Olympic roof moving into position; fingers crossed for the tram project
One part of the roof designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava went into place and the supports were removed without mishap on May 13, to the huge relief of officials, especially of Alternate Culture Minister Fanni Palli-Petralia, who donned her hard-hat the day she was sworn in and settled in at the Olympic Stadium for the Calatrava endeavor. Athens Olympic Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki reappeared to thank everyone concerned. One issue that remains to be solved, which is next in importance after the major issue of security, is the question of getting around the city during the Games. That was the topic of discussion when Angelopoulos met with Transport Minister Michalis Liapis, first cousin to the premier, on her own ground at her office in Nea Ionia. Liapis has shown great zeal for the tram project. Let us hope that despite the pessimism of the Alexandrian poet C.P. Cavafy, «there’ll be a road.» As for ships, the ocean liner Queen Mary II will dock at Piraeus to house VIP visitors to the Games.
