Day 3 – Abu Dhabi to Athens economy class

Athens, Abu Dhabi

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Had time for quick buffet breakfast before leaving the Hotel Intercontinental for our flight to Athens at 09.30.

But that’s when we went from business class to economy! 

No airport lounges for us. On the plane Anthony and I had a two seater so we didn’t have to worry about other passengers but so much less space than business class! Just a small pocket for all our stuff, crammed in with the emergency procedures, flight magazine etc..

Our welcome goodies included a 100 ml pre-packaged water, pre-packaged refresher towel and a one page menu, small pillow in disposable pillow case and a striped blanket, but much less substantial than the business class offering.

I had ordered the seafood menu which came early – fish with vegetables in a tomato sauce and rice, nice seafood salad, real cutlery – nice without being “wow”.

Watched the movie “Trance” on a much smaller screen with the guy from the “Power of One” and “Northanger Abbey” – lots of twists and turns.

Our trip was only four hours but in that time it’s not too hard to remember what longer journeys were like in economy – legs going numb, like dead weights, jiggly legs, not being able to get comfortable.

But amazing views of the Greek coastline as we approached Athens on our downward descent. A smooth landing and here we were in Athens.

It was a bit confusing looking for the metro and when we did find it, it was closed, not sure why. So we backtracked to where the buses were. Tickets on the X95 public bus to Syntagma Square were 5 euro each. A short wait and we were on and managed to stow our luggage and find a seat. However, lots more people were crammed and many had to stand. A very warm ride into Athens – I still had stockings and flight socks and boots so very warm against the window. We were the last stop. A little tricky finding our street but a call to Aris found that we were just across the road.

However, our apartment is far from being the luxury boutique plaka apartment we had expected. 

Instead we have a basement apartment, albeit with modern bathroom and kitchen, and outside eating area, but very cosy platform bed means I have to crawl in to bed and there is no room to swing the proverbial cat in the bedroom space. 

But we are in a fantastic area. The plaka district is walking distance to all the historic sites. And with the windows closed, the traffic noise is but a distant hum.

We’ll be OK but it’s a far cry from business class!

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