"Faire Nation au fond"

[castalie]

I've started writing this entry yesterday morning, at breakfast, sat at a table on our hotel rooftop facing the Acropolis and having a cup of coffee. In other words, we did go to Greece! It was a very close call, though, and most of the European team didn't. Even though I am here for work, the schedule has been completely turned upside down and instead of working two and a half days we only had to work one day and a half so basically I've been on an extended weekend as of yesterday noon. Add to that the weather that is absolutely gorgeous, it almost feels like being on Summer holidays. 

The situation is a bit odd here what with the Coronavirus (we thought we might not be able to visit either the Acropolis or the museum, for instance) but even though they closed much earlier yesterday (meaning the gates were closed when we arrived), it should be opened today so fingers crossed we finally see it from up close! We weren't deprived at all, though, and we've seen the Parliament (and were - accidentally - on time to see the intricate and - to our eyes - pretty strange change of the guards), had a lovely stroll around the Agora and the Plaka, had caffee freddo near the Acropolis, ate delicious feta, saw the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, had the most gorgeous view of the city near the Acropolis, went to the archeological site of Lathouriza (we had to climb a pretty rocky and shaky hill but it was worth it) and then headed to Sounio where I basically fell in love with the Poseidon temple (both visits for work, actually, I love my job!)... we did have a wonderful time, already. And there are still three days to go! Today we've planned on going to the Acropolis and visiting the museum (finally!!) and maybe having a look at the Zeus temple nearby then chilling near the sea. Then tomorrow we're planning on driving to the Gulf of Corinth. Good time ahead! 

We're taking things one day at a time, though, because the situation is a bit weird and things can change quite fast. But we're having a lovely time in the meantime :) As per usual, I'm sharing pics of the trip over at my IG account (you know the drill).

We're leaving on Sunday and turns out I won't have to set my alarm for Monday morning (that is, not as early as usual when commute time is taken into consideration) as the French government decided to close all schools, from nursery schools to universities. So there's that. As I work for the learning design/IT for education department, we're going to have our work cut out for us as we have to make sure our teachers can keep teaching online and helping them make the transition for a little while and making sure the infrastructure holds etc. but we've seen it coming and we were getting ready, anyway.

But, yes, things are going to get "interesting" back home!

Comments

[turps]

As always I've been enjoying your photos, and am glad you've managed to have a good time despite the world going crazy.

I hope you get home fast and safe.

[castalie]

I kept saying to people who were asking me how things were in Greece that it's always less intense and scary when you don't understand a word of what is happening lol Like, we were having lunch in a restaurant when they announced on the radio the new measures and how museums etc. would be closed but it was as if nothing had happened *is oblivious* Good thing we were with one of my coworkers who is Greek and told us that we'd better make sure to visit the museum right away as chances are it would close soon, which we did (in the end, they decided to close in the evening, as scheduled) ;)

Jokes aside, we were lucky that we did get to enjoy the trip so much, if we'd arrived just one or two days later, it would have been a much different experience.

Got home without any problems, thanks :)

How is it going in the UK? (I have yet to catch up on my flist, I'll try to do that asap)

[turps]

Yeah, I can see how things wouldn't be as scary if you don't know what was going on *g*

Timing wise, you were lucky and I'm very glad you're home safe.

I think we're a bit behind where you are in France. They've just shut the schools yesterday and told people to socially isolate two days ago, but a lot of people aren't really listening. The pubs close to me are still full, the over 70s who are supposed to be isolating are still out and about chatting and until yesterday when a lot of the coffee shops/restaurants went take away only, were sitting having a drink with their friends.

Sadly a lot of people are panic bulk buying so the shelves in the shops are bare. I was in one today and they had no tinned stuff, no toilet roll, tissues, frozen veggies/pizza etc, all pasta was gone, pasta sauce, pain killers and the fresh food and meat had been wiped out. It was scary to see.

I hope your lockdown is going as well as it can. Your yoga/work insta post made me smile when I saw it. Silver linings like that are great.

[castalie]

but a lot of people aren't really listening.

Sadly, I'm under the impression that people won't start listening as long as they're not forced to. I mean, even with a National Official Lockdown people are still going out and abouts here. That's the French for you, reading between the lines, finding loopholes and just not caring. The fees for being outside without a good reason or for not following the rules went from 35€ to 135€ in a matter of one or two days.

They did the same thing in shops too. I'm pretty it'll come down once people realise they're not going to starve.

The lockdown is going ok so far, thank you :) Once work slows down I might find it a bit harde but so far I'm so busy that it doesn't feel that much different than usual. That is... if you don't take into account the fact that you can't go out Just Because ;)