From the Producer: Riots in Athens
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in MarcoNauts Abroad, News
While there is no question that there is major unrest in Athens, which is disquieting and alarming, we have a unique perspective, having just spent a fulfilling and safe week there. Several facts spring to mind:
1. The violence, and, therefore, the news media, is concentrated on a very small area around Syntagma Square, which makes sense, since the Square is the home of the Parliament Building. What’s difficult to discern, however, is just how widespread the demonstrations and violence are. By watching television, you might get the idea that the unrest had completely closed down the city. While events are indeed getting worse, prudent travellers are still able to have a wonderful experience in Greece, by being smart, bypassing the flashpoint zones, and not being overly alarmed by media reports.
2. Athens is a big, diverse, pungent, vibrant city. A city this big can handle myriad viewpoints, protests, tourist groups, and still have room for more.
3. There’s never a perfect time to travel. Travel always presents risks. What if you break your arm? What if the power goes out? What if your train is cancelled. These risks are why we travel. They kick in our ‘fight or flight” response, and make us feel truly alive.
Don’t get me wrong. I urge prudence among all travellers, especially those travelling with children. But its important to keep things in perspective, be smart, and be positive. The world is messy. But the world is also wonderful.
