Eighth Wonder of the World??

Around almost any corner in Greece you will come upon an archaeological site or an antiquity.  Ioannina has several of these.  However, there is one site in Ioannina I cannot get enough of although it is admittedly more modern: Carrefour.  If you have traveled in Europe or even Asia, then you have probably encountered Carrefour.  It is the French version of Wal-Mart and there happens to be one about a mile from the campus of the University of Ioannina.  I must admit that I eagerly look forward to my biweekly trips to Carrefour so I can stock up the tiny refrigerator in my dorm room with all kinds of delicacies that are not good for me.  There is no greater joy for me than to have breakfast cereal, milk, and sliced bananas on top and never have to leave my room.  Now, that is heaven. 

The trip to Carrefour is not without its challenges.  There is a two-lane road leading from the university to Carrefour.  It is a busy road and there are no sidewalks.  If you live in Bucks County, it is somewhat akin to walking along Route 413, which I have rarely seen anyone do during my 15 years of living there.  I find the experience unnerving at times, but I invoke the Satchel Paige maxim and I refrain from looking back to see what may be gaining on me!  My hearing is good enough that I can hear or "feel" a bus or dump truck coming and then I take evasive action.  When I get to Carrefour it is an exhilarating experience knowing that I am still alive, but also knowing that I will soon be filling my basket with all kinds of goodies.  I take great delight in going up and down the aisles and marveling at the small sizes of the containers (Everything in Greece is small from cars to milk cartons).  Of course, if I need clothing, hardware, notebooks, or anything else I can find it there, too.  Best of all, they have an ATM for Alpha Bank, where I have an account.  Well, I better stop.  I think it is time for milk and cookies.