For years now I’ve wanted to come to Greece. It’s a culture that I’ve yet to know much about unlike many of the other European countries I visit. The night before departing for Athens, I could hardly sleep. The excitement that I felt was refreshing.
Unfortunately my travels across the Atlantic seemed to stifle that feeling. Between delayed flights, missed international connections, unfriendly airline agents, long layovers, lost luggage.. I was starting to feel the ‘what am I doing?’ question playing upon my conscious.
Arriving in Rome, if not to see my luggage, I was thrilled to see a friend from home greet me at the hotel. Wandering through Rome at dusk, good conversation and dinner at the best spaghetteria in town lifted my spirits.
The morning came, and with it.. I wasn't sure if I’d see my luggage. I worried, as I had to make an 11am flight to Athens on a different carrier.. and my luggage was suppose to come in from JFK on the 7:55am flight. Standing at the luggage claim, relief washed over me as my bag came my way. Collecting my things, I went to make a quick change and freshen up before reluctantly giving my bag back over to Olympic Airlines. At least I was taking a non stop flight..
Flying into Greece, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiousness. From the moment I stepped foot on the plane, the Greeks were gorgeous. I was surrounded by eye candy ☺ Having spent SO much time in Europe, it's become a very comfortable place. Even if I speak Italian.. and recognize the French .. German and Spanish.. Greece was to be different. I was ready for something more unfamiliar.
I arrived as did my luggage and soon found my way into the city center. Upon exciting the metro, I looked to find a cab to whisk me to my hotel.. but alas, i saw none. (Taxis went on strike this day of course). So I began to walk.. having no idea the scale of the map as to how long i'd be walking.. 45 mins later, I felt another wave of relief as I saw the hotel around the corner. I checked in and could hardly wait to take a nap.. the previous nights' sleep left me restless as my subconscious wondered about how the next few days would unfold. But in this moment, i fell sound asleep with great comfort.
Showered and cleaned up, I was ready for the night.. I headed back towards the Plaka district for dinner. Setting out for the metro, walking the streets i felt that same feeling of the unknown and unfamiliar mixed with even a little uncomfortableness. The people here are dark haired and dark eyed.. I felt the eyes on me of men as I walked.. but kept walking as if i'd lived here. Yeah right- I was so a kernel of corn in a bowl of peas! Asking for directions, i fumbled to grasp this language. Exiting the metro in Plaka, I now was set on finding a little place for dinner. Turning the corner, I was stopped short by the breath-taking view of the Acropolis.. The Parthenon a beacon on the hill. In that moment, the past 48 hours of travel disappeared. My wandering became not as a result of hunger but of desire to get a closer glimpse. This led me down little back streets and corner cafes until finally, under loom of the Acropolis, I found a little restaurant. There were two men playing music and a fire burning. Perfect. I sat down with an open mind to what i'd be eating. To my delight, I enjoyed a wonderful meal.. flavors so fresh and wonderful. First a Greek salad.. fresh feta, tomatoes, red onion and olives dressed in olive oil and fresh oregano.. amazing. THEN a little sample plate: Dolmadakia Yalantzi: grape leaves with a sauce of fresh dill and yogurt; Moussaka: marinated eggplant and ground meat covered in a cream sauce; Tyropitakia: philo pastry stuffed with feta, nutmeg and sausage. And to top it all off, the coffee had to be one of the best espresso's i've ever had. I savored the meal.. all the while, taking in the beautiful music of two men playing traditional Greek music. They played with skill and passion.. sitting there, feeling the wine and the mingled flavors of the food, allowing the music to envelope me.. I felt so incredibly grateful for that moment. I was in Greece. Far away from my life back home. And to think, I almost didn't want to come..
I closed the place down. After everyone left and I paid my bill, I approached the two musicians. They spoke English and I expressed my appreciation for their music. Bubi and Costas. Both very talented yet very humble. We talked about music.. anything from Paul Simon and Neil Young to Johnny Cash and George Gershwin. The night ended with me playing with them.. singing old songs.. playing guitar while they harmonized and played along. I must of had a smile ear to ear in that moment. I love how music surpasses language.. what a gift! Took me back to Italy..
Walking back to the metro, I felt such immense joy. This was the be the start to a great week.
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