Ancient seas

Written by Victoria Baker
Thursday, 17 September 2009 00:00

“It was with a happy heart that the good Odysseus spread his sail to catch the wind and used his seamanship to keep his boat straight with the steering-oar,” wrote Homer. Indeed, all of Homer’s characters were happiest at sea.

The Greeks, more than any other people in the world, have remained, during their very long history, mariners without interruption. They came to realize the sea could offer them a way of life. This had to do with the landscape of their surroundings, the geographical position of Greece, climate and endless coastline.

On Oct. 2 at 7 p.m., the Arch Street Teen Center will host its annual benefit, this year with a nautical theme — “All Hands on Deck.” It will include cocktails, tasting menus from various ports of call, dancing and a silent auction. Educator Anthony Mullen, a former New York City police officer, will be honored with the Christopher Haebler Frantz Champion for Teens Award.

Arch Street is a nonprofit, drug- and alcohol-free environment at which teens may gather to socialize, hear music and perform community service. For more information about this event, call 698-2641 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

And speaking of things nautical, the Greek word “nautikos” comes from the word “naus,” which means ship. Incidentally, the Greek word for temple is “naos,” leading some historians to argue that the Greek temple and public buildings in general, originated from boats stored and turned over. The space under them was used as a living room by the crew overseas, as a place of meeting and as a warehouse to store gear and merchandise that were the objects of commerce.

The Greek landscape is mountainous and the farming area comprises only one-fifth of the entire nation, so it can only offer a poor harvest. The sea became a solution. The endless coastline that covers Greece’s borders forms closed inlets, natural harbors, deep bays, golden beaches and hundreds of picturesque islands. The geographical position of Greece was an advantage because it was about in the middle of the ancient Mediterranean, between Asia and Italy, near Egypt and Libya to the south; it was at the crossroads of the most ancient shipping lanes.

“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore,” said Vincent Van Gogh.

The true goal of the Arch Street benefit next month is to support the teens that use it as a safe place to enjoy themselves productively, but if those who attend can throw in a little dose of nautical fantasy, then it’s all for the best. After all, what would life be without a little imagination?

Victoria Baker of Greenwich is an opera singer. She teaches piano and voice privately in Greenwich. Questions, call 531-7499 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .