Athens and the pedometer update you've been waiting for!

Athens at last

We arrived in Piraeus sometime before 5 am, I think. At least I know we were there before 7, when I first cracked my eye open. We had an early breakfast and headed out to meet our guide. We had a great little van and a great little tour guide. She got us to the Acropolis by about 9:10 or so and there were lots of people there already. After a quick stop for some explanations and ticket buying, we headed in. It was just as amazing as all of the photos. We saw the Parthenon. It has been a religious center for 2500 years. I can’t believe that this “holy rock” site dates back to the 5th century BC. We are such a recent addition to civilization. Here in the birthplace of Western Civilization and democracy. We have come a long way, yet so close to us right now, people are still rioting to get a fair democracy. We are still facing the same challenges. Even back as far as the 8th and 7th century BC, Athens was making it’s mark with it’s naval forces and exporting things to Sicily and Egypt and the Black Sea.

We also saw the Temple of Athena Nike. Had my photo taken there in my Blazer playoff t-shirt. It is a sure winner for the Where in the world do you wear your Blazer gear contest! There were olive trees planted everywhere around the hill as the story goes that Athena gave the city the olive tree and taught the people all the things you could do with the fruit. We were also able to see Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus from the hill (Acro (top) polis (of the city) , clever, huh?) When we came out of the Acropolis, I couldn’t believe the sea of people coming in. I was so glad we got up and out a little early today. We’d have never made it through the crowd without the early start. We then headed to the Plaka to have lunch and do a little shopping. We found a nice little taverna and sat outside and ate gyros, Greek salad and Greek beer. Kyle, aren’t you proud? We finally had a gyros for you. I think Dad sent one home for you. Watch the mail.

After lunch we poked around some shops, looked for frappes and knick knacks and headed back to the van. It was a beautiful sunny day, it is supposed to be almost 90 degrees today, but a nice wind kept us cool enough. We did need to keep an eye out for sunglasses for Linda. I think she is on her 4th pair this trip. We went by the first University in the Mediterranean, with statues of Plato and Socrates. On top of pillars were statues of Athena and Zeus. It is incredible to think we are in the place where much of the arts, learning and philosophy were born. A place of Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles and Ifyouplease! Ok, that was a corny one from Ron, but very funny if spoken. I know Lindsey and Kyle are missing their dad and I wanted them to feel just a little at home. And for those of you missing Pete, know he is alive and well and squeaking. Today a little girl came up to him asking for money. He told her he didn’t have any money, but she watched as he touched his own nose and it squeaked! She had the biggest grin ever. She and her little brother laughed and laughed. Then she wanted to check under his tongue to make sure he wasn’t hiding something. It was the happiest she looked since coming over near our group. After that she looked serious again and asked other people for money. Within 2 minutes she was back to see Pete’s nose again. He spreads joy and laughs wherever he goes. You should have seen his waiter the other night when he complained that there was something wrong with the broccoli. The waiter, looking serious came to see what the problem was. When Pete touched it and it squeaked, he jumped back about 3 feet. The entire table was roaring. He called the Head Waiter over. (I capitalized the title because they are very serious, formal guys.) When Pete showed him the problem, he jumped back and roared. Pretty soon there were people from other tables coming to see what was so funny. You can always tell a Christcare fellowship: someone will always be laughing and having fun.

Back on the boat, we will relax for a couple of hours and then be sailing again.

Pedometer update! We hit the 200,000 step mark sometime on Sunday! Our average is certainly going down since we’ve gotten on board, but we still seem to hit at least 15,000 most days. Our total count up til right now is 238,832. We should hit 245,000 today. I still have toes, but the pedicure certainly needs refreshing! And I think I’ve lost most of the soles of my feet. Who needs them anyway? We are in Greece!

After sailing away, drinking ouzo and eating olives and feta, we headed to a show. It was a violinist named Doug Cameron. I would probably not have gone to the show if I had known it was a violinist, but everyone in our group went to see him. We all sat together and the theater was almost empty. Ron and I walked in a little late, so we were at the end of our group. This guy is terrific! He was playing Fiddler on the Roof with the string quartet that has been playing in places all over the ship. The Solstice Orchestra was also backing him. The music was wonderful. Then he played some Mozart. And of course he told some silly jokes. Like when he was talking about different types of music he played, classical, country, Celtic and the continuity of the show. His lame joke of the day was that he hoped we weren’t offended if the show was incontinent. Then a man in front of us got up to leave. He asked the man why he was leaving. The man say he’d be right back. Ron pipes up and says, “Speaking of incontinent…” Doug started to laugh and could barely stop. He played his next piece and then said he couldn’t stop thinking of what had just happened. He played an electric violin, like the one Aaron Meyer plays. The range of music was incredible. He did Iron Man - I am sure just for Kyle. He played The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Orange Blossom Special. During one song he walked out to the audience and played right next to people. He even came and sat in my lap! Still playing, just as fast as he was before. His moving didn’t affect the play at all. He was really quite the showman and very good with his violin. We were then off to dinner and bed to regain our hour! The time changes back to Italian time tonight!

Tomorrow is a day at sea when we will try to let our feet heal. You have to remember that I am not the most active one of the group. There are a few who have probably walked half again as much as I have. I don’t know where they got their feet, but I could use a pair. I am just looking forward to un giorno a Napoli! I think Ron is a little scared that I might break out in song. Actually, I am sure he knows I will! Thanks to Pink Martini and my Italian class, I’ll be belting out Una Notte a Napoli in about 36 hours! Con la luna ed il mare!