Athens in the Fall


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Europe » Greece » Attica » Athens » Pláka
September 4th 2014
Published: September 13th 2014
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Landmark Church in Busy CourtyardLandmark Church in Busy CourtyardLandmark Church in Busy Courtyard

A whole range of coffee shops, cafes, bars, bakeries and clothing shops are located around this church. Buskers entertain with dancing, instruments and singing - sounds a lot like Hay Street Mall - only in Greek language.
The journey from Perth to Athens takes 24 hours with a 7 hour stopover in Doha. We were greeted in Athens by a warm young lady with a happy welcome to Athens communicating confidence that ‘everything has been taken care of’ for the transfer to the Palace Electra Hotel. It was close to dusk and just time for a quick walk through the narrow streets and laneways around the hotel before it was time to call it a day and catch up on much needed sleep.

Two glorious days of shopping and revisiting favourite locations from our previous trip to Athens called us to wakefulness well before the early sunrise. I discovered that I needed to adjust to the rhythm of Athens. Forget early morning gym and swim – these open at 9:00am. Breakfast is a relaxed hour long event of sipping coffee, chatting and catching up of emails and Facebook. The highlight of our two day visit was the time spent on the rooftop looking over the Acropolis. where we enjoyed swimming in the pool, chatting with other guests, cocktails by the pool and then a leisurely dinner with newfound friends from Australia. We shared laughter and stories over
Close Up Changing of the GuardsClose Up Changing of the GuardsClose Up Changing of the Guards

A rare and special shot showing the facial expressions of these guards.
Santorini wines, local beer, crayfish linguini, Greek salad and pistachio ice cream.

One of my favourite landmarks is Parliament House and the changing of the guards. Young soldiers stand statue still as a symbol of their watchfulness over democracy. Each hour new soldiers step up to take over

Our stay in Athens was wonderful. We felt safe and welcomed but also noticed that Athens seemed a touch weary. Thousands of travellers have trod the narrow pathways and the ancient ruins throughout the summer months. Thousands of Greek people have served, nodded, smiled and spoken in English, French and German. They seem ready to retreat to enjoy the quiet of their ancient city, but there is a new wave of low season travellers demanding their attention.


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Changing of the GuardsChanging of the Guards
Changing of the Guards

I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to get this wonderful shot apart from the crowds of tourists
First Outing with my New HatFirst Outing with my New Hat
First Outing with my New Hat

This photo is for all loved ones and colleagues who have mercilessly nagged me to ensure I wore a hat in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Frozen Yogurt and Warm Greek HospitalityFrozen Yogurt and Warm Greek Hospitality
Frozen Yogurt and Warm Greek Hospitality

Food served by a warm, vibrant young shop owner and eaten while relaxing in a busy café laneway under the shadow of Acropolis.
Cool Retreat from Bustling CityCool Retreat from Bustling City
Cool Retreat from Bustling City

We had walked through numerous laneways packed with tourists searching for souvenirs and with locals going about their daily affairs. We had clicked endless photos and viewed the contents of dozens of shops. We were weary and then there was this! Just off the busy tourist laneway this quiet café where only Greek was spoken and the food traditional. It was a treasure.
Shops under the Shadow of the Ancient RuinsShops under the Shadow of the Ancient Ruins
Shops under the Shadow of the Ancient Ruins

There were so many delightful laneways such as this. Hectic with traffic and pedestrians and then at the end of the street the profile of some ancient building.
View from the Rooftop Swimming PoolView from the Rooftop Swimming Pool
View from the Rooftop Swimming Pool

This view captures the essence of Athens for me with the timeless ancient structure overlooking a eclectic mix of traditional and modern city.
Swimming under the AcropolisSwimming under the Acropolis
Swimming under the Acropolis

This once in a lifetime opportunity captured my imagination when I first saw the Palace Electra advertised on Booking.com. The experience exceeded all expectations.
Rooftop Resturant Food PicsRooftop Resturant Food Pics
Rooftop Resturant Food Pics

This award winning restaurant certainly delivered on fresh interesting ingredients and top class service
Rooftop Resturant Under AcropolisRooftop Resturant Under Acropolis
Rooftop Resturant Under Acropolis

We made friends with this couple from Sydney earlier at the swimming pool and decided to share a meal at the rooftop restaurant.
Piraeus Port AthensPiraeus Port Athens
Piraeus Port Athens

On the ferry boat getting ready for departure to Sifnos.


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