We’ve obviously upset the gods on Mount Olympus because there are Greek balls of fire around the Acropolis.
The dedication to Athena is currently taking a breather from us mere mortals because of the heatwave in the Greek capital.
With the Hellenic Hill closed to the public from midday to 5pm on account of the 43C (109F) temperatures in Athens.
Whether this is down to global warming we can debate, and we don’t know how hot it might have been under Socrates’ sandals.
But we do know that Socrates and his buddies favoured a himation, similar to a toga only with a straight bottom hem.
Dress for excess
Although we understand less about what they put on their heads, if anything.
But, of course, my favourite headwear of choice, the bandana is a first step towards protecting a scalp.
We don’t know either if our skin is less leathery than our forebears.
But for paler-skinned Northerners hot climes are a challenge.
And we should cover ourselves against the heat and stay hydrated and fuelled.
So that in open spaces, whether the Roman Forum, the Acropolis or Jerash in Jordan it’s worth taking a moment.
And remember that as much as we want to channel the Classsicists we’re many of us just pre or post-Millennials northern folk.
The Athenians share with the rest of the Med a Manana laid-back image.
But, in truth, they have always just adapted to living in baking hot climes.
And anyway isn’t it a better way to live than the hectic pace of those of us in the northern part of the continent.
Fare play
I’ve seen it first hand on my travels around Athens.
Where the taxi drivers will breezily suggest you pay whatever taxi fare you feel fit.
And will even wait for you as you hotfoot it around the Acropolis.
Although I was always going to take my time to take in the full majesty of Athena’s dedication.
It will, of course, take more than a burning sun to melt the stones that have stood for three millennia.
Return to Athens
And I know from personal experience that if we must wait then it is worth it, having missed my allotted time to visit on my Greek odyssey.
But I did get to take it all in on an eventful afternoon on my return from the sleepy island of Kythera.
And you will too.
Just say a big Efcharisto that we have this ancient wonder to enjoy.
And say a prayer to the Gods to keep them happy and spare us the Greek balls of fire around the Acropolis.
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