Long travel time -19 hours - from time leaving home to arrival in Athens at 4:30pm.
Taxi to hotel.

NJY ATHENS HOTEL -- Great location on Snytagma Square next to the Parliament Building. Room very nice; large, modern bathroom; everything clean. Staff very helpful. The only negative was car noise one night.

O THANASSIS for dinner -- the hotel staff had several suggestions and this was on our list of places to eat. It's located on Mitropoleos street, a short walk from the hotel. Pretty big establishment with outdoor dining along several blocks. Famous for their kabobs, enjoyed the lamb/beef with onions, roasted tomato, and pita with a side of tzatziki sauce. Surprised at the reasonable prices. Delicious food, helpful waiter, and a lively atmosphere; perfect for our first time in Greece.

"Bougatsa." -- finding the place that makes it, which we saw on utube, was the next goal. The waiter told us where he thought it was so we began our walk along the streets of Monastiraki neighborhood, which is full of narrow pedestrian lanes with street-side eating. Helpful locals assisted with directions along the way; one young lady stopped and looked it up on her phone; even offered to walk us there. Didn't want to inconvenience her, so headed down a narrow street filled with locals sitting outside to Psirri Roon Square.

Yea, found it -- Myuyrateaoiko! Beautiful stone, wood-beamed building. Enjoyed a bougatsa made that morning--rolled out filo dough filled with cream--yum. One of the guys that makes it explained the process and how good it is when it's fresh. Coming back tomorrow morning to watch.(see next entry)

Great time walking back through the lively streets to the hotel.  Ermou Street, at the edge of the Plaka district, was full of people and street vendors. Right in the center of all this activity is the tiny old Church of Panagia Kapnikarea (estimated to have been built in 1050).  Such a fun evening after so many hours of traveling.