mebtravelling

Melissa means “honeybee” in Greek,  a nod to the dedication of the young women who go there every weekday for Greek, English, poetry, art (& art therapy), knitting…I taught English at this Greek nonprofit for part of November-December.

For too short a time, I worked with women who mostly spoke Arabic and Farsi, and who came from the shelters, camps, and squats spread across Athens. I have many photos, and when I see you in person sometime, I’d love to share. For now, here’s a lesson from the first day . Melissa students are the most eager I’ve ever known, and the administrators, teachers, and other volunteers, the most committed. Lots more to do there, lots of people doing it, and I’d love to return

I’d walk back to Elizabeth’s studio at night, grateful, tired, hungry. I  often stopped for dinner in the neighborhood, Exarchia — 

For me, as  welcome in cool weather as in hot. Only the color of the wine changes!