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When I’m travelling alone, I get the opportunity to try things that no one else in my world would ever consider. Often, the taxi will deliver me to exciting environments, full of life. Other times, I face situations like this.
As the car pulled away (hopefully not for the last time), the first question that entered my mind was: “how could this possibility be the right place?” Immediately following was: “do I look for an escape route, or continue with this adventure?” The first option seemed the most promising. However, I realized that, in fact, I was not travelling alone. You were beside me. I've spent days recounted tales of heroes, wrestling with monsters of old. How could I bail when facing only an abandoned park? So, I cautiously continued. Some hesitant exploration lead me to the address of my excursion.
The meeting place was supposed to be tiny building, but it was locked with a sign on the door stating that any expectation of reopening was uncertain. What to do? Sit and wait with my feline friend.
After about 10 minutes, my group leader arrived with no indication of the awkwardness. He greeted me with a formal bow and introduced himself as Alexander, a professional philosopher. Apparently, that’s a real career option in Greece. Three others joined our group and we set out for a walk through the park.
Our destination was Plato’s Academy. In the Vatican, you will find one of the most famous paintings in the world. It’s by Raphael and it’s called The School of Athens based on this location.
Raphael may have had good intentions, but it’s safe to say he was one of the first to glam it up with Instagram filters, Renaissance style. Here’s what the Academy really looks like today.
The last two weeks has introduced many of the most significant achievements of the Greeks. Philosophy had to be included. The three “biggies” were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The focus of the day was Plato, but let me quickly summarize the other two.
The Oracle at Delphi proclaimed Socrates was the wisest of all men. This confused him greatly. So, he visited anyone who believed they had the answers. He questioned each one, but uncovered that they didn’t have the clarity they thought they did. Socrates was unique because he knew he knew nothing. That self-realization made him wisest of all.
Before Aristotle, people attributed most ideas to the unknowable gods. He introduced logic, which emphasized observation, systematic thinking, and the natural world as a source for answers. He made incalculable contributions to math, science, and reason.
Plato gave us the Allegory of the Cave. The premise is that most people are living an illusion. They perceive the world only as shadows that others project. The study of philosophy allows people to turn around, face reality, then emerge. The ultimate goal is to return to the cave and help others reach the light.
Alexander invited our group to sit within the very walls where Plato once taught. I expected a lecture. Instead, he simply asked questions. We discussed the Allegory of the Cave and what it meant to us. It didn’t take long for our little group to open up and reveal how we view the world, and where we may be wrong. See the photo below. Can you guess which one is the professional philosopher?
After the workshop, I did more souvenir searching, then went back to the hotel to prepare for dinner.
I am not a “foodie.” I’m equally happy with either Chipotle or Panko crusted chèvre croquettes with prosciutto di Parma over shaved fennel and arugula salad. To me, both options feed the tapeworm.
I do make exceptions, especially if the food comes with an experience. For example, the moussaka near the Acropolis on my first day.
I knew that this would be my last night in Athens, so I made a reservation on Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in the city.
To ascend, the options are to hike the trail in 98 degrees or hop on a cable car. You can see my choice below.
My table was waiting for me when I reached the summit.
I ordered ravioli with chicken pâté (whatever that is) and used the view to reflect on all I had seen and all I had learned. More importantly, I thought about my wife, who would be beside me next time.
My journey to Mount Lycabettus wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the theater. It was built in modern times for both ancient and modern acts. That night, the artist was Jacob Collier, a British singer/songwriter.
When he began the performance, the first two sections immediately got up, gathered at the front of the stage, and sang along.
10:30 PM was way too late for me. I departed after a few songs, then climbed the hill to take one final photo, and offer a kalinychta and farewell to Greece.
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