HOOKED ON GREECE
Athens
Naxos
Santorini
Rhodes
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Hooked on Greece: Athens |
Well we were here at last after several months of research and planning. The ten hour flight from Canada was long and tiring but the excitement of finally being in Greece quickly eliminated any desire to sleep.
After a long wait for luggage, we turned to see our taxi transfer holding up our name on a sign. He grabbed our bags and we jumped into his awaiting taxi. As we sped out of the airport (and I mean sped!) the first thing I noticed was how mountainous it was compared to home in Ottawa, Canada.
The second thing we noticed was that all drivers honk and yell at each other (in greeting?). Anyway, we were very lucky to have a wonderful driver who spoke English quite well and was pleasant indeed.
We arrived at our hotel, checked-in, dropped our bags and headed out to explore. It was a beautiful day. Since I had forgotten the city map we decided not to go too far from the hotel. We got some cash, dodged several scooters and cars and made our way to Omonia Square.
We found a small taverna. A wonderful aroma was coming from a roasting spit. Suddenly starving, we had our first taverna snack of gyros on pita. To drink, we tried our first Greek beer - Mythos.
Stuffed and now tired, we headed back to the hotel to organize ourselves for the next day's outing.
Up early, we had a quick breakfast at the hotel. Greek yogurt is smooth, thick and creamy, unlike anything I have ever tasted in Canada. Mixed with fresh fruit, it quickly became my favourite breakfast.
We packed a small bag and were on our way towards the Plaka and the Acropolis.
Since we were closer to Amonia Square, our first stop en route was Syntagma Square. The buildings are so interesting with their iron balconies and engravings.
At this point we found ourselves continually looking upwards for our first glimpse of the ancient Acropolis. Having not yet seen it, we decided to stop for a freshly-squeezed orange juice and coffee in the Plaka.
It was time for the map. After much walking, we discovered that we were so busy looking up and around that we found ourselves at the opposite end of the entrance to the Acropolis.
We found our way and finally - there it was - the Acropolis! The pictures had not done it justice. When you live in Canada, anything over one hundred years old is considered heritage!
We toured the Acropolis with our new friend Saara from Finland. Hot and thirsty, we proceeded back down to a wonderful taverna for some cool refreshments.
On our way back to the hotel we found the National Gardens and watched children feeding ducks. The gardens are cool and welcoming after such a day.
This time when we passed Syntagma square we saw an Evzone guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His pom-pom shoes were so cute! Finally, exhausted, we reached our hotel.
Tomorrow we were heading to Pireaus port for our first ferry ride. We were going to Naxos.
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