A real Achilles

I was on a secret mission in Athens: to find a real 'Achilles'.

I’ve seen a dreadful copy of him in the movie Troy: a sexy blond-blue eyed Hollywood icon to secure devotions from many female movie lovers: Mr. Brad Pitt.

Well, I can tell you now that Hollywood choice was a crap. A Greek has dark hair, dark eyes, relatively darker skin, and a strong face feature. Non-Brad Pitt at all....

I was keen on finding the one that would be my choice of Achilles. He has to be good looking and gorgeously muscular.

I looked around to observe all of the men I met in Athens. And it was a very difficult task. Most of them wore thick jackets or coats because it was winter time. So even they were handsome, to gaze on the shapes of their body was nearly impossible, although I thought of the idea of asking them to open their clothes and posing a little bit for me...

Furthermore, I went to places where many tourists chose to visit. So I kept wondering, "Is this guy a Greek or not? Maybe an Italian, a French, a Spanish, or even maybe a (bloody*) American..." Although I noticed that the main identifiable figures of Greek people that definitely sticking out and easily noticeable is their noses. Yes, the nose, which is usually big and sometime wonderful....(Please mark my word "sometime").

Until that day, yes, it was indeed a wonderful day. It was 18 degrees, something that you would not expect during winter, and we just enjoyed the marvellous Akropolis and paid a short visit to Ancient Agora. We, Marcus and I, went to have a cup of tea and coffee around the corner of Ancient Agora. We visited a quite traditional Greek restaurant--too bad I forget the name of that restaurant--on Adrianou Street (if I'm not mistaken).

And then I saw him--My Achilles! Yes, there he was, standing, as a waiter of that restaurant. He definitely looked like one of the ancient Greek gods: long dark hair, dark eyes, muscular body (Of course I could see it! It was warm and he didn’t wear any coat, sweater, or jacket!), and a gorgeous face. The owner, a nice and friendly old man offered us the menu. And Achilles was the one who served us...what a sheer joy....

Now, I was waiting to witness some heroic action from Achilles. And the moment arrived…

The beggars in Athens can be very rude. They can be very pushy and sometimes they make ridiculous scene to get your attention and money. That's why the restaurant owner hired an-Achilles, I guessed. A beggar came to our table, and started begging, and there he went, my Achilles…He came forward and told that beggar to go...So wonderful, so gentle, my hero......

Unfortunately it was so dark in that restaurant that I could not keep a record of my living flesh and blood Achilles. Inside of the restaurant was bright light, but we were sitting outside. Our source of light was only a small candle. (Trying to give romantic atmosphere to the visitors, I guess).
I tried to make his picture from far away, but it was too dark. I was also too shy to ask directly to him for a picture. (I'm a lady, so I do behave, you know!)

But anyway, mission accomplished. I found my Achilles. I can tell the world now that if you think Brad Pitt looks like Achilles, you are definitely a stupid idiot.

Groningen, 22 December '06, 14:02

* I can't help it. American tourists were always very loud and sticking out, easily noticeable, and extremely annoying...