Packing Again

Zeus or Poseiden -- take your pick

We’ve had two very pleasant days in Athens and we’re packing again for an early morning departure.  Yesterday we visited the National Archaeological Museum, and I was in heaven—Dwight less so, but I think he enjoyed it, too.  Those of you who know me know I go bananas when I’m able to see actual objects that I’ve shown to students in slides.  The Museum was packed with such objects.  It was also accessible, although you had to make an effort to find the accessible entrance.  The lower floor is devoted to sculptures from Archaic to Classical times.  The second floor has a suburb collection of vases from the same periods.  I took a million photos.  For dinner, we went to a tavern recommended for its rooftop terrace with a view of the Acropolis.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have reservations and were only able to be accommodated on the first floor, but it was a nice meal nevertheless.  Evening is a special time in Athens; the heat of the day fades and dusk makes all of the antiquities, especially the Acropolis, looks magical.



The Agora of Athens

Today we visited the Agora.  It, too, was a special visit.  We were able to find some good advice from a website which specializes in accessible travel.  Greece and the rest of Europe seem to be making an effort to increase accessibility in tourist areas.  In fact, we were waved through the gates of both the Archaeological Museum and the Agora without having to buy a ticket…a minor thing perhaps, but appreciated. One can really get a feel for ancient Athens by walking along the Panathenaea and wandering around the temples of the Agora.  In a way, it’s almost more “real” than the Acropolis, a place where people went about their daily lives.  After the Agora, we had another stroll down the streets of the Plaka, a light meal next to the New Acropolis Museum, and a taxi home.   Dwight has really done some walking in the last two days.  All along, he has been pretty game on this trip.  I’ve told him that when we get home, I’m going to put together a collage entitled:  ”Dwight in the bars of Italy and Greece.”

In spite of all their difficulties and sometimes surly attitude, I’m still drawn to the Greeks.  I don’t know why, but this city thrills me.  At least I’m not alone; a lot of people have been drawn to Greece because of its ancient history and our own attachment to their achievements.  For good or ill, we wouldn’t be who we are without the ancient Greeks.

Observations:

·         I’ve never seen so much graffiti in my life!  Why does it give young people a thrill to deface buildings with graffiti?  They seem to have given up on controlling it here.

·         The Greek cars and motor scooters are twice as angry as any little angry Italian cars.   They seem to live to play Mexican standoff and “No Entry” signs only exist to be ignored.

·        Our taxi driver this evening claims to be an American citizen (Florida).  We asked him about last year’s taxi strike.  He said it cost him about $12,000 and now he can’t claim his Greek pension because he owes the pension fund for back taxes.  He also said now he can’t yet claim US SOCIAL SECURITY because of the strike.  He doesn’t own property in the US; he said his two sons were born there but now live in Athens; he talked like he never actually lived in the U.S.  This is not the first example we’ve seen of this sort of “Dual” Citizenship.  Most of the world claims some sort of ties to the U.S.  Everyone we've met in waiting for their Green Card.

·        Speaking of immigration, in the Monastariki section, we were approached by innumerable beggars and sellers of useless merchandise (although I did buy a useful walking stick from one entrepreneurial Bangladeshi commerçant).  There were even a significant number of children begging.  How and why did they all get to the “poor” country of Greece?

·         There are innumerable political rallies going on at the moment in preparation for Sunday’s elections.  That should be interesting. 

My mamma used to say the best part of any trip was getting home.  I’m looking forward to it.  I wish we could be there without 14 hours in airplanes!

Cheers!  See you in Durango.