Whether I like it or not, I have perfected the quick guide to seeing a city. I laugh in the face of short time periods, and kick the butt of any new city that thinks I wont see it in less then 24 hours. Here friends, I tell you all my secrets. First up 24 hours in Athens, Greece.
Athens is known for its drive by tourists. Hoards of people seeking sun and fun on the islands that merely pass threw the capital city. Don’t worry I’ve had many a long talks with the city, and its not offended. There is so much to do, see and eat and it can be done in a short time frame. Of course, the longer you have the more gyro you get to enjoy, but here is what I did last week in 24 hours.
When I arrived at 10am the very first thing I did was grab an iced coffee. A frappe to be more exact. This is the official drink of Greece, and I’m pretty sure people would sell their first born child in return for a direct IV of Nescafe. Once I was caffeinated I went on to do the obligatory sightseeing. I don’t mean for this to sound like something that would bore you. Because it definitely does not. The Acropolis is one of the most beautiful ancient sites you will have the pleasure to step on. You instantly feel as if you have been transported back in time, and the views on top are breathtaking.
After loitering up there for a couple hours I went to the new Acropolis Museum. Now I feel I must say that I generally am not a “museum person”. It wont be the first thing I run to in any city. I had heard really good things about this one though, so I wanted to check it out. For someone with a very VERY small attention spane like myself, it was perfect. It is set up in a floor to ceiling glass exhibit filled with ancient pieces. You can go at your own pace and read the placards of the artifacts that interest you.
It had now become late afternoon, and nothing gets my shopping mojo going more then thousands of year old artifacts. My next stop was getting lost in the Plaka/Monastiraki shopping area. I love weaving through this roads and checking out all the shopping. On the main road Ermou you can find all the name brand stores, but if you let yourself wander (like I usually do) you can find some cute boutiques and souvenir shops. In this area you can also find stands that sell gyros and souvlaki, and grab one on the go. Or if you are like me, grab two and a house salad and some greek fries. Insert judgement here.
Going into the evening, I headed back to my hotel and hung around the pool for a bit, soaking up some much needed vitamin D. I’m from Canada after all, so I am frequently in withdrawal.
With only about 15 hours left before I was heading out of Athens, I got my summer dress on and took the subway over to Gazi. It is a hip area filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and art shops. I know what your thinking. Who the heck says hip? Well aside from your 80 year old grandmother I do. And I am not ashamed of it. This area really is the perfect description of that word. On this occasion it really was a triple threat for me. Lovely dinner at a restaurant called Mamacas, dessert at a cafe, and then drinks at Why Sleep.
Topping off a lovely day in a sweltering hot but amazing city, was a great night sleep. Underneath the glow of the Parthenon, I slept like a baby.
Next time I come, it will be a whole new 24 hours.