Protomagia… May Day, Workers Day in Athens
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Tuesday 30 April-Wednesday 1 May 2024… I don’t ever remember landing in Athens under such an overcast sky, as was the case yesterday. Caught the Metro from the Airport to Kerameikos Station, walking the last 650m to my apartment in Thiseio. It had been 40 hours since leaving my home in New Zealand… I was totally exhausted but relieved.
Slept fitfuĺly last night, however, wanted to make the most of a full day in Athens so up and out early. I know the city here reasonably well and love to wander. Headed first for Monasteráki then on to Syntagma Square. Made my way down almost to Omonia Square before returning to Syntagma and on to the Plaka and Anafiótika… a tiny area on the slopes of the Acropolis. Settled by people from the cycladic island of Anafi in the 1800’s, it is located in a metropolis but with the feel and look of a Greek island.
On the 1st of May in Greece, it is traditional to pick wildflowers and make them into a wreath to hang on your door. It is also a public holiday but with public sector employees striking throughout Greece and protests along with demonstrations planned in the capital, the police presence was very noticeable today.
As is customary in Greece, I returned to my apartment for an afternoon siesta, venturing out again around 1900 hours for dinner. After walking a mere 600m, I found Senso where I enjoyed Yemistá (stuffed vegetables) a red wine and a great view of the Acropolis.
