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Published: October 3rd 2010
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4 hours from Qatar to Athens and we’re in Europe!!! We flew over the Greek islands and my excitement felt a slight tinge of anxiety and nervousness at what I might experience in this amazingly old country. Scott has been to Greece long ago as a small boy, and has some memory of the island of Kos (close to the Turkish border) but for me, it’s a whole new rush of welcoming. We pass quickly through customs into the EU area known as ‘Shengen’ and grab our bags before embarking on the all too easy metro system into Athens and onto our guesthouse in an area called Plaka.
What a wonderful area of Athens this is, only a short walk from many of the famous Athenian sights, the temple of Zeus, the Parthenon, Roman and ancient agora, just a simple walk through the neighbourhood and we find ourselves stumbling upon open digs and ancient villages with still working water-ways. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. Just outside our hostel there are many wonderful restaurants with the most amazing feta cheese I have encountered, and the most flavourful olives Scott has ever tasted (“It feels like my tongue has been burnt by
hot chocolate, in the good way!!”
We spent a day wandering through the Acropolis and many surrounding sights enjoying the old architecture and the breathtaking views from the top of the mountain where the Parthenon lays. A small side journey down an almost invisible trail (not quite sure if we were supposed to be there or not) found us standing among ancient pottery ruins and crumbles of old ‘Elite’ (according to the guidebook) houses of the rich and famous past. Later that night wandering the many small side alleys, or perhaps main roads (it’s hard to tell here) and we find ourselves sitting upon a very romantic city indeed. Who would have though Athens of all places was a romantic city, yet here is lays, in all its modern and ancient glory, pulsing with a vibe one can only describe as love. I’m sure this is not the case from the viewpoint of the entire city, but for us, it is.
One of my favourite days in Athens thus far has been the day we found the best lamb in all of Greece (this title stands to be defended as we have only been here a
week). We went for a walk before dinner and wound up lost underneath the looming shadow of the Acropolis only to stumble upon numerous taverns and local eateries (all with ‘views of the Acropolis which, let’s be honest, practically everyone in Athens has). The food yet again amazes us both in ways we can’t describe.
We also stumbled upon a nice little piece of information that one of our all time favourite bands, The Prodigy, is playing here in Athens in a little less than two weeks, as well as the northern city of Thessaloniki the day after. We were fortunate enough to grab two tickets to the date in the north, and have decided that we would do a road trip through mainland Greece, slowly winding our way up to Thessaloniki in time for the concert. We decided to purchase a tent and camp our way along instead of checking into the (slightly overpriced) hotels around Greece. So we find ourselves with about three days to plan this trip, and are finding the information of the two wonderful gentlemen at our reception indispensable. The cost of the car is quite decent, the gas will most likely get
the best of us, as will the food, but this is an adventure we both feel is well needed. Being able to explore such an amazing country at our own pace is something we have longed for since China, being able to see the countryside, and sights not many tourists are fortunate enough to experience is worth the cost.
So we find ourselves preparing to embark on this Greek adventure. Two weeks on the road, many destinations and cities along the way that we both feel are necessary when road tripping through Greece, and so many delicious meals to partake in. We can’t wait to see what the road has to offer!
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MichaelnFaye
Michael & Faye Johnson
The Prodigy Rock!
Hey guys, I know you've already seen them now so you ALREADY know.... The Prodigy are freakin' ace live. In fact I'd would stick my neck out and say they're one of the best live acts this country (UK) has, I think the music scene is one main things that make me proud to be a brit! I'm sure you had an absolute blast. :-) Safe travels, Mike