Now & Then

We are now on board Flying Cat 6, here in the ferry terminal at Piraeus. After two and a half splendid days in Athens with mythology in our heads and gastronomy in our tummies, we're going to spend the next few days in relative calm in the surrounding islands. We will be heading shortly to Hydra and from there maybe head out to nearby islands.

Our time in Athens this time is all about the view. From dinner to breakfast and all the time in between (mostly walking), we are treated sumptuously with the majestic view of the Acropolis, not least from our excellent hotel, King George.

I was last here over a quarter century ago, with backpack, my then Girlfriend D and her newly graduated university friends. Now, I'm here with D & M, and between us we have over 60kgs of stuff in 3 large and 3 carry on luggage! How times have changed. 

Now, D plans the itinerary with the help of Trip Advisor, a crowd sourced travel portal. Back then, I relied on Lonely Planet, which by the way, still has the best description of places have in store for the traveller, like this ...

Ancient and modern, with equal measures of grunge and grace, bustling Athens is a heady mix of history and edginess. Iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums, lively cafes and al fresco dining – and it’s downright fun.

The historic centre is an open-air museum, yet the city’s cultural and social life takes place amid these ancient landmarks, merging past and present. The magnificent Acropolis rises above the sprawling metropolis and has stood witness to the city’s many transformations.

Post-Olympics Athens, even in the face of current financial issues, is conspicuously more sophisticated and cosmopolitan than ever before. Stylish restaurants, shops and hip hotels, and artsy-industrial neighbourhoods and entertainment quarters such as Gazi, show Athens’ modern.

We didn't wander into Gazi but did navigate our way through Psiri, relying on D's amazing geospatial intelligence. She set us up really well for this trip. The last two days we joined two wonderful tours. The first on the myths of Ancient Greece, all aimed to manage the politics of the day. The second a gastronomic tour, showcasing local favourites like the Topaki and Souvlaki. Both minds and bodies were filled. Now, on to the next stage of our vacation.