Excitement is building in Athens

MICHAEL VILLANI

There is more spring in my step as the effects of jet lag seem to

dissipate.

It was an “easy” Sunday, as the city teemed with activity. A

number of us took the Metro downtown to see the changing of the

guard, the Evzones, at the Parliament building. This was the formal

once-a-week affair that happens actually every hour, on the hour, 365

days a year.

The square was packed with tourists, foreign journalists and

locals, as well as these regular army specialists who put on their

show in full regalia.

It was then back to the hotel for a little Sunday “R & R” before

our announcer seminar at the War Museum training hall. This

three-hour activity was basically to go over the do’s and don’ts and

basic formality of what the organizers expected from those who were

going to be “on mike.” It was basically a repeat of the parameters

that I had already gone through back in April at the “test” event. I

didn’t even take notes!

I’m now back at the hotel, where a number of us are getting ready

to go to the best Italian restaurant in Athens, a 45-minute tram ride

down the coast in Glyfada. It was an understated day, yet the

excitement builds as I report from the Games.