Let me kickstart writing my travelogues before I forget! SO overdue!

 

Picking Emirates for a long haul to Athens turned out to be a wrong decision, there was a hidden stopover at Colombo on top of Dubai which made the innocent flight a monstrous one - 18 hours later, we finally reached Athens.

The airport was spartan and very neat, was not too shabby for a country plagued by economic woes. 
 



I was surprised by this help center specially dedicated to lost travelers.




 

We bought train tickets to get ourselves to the city. 


Their train system is relatively easy to navigate. At most stations there are only 2 lines which makes it almost idiot proof.

Accomodation
 
Athens Lotus Hotel
Chiou 9, Athens 104 38, Greece

It was away from the touristy belt, very quiet at night and reasonably near the train station.  

 

My full review up on tripadvisor!
 




Unfortunately, the streets of Athens were not sparkly clean, especially in the neighbourhood I was residing at.  

Sightseeing

There are many ways to explore and of late, I opt for free walking tours. Whilst these are not completely free per se, you tip what is deemed deserving by the end of the tour.  I usually go on these free tours to get a glimpse of the country and decide which specific spots I can return for and spend time exploring on my own.



Athens Happy Tram is great for families and works similar to a Hop on and off Bus.



We were told to meet outside the Acropolis Museum when waiting for our guide. The best thing about this is, there is always a group of people waiting around and somehow or another, we are all waiting for the same guide. 
 


Our guide from the free walking tour! I have already forgotten his name but he is not greek but married a greek so that makes him half?
 
 

Fridge magnets! I wish I started a collection on these to mark my footprints. 
 
 


 




The community dogs are considered national pets in Athens. They are fed and looked after by the residents of Athens. Don't they look incredibly too huge for their own specie? Plus! They are sooo obedient, I cannot imagine my rambunctious fur brother a citizen of Athens...he is likely to wreck havoc!
 


The streets that were seemingly very quiet.

 

We chanced upon a strike! A very friendly and orderly one...
 
 


 
 

Wiki shares more about this heritage site-

A small, byzantine church, which is dedicated to Virgin Mary (Theotokos) "Gorgoepikoos" (feast on October 1st) and Saint Eleftherius of Illyria (feast on December 15th). It is also known as "Mikri Mitropoli", which in greek means "small cathedral". It is located at Metropolis square, next to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. It was built by the bishop of Athens, Michael Choniates, at the start of 13th century. But, according to other historians, the church built at 12th, 11th or 8th century.

Made of marble, it was cold to touch and the inscriptions shed some light on the life back then.
 
 

Monstraiki Square is where all the action is - labels, more archaelogical sites and beware of syndicates.

One of the most prevalent acts by the syndicate is women or men handing out roses and the moment you take one, they start hassling you for money.
 
 

I cannot say the same for balloons though but these were everywhere! Seems like helium balloons are now passe, I spotted these in both Hanoi and Milan.

 
 

This dude, was one I was looking out for.

 
 


The Poet, looking quite like Einstein. Whoops.
 
 

Handmade scandals!
 
 

In the workshop of Melissinos. Next to Jimmy Choo, this is possibly the closest I can get to a celebrity shoe maker. The likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and a number of celebrities swear by their leather ware.
 


Here's us and the descendent of the Poet! Sandals start at 32 Euros a pair - each pair is handstitched and re-sized on the spot to fit your foot. If anything, these are the best souvenirs to indulge in when in Athens!
 
 
Enroute to our Michelin starred dining place.
 



 
Funky Gourmet 

Innovative cooking techniques are showcased and the restaurant has a great view of the acropolis from far. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves during the 2 hour dinner, infact, one that made our honeymoon really memorable. 

 




Hadrian's Library

Hadrian's Library was created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens.

Not much can be seen apart from remains and the definition of library was an empty space. 






 We were actually shown the Acropolis from the Philopappou hill opposite during the walking tour. Worth the while I'd say!












































A trip to Athens is surely incomplete without paying homage to the Acropolis.
 



The hike up would take almost an hour with so many sights along the way and if a bumper tourist crowd is there, expect delays.

 






 
   






 



 


The Acropolis at night is a beauty indeed.

 

Roof top cinemas are a must do in Athens. We were there when the cinemas were closed and truly is a huge disappointment since I was most looking forward to that.

With that, we bade Athens goodbye and headed to Santorini!