Memories of Athens Greece – the centuries old center of Greek power, now Historic Ruins, Tourists and unfortunately a ruined economy which has left the City in tatters and depressed.
Travel Tip: The Athens airport is very efficient & metro even easier. To get to the City proper from the airport – after baggage claim, exit #3 door, up the escalator (note as is common that the escalators only start when you approach), then follow the “train” signs – across on the moving walkway. If flying out within 48 hrs buy a r/t ticket for 18€ or 1way 10€. There is also have a 3 day option for all metro use for 25€ – which is what I got. Note cash only. There are only 3 metro lines in Athens so easy to navigate. Go downstairs & check schedule for next train – you take the Metro. Stops are announced both in Greek & English. They are clean, efficient & on time. Don’t tip the beggars that may come thru using their kids as sympathy, I saw the same ones three weeks apart – it’s a racket. I always sit or stand by the map & confirm/countdown my stop/transfer. Depending upon where you are going it will take @45 min to the City of Athens proper.
Wow, there are a lot of cats in Athens. Of course – I went and visited the Acropolis, Parthenon, Theater & Athena – jaw dropping amazing, but a bit steep at 20€ each. If you want a guide it will cost you at least another 25€ each, for a 1 hour walk around. Personally while would be nice, but I don’t think it was needed, especially with everything that I have learned over the years about it.
While doing the famous walk around the ancient sites, I found the perfect place for a bite/drink with the view of the Parthenon in the background – awesome (in the Plateia Jacqueline de Romilly at Ancient Agora). I also explored the interesting area near my flat – found Kerameio a cool, funky club with a live Jazz band. Spent 3 hours there drinking Old Fashioned’s and really enjoying the vibe & the people (really the only time in both visits).
I had to opportunity to meet up and travel with some good friends of mine from the states – Phyllis, Chris, Tom & Tanya. We connected at their hotel and had a light breakfast – I had Milliefeuille which was like a layered cake with cream – home made by the restaurant & they seemed pleased with me ordering it (without knowing what I was getting). Of course more Orzo & Tsipouro (like Raki). We then walked around Athens and toured the Acropolis. I zipped over to the Athens Parliament building, using the Metro it was very quick and watched the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That was really cool, the way they march in and use their high steps/kicks and precision of movement is remarkable. A must see (my YouTube Video is Here). If you can make it on Sunday, even better, that is when the full brigade is out, not just changing of two guards as I saw. Then up to the Olympic Stadium for a quick view. Really impressive but no need to pay to enter unless you want to run around the track or climb the steps/seats.
Met back up with the gang and had dinner at a café on the main walking street. Had sardines and split a huge plate of meat variety with Tom. So good, especially the pork chop and sausages. More drinks, these are my sort of Friends. Also note a “real” Greek Salad does not have lettuce like American’s are “used to”. It is just a lot of veggies (tomatoes, green peppers, cucumber, feta, olive oil & oregano).
On my return trip to Athens – I have an interesting Flat with a view of the Parthenon from the balcony and a really amazing view from the kitchen. Walked around town again went to Pittaki street with all the lanterns and discovered a palace of kitsch the “Little Kook Vintage Circus” where I had some Dragons Blood (really sweet cherry juice with orange & mint) and checked out the dragon and story book interior.
Also had lunch at Di Porta, which is as an authentic Athens meal, as you will ever find. Di Porta is located on the corner of Theatrou and Sokratous Streets at one far end of the Athens central vegetable and fish market, there is no sign. Locals just know where it is. Look around at the intersection and you’ll find a mysterious set of stairs leading down into a cool, sort of dark basement where you are served whatever they are cooking that day, along with copper carafes of the retsina (the carafe is place on an ice cube disc to chill it) which is stored in the large barrels along the one wall. No there is not a menu, the chef will show you his pots on the stove and you pick from the 2-3 offering. He will then write the price on your paper tablecloth. For me it was 15€ for Beans, Fish, Bread & Carafe of Wine. One of the best meals of my trip, not fancy just local down home perfection. TripAdvisor Review Here.
I visited the Athens National Archeological Museum – wow, spectacular. The treasure it holds is incredible. Cost 10€. Do be sure to visit the lower level with the Gift Shop and Café in that there is more there to see. Also of note are the artifacts from Akrotiri where I visited when I was in Santorini – so cool to see all the original stuff. There are also several pieces on display from the Mythical Island of Delos – where I also visited. Be sure to keep your receipt/ticket because you need to exit at times to reenter different areas of the museum. Do not miss the rooms dedicated to the Gods and the Bronze area for the Antikythera Mechanism (YouTube Video Here), a high light as far as I’m concerned – truly a marvel of engineering, even for today and it was crafted in 150-100 BC.
Unfortunately as I have wandered all over Athens I have discovered its true underbelly and it really disgusts me. If you stay close to the Acropolis, you are sheltered with all the tourists but really the City is in bad shape and it shows as you talk to the merchants and its people, as I have. It’s a shame for something so ancient and truly beautiful to be marred by the poverty, refugees and the scribbling of disrespect for everything life has to offer.
And again I am moving way too fast but it’s going to continue for a little bit. Once I get to Croatia, slow for a week and then speed up again until August. I think I want to spend a month in Crete and then fly to South Asia for three months (month in each country). It’s a thought anyway. I just started my 30 day in post and the next will be at 6 months. At that point I want to be in a position to “announce” and figure out how to make some money. Need to start videotaping reviews of pack and affiliate marketing.
Trip Advisor Reviews:
To Kati Allo
Di Porta Restaurant
YouTube Videos:
Antikythera Mechanism
