Dear Greece,

How are you doing? You beautiful and majestic country you.

I am not even sure where to start. Exactly a year ago today I was roaming your ancient streets and waking up every morning for my wonderful classes. Classes full of thirty minute breaks where each student and professor would roll their cigarettes and stand around talking about life. One year ago I was spending my evenings eating gyros and falling madly in love with a country. That’s you by that way.

For five weeks I experienced almost everything you had to offer. Visiting three out of your 1,400 islands was a dream. Though things may have been wonderful for me, I know you were suffering. You still are. I witnessed your people riot in the streets and protest the economic turmoil that was and is your reality. I thought nothing of it as I took out what ever sum of cash I needed from the ATM as no stores were accepting debit or credit cards. Aside from a few downfalls in the state of your economy, I would like to say that you are a country full of amazing wonders. I never imagined I would get the chance to study in a place that people often vacation to. Memories of your sandy beaches and unreal sunsets fill my mind everyday, reminding me that I need to go back.

I guess what I am trying to say is thank you. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and showing me that the American way of living to work, is not the only way to live. Thank you for believing in me. For providing me with amazing professors who taught me more in five weeks than I’ve learned in a lifetime. Thank you for your taxicab drivers who generously rushed me to my ferry to Mykonos two minutes before it left the docks. Thank you for teaching me what real Greek food should taste like and that feta is the best cheese to ever exist. I appreciate the support you gave me during my five weeks of exploring you.

But one more thing Greece. Why didn’t you tell me about the pain my heart would feel when I returned back home? Why didn’t you warn me that leaving you would hurt for months and even a year after we parted ways? There is not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I would've stayed longer. I can vow to return all I want but until I get on that plane, I will always feel that a piece of me is missing. I think I left some of me with you.

So Greece, I want you to know how much I miss you. I want you to know how big your role is in my life. You opened my eyes to a world I never thought I would get to see at this age. You sparked something inside of me that leaves me thirsting for more stamps on my passport. I want you to know that I’ll be back. I don’t know when, but it will happen.

I promise.

Until then, Ya-Sas (Goodbye).