GET US TO THE GREEK
Just hearing the word ‘Athens’ con jours up images of ancient ruins, men wearing toga dresses and dolmates. And that’s fair enough, because these three things put Athens on the map. We got to Athens and dumped our bags and went out to explore immediately. Kez has always had a fascination of ancient Greece and the Acropolis was high on the gender, followed by the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. We checked out all three and were blown away at the sheer ingenuity and size of these marble structures that are literally THOUSANDS of years old. The Acropolis stands boldly at the top of a hill which proudly overlooks the whole of Athens and the view from the top is incredible. All of the temples and ruins are so close to each other, it was easy to imagine how the ancient city used to be and the grandiose lifestyles that were led (providing you weren’t a slave!). After we met our monument quota, we strolled back to our accommodation, which was a mere 5 minutes away, and freshened up to head out. Our hotel was in a pedestrian alley which was riddled with traditional tavernas, budget busting jewellery stores and ice creameries so it was a challenge in itself to decide on where to dine. We eventually settled on a beautiful outdoor taverna with a vine covered courtyard that served traditional Greek cuisine at prices lower than low. Ice cold beers were served alongside loads of Tzaziki, grilled haloumi, fresh Greek salad, dolmates and lamb souvlaki and eventually Snickers Gelato. All Michelin Star worthy – especially the latter. The clincher was when the power to the whole street went out and we were immediately surrounded by candles flickering all around us, a magical little moment for the hopeless romantics. Once we finished, we checked out a few cute little bars, sat out the front gate of the Acropolis whilst it was lit up walked and eventually retired for the evening in order for a super early start the following morning. Next stop: Santorini!
WIN:
Greek cuisine is on par with Mexican in our opinion. Even better when it’s served by Zorba himself.
FAIL:
Not having limitless funds to shower my beautiful, hilarious, adorable wife with Grecian gold.
NOTABLE NOTES
EAT: Pretty much all of the tavernas offer great food at super cheap prices. Of course you have to have the traditional fare like dolmates, grilled haloumi, moussaka etc. Around $30 dinner for two and a few coldies.
DRINK: Our preferred bevvy was locally brewed Alfa which is only about $2 schooner. And you can pretty much bank on a complimentary glass of Ouzo although it’s free for a reason!
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