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Published: June 30th 2011
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Hello world,
Thank you to all of those sending good vibes while I stay in Greece during their rioting and 'social expedition.' I am safe.
For a quick back track, the last week or so I spent in Italy. More specifically Florence and Rome.
In Florence I couch surfed with Cecilia. She is one of the most light hearted, multi talented persons I have met. She is a doctor, gorgeous, energetic and kind....we are going to marry...
Even though it was her sisters wedding the next day, she still found time to take me out for authentic Italian pizza with her friends and prepare breakfast the next day. It happened to be Florence's patron saint birthday, so there was an hour long fireworks show that blew my mind right beside the David, overlooking the city. Great chance I passed through Florence at this time.
Rome. So big! You could easily spend months touring around and still see/learn something new everyday. That, mixed with 35 degree weather made the city overwhelming, but still exciting. I met up with Brother Joel in the Vatican, who gave me a thorough tour of St. Peters and also brought me back to
the seminary for dinner with the other brothers. It was an appreciated experience.
Athens. First impression = what a mess!
Garbage everywhere, tight quarters, very busy. It wasn't until I headed across the city from my hostel to parliament square that I understood why. The economic struggle the people have been going through due to a poor infrastructure and a corrupt government has taken its toll. I spent 6 hours right in the middle of the rioting.
I felt like I was in a news story/dream. Burning garbage, buildings, and cars littered the main and side streets. Riot police at every corner, but still out numbered by the masses. Locals smashing concrete pillars to collect the broken pieces as ammunition. The police armed with tear gas and flash bombs...a bit more advantageous.
I was given a mask and got my face/mouth sprayed with a liquid that helps coat the stomach against the tear gas and helps with the burning of the eyes. After being tear gassed a half dozen times, you get used to the feeling.
I felt bad for so many local shop owners in the area because their walls/windows/doors were all smashed or on
fire. Goods were looted.
After watching a few police officers and buildings get lit on fire from thrown molotov cocktails, myself, an American tourist and a retired United Nations officer from Athens, went for a drink a few blocks away. We talked about polictics and human behaviour in the midst of the chaos as herds of police units rushed by at one point and local rioters did the same moments later. We just sat and watched. Drinking. Such a strange experience, but one that I will remember forever.
Around 1:00 am, we went back to the main square where things had calmed down. A mass clean up was under way, both city workers and protesters raking up the carniage. It's a beautiful morning and I question if what I witnessed was real. Life goes on. This is not Canada. It was actually a lot of fun (in a non sadistic kind of way).
Anyhoop poop, heading to Mykonos hopefully today for beach and sun! I am living in a bubble compared to a lot of the locals here.
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Pat Roberts
non-member comment
great entry
Hi Steve, I'm loving following your adventures through Europe, and must say that this is my favourite blog entry so far: you've really managed to encapsulate such a variety of experiences, images and emotions in a few words. Fascinating. Btw, congrats on finding your bride LOL.