Smoking

Mom, I started smoking. I can't excuse myself except to say that it just seemed like it was the most appropriate way to fit in here in Greece. Although my lungs took a few days to adjust, I must say that I'm doing a bit better now, less coughing and black stuff coming out than before. Most brilliantly though, I am proud to say that I chose a more economical way to get my smoke on ... I'm going second-hand.

Sitting in a cafe meeting with local physicians today, I asked one of the doctors, Lydia - a GP, how she deals with the smoking culture and she threw her hands up in disgust. "They won't LISTEN!" We sat drinking coffee with her and swimming in smoke, trails curling around us from surrounding tables. Lindsay and I told her about the mentality in the U.S. where a moderate level of mutual respect allows non-smokers to politely ask smokers to move in another direction. She laughed and laughed. Trying that here would get a shocked where-are-YOU-from look in return. And so I would turn my head to the side trying to find pockets of fresher air, usually with no luck. On our walk home, Lindsay and I realized that sidewalk exhaust in rush-hour traffic seemed clean by comparison. Most travelers go through some level of culture shock, and I think cigarettes will dominate mine. Second-hand smokers unite!