Being There

 

Being there. It’s far better than pictures

in The National Geographic Magazine.

You browse the open market in Athens

and see the delightful array of meats,

produce and baked goods.

You stop at a stand and get the attention of

the proprietor. Able to speak but a few choice

words in Greek, you choose English instead.

Smiling you say, “Good day,” and point your

finger at the Baklava. And then you raise it

into the air indicating “one.”

The proprietor smiles and asks, Ameicanós?

You smile back and nod your head, yes.

(Must be the haircut or the clothes you’re

wearing. Perhaps the accent, definitely

not a Brit, you’re sure he can tell.)

He wraps the delicacy in parchment paper

and hands the sweet treat to you. You pay

the man and smile with a Greek thank you,

“Efcharistó.” Now isn’t this much better

than reading the National Geographic

from your chair at home 5600 miles away?

You unwrap the gooey Greek goody

in your hand, close your eyes and take

a first big bite. The honey and nuts

drip down your face as heaven invades

your senses. Wow! A hell of a lot better

than that old issue of Nat Geo Magazine.

                 -30-

Chris Hanch 1-30-2021