run and never tire

Hellasgood08 is halfway over – and it seems at the same time like we’ve just barely arrived and as if we have been here forever. It always seems to feel like I’ve just picked back up where I leave off with Athens – as if the time in between didn’t really happen, but new people have shown up.

Athens is lovely, of course. Dylan and Andy left yesterday morning, so we spent the past few days trying to see as much of the city as possible – and now Sonia and I are taking advantage of some down time. We’ve been very busy since arriving back in Athens from Santorini on Sunday morning. Sunday evening, after sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, we managed to miss the last bus to Athens, which is how we ended up trying (and failing) to hitchhike down a 10-mile stretch of Greek highway leading to the nearest village to find a taxi. Monday was far less eventful – we spent the afternoon in the National Gardens, ate a fantastic dinner at Vyzantino’s, and walked through Plaka for a while. While Sonia and Andy journaled at a café, Dylan and I ventured up to the base of the Acropolis, where we sat outside the Odeon and listened to the Greek National Opera rehearse Turandot. It was one of those surreally awesome moments where I was really glad that my life is my life – and that I have been here with these people. Few others would have gotten that excited over listening to an opera – and we both equally freaked out. We ended the evening on Areos Pagos, taking in the breathtaking view of the city.

Dylan and I ventured out early Tuesday morning to tour the National Archeological Museum while Andy and Sonia slept – and then met up later that afternoon for shopping in Plaka and pistachio milkshakes at Hydria. We hiked Lykavitos to watch the sun set that evening, and then ended up back on Areos Pagos.

Wednesday was both Sonia’s birthday and the boys’ last day in Athens. Sonia, Dylan, and I started the day at the Acropolis, which was totally overrun by irreverent tourists. The heat and masses of truly annoying people actually managed to ruin any sort of ambiance or awe I am usually filled with up there. The heat was oppressive yesterday – and Sonia left to go take a nap after touring the Theater of Dionysos. Dylano and I kept wandering, as he was determined to see as much as he could – gelato was necessary to combat the stifling temperatures, and then we walked through the Ancient Agora before heading back to meet everyone else at the hotel. Our siesta consisted of stocking up on exotic delicacies at my favorite bakery – wherein I consumed in inordinate amount of chocolate. Birthday festivities involved family style dinner at a local taverna, gelato in Psirri at GelatoMania, and drinks/hanging out at Brettos in Plaka. I stayed up with Dylan and Andy until they left for the airport at 3:30 in the morning – it was rather heartbreaking to see them go. It has been so wonderful having them here, getting to share this place with them. I will miss philosophical discussions about life with Andy and late night conversations while staring at the Parthenon with Dylan. But it’s also going to be really fun to do the whole girly bonding thing with Sonia as we cruise around the Ionian Sea next week.

This morning I went back to the National Archeological Museum, this time with Matt and Sonia.  I sat in the cafe, journaling and writing postcards as they toured the collections - drinking french press tea and eating a chocolate croissant. It seemed a very Greek way to pass a morning.  We are at a cafe in Syntagma now, enjoying the free internet access and escaping the heat.  It is sweltering again, not nearly as bad as last summer, but still slightly unbearable.  Yesterday was spent mostly in bed, catching up on all the sleep I didn't get while talking until the early hours of the morning.  We woke up long enough to eat a lingering lunch at Byzantino's and buy postcards before taking a nap again and venturing back out to Starbucks for a late night cup of tea.  The past two days have been a distinct contrast to the week spent walking all over Athens with Dylan in tow, trying to take in as much of the city as he could.  This is why I love being in Athens - soaking up the local culture in cafes and tavernas, pretending to belong here.

I still can’t believe I’m here - it just doesn't seem real 

~RLM

Comments

[Melody]

It is good to hear that you are enjoying yet another summer in Greece. I am so proud of how far you have come, RLM. Think of it! *sigh*

I miss you but am so very very happy for you!