A Day in Athens

Sunday 22 June

Goodbye Santorini

Sadly we said goodbye to Santorini this morning but so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit this stunning island and to enjoy the Greek hospitality which we found everywhere on our travels.  Our flight to Athens was very quick and by lunch time we were back at our hotel, Divani Caravel, in downtown Athens with the rest of the day to explore the city.  Jess flew back to London from Santorini (via Oslo, strangely enough).
Caroline and I took a short cab ride to the district of  Monastiraki and arrived at the Square which is the location of the flea market - but not today.  It is in the old part of Athens and nestles beneath the Acropolis.

Monasitraki District of Athens

 Being Sunday there were not many shops open but we wandered the streets and found a nice shady square with lots of restaurants - somewhere good to have lunch.  Again on Lisa's recommendation we chose to eat at the Thanasis souvlaki restaurant and what a good choice.  The place was full of Greek families and we sat outside on the shady square enjoying the best souvlaki in Athens (apparently!).

Yummy Souvlaki, Thanasis Restaurant, Monasitraki

After this delicious lunch we walked a few more streets and eventually reached the equally famous Plaka district which is also below the Acropolis and very old - just a few centuries, not ancient Greece like the ruins above us.  The Plaka is full of shops and restaurants and tourists.

Main squaare, Monasitraki

We had a bit of a browse but by now our energy was flagging a little so we eventually returned to the hotel to pack and rest, ordering room service for dinner.
I left the hotel at 8 am the next morning to catch my flight to Paris and Caroline had the whole day to meet up with a friend and see a bit more of the city before her evening flight to Amsterdam.  Apparently I will see her again in London in three weeks time (after she has been to Bali!).
I have loved my two weeks in Greece - the ancient sites the mountains, the lovely countryside, the hospitable people, the beaches, the islands - such variety!  Thanks to Lisa for making our trip so easy and fascinating and thanks to my fellow travellers for being such great companions.  My wish is that life will become easier for all those Greek people who have suffered during the financial crisis of the past few years and that Greece will prosper in the future.

Lisa and some of the group in Athens