Off the beaten track

Day 8 – Off the beaten track

Athens

Monday, 23 September 2013

We had a late breakfast at Zonar’s, a traditional Athenian cafe, on Aris’ recommendation. It was a nice looking coffee house but the food and service weren’t exceptional. Anthony ordered the continental breakfast which included coffee, orange juice, toasted sandwich and piece of chocolate cake. I had a double espresso and two different kinds of croissant – chocolate and plain. The chocolate croissant must have been heated slightly because it literally oozed everywhere! Recommend going here just for coffees like the locals do as it’s a great place for people watching.

Voukourestiou Street seems to be the business heart of Athens. We walked further down past the Atticus department store where one girl in the makeup counter was doing her own makeup rather than serving customers. On the right were some neoclassical buildings – the Academy, the University of Athens and the national library. The Academy was painted to show you what public buildings would have looked like in 5th century BC.

Anthony navigated us to the central covered produce markets. We saw row upon row of butchers all hawking their wares in the open – beef, chicken, lamb and goat, definitely promoting nose to tail eating. Greeks must love their meat!

There was also lots of fresh fish and less fruit and vegetables.

We then took the metro to Keramikos station and Technopolis which is a museum on the site of the old gas works.

Unfortunately the museum was closed today but we were able to wander around inside the precinct where they were cleaning up after an event.

We then got very lost looking for the Museum of a traditional pottery. When we did find it was closed too! The Roman Agora was also closed – not sure what is going on as the website said they all should be open on Mondays.

By this stage we did need some refreshments so had a late lunch of traditional pork gyros and Greek beer at a local taverna – great for those with a hearty appetite!

Refreshed, we did some souvenir shopping and even found our way back to the shops we wanted to find! Look at this extensive collection of evil eye jewellery – just beautiful!

We went out for a drink in the evening at a place just around the corner from us called 2Mazi. We sat outside in a picturesque courtyard with atmospheric lights like glass jars. Interesting to people watch, particularly the staff. Service was a bit slow with staff more intent on pacing seemingly waiting for their other bookings to show. There seemed to be two hostesses who didn’t do much except stand outside and one waitress and the owner who took orders and delivered the food from the restaurant next door. We had a glass of Greek white wine and bottomless glass of water, followed by a desert and two expressos. Not cheap at 30 euros but food and coffee were both delicious! Pity about the service. Go here for the food and the atmosphere and the service will grow on you!

	Decorated ceiling on the Academy [Map]		Street art [Map]
	Fish at the central market [Map]		Outside the central market [Map]
	Beautiful smell of spices from here [Map]