posing with one of the guards at Athens' Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
On my recent trip to Greece, I spent three days in Athens on either end of my journey.
On both ocassions, my local guide was a couchsurfing.com buddy, George-Michael. The first night, he led me from my hotel near Omonia square to his favorite hangout near Athens’ University.
We spent the evening chatting with two of his friends at a hookah bar.
I learned that the park just beyond the awning had once been overrun with substance abusers. A neighborhood socialist organization decided to reclaim the park by meeting there every night. The park was now populated by students and seniors, sipping sodas and eating ice cream.
The next evening, George walked me past the Acropolis. A large pedestrian walkway forms a semi-circle on the site’s south side. There were many Atheneas strolling about or eating a late meal at one of the outdoor restaurants. Quite a few people were on top of the Acropolis rocks listening to a Croatian singer perform in the Odeum of Herodes Atticus, a Roman-era ampitheater exposed to the elements.
George showed me the place overlooking the Agora where he goes to meditate. He also showed me the Gasia, a cosmopolitain gay neighborhood to the north.
I explored the Parthenon, The Temple of Zeus, and the National Archeology Museum with my friend Vivian who I ran into strolling the ruins Sunday afternoon.
We were excited to discover a gay cafe near my hotel. Boo’s Cafe, was auspiciously given my childhood nickname! The proprietors filled it with antique rosewood chairs, subtle lighting, oil paintings, and lots of color to pop against the dark walls. I returned to Boo’s several times.
I saw the changing of the guard twice - once during the week and the hour-long convocation featuring all the guards on Sunday at 10 am.
The slow awkward step that makes the guards look so ridiculous when they are leaving their posts is very intimidating when it is sped up for the Sunday parade.
Many people asked me if I suffered at all because of the numerous strikes. The very last day I did.
The subway workers between Athens and the airport were on strike. I found out on the way to the airport! I had to stay an extra night in Athens because of the mess.
