'A long time' is not enough to describe the MIA of my updates here, but I guess for me, it's more about writing something worthwhile than to just write for the heck of writing. So, here I am. Yes I'll admit, it's partially because it's pitch black out and another part because everything's closed. Hence, I'd rather call it a day, rest early, and wake up early to do my own tour. Actually, I did book the recommended "Athens Walking Tour", but there weren't enough people for a walk tomorrow, so the owner had to cancel. Disappointed, but I understand. You can't expect them to run the tour with only two people. So, I'll be on my own again. Though, now that I'm a bit more comfortable with the city, it doesn't feel as scary I suppose. All thanks to the CitySightseeing Tour Bus...
Like all the other mornings this past week, I've woken up due to hunger. Before 7am. It would be a heck of an awesome alarm clock if I were back at home in the normal working mode. But no, my body doesn't seem to understand I'm on HOLIDAY, and that I don't need to wake up this early. Then again, it may work to my advantage with everything opening around 8:30am and closing at 3:00pm - yes, I had to find out the hard way when I hopped off at the 'Temple of Zeus" station, only to find it closed. Then, I had to wait 20 minutes in the cold for the next bus to come. Note to self: check closing time before jumping off to avoid 'freezing to death by waiting'.
Back to what I was saying - being forced to wake up before my set alarm, I took my time to pack and shower. Really, I think I'm starting to appreciate showering in the morning. Or maybe it's because it's so cold here - the hot shower is just amazing. Then, socialized while breaking fast hoping to kill more time. Why? Because I can't check into my other hotel before 1pm. So basically, I can't actually go anywhere since I have to check out by noon from Ledra Marriott. So, what did Jessy do? She lazed around her room, called the front desk for a later check-out time, and even managed to take a super short nap. Don't judge - naps are how I power up!
Anyway, when I finally checked out, hopped on a taxi and arrived in front of my hotel for the next couple of days - Kimon Athens Hotel - I fell for another taxi scam - I think. How did I know? I remember peeping over to see the meter at 3.85euros, but when I asked the driver how much, he said 7.50euro. Figuring it wasn't worth the effort to ask - one, I was in foreign territory; two, he was bigger than me - I forked over the money and jetted.
Upon walking in, I realized this was going to be a challenge: the hotel has no elevators. Normally, I don't mind stairs, but when I have a 30kg luggage, I REALLY mind. But, whatever. I'm not that of a princess, and I can take care of my own stuff. So, I hulled it up a floor to the reception without complaint. The lady was super nice, and very helpful. I had mentioned that I will need some assistance with figuring out where to go for what I have left of the day, and she said I best come down before 2pm as her mom will be taking over the front desk. No doubt, this was a family-run hotel. She even remembered my request for a window due to dust allergies - I was quite impressed. Reaching 2:30, I quickly went upstairs - another 2 floors up *faint* - to change and prepare for a day out. Wallet, ID, phone, camera...and no umbrella. Yes, I was forgetful enough to miss bringing an umbrella. Especially when I knew it would be this gloomy weather for these couple of days. I deserve being in the rain for not remembering - no one to blame but me. Oh wells, the show must go on.
(My room for the next couple of days! Not gimongous but enough space for sleep with a cute washroom. Really appreciate the window too - for light & fresh air. Now, I just have to get used to the no-heater state...)
The lady suggested I take the CitySightseeing Tour Bus' Piraeus route today. Actually, I had no plans, but I wasn't interested in going to Piraeus either. Then again, it was probably because I didn't know the place at all. Hence, absolutely no attraction to go. She said that Piraeus Port would be amazing today with this weather. Quite a different scene. Indeed, she couldn't have been more spot on. Although slightly bothered by the coldness, I still enjoyed the view. I could imagine this ride to be very comfortable with the breeze during the summer. Not to say Athens/Piraeus aren't beautiful now - I'm certain every place has its uniqueness through the seasons - but definitely not the best time of the year to come by. Take le sister's advice: Come during Spring/Summer. You wouldn't be boiling hot under the sun, nor would you be freezing your buttcheeks off in the cold. Trust us, between the both of us, we've done both.
Apart from the small pieces of information I've learned over their earplug system, I didn't really take in much of anything today. Maybe it was because I had already prepared for a slow-paced brain-wandering day. Hm, it's even slightly difficult to write down a few things I heard...The port is the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, and is the major dock for Asian Goods into the EU. We also passed by a couple of the 2004 Olympic Games stadiums. Oh, and the last of it's kind battle ship that lasted three wards - Baltic, WWI & WWII. Okay, I did take in more than I thought. Good for me!
After completing both loops - Piraeus and Athens - I was honestly hungry. It was a good thing they have this promotion, 'buy 24hr and get one day free', so I can afford just to cruise today and figure out which stops I would be more interested in hopping off to see tomorrow. It also helped me in getting a better sense of the city - yes, I'm horrible with directions, so this is crucial in my survival for the next couple of days here.
(Acropolis! Now, I can say I've been to Athens...not! It's not enough just to see it. I mean, you can see this thing from a mile away, so in being a proper tourist, I will walk up there tomorrow! It's a must.)
The temperature dropped enough for me to walk back to the hotel for another layer of jacket before heading off to dinner. Prior to leaving KL, I had already sourced a few nearby top-rated restaurants to try in case I don't find anything during my walks. Since I didn't want to go too far, I chose the 5 minute walk 'Makalo'. It was a nice and cozy place, though certainly doesn't feel very 'Greek'. Just like any other independent coffee shop, I suppose. Starving, I simply took what the waiter had suggested, and a good suggestion indeed. Veal topped with bacon covered by a layer of mozzarella cheese piled under a bundle of fettuccine. The flavouring was just right - strong yet not too over-powering. Lemony and cheesy...yum! I'm not normally a coffee-taker, but I thought why not. I could go for a warm latte, and even that was very satisfying. Price was reasonable and service great. I must say, for a very unnoticeable street, this restaurant is a great surprise. I would totally recommend it - if you can find it :)
(There's no name for this dish, but it's one of the top two favourites among the menu. Though, as hungry as I was, I couldn't finish this. For 9.50euro, not bad!)
(Normally, my lattes wouldn't be in glass, so I was a bit surprised. But, it's quite cool to see the gradient of colors...quite pretty on top of being delicious!)
(You could tell this is going to be a special place just by the looks of this decorated wall as their welcome board. If it weren't pitch black, it would have been much easier to find the restaurant with this!)
Now back in my unheated room, and just noticing the time (almost 10pm?!), I shall head to shower and bed. For tomorrow, will be another day of adventure. The weather may not be on my side this time around, but at least I still have control over the things I have control over - my attitude. So, good night from Athens! Wish me luck tomorrow - I'm gonna join the crowd to watch the switching of the guards at 11am. I'm so ready!
Night, y'all.
Peace out from Athens.