Olympic Torch on Hydra
The plans for the arrival of the Olympic Torch on Hydra are starting to get firmed up after weeks of rumour and speculation. The torch will be delivered to the island by a special Olympic boat at 12.43 (yes, that is the time the official document states!) on Wednesday 31st March 2004.
Starting at the sea end of the central quay in the middle of the harbour under the green light, the first runner will jog along the quay and hand it to the next runner just outside Achileas Souvaki Bar. Then it will be exchanged again at the Kountouriotis Statue (outside the Pirate Bar) and so on round the harbour, passing the museum and Melina Mercouri Hall on its way to the Miaoulis Statue. It's vague at the moment as to what will happen then, but as the boat will be leaving to continue on to Poros at 13:35, one can conclude that it won't be much other than a quick speech and a jog back to the harbour area!
By all accounts the children of Hydra will be joining hands to line the route (I didn't know we had that many kids!) and some have been chosen to escort the flame and torch bearers as well. The island's band is already busy rehearsing the tunes they intend playing (I hope they're going to be standing still in a strategic position 'cause I'm not sure that Harriet will manage the bass drum at a jog) and the news reporters will be filming as well.
In summary - this is likely to prove a highly entertaining forty-five minutes packed with emotion and will be pure theatre. My advice is to nab your viewing position early and bring your digital cameras with you. No doubt as Hydra is a firm favourite with news program directors, the visit will be covered by the local news programs so have your video recorder ready for the evening. It's also likely to be featured on the international news as well, so friends and family who can't be on the island should tune in to watch too. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly and it doesn't rain!
Kelsey - 10/03/04
Kelsey Edwards (Mrs)
SaronicNet Promotions
Hydra, Greece, 180-40
Tel/Fax/Answerphone: +(30) 22980 53751
Email: Kelsey@SaronicNet.com
Main Website: http://www.SaronicNet.com