A Bloody Good Time
Around one corner the smell of fresh blood drifts through the air.
Today after an introduction to the College Year in Athens and class, we walked with Professor Finitsis around Athens. Yesterday we explored the town, but there are still so many unexpected jewels awaiting us. Of course we saw the buildings with the large columns standing tall out front and the beautiful paintings of Greek Gods, but I was opened to an entire new world coming to the meat market. The men standing in their white butcher coats look at us as we pass. Most of the men winked at me and smiled as I walk by…friendly or overly-friendly, I don’t know? Not only were the men eyeing us, but there were butchered heads of unknown animals looking our way too. The meat market is a side street that has low lighting and endless cuts of meat. The butcher in my picture was nodding his head as I passed to say hello in a universal language. I am used to going to a local grocery store and purchasing my meats already cut and packaged. The meats at this market looked like they had just been skinned; eyes still intact and large livers lying on the table.
After feeling like I had seen enough meat to last me a lifetime, we continue on to experience the Greek night life and their way of living. Settling at a night café was our next adventure. Taking time to sit and enjoy each other’s company made me appreciate the Greek way of living. I have grown up in a fast passed environment and there is always something that could be done. The Greeks feel differently about that. They like to enjoy the presence of their company and talk to the wee hours. The afternoon turned to night as we sipped our coffee (mine being decaf)! There are fire heaters outside to encourage customers to stay and relish living in the moment.