Archeology, Artifacts and Accessories(!) in Athens
Thursday 25 May – one day in Athens so we have to make the most of it. Luckily both Geoff and I have been here numerous times so there was no pressure to tick off lots of sights in one day, we were able to make a more leisurely day of it, and that we did!
We arrived on the ferry from Poros – typically Greek and disorganised – everyone trying to get off at once, some like us with lots of luggage, whilst at the same time the ferry company was allowing people to embark – one guy coming towards me with a bicycle if you please – all on the same gangplank! Anyway, we made it through the chaos and into a taxi and after getting through the traffic, arrived at our hotel. Couldn’t be in a better location – right in the centre of Plaka, (Πλάκα), the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. Plaka is a labyrinthine of winding streets and is known as the “neighbourhood of the Gods’ due to its proximity to so many archaeological sites.
We dropped off our heavy, and getting-heavier bags, and headed straight out into the sunshine. It’s such a vibrant area and we didn’t want to waste a minute. First stop though was a post office, and fortunately there was one just around the corner. We have so much to lug around and ahead of us a lot more travel to negotiate, including on and off numerous trains, Geoff has decided to post some stuff back to Auckland (including a beautiful clock that is perfect for Salanjo!). He bought a box to fill up and we dropped it back to the hotel. (On a side note I have also reserved 2 x 32kg extra baggage to check-in for our flight to Paris so we can fill our original hand baggage with all our heavy gear!!!!!). Back out and a wonderful walk around a cobbled pedestrian street, whoa….the shopping!!!!! Of course we indulged – well why not, we are getting rid of a boxful and have extra weight to use on the plane!!!!!! I managed to buy a few nice pieces of clothing, and yet another handbag I probably don’t need and Geoff also made a few purchases – we just couldn’t resist!
First sightseeing stop was the Greek Parliament House on the northern side of Syntagma Square next to the National Gardens, built between 1836 and 1842 it was originally a Royal Palace for the Greek kings, however in 1909 a fire caused great damage and it had to be restored. When the monarchy was abolished in 1924 it was used as a hospital, and when the monarchy was restored 5 years later the royals never returned and moved to the current Presidential House. Unlike peaceful Poros there are lots of tourists around here but we managed to get a few half-decent photos.
Next stop was the Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, known as the Mitropoli which is the cathedral church of the Archbishop of Athens. Built in 1842 – it is a beautiful building with the most stunning interior, so many lavish silver and gold religious icons and a stunning domed ceiling. The impressive statue of Archbishop Damaskinos, the Archbishop of Athens during World War II graces the square outside. There is one whole street near this Cathedral and all the stores just sell religious vestments and gold and silver chalices and religious “accessories”.
Conveniently next to this were some beautiful Greek cafés and restaurants, and as it was nearing cocktail hour and sunset, we decided to treat ourselves – bubbles for me and wine for Geoff, accompanied by a plate of dolmades and tzatziki with bread, and some very nice Greek music courtesy of a nearby talented busker.
We were keen to get up a little higher to enjoy the sunset so made our way to the famous Adrianou street, which has a good number of restaurants along the narrow street and up the steep stairs leading towards the Acropolis. Plenty of music coming from each restaurant and a really vibrant atmosphere, we walked as high as we could until we ended up on a great viewing platform and managed to get some fabulous photos. Back down and we couldn’t resist another pre-dinner drink on a rooftop bar, again with fabulous views, before we settled on one of the restaurants on the stairs and enjoyed our final dinner of Greek specialities.
It was a day well-spent, and fun just wandering around with no timetable to adhere to, just pleasing ourselves, and we certainly did.
Thanks Athens, it was very short, but very sweet. Next up Paris!!!