ATHENS - THE
BUSTLING – BUBBLY CAPITAL OF GREECE
By: Chrystall Karras
Athens, the capital of
Greece, is surely a city bustling with life, filled with people with a joy for
living. This is what one sees and feels
when visiting Greece.
Though it’s going through
tough times financially, this is most definitely not a deterrent for Greeks to
have a good time. It’s in their
blood! It’s in their culture! They are a fun loving, hospitable people who
know how to survive and make the most of what they have! Mind you, I truly believe that the best
things in life are free; love, companionship, friends, strolls on the beach,
hikes up the beautiful mountains, etc.
Greeks are a very warm,
good-natured people who appreciate the fact that out of so many destinations,
your choice was their country – their “bleeding” (for now) country! Though things look tough, most Greeks have
that positivity in their blood – it flows and stretches a smile on everyone’s face. They’ll just say, “Echi o Theos” (God will
provide) and just carry on. Every summer,
a new hope for an increase in the flow of tourists is expressed and it never
fails to happen; people all over the world love and appreciate the beauties of
this God blessed and sun-kissed country.
Welcome to Greece! Kalos Irthate!!!
HOW TO GET AROUND
Just arrived at
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport!!!
Now what? The easiest thing to
do, is to grab one of the yellow cabs lined up just outside the terminal. A smiling ‘cabby’ will be all too willing to
show you around this beautiful city – The city of Athens!!! They usually speak a bit of English, however,
language has never been an issue with Greeks – body language and a smiling face
does the trick. Be sure to agree on the
fare to your destination beforehand – to be forewarned is to be forearmed! If you are not willing to pay for a cab,
the bus or the metro - the Greek subway
– is your next best choice, fast, clean
and above all, safe! The Metro station
is at the airport – just follow the signs and there you are. The fare is relatively cheap and you’re in
the city centre within the hour.
Transportation is comparatively cheap in Greece, however, once you’re in
Athens, the best way to see everything is to walk – so make sure you bring
along a pair of comfy shoes!
WHERE TO STAY
A five star hotel in
Athens, is a five star hotel!!! The
hotel ranking system in Europe is quite strict, with so much competition. There are a number of choices – in downtown
Athens, where a view of the Acropolis is a must, or along the coast, if you are
a beach lover and are mostly interested in baking in the Grecian sun – going
back home to show off your bronze tan!
Prices are relatively reasonable and you can get the best bargains ever
if you shop around. Whatever you choose,
make sure that the city centre is easily accessible either by public bus, tram,
metro or even better – the hotel’s shuttle bus.
WHERE TO EAT
You just have to sit
at one of the many traditional tavernas in Plaka! Plaka is at the foot of the Acropolis hill. At the top, there is the temple dedicated to
the goddess Athena – the Parthenon! A
walk around the Plaka – what is also called, the old city of Athens – through
its many narrow streets, packed with stores selling souvenirs to take
home. A walk along Lyssiou Street and
Mnisikleous will really whet your appetite as you see tiny tables along the
sidewalks, with people enjoying traditional appetizers, called mezé.
At the end of
Mitropoleos street, after you have gone past the main Orthodox Cathedral, you
come to “Thanassis” – this is the best souvlaki and kebab place in town!!!
If you’re looking for
something more upscale – the area of Kolonaki, at the foot of the Lycabetus
hill, would be your choice. Not as
traditional as Plaka, but also a great place for lunch or dinner. The many small restaurants in Kolonaki square
and Milioni Street will satisfy your hunger and give you the energy required to
carry on with your sightseeing. Finish
off with a cup of coffee at the many coffee shops at the square and enjoy some
people watching – Kolonaki is where one goes to see and be seen – the area with
all the designer stores where the rich and famous prefer to do their shopping.
NATIONAL CUISINE
Greek cuisine is
adored by all! It is based on the
Mediterranean diet, being healthy and balanced.
Try ntolmades – vine leaves stuffed with a rice filling, mousaka –
layers of egg-plant, potatoes and mince, topped with a rich layer of béchamel
sauce, souvlaki in pitta bread and gyro – a yummy choice for either lunch or dinner. It’s the Greek speciality! Try having some retsina with that. Retsina
is a white wine flavoured with the resin excreted from pine trees. Of course if you are a fish lover, then go
for some fried calamari or squid and small fried fish at one of the many fish
tavernas in the area of Microlimano and enjoy a couple of glasses of ouzo!
You can’t leave
Greece without trying the famous baklava sweet and a cup of aromatic Greek
coffee!
WHAT TO SEE
Athens is rich with
monuments and museums! The new Acropolis
museum is a must! It is just under the
Parthenon and the view from it is spectacular – you feel as though you could
just stretch out your hand and touch the ancient pillars of this glorious
temple made to honour the goddess Athena.
Make sure you have at least two hours to spend at the museum and if you
have not made arrangements for a guide, no need to worry, there are certified
guides available right there.
The Temple of Zeus is
at the entrance of the old city of Athens – right there is also Hadrian’s Arch,
welcoming visitors to this wonderful historic city. A short walk away, is the original Olympic
Stadium – also called the Kallimarmaro – where the first Olympic Games took
place in 1896.
Too hot? Need a breather? Take a stroll through the National garden –
used to be the Royal garden way back when Greece was ruled by Kings and
Queens! Now, it is appreciated by the
public.
The Houses of
Parliament at Syntagma Square is a definite stop. Watch the changing of the guard, performed
with such grace and perfect precision.
Take photos next to the efzones guarding the tomb of the “Unknown
Soldier”.
NIGHT LIFE
When people around
the globe tuck themselves into bed … that’s when the Greeks get into the
shower, dress up and go partying.
Bouzoukia, clubs, bars, theatres – the choice is yours! Most of the clubs are in the Gazi area and
along Posidonos Avenue – on the coast. After
an evening of fun and dancing at one of the many clubs, one does not go home –
they go to an “After”, that’s where they’ll drink a couple more and “sober
up”. It’s a city bubbling with the joy
of life and fun!!! The many clubs in
Athens play mostly English music, however, Greek music is played after 2:00am,
putting everyone on the dance floor – after a few glasses of alcohol, just
everyone can swing and dance!
