Arriving in Athens

 Driving into Athens I can see the words "concrete sprawl" definitely apply but the word I think of is "vibrant." It's almost 11:00 at night and couples are still out window shopping while eating ice cream, cars full of young people cruise the streets, Athenians fill outdoor tables in front of tavernas much like their ancestors have done. Graffiti, yes, but we haven't seen any homeless. It's late and after 27 hours of traveling(never again discount airlines) I don't have the energy to ask our driver, Dimitri, about the refugees. We zoom along into the concrete maze, passing the lit up parliament building and the guards, "a good business" our driver says sardonically, Syntagma Square, the national garden, King George's square(or is it St. George?), "you can walk all night, it's safe, see" our driver assures us pointing out all the people walking around the neon lighted square. Like a mouse searching for that prized peice of cheese we wound our way and park in a small alley at the head of a little side street that is closed to cars. "This is okay" our driver reassures us again, "it's safe here." I wonder if he must have the impression that Americans are overly concerned about their safety considering what a dangerous country we live in. Just 20 feet around the corner he deposits us and our bags to the Hotel Adonis, a small but modern hotel(modern being relative, especially in the cradle of civilization). 

27 hours later, w finally made it! I'm excited to explore!