arriving in greece, august 1 0300

i think that my nervous subsided when i saw my uncle. i had told my dad that i didnt need to wear any sort of distinguishing clothes in order to be recognized by my uncle, and that neither would he. afterall, we were both tsouris men, and we all look alike, so of course we would recognize each other. indeed, right when i exited the airport, i saw him, and recognized him immediately. the sign that he brought with my name on it was not needed. on the way into argos from the airport in athens (about 2 hours), we spoke a little, catching up and letting him know that everyone was good. we both worked through the little greek that i knew, and the little english that he knew. what i thought would be a problem (the language issue) no longer bothers me, and i am sure that i will really enjoy my stay here, and i am looking forward to seeing everyone.

it was interesting, because as we got close to the home, i remembered the different landmarks, such as the ancient theater around the corner, and the shape of road. although the ride through argos seemed new. i could tell, even in the dark, that so many of the buildings had been built since the last time i was here, thirteen years ago.

it was neat to see my uncle, too. you see, last november i went to see my other uncle, john, in virginia beach. i really hadnt kept any contact with him and his family, and i didnt even really know them. despite that, i went there for thanksgiving weekend, almost to prove that we were family. family is family, afterall. the resemblance between my dad and john is less than the resemblance between my dad and herakles (the uncle taht i am with here). with john, though, i still saw the little mannerisms of my dad, and recognized beauty in that. tonite, while eating a late late dinner, i recognized the same sorts of things in herakles. like i said, it was a beautiful thing.

during that dinner, my aunt, matula, was talking with me, to try to catch up on all the family back home. i would try to understand the complete idea by grasping a few key words, and sometimes just faking it. i was caught at least twice faking it, and that was funny. my uncle said something to the effect like, ‘all he says is “ne, ne ,,”’ which was true. so when asking me a real question, and i answer ‘yes, yes,’ they catch me, and of course, i have to admit it, and tell them that in fact i dont understand a thing. so i am the ‘yes yes man.’ whatever someone says, ‘yes, yes.’