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Writer's pictureashleyrwhite259

ATHENS, GREECE (Week 11 - Part I)



QUICK LOOK:

Location: Dafni

Main Attractions: Acropolis, Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill), Plaka, Monastiraki Square, Hadrian’s Library, Arch of Hadrian, Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athens Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens National Garden, Zappeion Hall, Temple of Olympian Zeus

Transportation: Walking, Metro

Holidays: Dad’s birthday, Tax Day (America)


ATHENS (Αθήνα) - Ancient ruins, delicious food, warm weather, and gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea. These were just a few of the things Greece had to offer. However, our trip to Greece marked another very important event for us—the arrival of my parents. Yes - Mama and Papa Muangmaithong were joining us!


We decided to stay outside of the city center for less crowds and more space. We found a place in Dafni—a suburban neighborhood just south of Athens’ city center. We absolutely adored our place. It was an actual house (not an apartment), so we had more space and even our own private area in the back of the home. It was also nice for our girls to not have to worry about playing too loudly. We were only 10 minutes from the Metro, restaurants, small shops, and a playground. Since we purchased a 5-day unlimited pass for the Metro, we used it often. Plus, walking in 75- to 80-degree (Fahrenheit) temperatures tired us out more quickly.


Our first day, we ventured toward Plaka—a popular Athenian neighborhood at the base of the Acropolis. As you wander through it’s narrow streets lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and jewelry stores, you can catch glimpses of the Acropolis and find various ancient ruins. Our first run-in with history was after our lunch at Karyatis Cafe (our first Greek meal) when we came across Hadrian’s Library. After getting a delicious (and inexpensive) juice at Xymopoieio (please don’t ask me how to pronounce that), we followed a set of train tracks to the Ancient Agora of Athens. That evening, we ate at Moma (where the girls and I ate every bite of our sea bass) with the Ancient Agora as our backdrop.


The next day, we headed to the Athens National Garden after a delicious brunch at Folk. We were surprised to find adorable little green monk parakeets amongst the many orange trees. In the gardens was Zappeion Hall, an exhibition hall built in the 1880s for the first modern Olympics. After letting the girls frolic through the orange trees for a little, we headed toward the station. It so happened that, on our way to the station, we stumbled upon more ancient ruins, including the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It’s quite the sight to see such ancient ruins being preserved in a big city. On our way home, we picked up food from 24ωρο. Honestly, if we were in Athens longer, this would have become our go-to restaurant. It was delicious!


The third day was our big Acropolis day and the girls were very excited. To them, this was like climbing the “mountain” in Budapest (you might remember their climb to the Citadella in our Budapest post) since they had missed the climb in Kotor (yes - they, as well as Brad, still bring that up). We planned for a climb in the afternoon hoping it would be less crowded. It was definitely less crowded, but it was also quite hot that afternoon. We sweated our way up to the Acropolis (thankfully, we filled up at Kafeneio in Plaka prior to our hike) and it was worth it. Seeing the Parthenon, Erectheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and other ancient icons was surreal and the view from the top was stunning. After the hike back down, we rewarded ourselves with unique-flavored gelato at DaVinci Gelato. It would be an understatement to say that the girls were happy about their treat. Later that evening, Brad and I went back out on a date night hike to Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill) where it is said that Paul preached to the Athenians. We sat amongst many others waiting to catch the stunning view of Athens and the Acropolis at sunset, and it was worth it.


Our final day, we took it very easy. The only time we went out of the house was to the nearby park (it was cooler that day). Otherwise, we stayed in and packed and played.


 

TRAVEL DAY - the next morning was travel day. We woke up around 05:30 (the girls have gotten really good at being flexible with travel days) prepared to make the trek to the airport. However, when we got to the train station, it appeared closed. Thankfully, there was an employee inside that was able to tell us there was a strike. Not just a city strike, but the Panhellenic General Strike. Trams weren’t running, buses ran only at certain times, and even taxis and Ubers weren’t running. You can imagine that, at this point, we were quite shocked (how did we miss this in the news?!) and scrambling to figure out what to do. After multiple prayers and several attempts of contacting taxi companies, Ubers, and our rental host, we decided to walk to another main street back toward our rental when we noticed some taxis with people inside. Seeing that made us hopeful that some taxis were not following the strike (I know that is a bit selfish on our part), so Brad tried Uber one more time. To our surprise, one was available. Unfortunately, we had six persons to get to the airport. My dad offered to pay extra and the driver kindly said yes but warned us of the 5000€ fine if we were stopped by the police. We quickly accepted the risk and hopped in. An hour later, we made it to the airport. The driver didn’t charge us extra, but we gladly paid double. An answer to prayers.


That morning was definitely an eventful way to end our trip in Athens and a good reminder that Athens is more than it’s historical, political, and philosophical influence. It is a place of kindness, family, and making everyone feel at home. We parted ways with the city thankful for all the history, food, and beauty it had to share with us.


Αντίο (adío)!



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2 Comments


regency1953
Apr 21, 2024

Loved seeing your parents, Ashley. Loved seeing the sights; always wanted to since teaching World History. Travel seems to agree with all of you despite minor setbacks. We miss all of you. Blessings as you continue on your family adventure.

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Guest
Apr 21, 2024

Hi! Goes to show there will always be unplanned things along the way. But with prayer and good people the impossible becomes possible. I’m glad your journey in Greece provided the uphill adventure Brad and the girls so longed for! Wishing you and the family the very best! Safe travels!

-Ana T

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