Tuesday, April 27, 2010

acropolis



The feeling of standing in front of something you had been dreaming of standing in front of for most of your life is overwhelming— to say the least. I have wanted to sit beside the Parthenon since I was a little girl, and unfortunately when I got to the Acropolis at 2:15, I was told I had fifteen minutes before closing time. Why this enormously important historical site closes so early, is beyond me— it's a real shame. I sprinted up to the top of the hill, holding onto my dress so it wouldn't get carried away by the wind, hoping I might have enough time for a quick sketch.



I was so struck by the fact that my feet were adding to the shine of marble steps curved and polished by an unimaginable number of feet since the 5th century BCE, that I forgot I even had a sketchbook and pen. Sometimes I suppose, you're just meant to appreciate with your eyes and contemplate your self and surroundings a while.



I still don't know what to say.
I wish I had more time up there.

4 comments:

albina said...

Perhaps you will have a chance to return, and wander about at the slower pace... But I am sure you will never forget that first full impact of being there! Congrats on making your dream come true :)

szaza said...

Thank you so much, Albina!
It was such a wonderful feeling :)

Javier de Blas said...

I agree with Albina. The impact is so strong and the transfer to other ages so alive that than even few minutes are enough to have it. Also the Agora...Isn't it like if a remote part of your being had been there one day?

szaza said...

You know Javier, I did feel as though I had been there before. I had imagined it so many times throughout my life, that it felt so familiar.