He was a super-hero, larger than life, in charge of no less than all the world’s oceans; and she was a goddess – as smart, wise and powerful as she was beautiful.
Sculpted in marble nearly 2,500 years ago to grace the peak of the ancient Greek Parthenon, rival gods Poseidon and Athena retained their celebrity status, captivating mere mortals like me during plague, famine, flood, fire, war and peace.
Poseidon stirred up storms and earthquakes with his trident, while Athena’s portfolio included wisdom, justice, defense and agriculture and the invention of new tools, even mentoring other ancient Greek gods.
But Poseidon’s heart broke in 1687 when the front half of his chest was blown off. A Venetian bomb had detonated the Ottomans’ on-site munitions store.
His pecs and abs were discovered later among some 25,000 shattered bits of marble littering the Acropolis, while his back half can be found in the British Museum, along with the other so-called Elgin Marbles, hacked down in the early 1800s and shipped to England.
While up to 20,000 people trek to the top of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon a day, the story of this world heritage site is beautifully presented in the new Acropolis Museum, built on the same scale as the ancient building and allowing visitors to wander at will between replicas and other fascinating exhibits.
I’m hanging out for the happy ending, when Poseidon’s chest and heart are ‘healed’ — in an act of international good will beyond borders and national pride, to represent and celebrate the best of our human capabilities.
Make love not war
Away from my desk, I’ve gasped at the Gothic beauty of stained glass windows and pondered an enormous variety of body armour, once such a vital part of complex histories of enemies and allies.
I came face to face with life-size golden frescoes inside a small, almost perfectly preserved Byzantine chapel, and marvelled at herbs and grapes still growing in the monastery garden.
I’ve admired the azure waters of the Mediterranean, watched dawn birds circle ancient towers as their church bells ring, and dined beside the sea and in narrow cobbled laneways.
Tourists now hand over far more money than could ever have been gained through war and pillage!
Best of all, the destination wedding I attended in Greece went off without a hitch, beside a tiny church on an island, between the ruins of a Napoleonic castle and, on a nearby headland, an ancient Greek one.
The bride has Greek ancestry and the groom, Italian. He suggested his ancestors expressed their approval when the westerly wind blew strong. We wish them well from every corner of the earth, as we cheer for every bride and groom. Let’s celebrate romance!
Back at my desk
Treasured beta readers have given me feedback on my next novel, The Chase at Brighton Court, and I’m working hard to make it the best it can be, for you!
Come and say ‘hi’
I’ll be signing at Market Day at the Station, outside Betty Loves Books, Shop 1a/110 Scott St, Newcastle NSW, Australia on Saturday 8 November from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
I’d also love to see you at The Global Girls Online Book Club Reader & Author Lunch on Sunday 16 November from 11.30am to 4pm at Merrylands Bowling Club 65 Newman Street, Merrylands, NSW. Book here.
And next year, you’ll find me in Perth in Western Australia at The Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous, on Sunday 29 March 2026.
Heartwarming reads
Cuddle up with clean and cosy reads
Cosy, sweet and kind of spooky
Happy reading!