Larissa, Greece
Day 1
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Concert 1
We were able to sleep in until around 8:30 today because we didn't need to leave Athens until 11 o'clock. The drive to Larissa was supposed to be only 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours, however we arrived in around 6 hours. On the way we stopped for lunch at Goody's, an upscale European fast food chain. (Some of the more enlightened travelers ate ate the restaurant next door and enjoyed more healthful Greek food.)
Once we arrived in Larissa, we went to the Evangelical Church of Larissa for some refreshments and relaxation. We then walked to our first concert venue, a public square with a nice performance stage and lots of passers-by. We played a half an hour concert and gained a rather large audience. From there, we left to play at another park by the river. These were opportunities for us to publicize our performance the following day at the backgammon tournament. The concerts weren't particularly legal, but no one seemed to object to our music, ringing, or enthusiasm. Our only "competition" (at the second concert) was a heretofore unknown cricket convention that was frequently louder than our bells.
After the concerts, we were able to join a local backgammon tournament. Those who didn't know how to play quickly learned, and all had a good time. We then went back to the church for dinner and we all were filled with authentic Greek food. We left the church around 12:00 to go to our home stays. All are tired and anxious to get a good night of sleep. Of course the night of sleep began between 12:30 and 2:30, depending on which host homes we were going to. Also - remember that we were to be awake the next morning for an 8:30 or 9:00 breakfast together at the church.
Day 2
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Siesta
You will notice that we are now on Greek time. Our 9:00 breakfast really didn't begin until about 10:15 or 10:30. The organizers were up later than we were the night before and nothing really begins on time here. Our bus driver was waiting at 7:45 for his guide, and when he called at 8:30, the guide was still asleep. Rest has been in short supply here!
Following breakfast came a brief worship service with some others who are in Larissa on a mission trip (from Georgia) where we were able to participate and be encouraged by their experiences also. The rest of the morning was filled with soccer for some (boys and Sam Reid and several Georgians and Greeks), shopping and exploration of Larissa for some others (including a Starbucks stop for Mr. Carr) and rest in the church for some others who were craving sleep.
Lunch came at 1:30 (again, incredible Greek dishes) and that was followed by the traditional siesta time. Most stayed and rested, but a few brave and daring souls went and continued their exploration of this town. There weren't many shopping places open since all close for 1:30 - 4:30 siesta time (starting earlier for some and ending later for others - watches seem to be in short supply here).
All were awake and ready for our 4:30 trip to a local psychiatric clinic for a 5:00 concert. The music was well-received by the patients and we were much appreciated by all. They were so glad to see that some Americans were willing to come and share their gifts with others. Except for the incredible haze of smoke (smoking in hospitals?), the concert went beautifully. Our driver took us back to the river to unload our bells and prepare for the concert at the tournament in the evening. Our playing time was still totally unknown, but we filled the time with more backgammon playing and a few trips to the local cafe. Rather than awaiting the results of the tournament to begin our concert, we played in the light at about 9:00 and we were able to get our bells back on the bus at a reasonable hour and then work on preparations for dinner and the return visits to our host homes. We weren't early to bed, but we all did eventually arrive where we belonged and all was well.
What a wonderful experience with our hosts and other guests. Many friendships were made here in Larissa. It was also a wonderful lesson in "Greek time" for all of us. For those who come in the future - throw away your watches and forget about time.