Modern Athens

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ... V FROM Athens to Phaleron is the favorite carriage promenade, and when His or Her Majesty sets forth, all the fashion of the city is not far behind. Arrived at the beach the King and Queen or the King and his daughter walk up and down in the most democratic manner possible, usually followed by a fat dachshund. There are in reality two Phalerons, Old and New. The former is simply an objective point for drives and is most frequented in winter, and then only by the fashionable element. During the months of February and March every pleasant afternoon sees a long cavalcade of vehicles of every sort on the road to Old Phaleron; landaus, drags, barouches, tandems, bicycles. Nor are equestrians wanting to add a picturesque effect to the scene. Many of the young women of Athens are dashing horse riders, and these are often out on the road to Old Phaleron accompanied most frequently by debonair officers of the cavalry. The Princess Maria is an accomplished horse woman, and was often seen in the saddle, escorted by her father, before her marriage. One cannot do much at Old Phaleron in the way of amusement, save to stroll along the beach and look at the beautiful sea. The place has two or three inns, mere sheds, where sea food can be obtained as well as wine and fruit, and where one may sit on a porch and watch the sun set behind Salamis. There are comparatively few days in the perfect Greek climate when driving is impracticable, but the loveliest weather begins in rain-washed, sun-kissed February, when the almond-trees are in bloom and the anemones peep shyly from the ground, here and there. It does not take the first comers long to tell their waiting fellows that fortune has cast their lot in Greece, beneath the wooing Greek sky, and soon they swarm out...