Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Regarding ATHENS. I was just reading some old threads on the skyscrapers forums. It appears that Athens basically did a 'facelift' in the last 10 years. They basically put a lot of money into Plakas (their downtown area), their subway, etc.
Anyway, it shows. I mean, it's not amazing or anything. But, I was expecting pretty much nothing. It's just a normal tourist center with tons of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, all lined up and down the street...for blocks upon blocks. Basically everything you need to have a nice evening out, or a good afternoon walking around.
The tourist sites were a bit laborious to walk around and see. They were interesting, but not necessarily fascinating or compelling, but certainly fine to see.
Lastly, the FOOD was incredible. So much good Greek food to be had in Athens. It was great to have it as the source, and tasted even better than I had imagined it might.
So...you don't think wandering around the birthplace of Western Civilization is fascinating or compelling? I'm going to definitely have to disagree with you on that. I don't think I've ever been anywhere where I could eerily feel some sort of ancient connection to the past as I could in Athens. Maybe it was because it was spring and the flowers were in bloom but I was expecting to walk across a Dionysian orgy at any moment. Delphi was also spectacular.
We can definitely agree on the food though. You can't argue with a gyro and a huge Greek salad for 5 euro. All the produce porn at the local markets was enough to drive me crazy.
I agree with the OP. When I visited Greece 2 years ago I too was overall impressed.
I remember from the airport it was easy to get a cab to my hotel in Athens, which happened to be located a long a beach. I checked in to the hotel and hit the city almost immediately. Just jumped on to one of their light rail things they have and took it toward Syntagma square. Very clean, safe, and well-run. I remember gazing out the window at all the churches and just the overall "look" of the city and kind of had to pinch myself like "omg, I'm literally in Athens, Greece right now"...
The city itself was interesting. Despite the graffiti everywhere (seems like a lot of European cities just tolerate graffiti, it's just part of urban living, I guess). . They had good shopping, GREAT food. The gyro's were the best...fresh and affordable AND delicious. ..
Beautiful city.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
