Athens

Athens

May 9-11

Accommodation:  Athens Luxury Suites

Weather: Warm sunny days with cooler evenings

After 30 hours travel door to door we arrived exhausted but excited to be back in Athens after eight years.  The city is cleaner and more optimistic since it was struck by the GFC.

After a brief rest we showered and walked the alleyways near our hotel. 

 One of the great things about travelling is taking your time, people watching and enjoying the food of the region.  We loved the restaurants, trying new food and choosing the local wine. There are so many restaurants surrounding the Acropolis which all seemed busy this early in the season..

What a view....we walked all the way around this time and stopped for a meal with a view.  The days were very warm which meant we enjoyed the rest half way round for a beer, wine and a small lunch.

We had an enjoyable first morning heading to the high hill of Lyccabettus overlooking Athens.  The funicular took the sting out of the last part of the walk and we jostled to take a photo with the other tourists.  It was difficult to get a photo without graffiti and radio antennas but the Acropolis can be seen in the background!

I had an enjoyable time meeting an Instagram sewing friend who kindly showed me the fabric shops which just happened to be near our hotel....serendipity! I was able to find the stores next day so I already have some happy souvenirs of my time in Athens.

We checked out of our hotel, had our luggage stored at the hotel on our last day and we explored the Plaka which is very large. This time we found the flea market which was fascinating with so may wares including antiques, books, chairs....you name it!

We’ve had a happy two days in Athens and we are so glad we revisited this vibrant city.  Next stop Crete for our walking tour.