Athens

 October 2, 2023

During our last night on our three day cruise, I was experiencing body aches that signaled the onset of some infection.  I used a home test to see if this was covid related.  Sure thing, I was positive for covid.  We let our tour leaders know immediately in the morning.  Indeed, we were leaving the ship first thing this morning.  They decided that it was best to stay with the group and take the bus back to Athens (30 minutes) as long as I sat at the very back with an K-95 mask on at all times.  

Our first stop in Athens was to have Mass at the Catholic Cathedral of St Dionysius.  The Madison people from St Dennis parish enjoyed the name "similarity" between Dionysius and Dennis.  Sylvia and I were sure to sit way in the back of church away from the other pilgrims.  Deacon Roger was the one who brought the communion to us during the Mass.  Later Roger shared that he sensed a special grace flowing to me when he gave us communion.  Indeed, I had felt a certain strength from taking the communion.  I found this a reassuring sign that covid would not be too bad. 

Cathedral of St Dionysius in Athens

Our group went off to the Acropolis to climb to the Mountain of the Gods.  You won't find any pictures of it here.  Sylvia and I stayed at our hotel in Athens to isolate and rest.  I was super fatigues, runny nose, but no fever.  The rest of the day was rest and recuperate and figure out our next steps.  Sylvia was able to bring me a plate of food to my room from the supper buffet later in the day.