My first morning in Athens I feel exhausted and take my time getting up. I run errands – exchange currency, purchase a calling card, test to be sure my ATM card works, email my family of my safe arrival, and blog a little. I then spend some time just walking around, getting my bearings and soaking up the local culture. I also repack as when I originally packed, I just threw stuff in the bag.

Politics – In the evening, I head out on the street where I come across another political rally. One of the main roads is closed for blocks and there are large jumbo-trons broadcasting a candidate’s speech. My friends know that I love politics and I couldn’t help myself, so I followed the cheers. As I walk a number of blocks toward the rally, there are vendors selling large Greek and political party flags, and air horns. There are no bumper stickers and buttons, as in the U.S.

Apparently, there’s a parliamentary election this coming Sunday, so there have been rather large rallies on the streets, at least the last two evenings. If I understand correctly, the main speaker was the head of the socialist party.  A local gentleman told me that there are probably around 20 different parties with candidates running for office, but there are only a few primary ones.

All along the street and at the rally, it is like a giant street party with adults and children waving flags, cheering and blowing air horns. ~