Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

After a short, pleasant flight in dream weather, we landed punctually in Athens. I could hardly believe that after almost 35 years, I was finally back in this beautiful city.

We quickly found the subway, which took us directly to the city center. There was our nice, small hotel. We had booked an apartment with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, balcony, and pool.

When we arrived at the hotel, the reception was unstaffed. However, there was an envelope with our name on the counter, containing the key.

We immediately liked the apartment

The living room was very spacious. There was a dining area and a sofa that could be converted into a double bed. That’s where my son slept.

From the living room, you could also access the small balcony, from which we had a great view of the street.

The bedroom was also large, featuring a double bed and a wardrobe

The kitchen was equipped with everything one might need. The best part was, of course, the refrigerator. Athens is very hot in August.

The surprise awaited us in the bathroom—a whirlpool!

Since we hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, our stomachs were already growling

Near the hotel, we discovered a small taverna where we ordered sandwiches, wraps, and salad

In a supermarket, we stocked up on drinks, which we placed directly in the refrigerator

Then we rested a bit by the pool in the hotel's courtyard.

In the evening, we headed to the old town. In just a few minutes, the subway took us to Monastiraki, one of the liveliest districts of the city.

As soon as we surfaced, we saw wonderful ancient buildings right in the shopping area. This mix of past and present was something special.

We strolled through the alleys, repeatedly catching glimpses of the Acropolis.

We chose a restaurant and ordered pitas filled with meat and salad, accompanied by cool wine, and afterward, a glass of ouzo was a must—perhaps even two.

To conclude, we walked through the shopping street Ermou. Although all the shops were long closed, many people were out and about, strolling along the street, sitting in the cozy restaurants and cafés, and enjoying the mild evening just like us.

We treated ourselves to an ice cream in an ice cream parlor.

Then it was time to return to the hotel. At the end of the shopping street, at Syntagma Square, we took the subway. There was also a beautifully illuminated fountain. The city had completely captivated me on the very first day.