Sabbatial Day 10

June 29, 2004--Day 10
Arrived at Hotel Stanley in Athens about 10:30 p.m. New York time, or 5:30 a.m. local time. My suitcase did not survive the trans-Atlantic trip--the top part of the suitcase frame was cracked. Slept from about 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.... that may not be correct. My watch and alarm clock read different times. The hotel seems great, though I haven't yet ventured out of my room, as I am watching the Greek television programs.

8 p.m. My alarm clock was indeed off. Met with my local travel representative a while ago and booked four excursions for my cruise. Walked around the hotel a bit--went up to the rooftop restaurant/bar/swimming pool, which features a stunning view of Athens, including the Acropolis. One thing that will take some getting used to is using the toilet. You put the used toilet paper in a little wastebasket instead of flushing it.

10:30 p.m. Had a "Coke Light" at the bar downstairs. Walked around the block. There is a kiosk on the corner, a subway station entrance, a bank, and a souvenir shop. Ate dinner at the rooftop, piano restaurant called 'Virtus.' Porkchop with rice, bread, fruit for dessert, a huge bottle of water and the famous 150 ml, 2.50 Euro Coke Light. The view from the rooftop was again, stunning. I sat facing the Acropolis. I am unsure of which building I saw. Above the Acropolis, the moon was nearly full. My view was framed by two flags waving in the breeze--the Greek flag and perhaps the Athens flag or the EU flag. As I ate, the sky began to grow darker and lights of the city began to come on, including some illuminating the Acropolis. As I ate, I was several times nearly to the point of tears. I have been thinking about this trip for about a decade, and I am very relieved to have finally made it here safely. Many people have asked me in the past few weeks if I was excited about my trip, and the answer was an honest 'no.' Too many stresses and anxieties weighed upon me. But now that I'm here, I'm looking forward to the days ahead.
Walking in the Footsteps of St. Paul: 4277 steps