The Lady Olive

I was really sad to leave Santorini but excited for the last two days of our trip in Athens.  I have always loved big cities-Madrid, New York and Chicago are some of my favorites. There is so much to see and do in a big city.  I especially love the people watching-imagining life stories of tourists and locals alike.

As much fun as Santorini was, we were truly beat by the time we arrived in Athens. I reached deep into my energy reserves and pushed through our last two days! We arrived at The Athens Gate Hotel around 10 a.m., conveniently located in the historic district of Athens, right across from the Temple of Olympian Zeus!

 

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We were greeted with ice cold water and snacks. Perhaps we looked like we needed it!

We threw down our bags and got ready for the Acropolis, which is walking distance from the hotel. On our way, I smelled the most intoxicating scent. I have a pretty good sense of smell and I was determined to find out what it was. I looked to my right and saw a rosemary bush. It was incredible! It made me want to have a rosemary bush of my very own.

The Parthenon was breathtaking.

There was a lot of scaffolding

The Erechtheion

View of the Parthenon from our hotel

After the Acropolis, we took a short metro ride to Syntagma Square. We quickly lost steam, but stopped for some chicken and beef kebobs for lunch.

After lunch, we had no choice but to take a nap. I thought I would have a drink at the rooftop bar, but slowly started to fall asleep at a table and decided to go in.

That night, we had dinner with John Paul’s family that lives in Athens.  His cousin Yiannis drove three hours just to surprise him! True cousin love!

At Tou Steki Tou Ilia

We feasted on lamb chops and the best tzatiki I’ve ever had!

Our parea (Greek for party/gathering)

JP and his cousins Yiannis and Panos at the end of the night

Our last day was for shopping. I had not bought a single souvenir yet! We walked around the street market called Monastiraki for several hours. I found some really great items and bargained quite a bit!

I loved walking around  the back streets and found the most gorgeous apartments and greenery!

Post shopping lunch. I never knew the Greeks were so into French fries. Greek salad and white wine with every meal.

For dinner we went to Tou Psaras in Plaka-a tavern known for its seafood and rooftop view.

We ordered the whole grouper which our waiter deboned right in front of us and poured lemon butter sauce all over.

Demolished

And we finished our meal with the best loukamades I’ve ever had with vanilla ice cream. DECADENCE.

I’m lucky to have such an outgoing and personable husband. Our waiter took a liking to us and presented us each with a shot of tsipouro. Basically the equivalent of moonshine.

Do you see the fear in my eyes?

Reaching for my water as a chaser.

Sporting all my new goods. Zara pants, Zara top and Greek leather shoes from Monastiraki market.

On our walk home, JP used his calling card to call his sweet great grandmother in Charlotte who just turned 101!

We made it to the airport the next day for our 8 a.m. flight back to Charlotte. I was so sad to leave and I can’t wait to go back. I may have even shed a tear-but that is the norm for me when it comes to traveling. I LOVE IT!

I hope you enjoyed following my Greece adventure and much as I enjoyed sharing it with you!

xo