Greece: A Magical Country, Wonderful People.
But that is for others to talk about, people with more knowledge than I. I am here to talk about the spirit of Greece, the people today and the ancient spirit that is still discernable.
The people of Greece never failed to delight. My experience with money was a wonderful example. They still used Drachmas in 2000. Too complicated for me. I would go to a cafe owner and hold out money. He would give me back my change. I know I was never cheated.
I went with Bob and Mary Ann Haden of the Haden Institute and an interesting group of people. Married couples, married and single women traveling alone, a father with his daughter. We went for different reasons, but each looking for a spiritual experience and a lot of fun! Both were accomplished by all.
Each of these people added to the experience and I thank them also.
Traveling with the Haden Institute
- Explore The Haden Institute
- Bob Haden, a retired Episcopalean priest founded the Haden Institute. There are two two year courses of study .
1. Chrisitan Spiritual Direction, based on centuries old traditions of religious practice.
2. Dream Group Leadership training. This is based on Jungian dream work.
Classes consist of 6 weekends over a two year period. Bob manages to bring in some of the top names in each field to teach. The location is
Canuga Retreat Center, in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. Hard to beat!
I have graduated from both courses and count every minute there and doing the homework as valuable in my life.
Check out the website and if you decide to go, tell Bob and Mary Ann "Hi" for me!
Panoramic view of the Greek theatre at Epidaurus. When You Sit on Top Row, You Can Hear People Talk, Normally, on the Stage.
We Went Backward in Ancient History
An Interesting an Wonderful Choice.
Bob chose to literally go back in history. We started in Athens, where male dominance was the norm, even though the city was named for a Goddess and ended up seeing ruins on Crete that were millennia older, and while they honored the feminine more, was the mythical birthplace of Zeus.This picture shows an ancient out door theater at Epidaurus,outside of Athens. While we were there we saw a troop rehearsing a play, as the citizens of Athens are able to enjoy performances there to this day. The acoustics were unbelievable. Even though the theater was thousands of years old, and was outside, we took the hike to the top seats where we could hear people on the 'stage' talking quietly and heard a coin drop to the earth.
The Greek Rosary: Spirit and Defiance
I Love the Greeks
The beads shown here are ubiquitous in Greek stores. The legend is that many years ago Greece was taken over by a Catholic nation. The Rosary, something the Greek Orthodox Church hadn't used was forced on them. In defiance they developed something that was close enough to fool the oppressors, but different enough to buoy their spirits.Greek men used these, with a special wrist movement, to show their independence under the noses of the bad guys.
Its the Little Personal Things
My Favorite Story
Greece closes down for a couple of hours around noon. Very smart and very civilized. Except that Americans aren't very good at it. One day, in some little town, I took a walk. There was a convenience type store open and I bought a coke and went on. I found a book store that was also open.There were tons of books, all in Greek and many of the ubiquitous icons; religious prints on wood. I had hoped to find one of a female image that wasn't the Virgin Mary. Not so easy.
It appeared to be a family store and I seemed to have found the only place in Greece where no one spoke English. There was a young man who spoke scant English, and he was not only able to understand my desire, but found me the icon of Sophia (Wisdom) and her three daughters, Faith, Hope and Charity. Eureka!
In the process of the search I had finished my coke and asked for a wastebasket. Behind the counter was a wizened old Greek woman, covered in black Greek mourning robes. While she represented a stereotype I hadn't seen anyone like her anywhere.
She had been so quiet as to almost disappear until she got agitated, very agitated, waving her arms and excitedly shouting something.
Oh, my, I could only think that I had made some faux pas by using their waste basket.
Then the young man rushed up, handed her a cold glass of water, which she then handed to me, with a smile.
I will never forget her.
"Emilio, Thanks! Greece was great, but your expertise, discipline and good humor made it perfect!"
Greece: Where Tour Guiding is a Profession
And we all loved Emilio!
We quickly bonded with our tour guide, Emilio. He seemed to enjoy us also.Tour guides in Greece have to be college educated, trained and licensed. Greece is very proud of its history and antiquities and will only allow the best to teach it, even to tourists.
Emilio was a premiere example of this. His knowledge was astounding and while he could be a lot of fun, he tolerated no messing around with his wonderful heritage.
Yet, we had a fellow traveler, Elizabeth, who had been several times, studied that country and also knew a lot. Instead of being threatened by this, he embraced it and incorporated her into his talks.
One day he disappeared at lunch. He showed up later for one of our private meetings with a poem, one he thought we would love, and we did! He was gone so long trying to find an English version. He finally found one at an aquaintance's house,
I had bought some antiques that I had shipped. It took longer than I expected, so I e-mailed him. The next thing I knew he called me from Greece, to assure me he would look into it. I had been too impatient as they arrived the next day, but I was so touched that weeks after the trip he still could care of us.
Then there was the day he got so angry at some German kids. They were dressed scantily and being rowdy in a church. Now he was an atheist and this wasn't an ancient church (well not for Greece) but he was so offended by the way they acted. "We wouldn't do that in their country"
Emilio, thanks so much for enhancing our trip. I still think of you!
Here is the poem he wanted to share with us. It was also read at Jackie Kennedy Onasis' funeral.
Ithaca-- Constatine Cavafy
When you start on your journey to Ithaca,
then pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
Do not fear the Lestrygonians
and the Cyclopes and the angry Poseidon.
You will never meet such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your body and your spirit.
You will never meet the Lestrygonians,
the Cyclopes and the fierce Poseidon,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not raise them up before you.
Then pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many,
that you will enter ports seen for the first time
with such pleasure, with such joy!
Stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony,
and pleasurable perfumes of all kinds,
buy as many pleasurable perfumes as you can;
visit hosts of Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from those who have knowledge.
Always keep Ithaca fixed in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for long years;
and even to anchor at the isle when you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.
Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would never have taken the road.
But she has nothing more to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not defrauded you.
With the great wisdom you have gained, with so much experience,
you must surely have understood by then what Ithacas mean.
-- 1911, transl. Rae Dalven
Reverence...
We Visit Corinth on Pentecost Sunday
What a thrill to be in Corinth on Pentecost Sunday where we enjoyed a Communion lead by Bob. We sat under a tree that existed when Paul was ministering there and imagined that he might have used that same tree as shelter for his services. History....
To the Market Place
Emilio painted such a colorful picture of the market place that we could almost hear the excited voices, and feel the horse hooves pounding as the rich kids staged drag races.He showed us the public toilets that you see here. They had walls then, but since women weren't allowed in the market, there were no women's facilities.
And Irreverence!
We Did It All.
Just as Paul may have sat under our Communion Tree, he likely used these toilets. We were even in awe of that. Well, we were also annoyed that the market place and the facilities weren't open to women, so we irreverently righted that ancient wrong. Well, symbolically anyway! The Delphi Butterfly
The Oracle Says I Will Go Back
The legend says that if you drink of the waters of the famous Oracle at Delphi, you will return 3 times. I hope that is true, I drank lots and will drink more every time I go back.I looked forward to seeing this place that was the scene of much of my school reading about the ancient Gods and Goddesses. However, the trip up to Delphi was harrowing as our bus wound through hair pin turns at an ever increasing height. But the town was one of the most magical I have ever seen. Don't let the mountains keep you away, but you might want a professional driver.
As I was entering the bus to leave, I noticed a butterfly on the ground, its wings barely flapping. Even though butterflies are short lived, and this one seemed ready to expire, I thought being in the street would speed that up. So I picked it up, brought it inside and set it on a book until its wings were stilled forever.
I still have it, as a symbol of the spirit of Delphi
Zorba the Greek: on Crete
On Crete, we visited the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis. The stone read: "I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.".
We danced on his grave, knowing that he would not see this as an insult but rather share the joy!
Zorba the Greek
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Greece: Haven for Dogs and the People Who Love Them.
These People Know How to Do It
And no, the dogs in the picture aren't Greek, they are American, they are mine. Zoe (the little one with the big spots) and Leo (the big one with the little spots) are oppressed. They are subjected to oppressive American leash laws.I confess that sometimes in the early morning (5 am) after they have emptied and I have cleaned up after them, I just let them go to run. They run until they can't run any more and come home.
What, you might ask, does this have to do with Greece? Everything!
They have no leash laws. Yea! What? you might be saying. It must be chaos, dogs attacking people, everybody stepping in dog messes! But no. I saw dogs all over the place and nary an attack, a dog fight or even a mess.
Apparently, they know how to train their strays. Or maybe dogs left alone don't get so crazy when loose.
Emilio, our tour guide had a dog. When he was away, for days at a time, he just let his neighbors know and they made sure that Rex was fed.
Stroll through a town on a Saturday night and you see sidewalk cafe's, open shops and lots of dogs, just minding their own business, as was everyone else.
But... but... that may be ok for the country or small towns, you might say, but what about cities, can't ever do that in cities!
Au contraire, or whatever the Greek word is.
Down town Athens has feeding stations. They ask for donations to feed the strays. No fuss, no muss.
Athens airport is an international airport in a cosmopolitan city. While waiting to board our plane home, a couple of us went upstairs to change our drachmas into dollars. There in the middle of the marble floor, enjoying a nap on the cool surface, was a huge German Shepherd! Busy, sophisticated passengers walked around him, barely noticing.
I started to look around, in corners and large flower pots were dogs of all sizes and colors. I saw maybe 8 all together. Just napping like they were home.
And I as I was looking forward to heading home, I felt bad that Zoe and Leo would never know this life that they would have loved.
Learn More About Greece
Get some of the facts about Greece here. These are the people who know how to do it.
- THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY, Exploring Mythology & the Greek Gods in Classical Literature & Art
- Olympic Torch Relay heads to Vancouver
- Greece tests the limit of sovereign debt as it grinds towards slump - Telegraph
- Laid bare: the sex life of the ancient Greeks in all its physical glory | Culture | The Guardian
- Greece defies Europe - Telegraph [EN]
A Noble History
However, within this story is also a history of the Greeks and how the people suffered from invaders in recent history. It also portrays the story of coming to America to escape oppression. The author is Greek, his research was well done. I would recommend this book for many reasons, but the less talked about one is the wonderful story of the Greek people.
Middlesex: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club)
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Olympics in Ancient and Modern Greece
Ancient and New
I remember speculation that Greece didn't have the wear-withall to be able to pull this off. However, the 2004 Olympics were some of the most successful games in modern times. I vote for having them there permanently!
We were able to visit the site of the original games. Don 't miss it if you are there. You will get to run the track that the very first Olympians ran and see the wall of shame were the images of ancient cheaters were displayed. Perhaps we need one of those for modern sports.
Athens Bound!
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If you have been to Greece I would love to hear your stories, if not, well, you know we always like to hear feedback about our lenses!
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- stargazer00 stargazer00 Aug 14, 2009 @ 3:59 am
- My son is going to Greece in the spring so we were quite interested in reading your lens. Thanks for the information!
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- molly6342 molly6342 Jan 11, 2009 @ 10:23 pm
- Some day I'd love to be able to travel to places like this. Great lens!
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- isabella isabella Oct 23, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
- Thank you for adding this magnificent lens to the headquarters of Greece!
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- susannaduffy susannaduffy Sep 13, 2008 @ 5:34 am
- I LOVE to see a quote from Cavafy! Especially his 'Ithaka'. 5* just for that excerpt :) But seriously, a lens with a bit of everything, well done.
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- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Sep 8, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
- I have traveled to Greece a number of times and am planning to go back soon. I now have a Greek sister in law so I have a great reason to visit!
A very well crafted lens. Squid Angel Blessed
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Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAbout Margo Arrowsmith
Lensmaster Margo_Arrowsmith has been a member since June 21 2008, has rated 2,018 lenses, favorited 121, and has created 129 lenses from scratch. Margo Arrowsmith donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "Heifer International: The Pay It Foward Entrepreneurial Charity". See all my lenses
My Bio
For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08
I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and what has made us great. They are what made us great and will save us in these unsure times. I have never wanted to have a great job. Well, better a great one, than a boring dead end one, and I have had both. But I have never really wanted a job at all.
Don't get me wrong, I am a hard worker. I have worked a full-time job, a part time job and a private practice all at the same time for a lot of years in my past. It isn't the work, its the working for someone else. Never wanted to do that, and I don't understand those who want to do that.
When I was six months old my parents bought their first small town weekly newspaper in Iowa. This was back in the day, back when small town newspapers were not just advertising sheets. Perhaps there are still some of them that are real, I hope so.
So I came by this perverse nature naturally. My path to self employment has been different than theirs, but it has always been my path, my direction.
Growing up in Iowa, in the fifties, I also grew up politically conservative. By the time I was 30 I was radically left. Today? I am proudly liberal and what that means will be clearer as we progress.
However, I have had conflicts about 'taking advantage of people'. I now know that employing people is not automatically taking advantage of them, but it took a while for me to learn that nothing is intrinsically good or bad. Well, almost nothing.
I have educated myself in business, I have a small business and I have used EFT and other energy clearing methods to help me clarify the old conflicts and move forward.
My mission here is to provide a forum for people who want to work independently through one person businesses or through employing others and for whom the betterment of human kind is an important value. My lenses are about offering good products, teaching people about betting their lives, and using the money they make for their pleasure and the benefit of others.
That is how I see business and if you have a similar vision I invite you to my blog www.creatingbusinessenergy.com
Margo Arrowsmith
Raleigh, North Carolina
Mother and Grandmother
Clinincal Social Worker, Coach and Internet Marketer
Interfaith Contemplative Minister
Student of life, business, the human spirit that motivates us to be our best in all circumstances.
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by Margo_Arrowsmith
For Arrowsmith Printing 9/22/08
I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and w... (more)
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