This is a direct quote from the cafe owner we had a long chat with yesterday, outside the Plaka. (i shouldnt really say conversation...becuase it was really more of his personal dissertation...)
He seems to be quite concerned over the state that america has been in since the 70's, the golden era in his mind. He blames all of the problems attributed to America on two things.
1. the election of bill clinton...and the fact that he necer was impeached like nixon was. (he also thinks that monica lewinski was some sort of front for a poluted water scheme...and that whole affair was the reason that the drinking water in greece is crappy...)
2. that our country has gotten away from the classic greek roots that it was founded on...and if we could just return to the greek alphabet and greek education (this is "the only way to attain real intelligence"), like we had in the beginning...things would be better.
These are all the problems that he attributes to America:
1. Polution. world wide pollution. he thinks it all stems from the united states. and if we would stop using ac the pollution in athens would clear up.
2. dirty water. world wide dirty water. (he mostly blames bill and monica for this one...)
3. the melting of polar ice caps. (once again...americans and their darn ac.)
Lets just say he was quite the experience...once he found out we were americans, he went off on this for like an hour!! interspersed with telling us of the things that he loves about america...and trying to get people off of the street into his cafe. (a popular practie over here...you stop in front of a menu...someone is there to try and charm you in...)
He was the dad from my big fat greek wedding...going on about how everything...EVERYTHING...is somehow greek. even the founding of america by our brittish protestant fore fathers. Hysterical!!!
We deffinately experienced the greek culture yesterday while wondering around the plaka...and i think its one of my favorites. One of the funniest qualities is that they slap everybody on the back...you enter a store, when you leave, the clerk slaps you on the back and says goodbye...or shakes your hand or gives you five. Their very welcoming people...mostly. We're enjoying our time here, and taking it slow since we pretty much cant leave athens at all for the duration of the trip on account of the fires. Apparently, there are 115 wild fires burning all over greece right now...and with this heat ( the worst heat wave that greece has had in 100 years...) its a huge thing. Central Greece is in a state of emergency. So, its not really a good idea for us to venture out of this area...since everything else is one fire...and the fire in athens doesnt seem to be as big a worry as some of the others...
So there will be no trips to the beach, unfortualtey...but i do get to see all, and i do mean all, of athens.
BUt just be praying that everything stays ok for my flight out the night of the 1st...i dont want to get stuck here!!
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4 comments:
It seems that 6 weeks flew by fast. WE look forward to hearing of the last few days of your trip. I have really enjoyed your Blog. What an adventure you two have had.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.
wow, you're almost coming home. I'm very excited though. I can't wait to hear the stories, although with this blog, i've felt like i was riding along in your pack the entire time :) oh, sven. how is he holding up?
wild fires? the worst heat in 100 years? haha, that would all have to be going on while you're there. mel (the person) and i have this joke that we bring chaos and disaster wherever we go.. earthquakes, accidents, flight delays, etc.. sounds like it's in your genes too. hmm, a marshall at heart perhaps. see you soon bam bam!
on a serious note, i'll definately pray for your flight on the 1st.. see ya soon world traveler.
Keep up the good work.
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