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“Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts” (or “Some Came Running”) (or simply “OPA”)
On May 22 we all flew to Greece To start an adventure – lasting three weeks. The Doumas family – 13 in all, An awesome reunion – a frequent roll call!
The Conlins, as travelers, were very “green” But they learned a lot from this foreign scene!! We landed in Athens, the capital city, Our “Tour Guide” collected our “dough” for the “kitty.”
The Omonia Hotel facing Omonia Square, Six stories up – look down if you dare! The rooms were O. K. for our first two nights, Delphi was next . . . and mosquito bites!
We stopped at Corinth to see the canal, And, by the way, Greek food is no-cal!!?? Our buses weren’t waiting, so three cars will do – We packed up to leave ‘cause Athens a zoo!
The Acropolis by night was a wonderful treat, Some walked up on Thursday – a “feat” for feet! The “changing guard” was really a winner – And go to the kitchen to order your dinner!!
From Athens to Delphi, on they pressed – Caravanning each mountain crest; The Nissan Cherrys, all in a row; Always avoiding the “Do-Si-Do!!”
One made the ferry, but two were late – To find out why, just investigate!! Stretch, have a drink and “W. C.” Is there anywhere else you’d rather be?
The road to Ambelakia – what can I say? It was “White Knuckle City” all the way! Mountainous roads – Sylvia just couldn’t take it – Those shrines on the roadside meant some didn’t make it!
Thessaloniki left its mark . . . Our mischievous guide made us sit in the dark The Hotel Bill had no frills, no fringe – Some suffered visits from “Juno’s Revenge!!”
Sunday night brought us Mark and Sandy – Getting their luggage would be just dandy. Sandy – how quickly you dropped from sight, You tried to rejoin us with all your might!
Lamb, spanakopita, tzatziki and bread – Beth – the retsina will go to your head! To sidewalk tavernas we gladly walked – We took many pictures – and laughed and talked
It was “relatives” time in the Trikala rain – I soon felt as if I was going insane! Their hospitality rated A-plus, With dinners, a picnic and presents for us.
“For Your Eyes Only” starring 007 – Some scenes were filmed almost in heaven! The Varlaam Monastery – ropes on the peak! Terrifying action for a James Bond freak!
Then on to Krania – and skies are still gray, Meteora was a special in every way. The rocks on the road were a little grim – And traces of snow made a delicate trim.
“Slow-stidious John” just had to slip On a “Krania Frisbee”, Wow! What a trip! “The Karditza Kid” recognized the mistake – Bill made a “left” when he should have stayed “straight.”
The temperature suddenly felt like a “fridge”, When we stopped to “snap” the Doumas Bridge. The road to Krania meant the same old refrain – It was “Hershey Bar Lane” all over again!!
The big family dinner “ya’sous” galore As for money to pay, Helen had no more! (Art) The Environmental Specialist – his comments were brash, (Thessaloniki) Did you ever see so much sidewalk trash?
On the Krania drive Ann gathered some rocks, Sometimes her new finds won’t fit in a box! Did you notice the Krania “Toys R Us?” All the primary colors and even some rust.
How lucky we were to have Bill as our “guide,” And how many times did we laugh ‘til we cried? “Indiana Jones” has nothing on Mark – Who borrowed his hat, but forgot the Ark.
We flew to Rhodes on Olympic West After walking the wall, we all needed to rest! The bus ride to Lindos to sightsee, admire – Did you see the remains of a forest fire?
More ruins (for pictures), high on a hill – The bus back was rougher with many a thrill! Did you notice a Socrates Ice Cream sign? And did the “hemlock” flavor enter your mind??
Jenny has been our “First Aid Station” – And my Lomotil pills caused much celebration! Beth has a birthday and then it’s “goodbye” – “Back home to Texas” she says with a sigh.
At last Santorini –Flight 529! This island became a favorite of mine! Athinios Harbor and the caldera view – Akrotiri, Perissa Beach and Thera too!
On sped the mopeds – all Magnificent 5” – Exciting sightseeing came alive! Ah! Perissa Beach – none cares what he wears, The “gravity pull” was revealed in pairs!
Dinner in Thera and all the “sunset” fuss, Then back to Perissa on the bus. The funniest sight she had ever seen – Sandy’s still-lit flashlight down in the latrine!
“Get along little doggie” yelled the Texas Group – From their Meltemi beds – how their eyelids droop! The Marcos Restaurant to dine and make merry – Then back to Athens on the Ventouris ferry.
Athinios Port and a long ferry boat ride – When you get the “heaves” you lose your pride! Arthur and Sylvia left “gifts to the Sea” – After breakfast of sweet rolls and cups of tea.
Egypt is next for Sandy and Mark – Mummies and pyramids and walk, walk, walk. Then a ferry to Athens – no more to roam; The remaining “trekkies” are heading home.
The Omonia again – the 3rd. time’s the charm – Just three more nights – it’s not “down on the farm!” On Sunday Chris set the alarm for six – Then the Monastiraki Flea Market for her antique “fix.”
It’s the 11th. of June on Lycabettus Hill, An anniversary for Ann and Bill; Sunset on the Parthenon and Athens below We’re back where we started three weeks ago!
So the history books were right after all – In essence we really had a ball! No one said it would always be easy – All the walking, the “W. C. s” and feeling queasy!
But these were moments in time so very unique That we chose to share because our Dad was Greek! Is there life after Greece? Well, be of good cheer – We can think of returning another year!!
Now I’d like to present a special award – To our brother, Bill, who has worked so hard; Art and I thank you for planning this trip – Saving us “drachmas” – now it’s time for your tip!
“Honorable Mention” was earned by Ann – At traveling abroad, she’s now an old hand! When you move to Caracas and these plaques are in place – Glance at them often – with a smile on your face!
O P A ! ! !
Christine Doumas Conlin May, June & July, 1990
(with some modest editing by her
brother, Bill, on December 22, 2008)
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