National Archeological Museum

Aloha Everyone,

Following the screen shot of a google map, it took us about 15 minutes walk to reach the National Archaeological Museum. The museum was founded in 1829 and moved to its present location in 1889. We paid the entrance fee of €6 each and after checking J.J.’s backpack were invited to walk around at our own pace.

The various collections of Prehistoric Antiquities, the Sculptures, the Gold Jewelry, the Glassware, the Egyptian section were all imposing. J.J. and I found many of the exhibits were familiar artifacts. It was thrilling to look at the actual pieces that we have only seen in documentaries and books.

For me, most impressive were the Vase and Sculpture Collections. I especially was happy to be able to take photos of Zeus, Poseidon and Hermes with our Flat Granddaughter. They are some of the Ancient Greek Gods whom she is familiar with from her readings of Greek Gods & Greek Heroes.

Security guards posted in each of the exhibition halls were casual. A couple of them were curious and asked what is the small cut out figure. After hearing my explanation, one even suggested not to miss another exhibit hall.

The entire collection gave very good examples and an overview of the Ancient Greek World and their long lasting influence in the region up to the present day.

Aloha -- Cathi

Athens

Aloha Everyone,

Athens is Europe’s oldest capital. The city is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom and courage.  

We stepped out of the hotel lobby and came face-to-face with the streets of Athens. Its layout is chaotic, disorderly and confusing. There is no grid systems at least in the section of the city where we are staying. A short street comes to an end then you come to a fork. But the place is exciting, alive and stimulating. J.J. and I love it!

Surveying our surroundings of old and modern structures, we have to stop and appreciate that Athens has been inhabited for over 4,000 years.

There is so much to do and see in Athens and rest of the Greece. On our first full day, we walked to Omonia Square and chose Omonia Restaurant for our first dining out. Our server, who studied Classic Greek in high school, is now a student of finance. Over a light lunch of tomatoes, cucumber and olive salad plus pork souvlaki in a pita wrap for J.J, we learned that Omonia means peace or gathering place.

As of today, with Coronavirus case jumping to 21 in Greece, following the WHO (World  Health Organization) schools have been shut down.

J.J. and I stopped at a pharmacy located diagonally across the street from our hotel. The hastily prepared hand-written signage tells how people are reacting. On our end, we purchased wipes and hand sanitizers to add to our stock from the USA. Thus far, we have not worn our masks.

Aloha -- Cathi

From LAX to Athens, Greece

Aloha Everyone,

Our flight from LAX to Heathrow Airport in London was indicative of the challenging time for travelers. It was interesting and noteworthy that the majority of the passengers on our British Airway flight were prepared. All 30 seats in the Premier Economy section were occupied.

Upon reaching our seats, J.J. and I took out disinfectant wipes to sanitize the seats and anything else we might come in contact. So did our neighbors. One woman even put on a pair of plastic disposable gloves. We looked like an airline cleaning crew. In the toilets, there were containers of disinfectant for passengers. Paranoid? Perhaps, but we all want to safeguard our health as best we can.  

Service on our flight was excellent. Our meals were satisfactory and the large onboard selection of movies kept us up longer than necessary.

London was rainy. As transfer passengers, J.J. and I still had to go through security inspection before looking for our connecting flight gate.

After nearly 20 hours on the road, we arrived in Athens, Greece.

Smooth entry with the immigration officer welcoming us to Greece. It was a 43 minutes ride in a pre-booked hired car to our hotel.

The two of us are extremely fatigued but we are very excited and happy to be back in Greece.

Aloha -- Cathi

Destination, Greece

Aloha Everyone,

Our airline tickets had been purchased several weeks prior to the news regarding the outbreaks of the Coronavirus. Our friends have been writing asking us if we are going to cancel or postpone our travel.

J.J. and I will be extra cautious, mindful in keeping ourselves healthy. I have packed hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and even non-surgical face masks. And I told J.J., let’s not forget cough drops to prevent ourselves from coughing. We are realistic that there is a time limitation in our horizon regarding how many more years we are able to maintain our current mode of travel. On the positive side, our time is very flexible. Delays which could be cause by viral outbreaks has to be taken in stride.

With blessings from our children, we are embarking our 3 months long travels through Greece today.

Aloha -- Cathi

Days Spent With My Mother

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I spend the past several days visiting my Mother at her home.

I welcomed each glorious sunrise during my early morning walk, the sky unfolding with subtle changes in color and hues.

My Mother was bemused as she watched me practice Japanese using the Duo-lingo app. She cheered on when I earned 3-stars after a successful attack on my computer game. She clapped her hands when I showed the Tang Soo Do steps I am learning from my granddaughter.

We played piano together, weeded her backyard and admired flowers. But as with our past visits, my Mother and I spent hours in conversation. Though she does not like my constant traveling lifestyle, she has accepted that this is what we chose to do.

Happy Girls’ Day!

Aloha -- Cathi