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I suppose I should start by addressing what all of this madness is all about:

Not long ago I was looking out floor to ceiling windows at the Manhattan skyline from my corner of the world in the wine biz (shameless plug: www.streickerwines.com). Not exactly something you want to "run away" from, so let's get that straight right now-- my departure to Greece is in no way an act of fugitive flight. I simply decided I wanted to make something spicy happen. To do this, I asked myself two questions: 1) What do I want to be doing right this moment; and 2) Where do I want to be doing that? The answers were: 1) Teach English; and 2) Greece. So, this adventure is an answer to those two essential, human questions and also proof that once you answer them firmly, you can make it happen. Sound cheesy? Idealistic? Unrealistic? The cynical New Yorker in me wants to say, 'yes,' but all I know is that I'm here, so take that for what you will. And do me-- and yourself-- a favor, and just give the asking a try.

"The White Goose of Thalia." What's all that about, you ask. In Greek Mythology, there are three happy goddesses known as the Three Graces, or more Greece-specific, as the Charities. Their chariot was pulled through the heavens by white geese as they went around serving as a welcoming committee, cheerleaders, and bestowing, well... grace and charity. The Three Graces are a very important piece of iconography to me for many reasons. My two cousins (whom I regard as sisters) and I can't help but identify with the fun-loving spirits of these triplets, for one. Since I have focused on Thalia in particular, I should tell you that she is the Grace of good cheer, which will represent the through-line for my upcoming year. That is to say that I am going to stop walking so fast and relish in "art for art's sake" and "beauty for beauty's sake" because it is my hope that in doing so something grander will surface. We focus so much on the why and the logistics and practicalities of things that I think it is time to try simply bringing and *accepting* good cheer... allowing happiness to happen! What a concept! Greece has got this down to a science. Dinner lasts 4 hours, coffee breaks last 7, and yeah okay the economy is dissolving and "taxes" is a kind of abstract idea, but life here is slower and sweeter, and a money-poor Greek would never give up on the joys of life. Is this necessarily a "wise" way to live? I can't really answer that, and I'm not sure if I want to.

And so, I have chosen Thalia to be the patron goddess of my walk with Greece. If you're nice to Greece, Greece will be nice to you. I am here to share language, and culture, and with any luck, a little simple, beautiful good cheer.