When he was a boy, Richard Okrent’s favorite books to read were Homer’s epic poems.
Okrent, now 62, still fondly remembers how the legendary author of the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” — the cornerstones of ancient Greek literature — describes the breathtaking views from the rocky outcrop of the Acropolis of Athens, built in 500 BC.
Ever since childhood, the Lynnwood man has wanted to see the ancient citadel overlooking the city with his own eyes. Okrent finally got that chance in May when he and his wife vacationed in Greece.
“It was quite moving,” said Okrent, who is a Snohomish County Superior Court judge. “That’s what I would call a bucket-list moment.”
Hear all about Okrent’s trip to Greece on Sept. 13 during the brown-bag lunch speaker series, a new senior luncheon series at Everett Public Library on Hoyt Avenue, scheduled for the second Thursday of each month. The free series will feature public figures of Snohomish County. It is primarily aimed at seniors, but all ages are welcome. Bring your lunch.
The Delphi is an ancient sanctuary in southern Greece. It was one of several historic places Richard Okrent visited during his vacation this spring. (Richard Okrent) The Delphi is an ancient sanctuary in southern Greece. It was one of several historic places Richard Okrent visited during his vacation this spring. (Richard Okrent)
In “Adventures in Greece,” Okrent, who is a self-described history buff with the travel bug, will share tips for traveling on a budget, must-see Greek attractions and the cultural, historical and archaeological significance of Greece.
“(I’ll try) to convey the sense of adventure my wife, Rita, and I had,” he said. “To me, it’s not so much as a judge who goes on vacation. It’s about a guy going on vacation to a place he’s always wanted to visit.”
Okrent really loves world travel. He’s seen much of Europe, including Belgium, England, Poland, Germany; yet Greece was by far his favorite — and one of the most affordable to visit.
On his trip, Okrent toured Delphi, an ancient sanctuary on the southern edge of the mainland; visited the islands of Hydra and Aegina; walked through the Lions Gate, the main entrance to the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, the Greek capital during the Trojan War era; and stood in the fortress of Agamemnon, a famous ruler of Greek mythology.
Tourism is Greece’s top industry. Richard Okrent, a judge for Snohomish County Superior Court, managed to see many historic sites during an eight-day stay in Greece in May and June. (Richard Okrent)
Okrent was appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2011. As a Superior Court judge, Okrent oversees jury and bench trials for cases dealing with felonies, civil issues, family law and juveniles.
He’s also a former teacher and historian who has lectured on Jewish history and culture, ancient history, the Indian Child Welfare Act and other issues involving family law.
“I love to do these things,” Okrent said of the speaker series. “It’s part of giving back to the community, and I like to give back any skills I have. I started off as a historian and ended up as a judge, so it gives me a breadth of experience to talk about various topics.
“And, I love to travel.”
Longtime Everett resident Ralph Quaas is the organizer of the brown-bag lunch speaker series. Quaas met Okrent when the Snohomish County judge spoke to the now-defunct Everett Probus Club for retired men and women. Quaas was the one in charge of finding speakers to present at the club’s monthly meetings.
Missing the club and its monthly talks, Quaas asked if the library would be interested launching its own series.
Richard Okrent and his wife toured around the Athens area in southern Greece, visiting islands and historic sites. (Richard Okrent)
“The library picked up on what I wanted to do,” Quaas said. “They thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’ ”
When Quaas heard about Okrent’s trip to Greece, Quaas thought it was the perfect subject to kick off the new series.
“I have been working with people who have a story to tell,” Quaas said. “Okrent is a great speaker, and he really knows what he’s talking about.”
Okrent said Greece was not only beautiful, but also friendly. The Greeks he met were deeply connected to Athens’ rich history and very welcoming to tourists. He said it’s advantageous for both parties — tourism is Greece’s top industry as the country struggles through a debt crisis stemming back to 2007.
In between tourist sites, the Okrents checked out local markets and sampled Greek cuisine, including baklava, a Mediterranean dessert made with filo.
“Greece is a place where even the gas station food is great,” Richard Okrent said. “When you walk into the local dive, you’re going to get the best food of your life.”
Next speaker
Oct. 11: Marybeth Dingledy, also a Snohomish County Superior Court judge, plans to talk about mountain climbing and overcoming cancer.
Evan Thompson: 360-544-2999, ethompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @evanthompson_1.
If you go
What: Brown-Bag Lunch Speaker Series
Where: Everett Public Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave., Everett
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13
Cost: Free
More: 425-257-7640 or www.epls.org
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