Hooked on Greece

Welcome! My name is Karen. My husband Shawn and I are hooked on Greece.

For our first trip to Greece we travelled to Athens, Naxos, Santorini and Rhodes. We had a wonderful trip and we would like to share some of our experiences with you. We hope you will enjoy this travelogue.

My husband Shawn and I enjoyed Greece so much that we are planning our next trip already. We will visit Lesvos and Chios.

Greece is not a place you will easily forget. Many people speak English, the food and drink is delicious. The scenery is amazing. We were there at the end of May and beginning of June.

The days were very warm, the sea was refreshingly cool and we had sunshine each and every day. The people were helpful and very friendly.

Since returning home I have gathered Greek recipes, bought Greek wine, and learned more Greek phrases. We even attended the Greek festival which Ottawa has each year.

We are truly hooked on Greece!

Hooked on Athens

Well we were here at last after several months of research and planning. The ten hour flight from Canada was long and tiring but the excitement of finally being in Greece quickly eliminated any desire to sleep.

After a long wait for luggage, we turned to see our taxi transfer holding up our name on a sign. He grabbed our bags and we jumped into his awaiting taxi. As we sped out of the airport (and I mean sped!) the first thing I noticed was how mountainous it was compared to home in Ottawa, Canada.

The second thing we noticed was that all drivers honk and yell at each other (in greeting?). Anyway, we were very lucky to have a wonderful driver who spoke English quite well and was pleasant indeed.

Parthenon and view from the Acropolis

We arrived at our hotel, checked-in, dropped our bags and headed out to explore. It was a beautiful day. Since I had forgotten the city map we decided not to go too far from the hotel. We got some cash, dodged several scooters and cars and made our way to Omonia Square.

We found a small taverna. A wonderful aroma was coming from a roasting spit. Suddenly starving, we had our first taverna snack of gyros on pita. To drink, we tried our first Greek beer - Mythos.

Stuffed and now tired, we headed back to the hotel to organize ourselves for the next day's outing.

Up early, we had a quick breakfast at the hotel. Greek yogurt is smooth, thick and creamy, unlike anything I have ever tasted in Canada. Mixed with fresh fruit, it quickly became my favourite breakfast.

We packed a small bag and were on our way towards the Plaka and the Acropolis.

Since we were closer to Omonia Square, our first stop en route was Syntagma Square. The buildings are so interesting with their iron balconies and engravings.

At this point we found ourselves continually looking upwards for our first glimpse of the ancient Acropolis. Having not yet seen it, we decided to stop for a freshly-squeezed orange juice and coffee in the Plaka.

Ancient Theater and National Gardens

It was time for the map. After much walking, we discovered that we were so busy looking up and around that we found ourselves at the opposite end of the entrance to the Acropolis.

We found our way and finally - there it was - the Acropolis! The pictures had not done it justice. When you live in Canada, anything over one hundred years old is considered heritage!

We toured the Acropolis with our new friend Saara from Finland. Hot and thirsty, we proceeded back down to a wonderful taverna for some cool refreshments.

Exploring Athens and making new friends

On our way back to the hotel we found the National Gardens and watched children feeding ducks. The gardens are cool and welcoming after such a day.

Syntagma Square and areas of Athens

This time when we passed Syntagma square we saw an Evzone guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His pom-pom shoes were so cute! Finally, exhausted, we reached our hotel.

Tomorrow we were heading to Pireaus port for our first ferry ride. We were going to Naxos.