All in a day’s walk
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
On slopes of the Acropolis
Sunday 25 April – Anzac Day in New Zealand. A couple of related reminders of that today as I walked through Syntagma Square where commemorations were taking place marking the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by the Turks. Then later in the afternoon as I was photographing red poppies at the Tower of the Winds.
I began my walking day around that area known as Anafiotika. This settlement, on the slopes of the Acropolis, was created in the 19th Century by migrants from the Cycladic Island of Anafi and they built their homes in the traditional island style.
Time for lunch so I headed back to Damigos to partake of the most freshest, delicious, tastiest, yummy Greek Salad you can imagine. With a little bread, of course, and all washed down with a beer. This old traditional taverna, which has welcomed celebrities and common people alike since 1865, can be found at 41 Kydathineon, Plaka, Athens.
Six years’ ago when my good friend Doreen and I were here, we stayed just around the corner from where I am now at Hotel Kouros (now closed). Doreen was lulled to sleep each night by the sounds of an elderly gentleman playing his accordian nearby. Three years’ ago he wasn’t to be found, however, yesterday there he was. I chatted with this now 82 year old darling of Doreen’s – maybe he did actually remember her – I’m not sure.
As I walked on and passed by Parliament Buildings, something had been happening there as the World Press were photographing a group of males, including I think the Prime Minister. I took photos of that particular gentleman, however, I have still to confirm his identity.
Next destination Lykavittos Hill and in particular, Sarantapichou Street where I lived back in the early 1970’s. Only one of my rented properties remains, many have made way over the years for newer apartment blocks.
A long walk back via Monastiraki to the Plaka and down Flessa Street where I used to work. All my old haunts – VO Bar, Mecca etc all long since gone, but still, a trip down memory lane.