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458

Sat. April 10 -   

surprised me with the quality of his voice. It is not operatic in quality, but he could have success as a popular singer. When singing, he warms up & has a certain charm.

Asked to guide me about the city tomorrow, which, of course, I accepted.

Sunday, April 11'
Athens

Again to the Acropolis, wandered through the old quarter - marvelous old streets & market places. The people are gentle & kindly, with a sort of tender warmth. The poor women in black, invariably, many of the old men in nat'l costume. The long white wool stockings under the short blue tunics of the soldiers displaying heroically proportioned legs reminiscent of the Greek sculptures. And, 

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Athens   

speaking of the tenderness of the people, what of the tenderness of the sculptured stone? The fluidity, the feeling of the warmth of the flesh beneath the magnificent draperies? Makes one yearn to sculpt - at least to make the attempt.

Nicolas was charming. Offered to spend the day & evening with me - his time was at my disposal. I paid, of course, all in all, less than six dollars - which included lunch, dinner, taxis & a bus tour about the countryside. The dinner, again at the same taverne with good music & wine. I liked the musicians who sat at our table this time.

Can't write about Athens - It is a dream, which I have always carried in my heart, ever since, at 12, I saw my first Pompein walls & the exquisite Tanagras. A beauty beyond compare