First Outing :Trip to Athens.

 So there we were, fully vaccinated and ready to go! Athens was our destination of choice for a variety of reasons, but there was one problem. What did we need to travel? We had our Greek certification of proof of our vaccinations but then Z heard that that in itself was not enough – one had to have a period of two weeks after the last vaccination to be fully covered. Agh! Our flight was on Monday morning, so there was a rush to the village to get self tests! We knew that both were necessary for travel to the islands which entailed strict passenger health monitoring. But what of mainland flights? We spent nearly all of Saturday enlisting the help of travel agents, airline-staff and police officers but no one was sure. We self-tested anyway, and found …. after all that, no one checked us at all. :(

   

As you know we live in the countryside, but having been rustic recluses  for so long during the pandemic, the buzz of metropolitan life was a bit of an assault on the senses.

An old friend, Donald, from our Kuwait days, has lived in Cairo for many years and suggested I meet up with Alison, who had moved from there to Athens about two years ago. The current situation had obliged us to be pen-pals only, so it was great that we managed to meet up for lunch. We were amazed to find we had lots in common: both been to Aberdeen University, both lived in Edinburgh – even in the same area of Stockbridge and, of course, now permanent residents in Greece. We look forward to her visiting us soon!

Next meet-up was with Betta, the Greek friend whom I have known the longest – since 1974.  I consider her a sister rather than a friend, in fact, her delightful dad used to introduce me to his disconcerted friends as his Scottish daughter! They played a major role in my learning to love Greece and Greeks even more and contributed greatly in directing the course of my life. Our continuing friendship means a lot to me.

Next it was Z’s turn to make contact with cousins, originally from the home area of Evros, in Thrace, but long-term residents of the capital. It was also a wonderful chance to celebrate his uncle’s 98^th birthday – now that was special!

Athens is a city of many unique vistas, but this urban underpass scene could have been taken anywhere. To me it showed the vulnerability of man in the stark city constructs he creates. The noise of the traffic from above and below this busy intersection was incredible but the walkway did afford welcome respite from the heat. 

 And now for a contrasting face of the city: the glorious Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. Founded in 1927, it is set in an oasis of green: palm trees, cacti, pleasing pieces of topiary and water features. That’s a fascinating facet of Athens to end on.