I sat next to a man named Odysseus on the plane. “Oh-deh-SAY-oos” in Greece, probably “George” in Brooklyn, “Ulysses” in Dublin. I don’t think I had ever met anyone with an ancient Greek name until my friend named her children the beautiful names Aias and Danae. My sister also has a beautiful Greek name, but it’s not ancient. I’m pretty sure I don’t know anyone named Zeus or Poseidon or Achilles, or even Athena. Although now I’m singing that Who song. Okay, I probably know a Helen, but anyway. Odysseus probably thought my over-enthusiastic reaction to his name was wine-induced or the result of overstimulation from mile-high electronic technology, but it really wasn’t. I’m intentionally ON one of the islands that Odysseus traveled to thousands of years ago in Homer’s Odyssey, perhaps even the home he so longed to return to! These island have been on my radar for years after studying both the Iliad and Odyssey in college, and after taking one of my favorite electives, Homeric Archaeology. I also worked with two boys on Paros in the 90s that were from these Kefalonia and Zakynthos, Nikos and Aris (respectively) Wait…Aristotelis! That’s Aristotle, an ancient name, I do know someone! I also read an article in the Times a few years ago which inspired me once again to really visit and go Homer hopping. It was on my list the last time I was in Europe, but ended up changing plans. Anyway, take a look at this short video, it’s very interesting! Good article too http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/kristof-odysseus-lies-here.html. Hope I can find that farmer…and a translator!
Such a great word. Odyssey. It embodies the fantastic, while retaining elements of the ordinary and practical. So meeting a man called Odysseus at the beginning of one of my mini-odysseys was even more exciting than finding a socket under my seat (they are not always there, you know). He was returning home after only two years, but coming home he was.
I always feel like I’m coming home when landing in Athens. And no homecoming to Greece is complete for me without seeing Zeta and Panagiotis and Aias and Danae! It truly is wonderful to visit them. And no matter how short the visit, I treasure the chance to see how much the children have grown, reminisce about our days on Paros and plan for future visits. We had a lovely 24 hours, minus about 9 hours of sleeping, that started at the airport and ended at the bus station (efharisto poli, agapimenoi!) And no nap! I had very little sleep on the flight, I forced myself to stay up until at least 11 to try and whip jet lag’s ass…it worked! I slept really well and deeply and I’m officially on Greek time now.
I changed my plans a bit , I was going to take vacation this week but switched it for next week so now I’m actually working from this paradise. I do have a nice chunk of time before I start working, but not enough to really get my odyssey going. For instance, I got this email last night from my landlord, Vagelis…
Hi Tricia,i have news!Tomorrow to invite me to travel Ithaca with sailing boat,!6 people come for travel! If you want to come I want to know it soon.8.00΄morning travel and wander in 17.00′.Ithaki tour,private beaches, food,bbq,drings beverage all will cost 90E in person! I thought would be amazing …. If you are interested Notify me so i will come to pick you with car..
As much as I would love to wander in at 5pm (10am NYC time) after a day of sailing, drinking, swimming and eating, the 49 year old me is a little more responsible than let’s say the 48 year old me would have been. That’s the thing about odysseys, they are filled with detours and longing and sacrifice. They take time.
I’m going to go for a beach walk now to photograph some of my immediate surroundings. I planned on walking to Poros today to start my archaeological site quest, but I am getting a full 8 hours of sleep here so I’m going to enjoy that for a little while longer! There’s always tomorrow.
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Meeting Odysseus on the plane HAS to mean something! A coincidence? I think not! By the way, remember my friend Maria? She had a daughter a year after I had Ray and she named her Athena! I love the beach pictures and the chalkboard cup! I’m hoping that you will take some pics of the art house that you are staying in! It all sounds wonderful! I can’t wait until your next post! And pooh, pooh to having to work but, if it helps you be able to travel then, it’s good! Love you!!! Keep posting!
I know, right? I do remember Maria and I actually do remember (now that you reminded me to remember) that she named her daughter Athena. I had a nagging feeling I knew an Athena! Wait, didn’t her husband have an ancient Greek name too? Okay, well that made that whole babble completely inaccurate! I just got back from a photographic wander and a quick swim, having some lunch/breakfast and starting work so might post a little more later! Love you prima, xxoo