I left Hydra for Athens on the 7am ferry..arrived in Piraeus and took the metro to the Hotel Grande Bretagne! I had studied the metro system and routes a few days prior enroute to Hydra via Athens so I had a good idea of where I was going and what transfers I needed to make. the Hotel had it's own metro exit so that helped greatly in finding the location!
Days before I was supposed to be in Athens, I was told by other travelers that Athens isn't a place to be and that there isn't too much going on there. Being forewarned and knowing that I should be there two days prior before coming back to the States, I used some of my Starwood points and checked into the Hotel Grande Bretagne- Athens' oldest most luxurious landmark hotel! I don't know what is more amusing- the scene of a backpacker checking into a five star hotel OR the look of other guests who paid the 350 euros to stay there watching a backpacker check into the hotel! Rack rate for the hotel is 710 euros a night..about $1000! I chose to go the five star hotel route because I figured, if Athens wasn't a place to be but I had to be there..I mind as well stay at a place where I wouldn't mind being in..plus..not having to pay a cent due to the use of points helped a great deal!
Athens is not Greece..
People were right- Athens not too much going on! I got set up real nicely at the Hotel. They put me on the 7th of 8 floors..center balcony..to my right is the view of the Acropolis which looks amazing at night and to the left was the Parliament building where they change the guards once an hour and is always a sight to see! Directly over the hotel is a park plaza which three to five dogs will entertain you all day if you want to watch! They chase cars that drive on these two lanes that are "their territory." It's kind of funny! I didn't just stay in the hotel..although I would have much to entertain me with their indoor and outdoor pools and the city watching over the balcony..I did venture out to see the Acropolis and the first Olympic Stadiums! It's a magnificent sight in person..the Pantheon of the Acropolis that is. It's so big! It started pouring rain and thunderstorms in the middle of the Acropolis visit so I had to cut it short and made my way down to the street ..carefully..marble stoned streets are slippery!
Later that day..I made it out to the shops because I had to get something for the parentals..one of the guys asked me once again where I was from and I said California. He then said..you have nice skin color and brushed my arm with his finger. I left the shop. There is no touching..none..yuck!
Sundays at 11am..they have a big changing of the guards ceremony with street closures, color guard and a full band..now that is a sight to see!! As I was checking out of the hotel..I asked the receptionist guy if there are guards out there all night long (I left at 330am and there were guards out). He said yes and I guess I had a look of sympathy on my face because he then said, "Dont feel bad for them..when I was in the army..I was in Northern Greece by the river." I asked him how guards get chosen to have the Parliament Building as their "mission"? And he said, "Handsome build..nice face.." And I thought..got that right! They were handsome faces and builds indeed!
Overall, Athens is not a great place to hang out in..not even good. It's a bit boring unless if you're staying at a fabulous hotel..it smells especially when it rains and the streets flood..you actually have to look after your stuff in the city vs. being on the islands and Dimitrius from Naxos was right..Athens is not Greece.
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