Rocks and Stones – Athens

Scant and scarce is the evidence for a city more ancient and foundational than Athens, amidst freckled islands and the hills of Attica, for over two thousand years a centre of wisdom on the brilliant horizon, where, daily, our warm sun melts into the Mediterranean, whose waves carried the peoples of these lands to unfamiliar shores, to found cities like Marseille and Napoli at crossroads of safe harbours and fertile fields. 

Struggling over Greek supremacy with Sparta, uniting forces to drive out the Persians, resting on its laurels to be reduced to a Roman province. Sons of senators spent years in learning here, the art of oratory in the schools of Plato and Pythagoras, but they arrived not alone, for sword bearing legions remained unmistakably present amongst the scholars of Athens. Seldom was the year without rebellion, and more numerous even, the fights amongst Greek city-states. And despite centuries of Ottoman rule, hard-pressed will remain he, who searches the Turkish trace, for this city is nothing but white marble of older days.

And today, a new force occupies this city, familiar to all, but still unexpected in their universal presence, respected and loved by the inhabitants, who are not scared, but happy, to share their beautiful Athens with the endless clans and families of cats. Their furs shine with health, well-fed as they are, and only occupied with catching, not prey, but the southern sun of a laid-back Athens.

Familiar to all, the Parthenon atop its table top hill, the Acropolis, holy abode of Athena, goddess of wisdom, who inspired countless artists to decorate this modest piece of rocky land with white pillars and naked figures, baked and bleached by the ages, but continuing to instil respect and inspiration into the minds of modern man. A place where every pebble holds a history.

Of course modern man resides here in happy relaxation, because Athens is a city of blue skies and delicious meals. Fish fresh from between the islands, fried, baked or hidden between dough and vegetables, fruits of nature that grow ripe to burst with flavour, released into local olive oil and always accompanied by a crystal glass of delicate wine.