Olympics: Inside Athens

Written by: Sierra Shea Brasher--aka "Brashopoulis"

Runners, watch out because this city is going to knock you off your feet! If Athens is the city of dreams, and I am living in Athens, then that indirectly translates to this: I have been living in a dream for five weeks, and I am only just now waking up and realizing what this really signifies. What it means to me is to live in the original home of the Olympic Games, the birthplace of Democracy, the home of Socrates--the life fit for Dionysos. But even more than that, this city is about to be the cultural mecca of the entire world when the Olympic Games return to their origin. It's quite impressive to live in a place where the sounds of the bustling outdoor taverns and cafes actually compete with the clamor of construction on every street corner and surrounding the unfinished Olympic venues. I have watched in awe as the caterpillar of a city has come out of its cocoon and, little by little, begun the transformation and is now almost fully prepared to spread its butterfly wings with the whole world watching in August.

It's not every day that one has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel back in time to view history in the making. I live in the oldest city in Europe, and this means that I can get lost in the winding streets of Plaka, walk to the edge of the Acropolis, stand in the exact spot in the ancient Agora where Socrates used to deliver his speeches and go for a run through the marble Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. On top of all this, I will join the rest of the world in August and have the unique opportunity to experience this Summer Olympics' most compelling action.

There's no way to avoid the changes underway in Athens. While I might complain about the jackhammers that go bump in the night, the seemingly endless road construction and the minor nuisances caused by the round-the-clock construction, the truth is that it is necessary. This city needs to make these improvements so come August, it will be ready for the estimated 1.2 million athletes and sports fans that will flock this way. Athens will be ready. It has overcome a great deal more in its history than construction, and this is just another obstacle in its long line of bumpy roads.

I have witnessed firsthand that Greeks have the tendency to put things off, and I have even joked that their favorite word is "Avrio", which means, "Tomorrow." When can I pick up my package from the post office? Avrio. When will you fix my DSL internet connection? Avrio. When can I get a confirmation on my hotel room reservation? Avrio. When will my tofu souvlaki be a fixed item on the Greek menu? Not today. Not avrio. Never will Greece satisfy my vegetarian cravings. At first, I was annoyed by their ability to put things off as long as possible, but I accepted this strange phenomenon when I came to the realization that they get things done; they just choose to get things done on "Greek time." Now, instead of getting angry or impatient, I just laugh about it, with the deep-down, secure feeling that they don't ever leave a job unfinished.

We recently went to the Greek National Championships for Track and Field at the newly renovated stadium, and I realized at the exact moment that I entered the gate, this is for real. This is actually going to happen! The 2004 Summer Olympics are going to take place here; in Athens-in the city where I am living! Greece is going to prove to the world that they can and will host the most memorable Olympics Games in history. They wouldn't have it any other way.

The smiling faces and outward hospitality is visible from the gate's entry as the volunteers hand out the program of events and helpfully point you in the right direction for bathrooms and refreshments. Everyone is anticipating the events that will unfold here in less than two months. There is a certain feeling in the air that I have never before in my life experienced. The athletes on the field, the families, friends, sports fans (and fanatics) in the bleachers and even the man selling you a cold water in the refreshment stand are radiating with the pre-Olympic anxiousness and excitement. The stadium itself looks like something that should be in an architecture magazine. With its grandiose glass-and-steel construction, it is no wonder this showpiece was intended to be the signature of the Olympics. For months, I kept reading articles about the stadium not being completed, and I had almost even convinced myself that the American news must be correct. However, I have the photographs to prove that there is, in fact, a stadium. The seats are another story, although I have no doubt in my mind that they will be ready by Opening Ceremonies. The stadium now has 8,000 seats installed. When will they finish installing the other 72,000? Avrio. But "Avrio" will soon be August 13th, and in true Greek fashion, Athens will be ready, just in the nick of time. Let the games begin.

About Sierra Brasher:

Sierra is the only one on the staff of Track and Field Tours with Olympic experience, attending the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.

Greece is a natural fit for Sierra. Her goal is to know everyone in Greece by the time she leaves.