Athens, Greece? (weather, must see, places, visit)
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I loved Athens and think it's very underrated. New Acropolis Museum is fantastic, as is the national archaeological museum. Roman and ancient agoras, too.
Anyone been there? I'm going for work toward the end of January and will be staying an extra 3 days for some sight seeing. Tell me the must see places that I must check out.
I have to pack for about 10 days so I guess there's no way I'll get by with just a carry on. Any packing tips from seasoned travelers to Europe?
Bretto's bar in Plaka! I mean it's just a bar, but it's awesome inside.
I wish I had time to go to the islands. Particularly Mykonos. I've seen pictures and it's beautiful! Unfortunately there won't be enough time.
Thanks everyone for your input! I'm happy to get any suggestions I can before I go.
If you have time to do some sightseeing in Athens on your work days you may be able to squeeze in 1 to 2 days in Mykonos. It's a party island so if you aren't planning to partake in that, one day would be enough for the highlights. You can fly there quickly and cheaply from Athens or take a ferry. In addition I believe that there are some day cruises that hit some islands, just not the famous ones.
All the above PLUS...be prepared to see lots of CATS. At least on the islands they roam free--I can't recall if it was that way in Athens. Mykonos even had cats roaming the airport! They keep the rodent and lizard population down.
Anyone been there? I'm going for work toward the end of January and will be staying an extra 3 days for some sight seeing. Tell me the must see places that I must check out.
I have to pack for about 10 days so I guess there's no way I'll get by with just a carry on. Any packing tips from seasoned travelers to Europe?
Was there last year. Watch out for pickpockets - they are everywhere!
Certainly the Acropolis is a must see.
All the above PLUS...be prepared to see lots of CATS. At least on the islands they roam free--I can't recall if it was that way in Athens. Mykonos even had cats roaming the airport! They keep the rodent and lizard population down.
All the above PLUS...be prepared to see lots of CATS. At least on the islands they roam free--I can't recall if it was that way in Athens. Mykonos even had cats roaming the airport! They keep the rodent and lizard population down.
I LOVE cats!! They're my favorite! I hope I see a lot of them roaming around. I'm sure there aren't as many cats as there are roosters roaming around Key West and Kauai but hopefully I'll see a few (cats, I mean!).
My son and I are going for 10 days in May as his graduation present. Planning on focusing on Athens proper; we got an apartment there for the duration and plan to learn the bus system (we do this anywhere we go, it's part of the fun!). I can't wait to hear how your trip was!!
I LOVE cats!! They're my favorite! I hope I see a lot of them roaming around. I'm sure there aren't as many cats as there are roosters roaming around Key West and Kauai but hopefully I'll see a few (cats, I mean!).
Here's a a couple of short video about the cats of Greece. There is even a specific breed called the Aegean which is one of the world's oldest domesticated cats.
You will also see a lot of graffiti while on your trip. It was explained to us that because of the flagging Greek economy there is high unemployment in Greece, and people are frustrated with political corruption. The youth express their weariness by marking up the buildings in political/social protest. It's become so out of hand that the police can't keep up with it.
Don't be surprised if you run across a multi-stall UNISEX bathroom. While in Santorini I discovered that I was sharing a restaurant bathroom with a man who was in the next stall over. Also, since the plumbing system is so ancient and fragile, toilet paper is not flushed down the toilet but put in a waste receptacle adjacent to the toilet.
Another thing that surprised me was whenever I ordered a gyro from the souvlaki shops, french fries were automatically folded into the gyro. I wasn't crazy about that idea. Once, I was about to complain and say that I wanted AUTHENTIC GREEK gyro--when I realized that I AM in GREECE and these ARE "authentic Greek" gyros! The next time I ordered gyros I just asked for the french fries on the side and was obliged.
Overall the food is fabulous! You will have a great time!
Thank you so much everyone for the great information! I'm really looking forward to this trip! I think it's going to be amazing!
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