Hello from Athens

Hello from Athens! I am happy to report that the riots and protests (from last week’s headlines) have ended and peace was restored to this magnificent city sometime between last Wednesday and yesterday. Even more amazing was the fact that our US Airways flight, which just so happened to be the maiden voyage from Philly to Athens, left on time, didn’t have any mechanical failures and actually arrived in the right place! And all of our lugagge made it too…a miracle!

We spent yesterday in a sleep deprived state walking around Athens, trying to stay awake. Somehow we managed to see the Temple of Zeus, an Olympic stadium from 1896, the Presidential Palace (and the changing of the guards), Parliament, the National Garden and the historic little neighborhood known as Plaka.

Some endearing things about Athens: The air smells like honey, orange trees line many streets, random ruins are scattered throughout the city, so one second you’re window shopping and the next you’re overlooking the remains of a temple or an ancient market. Also, the people are incredibly sweet and their faces light up when we say “kalimera” (good morning). Of course, they laugh when we mangle “efharisto” (thank you).

Some funny things about Athens: thousands of stray cats and dogs are roaming around the city and napping in the craziest positions (today we saw a big German Shepard napping on his back with his legs striaght up in the air). The Greek word for “yes” is pronounced “nay” and apparently they call cow milk “breast milk” (we had quite a mix up at breakfast!). Also, thanks to ancient plumbing, flushing toilet paper is not ok.

We had a great day at the Acropolis today (except that we arrived at the same time as a massive cruise boat tour). More on that later…off to bed and then Delphi and Olympia tomorrow.

Kalinikhta! (Good night!)