July 22, 2014 I put closed shoes on my feet for the first time since my injury. My broken toe was not happy, but I wore the shoes anyway. When I broke the bone in my foot 16 years ago, I was not able to do even that. I couldn't get the shoe on my swollen foot! I wound up taking the bus tour of Athens I booked through the Hotel Philippos, where I was staying, wearing a pair of thong sandals with ankle straps. We visited one of the oldest Greek Orthodox Churches in Athens, Kapnikarea, located in a busy shopping district in Athens. It is said to be built over a pagan Greek temple, possibly in the 11th century. I discovered, to my horror, that I have bought the wrong size video tape, and it being Sunday in Athens, downtown stores are pretty much closed. I did the best I could to conserve what film is left on a tape that was already in the video camera, and must rely on my paltry skills with a pocket-sized 35 mm camera.
Kapnikarea
We visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, where several old yiayias scold tourists for entering wearing shorts, and taking photos while people worship. (I wore a long dress). I went inside to light a candle in memory of my sister Margaret, who passed into the next world on Valentine's Day.
The Acropolis was the highlight of this tour. It is a truly magnificent sight, despite the repair work being done to it, and the view of the city from there is impressive. The patrons of the goddess Athena must have been very devoted to climb to the top of that hill, especially on a day like this day. The wind was blowing so hard that our petite tour guide could hardly remain upright! Along with the Acropolis, we got to see a few of the finer parts of the city, including the Presidential Palace, Diplomatic Row, the National Gardens, the University of Athens. Although I enjoyed seeing the city, I wondered if Athens could be ready for the Olympics in 2004. There seemed to be graffiti everywhere! The Athens Airport was a mess, but that's another story!
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