Many of our friends and family were concerned with the political/economic goings on in Athens. True to form, we heeded no one's advice. However, we were cautious and aware of our surroundings at all times.
There was nothing really going on to give us cause for concern. Around Syntagma Square there were police, and there was a truck present there at all times that contained riot gear. But the police presence wasn't overbearing. Nor were there any protests in evidence with one exception. By pure coincidence we ended up being in Athens when Papandreou resigned and the new PM/IMF patsy was sworn in.
On the Friday that the unelected official was scheduled to be sworn in at the Presidential Palace there was a line of policemen blocking off the road:
There was also a large, but very civilized protest march through the city to the front of the Parliament building. Being that they were chanting in Greek, and their signs were in Greek, we were unsure what the cause was. One bystander told us that they were "saying against capitalism," and a woman who seemed to be involved with the march said that they were students "fighting against closing our universities."
There was nothing really going on to give us cause for concern. Around Syntagma Square there were police, and there was a truck present there at all times that contained riot gear. But the police presence wasn't overbearing. Nor were there any protests in evidence with one exception. By pure coincidence we ended up being in Athens when Papandreou resigned and the new PM/IMF patsy was sworn in.
On the Friday that the unelected official was scheduled to be sworn in at the Presidential Palace there was a line of policemen blocking off the road:
There was also a large, but very civilized protest march through the city to the front of the Parliament building. Being that they were chanting in Greek, and their signs were in Greek, we were unsure what the cause was. One bystander told us that they were "saying against capitalism," and a woman who seemed to be involved with the march said that they were students "fighting against closing our universities."
I am glad that its been peaceful protest. Please stay safe.
ReplyDeleteEveryone was really wary about Mexico too, but we felt so safe there! Poor Americans just get systematically terrified into a corner, but this is the most terrifying place of all!
ReplyDeleteThis protest sounds similar to the Occupy movement. Awesome!