Day 9 – The hills of Athens

Athens

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

It’s our second last day in Athens. This afternoon we’re moving to the Hotel Divani for a night before our cruise starts tomorrow. We weren’t sure whether we would take advantage of this free night associated with the cruise but, since being here in our luxury Plaka apartment, we’ve decided that it would be good to have a comfortable bed and breakfast, even though we probably won’t have the same amount of space.

Aris’ apartment has actually been a very good base for accessing Athens’ historic sites, transport, good food and shopping. In fact we’ve managed to walk just about everywhere.

Today we headed out early planning to go to the Acropolis one last time. However, we found that we still haven’t understood the ticketing system because tickets to the Acroplis cost 12 euro, regardless of whether you are seeing one site or all. Shame, but we decided that we didn’t need to see it a third time after all!

Instead we continued back down and then up to the top of Filopappos Hill, or Hill of the Muses. 

This is another great vantage point to see the Acropolis and very quiet at that time of the morning. I don’t think it gets the same number of tourists as the Acropolis but it is certainly worth a visit and doesn’t cost anything.

We then headed back down for an espresso. An expresso with sugar and glass of cold water is really all you need so I was glad that the apple pie I thought I had ordered didn’t materialise. It was nice to sit and people watch on a comfortable cane lounge with red cushions.

Then onto the Athenian Agora for one final leisurely stroll through. This is indeed a hidden gem and one of the must see sights of Athens. The reconstructed Stoa is just beautiful and Anthony got to acquaint himself with the real life version of an area that he teaches about. We finally did get into the Roman Agora but it was quite disappointing, after seeing the Greek Agora. The problem is compounded because the Forum is literally cut by the railway and roads that have been built since.

Decided on an early lunch at the Ithaki restaurant on the recommendation of a Greek gentleman we met by chance last night. We were heading back to our apartment last night after souvenir shopping, and this gentleman just started talking to us and asked us where we wanted to go. I asked for his recommendation for dinner and he proceeded to take us to this cafe. We weren’t hungry then but it turned out to a great choice for authentic Greek cuisine. 

It was quiet still, only 11am, but sitting on comfortable chairs, and at a table with cloth tablecloth and napkins, we ate Cretan salad made with stale bread that had soaked up the olive oil dressing, diced tomatoes and feta, and a few scattered leaves and olives. This was followed by pork moussaka, meat balls and homemade chips, and finally expresso. Melt in your mouth delicious!

Whilst I’ve been writing Anthony is having his customary afternoon rest before we pack up our apartment.

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