We arrived in Athens last night.
When Paul and I mentioned that we were heading to Athens we were warned by many people to not spend more than a day there. It was busy, dirty, polluted, and chaotic. At best, Athens was perfect for a day trip.
We struggled with our plans. We knew that we would be jet-lagged. We knew that we love cities and don't mind the chaos.
We started to list the things we were interested in doing/seeing:
Acropolis
The new acropolis museum
Funicular up Lykavittos at dusk to watch the sun set over the acropolis
National Gardens
Parliament
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Byzantine Museum
Benaki Museum
Pan-Athenian Stadium
Olympian Zeus
Ancient Agora
Roman Agora
Stoa of Attalos
National Archeological Museum
Monastiraki flea market
The Plaka
Psiri
Hanging out in sidewalk cafes, and watching the world go by
Clearly this is not a day trip for us! We shall see how thing go.
It is interesting that our first full day in Athens is also the day of the National elections. While the Greeks invented democracy they certainly haven't experienced much of it in modern history. Somehow it is fitting that we are in the cradle of democracy today when they exercise that right again.
Our trip over the Atlantic was uneventful. KLM was great. We loved Schipol airport and our 5 hours there passed quickly. How could it not with all of the shopping opportunities that presented themselves?
So far we are happy with our apartment. It isn't luxurious by any stretch of the imagination but it is clean, big, and perfect for our needs. If we wanted luxurious we'd have stayed in a hotel and likely paid about 700 euro more for a week than we have.
We didn't do much at all last night other than wander the neighbourhood. So far we know where the local grocery store is, the wine store, and we found a few local restaurants. We're set.
Right now I'm sitting on the terrace of the apartment sipping coffee. The Athenians are heading out on their days and I'm typing away on my lap top. It's a bit noisy and chaotic but a LOT wonderful.
Today we have no firm plans other than to wander the city a bit- a perfect way to spent a Sunday in Athens I think.
Time to wake Paul up. He has been asleep since 9 last night. His cold has returned and I bet he will want to take it easy today. Another reason why Athens isn't a one-day trip! There is no pressure to race about and see it all. What we don't get to today we will get to tomorrow . . . or another day.
Happy Sunday y'all!
Jerry, glad you had a decent trip over. You must be so thrilled - sipping coffee on the terrace sounds marvellous!! I hope Paul's cold doesn't linger - raising my teacup to good health. Have fun wandering around, that is one of the BEST parts of travelling, isn't it?!
Posted by: Anne | October 04, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Say hi to the Acropolis for me. :-D
Have fun exploring the city, and hopefully Paul wakes up with his cold gone!
Posted by: softdrink | October 04, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Taking your time and enjoying the freedom to do nothing but relax. Spoken like a true slowtraveller. Get well soon Paul.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | October 04, 2009 at 05:06 PM
I'm glad your flights to Athens went smoothly and that you are enjoying your first days in a new city. Enjoy!
Posted by: nancyhol | October 04, 2009 at 06:06 PM
It all sounds wonderful, and you are smart to do it your way in Athens, you will be happy with that decision, I can tell. Safe travel about there and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Posted by: Kayte | October 04, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Glad your flights were good. Sitting on your terrace sipping coffee and listening to the sounds of the city sounds wonderful! Hope Paul if feeling better today. Enjoy!!
Posted by: girasoli | October 05, 2009 at 01:22 AM
Glad to hear that you are enjoying your first days in Athens. Hope Paul is feeling better.
Posted by: María I. | October 05, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Yay! I'm excited to hear (and see) more. You're off to a great start, sitting on the terrace sipping coffee!
Posted by: sandrac | October 05, 2009 at 05:29 PM
Poor Paul's cold has come back. He is one of those silly folk who doesn't load up on drugs - were it me I would be popping cold pills like candy. It might be bad but the cold does go away.
jill - we're visiting the acropolis today - I'll be sure and say hi for you!
Guess what i'm doing right now?
Yup . . . sitting on teh terrace, drinking coffee, and watching Athens come alive.
Posted by: JDeQ | October 06, 2009 at 01:31 AM