Solo Traveler:
Modern connections to ancient Greece.

In 2000, I spent some time in Greece. I island hopped, enjoyed the food, sun, history and beaches. But, for me, Athens was the highlight.

The Acropolis and the National Archeological Museum were amazing. You can tour much of the museum’s collection online.

My best memory, however, was attending a performance of the first of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhinegold, at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This 2000 year old amphitheater in Athens is located at at the base of the Acropolis and was a dramatic setting for a Wagnerian work.

Not being a huge opera fan, I don’t remember much of the opera itself. What I remember is the experience…

• Sitting in the theater where people had sat 2000 years before.
• Being uncomfortable on stone seats/benches with no back support.
• Watching a performance in German with Greek sur-titles — interesting.
• But, mostly, being totally enraptured with the spectacle on stage and the venue.

If you’re heading to Greece this spring/summer, I would highly recommend that you check out the Greek Festival website. There you can learn what’s playing.

Solo Traveler as part of a Greek Chorus.
The plays that were originally performed at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus would have included a chorus of 12 to 24 people, depending on whether it was a tragedy or comedy. Their role was to help the audience follow the drama presented by about four actors playing multiple roles. The chorus provided context for the action, background information and a commentary on the drama unfolding.

As a blogger, I sometimes feel like a member of a Greek chorus. You are the actors. Solo Traveler, along with many other travel blogs, are the chorus. Our medium is just a little different.

Together, the drama of our travels unfold in Greece, and around the world.

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