Our Athens Apartment

Now that our trip to Maine is done we can really focus on our trip to Greece! We took a big step forward last night when we booked, and paid for the apartment we will call 'ours' for a week in October.

We decided to add a week in Athens on to the cruise of the Greek Islands that we won. Many folks have advised us that a week in Athens is far too long - in fact, many have said to stay only a day or two. As we often do, we ignored the advice, threw caution to the wind and decided to stay an entire week.

Athens has so much to see and do that we couldn't just stay a day; we've started to make a list of the things we hope to do and frankly don't know how we can do it in a week! On top of this we'll likely take a couple of tours out of Athens - I'm leaning towards one of Delphi and a second of Corinth and a few wineries.

Plus, our week in Athens will be at the start of the trip - we'll need some time to hang around in cafes and adjust to the time zone!

Now I wish that we were staying there for two weeks!

We decided to get an apartment because we wanted a place to call 'ours' for our week; I can never unwind completely in hotels. There is some anonymity in an apartment - you can come and go as you like and don't have to feel as if you have to be 'on'. We wanted a place in a quiet residential area and I think we've managed to do that - if Google maps is to be believed.

We wanted somewhere central and close to transportation. Check. We'll be able to walk to all of the major sites in 15 minutes if we want or be on the metro in 3 minutes.

We wanted somewhere with a kitchen that would provide us with the opportunity to cook the odd meal. Lots of the apartments we looked at had 'rudimentary' kitchens. Not for us! I can really see us whipping up breakfast or a light dinner in this kitchen.

Paul wanted a washing machine.

Paul also wanted a second bedroom where we could throw all of the 'junk' so it was out of sight and out of mind. We also like a second bedroom for those nights where one of us is tossing and turning and unable to sleep.

I wanted a terrace where I could sip and drink coffee in the morning. I think that this will fit the bill - it doesn't have a view of the Acropolis (that apartment was about $ 1000 MORE - one does pay for the view apparently! LOL) but it will provide us with an opportunity to sit and sip a drink - hot or cold, and watch the world pass us by.

I think that after a fair bit of searching we have a place that we'll be quite happy with!

Now the main thing we have left is for Paul to get his vacation approved at work!

Comments

[Cindy Ruth]

The apartment looks like it will be perfect for the two of you. I can't wait to hear about your trip. One of my friends just returned, and loved it.

[Candi]

I like this apartment. I am all tuned in to your trip as it is a trip I am hoping to take soon. Well, the Athens part anyway. I am glad you decided to stay the whole week in Athens, I think I would do the same thing, it just seems that I take two days at least to realize where I am, and in a big diverse city, one needs time to get oriented and scratch a surface.

[JDeQ]

One of the problems of trip planning is that the excitment builds up in an incredible way! I do not know if I can manage to wait until October now!

I agree Candi - I don't even feel 'comfortable' and as if I know where the heck I am until three days are past as a rule.

[sandrac]

Jerry, that apartment looks great, and what a wonderful price!

I think a week in Athens sounds just about right. I mean, how many people foolishly think they can "do" Rome in 2 or 3 days? A week will give you and Paul time to relax and enjoy yourselves (and do laundry!)

Selfishly (as always) I'm glad to see there is wireless in your apartment so you can blog from there!!

[JDeQ]

Sandra - I haven't told Paul that we'll be lugging the lap top along with us for the ride. I am sure that he will be thrilled by the prospect!