24 November 2004

Athens' Archaeological Riches Provide a Deveopment Dilemna Yesterday we travelled from Athens to London.  On our way to catch the airport bus at Syntagma Square, we walked past the Zappeion Gardens and the National Gardens, with the brand-new tram system on our left (when we left Athens in March, the tracks were being frantically laid, but of course it was completed in time for the August Olympics, and now it looks as if it has been there forever), and on our right a newly-unveiled section of ancient ruins, exposed a few years ago with the construction of the Athens Metro.  A few blocks away from our apartment in Koukaki, our trolley-bus  passed a section of the ancient road between Athens and Piraeus, again exposed when constructing a ventilation shaft for the Metro.  All grapically  illustrating the uncomfortable co-existence of the ancient and modern in this busy city. So, somewhat apporpriate to read this article in The Telegraph this morning, before we set out to explore some of London's ancient sites, dealing with the ongoing compromises and exciting finds being experienced as the Metro network continues to expand. It reminded me of the stunning exhibition we visited in Athens back in 2000 or 2001 when for a short time, a large number of the finds were exhibited in temporary premises.  This marvellous book documents it all. 1:03:37 PM    comment []