January–April 1954

Curium 27 March 54

Dear Virginia:

I was very pleased to hear from you so soon, and especially to hear that you can think of coming to us in the very pleasantly near future. It couldn't matter less if I did have other visitors the weeks of the 4th or the 11th. And as for Greek Easter, anyhow, and I much prefer to see you. And if you did come this far maybe one could persuade you to accompany one on such a trip, couldn't [handwritten: of course] you? I've heard rumors that you'd like to go sometime, [handwritten: my going would depend on Mr. Hill's plans.] But it's pleasant to dream about, at any rate.

As for finances, you would be coming on business, at least in part, so natch I am prepared to produce some travel money. My only trouble is that I am supposed to spend pounds as much as possible. So if you can manage to get a one-way ticket out, I will see to the return. And perhaps you could use a few pounds here replenishing your wardrobe or something.

It would be fine if you could think of photographing the handles in your incomparably excellent manner. We do seem to have front lenses here, but no pendulum, and of course not the lazy susan. I would do them in some fashion sooner or later along with thousands of other things, but probably they match up properly. We have bunk eight people at once, provided they know, here with us know as well as you would like them. We do have facilities for developing here now, so there need be no Bastajian catastrophes.

I must have been intuitive because I bought only this morning enough more mattresses, sheets, pillowcases, etc., so that we can now bunk eight people at once, provided they match up properly. Linda Melton, whom you know, here with us know as well as you would like them. We do have facilities for developing here now, so there need be no Bastajian catastrophes.

I am glad to hear something about the Pnyx ms., at least. It has to be done to mine will have to be done arbitrary-like in Athens. So I think I will just drop Homer a note saying to do what he thinks best. However, though it pains me excruciatingly to part with any plates. I admit I am too partial.

Obviously, if it is to go off the 4th, anything that has to be done for our week-end trip in the Karpas. They remembered you tenderly. I can easily see why you managed to spin out three days with them on three amphoras, but I shall be fascinated to learn how! They and their house are certainly enjoyable.

We had a delightful visit with Mr. & Mrs. Zenon Pierides of Larnaca last Friday on our way.

I will pass on the information about amphora prices to Mr. Cacoyannis. Perhaps we can invite him and his amphora to lunch some day while you are here.