A particular travel destination
Let’s be frank; I’m not much of a traveller. The usual litany: no time, no money, no desire, pray for us. However, from back in the time of Seven League Boots, I’ve been willing to watch a good travel documentary. You know, just in case.
Today, the TV chair was the place to be. During the afternoon, PBS aired the documentary From Ararat To Zion, which demystifies the Armenian sector of Jerusalem. Given the celebration of Easter, the timing was right. I’m not likely to be there any time soon, but I’m a fan of ritual. The parishioners of the church of the Sepulchre has got enough to go around. Imagine a routine that required two teams and a ladder, just to lock the front door. Continue the practice for a millennium.
At least that site welcomes the pious tourist. Sure, it can get busy at certain times of the year, but if you want to see the ceremony of the lights, it could happen. Let’s skip ahead to the second program of the day.
This time around, we’re off to Mount Athos. I’ve heard about the difficulties of getting in for a visit (it’s a popular activation for amateur radio groups), but this time around we had the team from 60 Minutes to get us in the door (virtually).
No ladies need apply. This is more segregated than the towers of power. The peninsula has numerous monasteries, but the rule is clear.
The art collection is dated. Some of it, in years with three digits. Iconic. Kept behind doors with multiple locks (although the skeleton tumbler locks might not withstand a good hairpin… see the above paragraph.
All in all, a lot of travel to places with a decided slant away from the secular.
