Athens, Greece

Parthenon

Athens, Greece
I chose to go to Greece in May because of it was a shoulder season.  There were not a huge crowd, hotel prices were not through the roof, and the weather was very pleasant.  The weather was perfect with it just being a little chilly in the morning and night but comfortable throughout the day.  It got hot walking around during the daytime so dress light but bring a light sweater because sitting in the shades can get a bit chilly.   It was a good time to go because the shops and ferries were open but there were not a huge crowd as it would be in peak season (July-August).  

First Athens University

Taxi fare from the airport to Athens city was a flat rate of 35 euros.  That rate only applied during the daytime.  From midnight to 6am, the standard rate was 55 euros.  There were guys in black suits with black vans that will charge 100 euros.  They claimed to include everything such as luggage and tolls.  Do not be fooled!  A regular taxi did all of these as well for 35 euros.  That was the standard rate regulated by the government.  There used to be a problem a few years back with taxi drivers trying to take advantage of tourists so the government got involved to keep tourists.  Go to the taxi line to get a legit taxi.  It took about 45 minutes to get into the city from the airport.

I spent 5 days in Athens and that was definitely more than enough.  I think 2-3 days in Athens is plenty.  I visited most of the ancient sites in one day and the other times were spent exploring the city.  At the end of the night, Hooka lounges made their appearances and were crowed with people out to have a good time. The city was buzzing with people all throughout the day.  During the day there were all kinds of people going about their business and at night all the young people came out.  There were so many people all the time that I wondered if they ever worked.  

Fresh Hotel
I had such a good time at this hotel that I decided to stay here on my last night as well.  Everyone was very friendly and the hotel was about a 5-10 minutes walk the Acropolis area.  There were other hotels in the area but the Fresh Hotel was a reasonable price at a good distance to where all the activities were.  The hotel was very clean and had a modern touch to it.  Slippers were provided as well as breakfast.  The breakfast was delicious with a wide range of options.  There was a multitude of juice including fresh squeezed orange juice.  Breakfast was buffet style that included both American and Greek traditional breakfast.  The restaurant was on the roof as the pool and lounge chairs that provided a good view of the Parthenon.  On the day I had to go to the airport at 3 am, they packed breakfast that included: orange juice, a ham sandwich, and a boiled egg. 

Acropolis view from Fresh Hotel rooftop

Everyone in Greece was so carefree and laid back.  There was something pleasant about Greek hospitality.  I had a phrasebook to help me communicate some of the basics but everyone there pretty much spoke English.  It was always nice to try to learn the language of the country you are visiting.  It showed respect for their culture and your willing to learn about them instead of just another tourist.  The Greeks were a lot more receptive when I try to learn their language even if I completely messed up the pronunciation.  It also served as a conversation piece and they were more willing to open up.  If you were not able to learn anything, make sure to know "hello (yasu)" and "thank you (efharisto)".  It was just a polite thing to do in any country. 

Greek Orthodox Church

Meat market

Fresh octopus ready to be grilled.

The streets were filled with vendors of all kind.  Bakeries and gelato shops were around every corner.   Gelato was definitely refreshing after a walk around town.  Every gelato shops tried to be innovative in their flavors and it was a lot of fun to try them all out.

Olives! Olives! Olives!

Acropolis
Acropolis was the main attraction and cannot be missed.  You cannot go to Athens and not see the Parthenon.  Partly because it sat on a hill and can be viewed from different locations within the city.  Buy a pass to go to all the ancient sites within the area for 12 euros.  However, you can buy just the ticket to the Parthenon by itself it that was all you desired.  The Acropolis was the main site and after that everything just looked like a bunch of stones.  It was a bit surreal to stand at the very site that existed thousands of years ago and with so much history.  The Acropolis is the center of the city so it was much visible from different locations within the city.  

Acropolis view from Agora

Parthenon

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Theatre of Dionysus

Theatre of Dionysus

Roman Agora

The painting of Jesus on the ceiling of a Greek orthodox church.

A little piece of the island in Athens
Next to the Acropolis was a little section of the city where house and alleyways looked like they were transported straight from the island.  Flowers and plants decorated each house and gave it a special charm. 

Owkieiw
Every single restaurant I visited, everyone was extremely nice and helpful but this one stood out about the rest. There was a live band and the host took us on a tour of their wine cellar.  I bought a two bottles of wine from them and they delivered it right to my hotel so I do not have to walk around with it.  The personal service was superb!