Asumption Day

Today is a holiday in parts of Europe including Greece, it is Assumption Day which celebrates the day that the Mary ascended into Heaven. For us it was a second day with Athens to ourselves. Most stores were closed which is fine with us, we have never been great at buying things while on the road. If we chose to there was more than enough people to cater to tourists, but we were generally left alone.

We started the day like anyone would on a three day weekend, slept in. In our case we overslept but that was fine, we kept our plans in Athens light so we could relax and shake the jetlag. We made in the afternoon to the Ancient Agora at the base of the Acropolis. An Agora is a meeting place first for legal/ruling issues and later served also as a marketplace. Still a site with the Acropolis looming over it.

After a swim back at the hotel (see previous post) we journeyed back into the Platka for dinner this time going to a place recommended by the hotel staff called Bairaktaris on Monastiraki Square. Great Gyros and better grilled squid (Syds favorite and her dinner) than the last restaurant. They grilled so the suckers were crispy while leaving the rest of the tentacle tender and tasty. Wish I could get that back home… The “Sales Folk” were out pushing copies of designer purses. some at the other table seemed to be going for it then the police went chased them away. The sellers came back and things go a bit ugly with the wait staff.

We saw a bigger crowd in Syntagma Square talking about the local financial issues again. Never felt in danger….

Frances Stevens: Will it be dangerous?
John Robie: Not for tourists.

From “To Catch A Thief” with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant.

From the hotel balcony we see many people getting off the buses with luggage, locals returning from their villages for the Tuesday work day. The long weekend is over.

By the way the pool guy here at the hotel wants to live in the United States he told me, thinks it is a great place. Never forget that.

Finally I must remark on today being an anniversary of sorts in my family. Time has past but we have not forgotten. She would have loved Sydney and all the travels we have done. Ten years. Miss you Mom.