasn't the last time I'd see her. And we both knew that, so we smiled and waited for the reunion, that was to be held quite soon!