Athens - A memorable initiation to Greece

Sunday, September 18, 2011
Athens, Attiki, Greece
Saturday 9/17
 Making the flight from Louisville, connecting in Newark and nonstop to Athens is like any other experience cooped up in an aluminum cylinder at 45,000 feet, sharing space, bathrooms and air with 200 strangers for 9 1/2 hours. Mary and I arrived in Athens at 9:30 am (2:30 am EDT). We started our adventure by taking the Metro train system into the city. A bit of confusion with the signage and one stop to change trains, we actually made it to the right spot only 2 blocks from our hotel. John and Kathy took a longer route connecting in Madrid and then direct to Athens. They arrived at 4:50 pm and their Metro adventure ended in the wrong station with a cab ride to the hotel.

We are in Athens. The adventure begins

Starting out with some much needed refreshments on the rooftop terrace of the hotel, we had a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and from a honeymooning couple from Toronto, received our first good advice - Tour the Acropolis Museum before making the hike to the Acropolis itself.

Dinner was at Psars in the Plaka area and we had our first of many Greek salads along with some other delicious Greek food.

The Herodian Hotel, our home away from home in Athens, was a great hotel, both in location and quality. Our rooms were covered with a foam padded wallpaper that killed any sound (it was like sleeping in a recording studio). Perfect for the much needed first night sleep.

Sunday 9/18
The Acropolis Museum (next to our hotel) was first on our list. It is the new replacement museum and well done in every aspect. We started the American way and went directly to the movie with english subtitles. The exhibits were much better understood with that sequence. Next was the Acropolis. Stepping back and looking at the Acropolis you have to say this place is very, very old, breathtaking in its architecture and awesome in its history. There is evidence of people living on its slopes about 3,000 years ago and the modern building boom came in the 5th century BC with the Romans adding some more when they took control a few years before Christ and wars, earthquakes, weather and time doing a good job of knocking things around for the last 2,000 years. We also visited the Agora, its museum and other many impressive sites on the Acropolis grounds. With it being Sunday, there are a whole lot of Greeks and tourists of other nationalities making the visit, so it was real crowded.
 

We took to the streets of Athens to walk to the National Archeological Museum (another must see). The streets we covered started with tourists and locals at a huge Flea Market (looked like an American flea market with cheap shoes and leather craft in abundance). We moved to the seamier side of Athens with boarded up stores and a few people that probably will not be having evening drinks with us. The Museum was worth the trek and we adventured on the Metro again, back to the hotel. Dinner was at Strophi. We highly recommend the food and the setting with a beautiful view of the well lighted Acropolis.

A good end to the day. The first travel committee decision was made. While there might be a few more sights in Athens, it was time to get on the road in the morning.

 
 
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Comments

Jean and Rich
2011-09-29

We're with you in spirit!! Thanks for the entertaining commentary.
xxx

Betty Porter
2011-09-29

Thanks for sharing your adventures Mother will love to read all about your travels

Jan B.
2011-09-29

You guys are my heroes---I'm living vicariously through you---who knew you had such an adventure travel gene! Be safe and have way too much fun!!!

Mike Land
2011-09-30

Was there in 63 and had a great time. I let up on the wine

Steve Williams
2011-10-01

Appreciate your including us in your trovel log. Taking notes, as Greece is on our bucket list. Have fun, and keep those blog entries coming! Safe travels.

Julie Vigeland
2011-10-02

Ahhh...memories of 1971 and drinking ouzo on a balmy night looking up at the Acropolis. Wonderful memories but scarey to think about as I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with Jay and I was drinking! We didn't know we shouldn't then. Lucky us he turned out so great. :-)
Thanks for sharing your adventures!

2025-02-17

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