I’ve never been on a holiday by myself before. And Greece holds traumatic memories for me. But, as even my worst enemy will tell you, I am brave and hard. I promised myself this trip when I was a child. I’m getting older. If not now, when?
Five o’clock rise. Struggled to get out of bed but was out by seven as planned. I bought some last minute sunscreen and wipes from Boots and encountered the freezing bitter cold spell at King’s Cross that I’m now going to escape from.
There was a pop up stand about Elif Shafak and Madame Bovary in the station which reproduced his office. What a beautiful office to have! I then spent some moments looking through the window of Hatchard’s, reading about the Bayeaux tapestry and Elif Shafak again.
When it came for the usual early morning call with my girlfriend, immediately two men started arguing right in front of me.
The train to Luton airport got off on time although I had some perplexion as to whether we paid for the Dart shuttle at the end (we didn’t).
At Luton airport, I came over a fit of miserliness and didn’t want to buy myself a drink. I find it really hard to spend money on myself sometimes. It’s what happens when you’ve been raised by poor people and as a poor person.
I was reading The Death of Ivan Ilych by Dostoevsky while taking off. It is a story about a lawyer and judge who realises he has led the wrong life when he comes down with a terminal illness. He has just chased wealth and appearance which kills him, deception and deceit. He realises when the doctors give him the same treatment he gave people as a judge. And when people only care for him and his position as a lawyer, the loneliness and greediness of this world is exposed to him. I read half of Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles. About Essex where I was raised, if not born.
Taxi drive from the airport talking about the economic crisis and hyperinflation in Athens. Kids want to leave the country and work abroad. But the taxi driver worked hard to support his family and parents. Some of them are still like us Indian people.
The hotel I’m at is 14 Reasons Why, 21 Miaouli Street, Athens 10554, Greece, which is a highly rated, trendy 3-star boutique hotel located in the vibrant Psirri neighborhood of central Athens. The property features exactly 14 impeccably designed rooms styled with an eclectic, industrial aesthetic utilizing urban elements like modern concrete and steel. Situated in Psirri, one of Athens’ coolest and most energetic districts. The area is filled with independent boutiques, local artisan shops, unique cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene with great restaurants and bars.
I had dinner of a spicy chicken sandwich in Arabic bread and fries with a Coke followed by a frozen Greek yoghurt from Chill. Then a walk into the night life of Athens. There was a great Halloween display at one of the pubs. Poor folk around selling flowers. Very pretty women. I watched one in a black dress dancing to some live music and singing along.
Relief that I have made it here with very little stress. An adventure in middle age, a completely fresh chapter of experience.
