While I did drive throughout Greece for 3 days, for the other 7 days, I explored Athens and surrounding areas via other means. In fact, as soon as I landed at the Eleftherios Venizelos airport just outside Athens, I caught the metro to get downtown.
After a 9 hour flight, I found the metro ride relatively quick, only about 30 minutes or so and very pleasant. The metro cars were very modern and clean and the underground stations were bright and cheery. The fact that there wasn't any carpet didn't deter from the ride at all. A substantial part of the ride was above ground so I enjoyed a preview of what was to come. I also found the riders much more considerate than those in DC. People moved immediately from the doorway to let people off and on the train. Maybe it was because I was on vacation, but the ride seemed much more pleasant. Once I exited the metro, I walked three blocks to the hotel. The walk was especially enjoyable because 2 of the blocks were solely for pedestrians- a great benefit because my bag was very large (a girl needs her shoes!)! The atmosphere seemed different- no dodging traffic and a increased sense of calm. I felt like I could wander the streets at my own pace.
My second car-free experience came when I visited the island of Hydra, a one and a half hour ferry ride from Pireaus Port. The small island was so picturesque with cafes situated by the coast and white houses with terracota roofs dotting the mountainous terrain. As I walked further from the populated coast, I heard nothing except my footsteps and I could walk in the middle of the road because there are no cars in Hydra except the occasional municipal vehicle. Donkeys, horses, bikes, and (of course) feet are the island's transportation. The absence of cars made the afternoon immensely more relaxing. I know to imagine DC car-free would be a big stretch; however, it would be nice to imagine and enjoy some car-free streets. What do you imagine?
I live in America and America eschews public transportation. I wish I never had to use a car. That is only a dream in this country and will never become a reality. Sadly true. The rail tracks in my town are rusting away, they go to places I want to go but cannot afford to drive anymore!
Posted by: Richard Neva | October 29, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I imagine the Gallery Place/Chinatown area w/o cars.
I imagine the streets on the Mall that border the Smithsonians (the ones that AREN'T Independence and Constitution) w/o cars.
Posted by: C4bl3Fl4m3 | August 02, 2007 at 10:52 AM