Monday, July 23, 2012

Grecian Holiday

If I had one word to describe Greece, I’d say “gracious.”

Though I had a wonderful day at the Sea Turtle Protection Society, the next few days in Greece were like a fairytale and a wonderful introduction into the Greek Culture.

Thanks to Sal, a family friend from ISE, we were recommended to connect with his friend Andreas. Unsure of what to expect, my mom called him up to see if he had any recommendations of unusual things to do in Athens. Having been here already, and knowing my family, we were looking for an off the beaten path experience of Greece that would really show its true colors. Andreas graciously asked us to visit his office that morning and he would see what he could brainstorm.

My mother, friend Lindsay (from Baylor University) and I conveniently walked across the street to his building and up a few flights to his office. Apparently, Andreas is the President of the Greek Passenger Shipowners Association, has owned many ships in his day, and may be the most famous person I have ever met. It was clear by his office that he is successful, well educated, well traveled, and most of all, well liked… and I can see why.

Andreas might be one of the most kind, welcoming, and again, for lack of a better term, gracious, people I have ever met. Around the age of my grandfather, he has lived a full, rich, life and has so much to share! He asked the three of us what we would like to do that day-though we were in such awe, we sort of stumbled and said we didn’t know- but his kind eyes saw right through us. He asked me if I knew how to sail, and when I said no, he said “Oh, ok then! I teach you to sail. I send you to the sailing academy for the day, eh?”

So off to the Sailing Academy we went. Andreas unfortunately still had to work that day, so he sent us with his favorite driver, and dear friend, Emmanuel who took us all the way to Marathon to the Sailing club. The road to Marathon is through a climate I have never seen before with dry vegetation and lots of olive trees. The road was windy, and a bit treacherous at times, but Emmanuel skillfully avoided the edge of cliffs and show us the beautiful scenery as we made our way to the other city. Though it was a pretty drive, I couldn’t imagine running the way we came. Marathon is where the lookout ran 26.1 miles (the length of a marathon in the States) to warn the Greeks about Troy. The little trip inspired me to go back home and refresh my memory by watch the Brad Pitt blockbuster because I couldn’t remember all of the names in history.

Arriving at the Sailing Academy we were treated extremely well, because it turns out Andreas is the President of that too- though such a humble man, you would never know it. The winds were high, so no one was out sailing or windsurfing, so we had a bit of lunch at the club in hopes the weather would be calmer in an hour. We were extremely lucky because the wind died down just enough for us to hop in a catamaran with two instructors, teaching us how to sail. I have been on boats before, and of course kayaked, but never one where I was told to move the sails, pull the ropes, and steer. My usual choice of boating style is to lay and soak up the sun’s rays, but that would have near impossible to do with the wind. Sitting on the edge of my seat, I held on for dear life as wind whipped across my face with salty sea spray dousing my face with water every few minutes. Apparently the wind conditions were so high they usually wouldn’t take beginners out, but I suppose Andreas explained that we were troopers, and we made it out. On the seas we saw a rare loggerhead sea turtle! Our instructors that in all 4 years they had been working there they had never been fortunate enough to see one. I was just glad that even though Lindsay and I were steering and managing the sails we were able to avoid it! It would have been an extremely sad and awkward phone call to Archelon if we had to report an injured sea turtle.

After learning about up winds and down winds, we came back ashore as “accomplished sea women,” ready for the rest of the day. Emmanuel was taking us to Andreas’ house where we would stay until he got off work for dinner at a local Greek restaurant. A little worn out from the sailing lesson, his house was a welcomed rest stop in the middle of the afternoon. Andreas’ house is on top of a major hill (mountain?) in Athens. I would say it’s Acropolis style, but without the stone ruins and a bit more greenery around. His house is absolutely beautiful, complete with a pool that we were permitted to swim in and a great view of all of Athens. We spent the afternoon swimming, napping in the sun, and eating some afternoon snacks that had been expertly prepared before our arrival. It was the perfect afternoon.

When Andreas’ came back we were excited to ask him all about his home and his life. He explained that his three daughters were all grown up and his wife was visiting one of his daughters who lives in London now, so for the time being it was just him, his three dogs I fell in love with (Margarita and Oscar) and his chickens. He gave us a tour of the house and right before dinner we headed to the roof of his house to watch the sunset behind a mountain over Athens. Again, I can’t over emphasize how amazing this day was- especially being able to see such a spectacular view of Athens from above.

Andreas snuck us all into his car and took us to dinner at a local Greek restaurant near the real Acropolis. I can see why he may have Emmanuel as his driver sometimes because Andreas would give Nascar drivers a run for their money. Speeding down the highway as if we were on the autobahn, driving down pedestrian streets (tactfully avoiding tourists, so he has clearly done this before), and dodging cars as he swings up one way streets, we finally arrived at the restaurant. As I mentioned earlier, Andreas is famous- everyone knew him. He was receiving hugs at each encounter and heads turned by each person we passed.
Dinner was phenomenal with grilled lamb, fried zucchini balls, tzatziki sauce, and Greek salad. For desert we had Greek yogurt, with honey drizzled on top, and fruit. The meal was divine, and the conversation was even better. Andreas learned that I was on the Board of Trustees of Semester at Sea and immediately wanted to help explain the shipping industry to me. His company actually sold the MV Explorer to Semester at Sea, so he told me all about that and much more. I can’t thank him enough, because now I feel I will have a little bit less of learning curve the next time I go to a board meeting.

The evening ended with another Andreas Excursion through the streets where he dropped us off back at the ship. He told us to meet the next day at his office at 7:20am because he had another adventure planned for us- but it was a mystery. With such an amazing day, we didn’t think it could be topped… but we sure weren’t going to miss finding out!

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