Dear Pipsqueaks,
A fitting summary of today: Never been hungry. To say, I literally ate from wake till now. That's definitely a record of some sort for me as I don't normally eat so much. Then again, how can one turn down local food when traveling? You can't. So, you eat till you drop. That's what I did anyway.
The morning began with a call to the front desk to order breakfast - Greek Island style - while I brushed up and got dressed. The reason I was slightly rushed was because the meeting point for this Athens Food Tour meets at Panepistimio, the next station from Syntagma Square at 9:15am, and I wasn't too sure how far it really was. It didn't help that the breakfast didn't arrive until just past 8:30am, so I practically gulped down the whole thing. Can't say I was impressed with the breakfast, but I think after the food tour, I understand why.
Following the suggestion of the front desk lady, I sped-walked there in less than 15 minutes from the hotel. See what we're capable when we're under pressure - yes, I didn't want to be the last one there. It's almost as awkward as being the last one to board the plane with everyone glaring at you while you find your seat. Anyway, I believe I was the first one there, and as soon as everyone gathered, we kicked off the tour. We stopped at various places around the area and tried out all sorts of things. I don't want to go into detail what we tried because it's really an experience to...well, experience! Truth be told, I would never go and find these sorts of food on my own. One, I wouldn't know what to look for. Two, I wouldn't know which place is more "authentic". Just to make things easier, the tour was the best decision.
Aside from munching here and there, our tourguide - Despina - narrated a very different story of Athenians, or Greeks, from what I thought I knew. Actually, it would be impossible to jot down every little piece of interesting fact she had mentioned today simply because there were so many! That's one thing I like about tours - you get to learn all these not-in-the-textbook kind of things that actually paint a better picture. Apparently, Greeks don't take breakfast, and those that do consider coffee and a cigarette as breakfast. That explains why mine felt so foreign - because it doesn't actually exist!
Greeks also have a very distinct separation of meal times. No breakfast - so coffee and some sort of "munch" (Despina would kill me for using anything else than the proper Greek word for it, but I can't remember what is it. But, it's equivalent in my understand to what a munch is anyway) before lunch, which is typically from 1pm-5pm. Yes, you read it correctly. 1pm-5pm is lunch. Then, dinner is about 9pm onwards. Of course, coffee fits in all day.
Oh! When locals say, "let's have a drink", it actually means "let's go for a chat/talk". That's quite refreshing to hear that because that was what I normally did with my friends back in Vancouver. Mostly, we go for drinks just to catch up or hang out. The 'talk' is first, and the 'drink' is second. Quite exciting to learn that I'm agreeable to Greeks. Another thing to remember is that Greeks would never go out unless they have the time to burn. It's such a laid back lifestyle that if you didn't have the time to spend, people would rather you stay home. Lastly, they always share the bill equally. It doesn't matter what you ordered or whether you ordered. It's an unspoken social rule that you pay up. Why? Because, it's spending time together. So, everyone spends. I guess in a very logically way, that makes sense. Despina puts it, "Well, we all have to listen to your problems, so that's fair." Certainly a perspective I never saw, but makes total sense.
Lots of things! Just take the tour. Despina, co-owner of the Athens Walking Tour, is a very knowledgeable and sincere tour guide. She has over 36 years of experience and a great sense of humour that one can enjoy. I would recommend this 3.5 hour tour to all visitors. Mind you, it's rain or shine, but seeing that even I made it through the rain today, most will be fine. Just wear proper shoes - mine were soaked all the way to my socks by the end of the tour. Oh wells, at least I had my super expensive umbrella. Apparently, according to Despina, you can get the exact same umbrella for 0.5euro. Totally ripped off, but okay, I'm a tourist. I'll suck it up this time.
After the tour, I decided to come back and dropped off the goat milk soap and ancient Greek-style sesame bars before heading over to the National Archaeological Museum. There is no easier way to this location - except taxi - other than taking the metro to Omonia Station and trekking another 10 minutes or so to the doorsteps of the museum. I must say though, that stretch of walking was quite scary. It kind of reminded me of Downtown East Hastings of Vancouver - slightly uneasy. But, no worries. As long as you keep a good pace and don't stop for anything, you should be fine. It cost 3euros for students, and opened till 8pm these couple of months. Even though I was a bit worn out from all the walking, I still glanced through all the exhibits just to equal up the effort I put in to get there. At the least, I remember snapping a photo of the Mask of Agamemnon!
I realize, the visiting hours of archaeological sites are directly related to visiting hours of museums. Not quite sure if it's true - but it's totally logical - sites close earlier while museums open till later during the winter, and change during the summer. Logical in that people would rather spend more time outdoors during the summer when the weather is amazing than being cooped up indoors. Which is why even Despina says I've come at an awkward time to visit Athens. True enough, I would have appreciate the nicer weather anyway. However, from what I heard, summer can be quite unbearable here, and this cool weather is preferred when we have to stand around and listen. I would rather do that in this weather than the grilling summer. Then again, there's always spring and fall!
Even though I was no where near hungry, it was probably a good idea to grab something to eat now than later since I've been sleeping a lot earlier in Athens. Seeing how I ran out of ideas, I asked the front desk lady for any recommended restaurants nearby. She suggested me to check out this place named Yiasemi. Okay, they're site is currently under construction, but that's the right one. The scene is even more romantic at night with all the candles and decorations. Anyway, it was approximately 8 minute speed-walk from where I stayed, but definitely a very lonely walk over. At some point, I even wondered whether I was in the right area because the streets were completely empty. No worries though, I did eventually find it.
First thought: Such a comfortable place! Filled with locals and homemade desserts, there was only that one table left when I walked into the non-smoking section (the room with the fireplace). Feeling slightly out of place being the only one alone, I ignored all the looks. By now, I'm quite used to that. An English-fluent Asian chick dressed in full tourist wear - it's not a shocker they find me even in a packed room. Luckily, they had wifi to keep me entertained. Or else, I'd be forced to stare into space because I'm not about to people-watch in such a closed environment. I went for the meatballs, and for 5euros, it was perfect in size and taste! I was so impressed that this single photo of the dish made it to my Facebook wall. Just delicious. I even considered revisiting tomorrow before my flight just to enjoy a cup of latte while I write my postcards. Maybe - I'll have to find these postcards first.
Like every other day I've had so far since my break, it's been an eventful one. I'm rather pleased with myself that I still had it in me to be a proper tourist. Just as much as I appreciate the Greeks through Despina, I hope that with everyone I met, I was able to do Canadians proud. Well, at least the guys at Coffee Island seemed to like my Canadianess. Did I mention that I had the BEST cup of latte ever there? A tasteful coffee bitterness in the middle note and ends with a smooth blend in the end. I don't even talk coffee, but you know what I mean! Better yet, that was a Greek coffee brand. Brilliant! Unexpectedly the right place to be.
Another half a day left in Athens after this sleep. Let's not waste it.
Last good night from Athens, y'all!
A fitting summary of today: Never been hungry. To say, I literally ate from wake till now. That's definitely a record of some sort for me as I don't normally eat so much. Then again, how can one turn down local food when traveling? You can't. So, you eat till you drop. That's what I did anyway.
The morning began with a call to the front desk to order breakfast - Greek Island style - while I brushed up and got dressed. The reason I was slightly rushed was because the meeting point for this Athens Food Tour meets at Panepistimio, the next station from Syntagma Square at 9:15am, and I wasn't too sure how far it really was. It didn't help that the breakfast didn't arrive until just past 8:30am, so I practically gulped down the whole thing. Can't say I was impressed with the breakfast, but I think after the food tour, I understand why.
(A fake Greek breakfast. No wonder I couldn't figure out what I was eating! Next time, I should just stick with the continental breakfast...)
Following the suggestion of the front desk lady, I sped-walked there in less than 15 minutes from the hotel. See what we're capable when we're under pressure - yes, I didn't want to be the last one there. It's almost as awkward as being the last one to board the plane with everyone glaring at you while you find your seat. Anyway, I believe I was the first one there, and as soon as everyone gathered, we kicked off the tour. We stopped at various places around the area and tried out all sorts of things. I don't want to go into detail what we tried because it's really an experience to...well, experience! Truth be told, I would never go and find these sorts of food on my own. One, I wouldn't know what to look for. Two, I wouldn't know which place is more "authentic". Just to make things easier, the tour was the best decision.
Aside from munching here and there, our tourguide - Despina - narrated a very different story of Athenians, or Greeks, from what I thought I knew. Actually, it would be impossible to jot down every little piece of interesting fact she had mentioned today simply because there were so many! That's one thing I like about tours - you get to learn all these not-in-the-textbook kind of things that actually paint a better picture. Apparently, Greeks don't take breakfast, and those that do consider coffee and a cigarette as breakfast. That explains why mine felt so foreign - because it doesn't actually exist!
Greeks also have a very distinct separation of meal times. No breakfast - so coffee and some sort of "munch" (Despina would kill me for using anything else than the proper Greek word for it, but I can't remember what is it. But, it's equivalent in my understand to what a munch is anyway) before lunch, which is typically from 1pm-5pm. Yes, you read it correctly. 1pm-5pm is lunch. Then, dinner is about 9pm onwards. Of course, coffee fits in all day.
Oh! When locals say, "let's have a drink", it actually means "let's go for a chat/talk". That's quite refreshing to hear that because that was what I normally did with my friends back in Vancouver. Mostly, we go for drinks just to catch up or hang out. The 'talk' is first, and the 'drink' is second. Quite exciting to learn that I'm agreeable to Greeks. Another thing to remember is that Greeks would never go out unless they have the time to burn. It's such a laid back lifestyle that if you didn't have the time to spend, people would rather you stay home. Lastly, they always share the bill equally. It doesn't matter what you ordered or whether you ordered. It's an unspoken social rule that you pay up. Why? Because, it's spending time together. So, everyone spends. I guess in a very logically way, that makes sense. Despina puts it, "Well, we all have to listen to your problems, so that's fair." Certainly a perspective I never saw, but makes total sense.
Lots of things! Just take the tour. Despina, co-owner of the Athens Walking Tour, is a very knowledgeable and sincere tour guide. She has over 36 years of experience and a great sense of humour that one can enjoy. I would recommend this 3.5 hour tour to all visitors. Mind you, it's rain or shine, but seeing that even I made it through the rain today, most will be fine. Just wear proper shoes - mine were soaked all the way to my socks by the end of the tour. Oh wells, at least I had my super expensive umbrella. Apparently, according to Despina, you can get the exact same umbrella for 0.5euro. Totally ripped off, but okay, I'm a tourist. I'll suck it up this time.
After the tour, I decided to come back and dropped off the goat milk soap and ancient Greek-style sesame bars before heading over to the National Archaeological Museum. There is no easier way to this location - except taxi - other than taking the metro to Omonia Station and trekking another 10 minutes or so to the doorsteps of the museum. I must say though, that stretch of walking was quite scary. It kind of reminded me of Downtown East Hastings of Vancouver - slightly uneasy. But, no worries. As long as you keep a good pace and don't stop for anything, you should be fine. It cost 3euros for students, and opened till 8pm these couple of months. Even though I was a bit worn out from all the walking, I still glanced through all the exhibits just to equal up the effort I put in to get there. At the least, I remember snapping a photo of the Mask of Agamemnon!
(Check it out! This was the mask featured on our Social Studies textbook back in elementary school! How cool is that!)
I realize, the visiting hours of archaeological sites are directly related to visiting hours of museums. Not quite sure if it's true - but it's totally logical - sites close earlier while museums open till later during the winter, and change during the summer. Logical in that people would rather spend more time outdoors during the summer when the weather is amazing than being cooped up indoors. Which is why even Despina says I've come at an awkward time to visit Athens. True enough, I would have appreciate the nicer weather anyway. However, from what I heard, summer can be quite unbearable here, and this cool weather is preferred when we have to stand around and listen. I would rather do that in this weather than the grilling summer. Then again, there's always spring and fall!
Even though I was no where near hungry, it was probably a good idea to grab something to eat now than later since I've been sleeping a lot earlier in Athens. Seeing how I ran out of ideas, I asked the front desk lady for any recommended restaurants nearby. She suggested me to check out this place named Yiasemi. Okay, they're site is currently under construction, but that's the right one. The scene is even more romantic at night with all the candles and decorations. Anyway, it was approximately 8 minute speed-walk from where I stayed, but definitely a very lonely walk over. At some point, I even wondered whether I was in the right area because the streets were completely empty. No worries though, I did eventually find it.
(A very cozy welcome. Did I mention you could see the beautiful lit-up Acropolis night scene from this exact staircase too?)
First thought: Such a comfortable place! Filled with locals and homemade desserts, there was only that one table left when I walked into the non-smoking section (the room with the fireplace). Feeling slightly out of place being the only one alone, I ignored all the looks. By now, I'm quite used to that. An English-fluent Asian chick dressed in full tourist wear - it's not a shocker they find me even in a packed room. Luckily, they had wifi to keep me entertained. Or else, I'd be forced to stare into space because I'm not about to people-watch in such a closed environment. I went for the meatballs, and for 5euros, it was perfect in size and taste! I was so impressed that this single photo of the dish made it to my Facebook wall. Just delicious. I even considered revisiting tomorrow before my flight just to enjoy a cup of latte while I write my postcards. Maybe - I'll have to find these postcards first.
(It doesn't show very well in this photo, but lots of Christmas lights and candles. Love it!)
(Here's the business card - totally useless if you can't read Greek! But, that's just it! You know you're in a local shop when they don't have English anywhere. Just what I wanted.)
(Meatballs with citrus potato and crispy pita bread. Just order it.)
Like every other day I've had so far since my break, it's been an eventful one. I'm rather pleased with myself that I still had it in me to be a proper tourist. Just as much as I appreciate the Greeks through Despina, I hope that with everyone I met, I was able to do Canadians proud. Well, at least the guys at Coffee Island seemed to like my Canadianess. Did I mention that I had the BEST cup of latte ever there? A tasteful coffee bitterness in the middle note and ends with a smooth blend in the end. I don't even talk coffee, but you know what I mean! Better yet, that was a Greek coffee brand. Brilliant! Unexpectedly the right place to be.
Another half a day left in Athens after this sleep. Let's not waste it.
Last good night from Athens, y'all!