Blogs from Pláka, Athens, Attica, Greece, Europe - page 2

CNN asks: Perhaps you have spent the past few days on a cloud over your forthcoming, well-deserved vacation, and will go back to daydreaming about them as soon as you finish this article. And the truth is that the benefits of a good vacation can be felt even before the trip begins. ... read more

Strikes, protests and demonstrations occur regularly, including at tourist sites such as Syntagma Square in central Athens. Public transport is often disrupted, and the protests can turn violent without warning. Avoid locations where protests are happening, monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities. Syntagma is a major transfer point for the Athens Metro. It is also home to many restaurants, shops, and the famous Varvakios Market, where restaurants and residents buy fresh fish, meat, produce, and spices. It is a favorite area of Athens for almost everyone! More detail: Strikes, protests and demonstrations take place regularly and can turn violent. Rioting can break out with little warning. Avoid affected areas, monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.P... read more

This map makes me feel like I am a real traveler, and that the world is so small. Yet, I have places to go and people to see. And I need to revisit a few, like Helsinki, Reykjavik, and Budapest. My trip in May might be my last to Europe (I keep saying this). I need to refocus on SE Asia, Japan, and South America. Along with a return to Athens to see my Greek brothers, I may also head north to Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, or south to Crete, then up to Slovenia, and the capital city of Ljubljana. After that, maybe Estonia, Slovakia, or Albania. Or maybe all three? I also want to see some of my European friends again, in France, as well as Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, and England. And don't forget Barry ... read more

From Dianne de Guzman of SF Gate: I understand that there can be a weird stigma around eating alone, but that is mostly in one’s head. What dining alone affords you — as I’ve found out over years of being seated solo at tables and bars — is chance. And there’s a lot I mean by that word, “chance.” It could mean an opportunity to meet a person next to you. To linger longer with a bartender and ask questions about the big and small things in drinking (and life). It could also mean just taking a chance to listen, whether that be to your own thoughts or to just bask in the bustle of the city. From my days of business travel, dining alone never bothered me. But wearing a suit while dining versus wearing ... read more

While still hibernating due to Covid, I did manage to have a few memorable meals. The list is quite short. Sea bass at Liondi in Athens (where my Greek brothers work) Saimin at Hamura Saimin in Kauai Chawan-mushi at Edo-Ya in Fresno Moskva Schnitt at Hotel Moskva, Belgrade, Serbia Croatian creme cake in Hvar, Croatia Pork knuckle at Munchener Stubn in Munich 2008 Quinta do Noval Port in Porto, Portugal Chicago beef sandwich at Portillo's, Scottsdale Kauai Kookies at the outlet store in Hanapepe, Kauai Turkish Deelite at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul Lamb chops at Nittaya's Secret Kitchen in Summerlin, NV Singapore rice noodles at New Gold Medal in Oakland Chinatown Chile relleno at Los Sombreros in Scottsdale, AZ Oysters and beignets in New Orleans Croatian barbecued meats on board the cycling cruise ship in Croatia ... read more