The Traveling Teacher in Athens

Okay teachers, it is time for some summertime dreaming and if you are considering a trip across the pond, you’ll want to purchase your plane tickets soon! Wondering where to go? I highly recommend Greece! Last summer, my partner, Stu, and I planned a trip combining ancient sites and history with beach-time relaxation. We started out on the Greek Islands of Naxos, Milos and Kilomo (click here for my blog post). This post is dedicated to the amazing city of Athens.

Getting Oriented

Stu and I spent three days in Athens. What a vibrant and energetic city! We flew from Milos and arrived at our Air B and B in the Plaka district at around 1:00. I set out to explore. The heat was oppressive in the middle of the afternoon so I managed it by going in and out of air conditioned stores on Ermou street (the main shopping street). I took my Kindle with me and followed Rick Steve’s guided walks through modern Athens and then to some churches from the Byzantine era. I saved ancient Athens for last. I highly recommend Rick Steve’s walks. You can either read them (as I did) or look less like a tourist by listening to them on his Radio Europe App. If you are with someone else, you could each take an earbud and experience the walk together.

At the Acropolis in front of the Parthenon

Athens HIghlights: 

Food tour! 

We got to know the city by taking a food tour by Athens Food on Foot. I can’t recommend this tour enough! The food was amazing and our guide, Lefteris, took us to areas I would not have discovered on my own such as Anafiotika, a small neighborhood with buildings inspired by architecture of the Cyclades islands. Our tour took us through the hopping square Monastiraki and along the streets of the Psyri neighborhood where we admired the street art.

Real Greek yogurt topped with sweet cherries! Delish!

Street art inspired by Medusa in the Psyri neighborhood

The Acropolis 

We joined a tour of the Acropolis since neither of us are well versed in Ancient Greek History. The tour was running a bit late so the Acropolis was packed by the time we arrived at the entrance. This begs the question: to tour or not to tour? I wondered if we would have been better off going on our own at 7:30 am and waiting for the gates to open at 8:00 am. It would have been cooler and, even though we would have had to wait in line, it might have made for a more enjoyable experience. Don’t get me wrong, tours can be great but unless you book a private or small tour, you aren’t on your own time. It is harder to linger where and when you want. 

We did get some time to walk around the Parthenon and gaze at the Erechtheion and the porch of the Caryatids (young maidens). This is probably my favorite structure. The young maidens that serve as columns holding up the structure are stunning. 

Erechtheion

At the Acropolis

The Acropolis Museum 

I love museums and usually prefer paintings but this museum was remarkable. It is brilliantly designed with windows facing the Acropolis connecting the museum to the site where archeologists discovered so many treasures. The third floor is a recreation of the dimensions of the Parthenon complete with pediments and statues discovered at the site. Included among them are reproductions of artifacts that Lord Elgin stole in the early 1800s that now sit in the British Museum. We felt the tension around these treasures and the museum's desire to return them to their home in Athens. Coming here right after a morning at the Acropolis is perfect because it is air conditioned!

Ancient discoveries just outside the Acropolis Musuem

The Ancient Agora

I set out early to walk around the Acropolis one last time (Rich Steeves refers to it as the Acropolis loop) and over to the Ancient Agora. This is the place where democracy was born! I followed the steps of Socrates, wandered inside the small museum and marveled at the first voting ballots (pieces of pottery on which the names of candidates were carved). I appreciated sitting in the shade of the Stoa of Attalos and sipping from my water bottle that I was able to refill at the fountain. 

The Ancient Agora

The birthplace of democracy!

Shopping along Eramu Street

Athens, and Greece in general, is known for their jewelry. If you wander just off Eramu street, you’ll find some local jewelry shops. I purchased necklaces for my daughters and niece at one shop with the help of the wonderful owner and designer. 

Greece is also known for their skin care products. I discovered Korres and purchased some lotions and face masks for myself and my daughters. 

Shopping along Eramu Street

The Parthenon at night

While on our food tour, Lefteris recommended a rooftop bar with a fabulous view of the Parthenon. Stu and I made our way there one night where I enjoyed an “Athens Spritz”, lemonade, champagne, soda and elderflower- refreshing and delicious. It is magical to experience the Parthenon at night.

We loved every minute of our trip to Greece and are dreaming of going back! I LOVE talking about travel and helping others plan trips so feel free to leave comments and questions below!

Here’s to Athens!