Thread by @GailSimone, Okay, yesterday, we had to get up at 2:00 am to head [...]

Okay, yesterday, we had to get up at 2:00 am to head to Athens for @AthensCon. It’s took about seventeen hours, including three flights. We were bushed when we landed...even @RocketSpouse was a little grumpy and he normally cannot be fatigued like normal humans...1/

And there’s a bit of a journey to the hotel, through bad traffic when all I want to do to get some sleep.

But it turns out, Athens is beautiful at nights, just beautiful, and suddenly, we drive past the Acropolis, and it suddenly hits me...2/

...like, “oh, that’s right, the world is full of beauty and wonder and history, and it’s an honor and a privilege to be allowed to witness it.”

It came over me like a wave, what a joyful and fortunate thing, to drive slowly through a beautiful city like this. 3/

Even the traffic was a blessing. Like it was saying, “oh, you had a long trip and you’re cranky? Well, how about if I show you this beautiful city and we drive by this marvel of antiquity? Would you still be cranky?” 4/

So then we get to the hotel, and it’s lovely, the con hosts are so kind and welcoming, the room overlooks the city, we have an incredible Chinese fusion meal at the rooftop garden restaurant, lights of the city everywhere..5/

I always say the best part of these trips is meeting the readers, and it’s true, but what a lovely welcome. We’ve done nothing here and gone nowhere yet, but what a welcome.

6/

Then this capper...

Last night, we came back down to the lobbyin the evening, and it was packed, just packed with people, all wearing formal wear, having a great time, and smiling and laughing. 6/

I messed up the numbering again. 8/

So, apparently, it’s a school reunion, or something of that nature, because it’s all young people, maybe early twenties? Some sort of Thanksgiving dinner, it looks like maybe a hundred people or so...all wearing formal clothes, tuxes and gowns mostly. 9/

And here’s the thing, this is, without question, the most appallingly beautiful crowd of people I’ve ever seen. The young men are ridiculously handsome in their stylish suits, the young women are old school Hollywood gorgeous I their beautiful dresses...10/

All with their hair done up, in heels, everyone laughing and smiling. I can’t overstate this, we’ve been all over the world and seen a lot of beautiful people but KAPOW THESE PEOPLE ALL LOOK LIKE NIGHTWING AND DONNA TROY IF GEORGE PEREZ DREW THEM. 11/

And. they weren’t boozy or loud or obnoxious, just having a good time, super polite and sweet to strangers walking through...it was so lovely, like a people bouquet. 12/

So, no big story here, but this is what happens and this is why the plane rides and terrible airport food are worth it, because there’s so much unexpected beauty in the world and sometimes that beauty is made of people. 12/

Athens, we haven’t even left the hotel yet and you have set out a welcome mat we will remember always. If we turned around and went home now, it would have been worth it for a glimpse into the magic of this everyday world. 13/

Endless thanks to @AthensCon for inviting us and taking such amazing care of us. Cannot wait until the convention tomorrow. I’m sorry I don’t speak any Greek but I can’t wait to meet the readers. I love Athens and am already dreading leaving! 14/

As I say, no big story, but sometimes the really special moments don’t have a punchline. And sometimes even as a writer, words seem a bit inadequate. But what a lovely way for a city to say hello.

I feel truly blessed.

End/

PS., after the hotel lobby group, I UNDERSTAND GAL GADOT NOW.

PPS., having a lovely Greek breakfast with peach juice and a cup of good tea while overlooking the city?

ALSO NOT TOO SHABBY.

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