Eric Weiner

The Athenian agora was the original everything store. If it existed in the ancient world, you could find it for sale at the agora.

meet at a café in her neighborhood. “It’s near the Temple of Zeus,” she had told me, as if that were the most natural landmark in the world. That’s what I love about Greek directions; they’re so much more interesting than back home. “Look for the Temple of Zeus” resonates more deeply, is freighted with more history, than “turn left at the Dunkin’ Donuts.”

If she could transport herself to Athens circa 450 BC, who would she want to share a bottle of wine with? I fully expect her to say Socrates. The Dude.

“Aspasia,” says Alicia.

“Who was he?”

“She. Aspasia was the consort of Pericles.”