Conversation · Coin-Operated Viewer

This coin-operated viewer is facing southwest. Its coin-slot is full of fossilized bubblegum, rendering the machine permanently inaccessible.

[Leave.]

"Vandalism." (Shake your head.)

"Probably some kids..." The lieutenant inspects the rigged slot.

A simple but clever solution to ruining a coin-operated viewer. It took ingenuity.

The mute machine is unable to confirm or deny your theory.

But yes -- it was vandalism.

"Poor little viewer..." (Pat it.)

The metal feels cold and wet under your palm. It looks unhygienic.

Look inside.

A thick layer of graffito covers the lenses -- you spell out the word "ONUC" written on the other side -- with N and C scribbled backwards.

That's CUNO on the lens.

Shift your focus to the background.

Under the graffito a sea of blues and greys appears -- behind the water lies a coast studded with concrete and reeds. On it -- a church on stilts, lanky weather-worn wooden planks, an x-shaped cross topping its tower.

You know this to be the Star of Perikarnassis, or the Chi-Rho. The central symbol of the Perikarnassian church -- a star, a great moral height to be strived towards.

The church looks old and weather-worn. There are no lights in the windows.

Around the large wooden building you see chunks of sea ice, gathered on the beach. And a small tent set up on the ice.