Enjoy Athens? You bet we did!
Aug 28th, 2003, 01:04 PM
#41
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Hi Kathy
Thanks for your message and thanks for mentioning here a couple of times the Arethusa. It was a great recommendation particularly due to its location and the friendliness of the staff.
Lilian on Reception was very kind and helpful to us.
The lack of cats was weird. I had read everywhere that Athens was full of them but unfortunately not when we were there! I really hope nothing bad has happened to them all. I read some time ago that voluntary vets were visiting the city and 'dressing' them so hopefully that may be the reason.
I am so sorry the taverna was closed when you were there. It was one of my magic moments. When I arrived there, only two others in having lunch so I went ahead and ordered a Greek salad and a glass of retsina. The place was so peaceful as I enjoyed that lunch and it it was one of my most enjoyable experiences in Greece. I just could not believe that the place was exactly as it was in the movie. I tell you this, if my visit had been early evening I may have asked the guy to move the table and chair to the beach. Now..that would have been just wonderful!!!
I am sorry but I did not see mama but raeding what you say about her I wish I had.
I think Kiffisia was good for us simply because it was such a contrast from the city centre that hot day.
I hope you have a wonderful time during your next trip to Greece. Yesterday I went out and bought a little notebook and I have already started noting addresses etc for our trip in 2005.
Again, many thanks
milley
Thanks for your message and thanks for mentioning here a couple of times the Arethusa. It was a great recommendation particularly due to its location and the friendliness of the staff.
Lilian on Reception was very kind and helpful to us.
The lack of cats was weird. I had read everywhere that Athens was full of them but unfortunately not when we were there! I really hope nothing bad has happened to them all. I read some time ago that voluntary vets were visiting the city and 'dressing' them so hopefully that may be the reason.
I am so sorry the taverna was closed when you were there. It was one of my magic moments. When I arrived there, only two others in having lunch so I went ahead and ordered a Greek salad and a glass of retsina. The place was so peaceful as I enjoyed that lunch and it it was one of my most enjoyable experiences in Greece. I just could not believe that the place was exactly as it was in the movie. I tell you this, if my visit had been early evening I may have asked the guy to move the table and chair to the beach. Now..that would have been just wonderful!!!
I am sorry but I did not see mama but raeding what you say about her I wish I had.
I think Kiffisia was good for us simply because it was such a contrast from the city centre that hot day.
I hope you have a wonderful time during your next trip to Greece. Yesterday I went out and bought a little notebook and I have already started noting addresses etc for our trip in 2005.
Again, many thanks
milley
Aug 29th, 2003, 03:01 PM
#42
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Milley: Enjoyed your trip report so much I pulled out my tape of Shirley Valentine and just finished watching it. It was as much fun as the first time I saw it.
Here's my wish that you will get to hire the brother's boat and I will get my ring! >
<
Here's my wish that you will get to hire the brother's boat and I will get my ring! >
<
Aug 29th, 2003, 09:25 PM
#44
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A pack of wallies we may be but we are able to see outside the square and to broaden our horizons as well as still be able to dream, because we all need to dream and I cannot think of a better place to uplift one's spirits and to question life's alternatives.
So I thoroughly enjoy reading other peoples' experiences as well as exploring as much of the world as I can and hope to continue doing so.
So I thoroughly enjoy reading other peoples' experiences as well as exploring as much of the world as I can and hope to continue doing so.
Sep 2nd, 2003, 05:30 PM
#46
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Milley_5
Sounds like you had a very memorable time in Greece... We are going Sept. 15.. to Athens.. then want to do a tour of the islands... You suggested that you had cruise or tour schedules for the islands.. where do I get them?? we would like to plan the trip now..
Did you use the public transit for traveling?? Did this provide a good tour?.. How about watching the Acroplis at night.. where from?
What is in the PLAKA?
Thanks.
Jim/Mary
Sounds like you had a very memorable time in Greece... We are going Sept. 15.. to Athens.. then want to do a tour of the islands... You suggested that you had cruise or tour schedules for the islands.. where do I get them?? we would like to plan the trip now..
Did you use the public transit for traveling?? Did this provide a good tour?.. How about watching the Acroplis at night.. where from?
What is in the PLAKA?
Thanks.
Jim/Mary
Sep 3rd, 2003, 02:04 AM
#47
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If you put up Matt Barrett's great website on Greece,
www.greecetravel.com you'll be able to read all about the Plaka.
www.greecetravel.com you'll be able to read all about the Plaka.
Sep 3rd, 2003, 02:33 PM
#48
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jim/mary
I had printed off schedules for ferry services to the islands closest to Athens from this site:-
http://www.gtp.gr/
Again, I got the address from someone who posted it here.
All our travel in Athens and the suburbs (including Piraeus) was on the metro. An all day ticket was only 2.90 euro and a singel trip 0.70 euro.
We were lucky that each of our hotels had rooftop viewing areas and those gave us good views of the Acropolis.
The Arethusa Hotel were kind enough to give us access to the viewing area even though it had been closed for renovations. You may find that wherever you are lodging will have the same facility. If not, perhaps you could visit Lycabettus hill at night and see the city and Acropolis from there.
I have a detailed Athens street and metro map that I'd be happy to scan and email you. If those would help please leave a message and I'll get back to you.
millie
I had printed off schedules for ferry services to the islands closest to Athens from this site:-
http://www.gtp.gr/
Again, I got the address from someone who posted it here.
All our travel in Athens and the suburbs (including Piraeus) was on the metro. An all day ticket was only 2.90 euro and a singel trip 0.70 euro.
We were lucky that each of our hotels had rooftop viewing areas and those gave us good views of the Acropolis.
The Arethusa Hotel were kind enough to give us access to the viewing area even though it had been closed for renovations. You may find that wherever you are lodging will have the same facility. If not, perhaps you could visit Lycabettus hill at night and see the city and Acropolis from there.
I have a detailed Athens street and metro map that I'd be happy to scan and email you. If those would help please leave a message and I'll get back to you.
millie
Apr 26th, 2006, 04:06 AM
#49
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ttt for HTexas
For me, this was one of the best trip reports about first-timers negotiating Athens and the islands, including gettign to Piraeus and Hydra independently. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
bill
For me, this was one of the best trip reports about first-timers negotiating Athens and the islands, including gettign to Piraeus and Hydra independently. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
bill
Apr 26th, 2006, 04:30 AM
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Since this old post has been revived, it's worth it to point out that you can (since 2004) take a great suburban rail train from Larissa straight to the airport.
The Novotel is an often overlooked option because the neighborhood doesn't have a lot to offer. But the property itself is quite nice and there are some nice nice little shops for quick bites nearby. Plus the rooftop pool and restraurant are relaxing.
The Novotel is an often overlooked option because the neighborhood doesn't have a lot to offer. But the property itself is quite nice and there are some nice nice little shops for quick bites nearby. Plus the rooftop pool and restraurant are relaxing.
Jun 30th, 2006, 06:31 PM
#52
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Milley, what a great trip report. I usually scan them fairly quickly but you caught me with your writing style and enthusiasm.
I really smiled at your mention of a Greek woman not smiling at your husband's jokes, and you completely understanding why. Yup, after a few years, or decades, those funnies aren't quite as hilarious.
Thanks again,
Linda
I really smiled at your mention of a Greek woman not smiling at your husband's jokes, and you completely understanding why. Yup, after a few years, or decades, those funnies aren't quite as hilarious.
Thanks again,
Linda
Jul 1st, 2006, 01:32 AM
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Only just registered this morning as my parter and I will be travelling to Athens soon and this forum is recommended in Fodor's Greece.
We have been reading through some threads here about Athens that have almost put us into a blind panic about our decision to visit the city. That was until I read this report.
Milley, I love the way you wrote the report and you have made us more comfortable about visiting Athens. It's our first time there too!
Thank you very much.
Calum
We have been reading through some threads here about Athens that have almost put us into a blind panic about our decision to visit the city. That was until I read this report.
Milley, I love the way you wrote the report and you have made us more comfortable about visiting Athens. It's our first time there too!
Thank you very much.
Calum
Dec 7th, 2006, 11:34 PM
#54
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Hi Milley
Are you still using this forum, I haven't logged in for a very long time but now am off to Greece again next year so busy researching. Did you go back again last year and where did you go and where did you stay?
Kathy
Are you still using this forum, I haven't logged in for a very long time but now am off to Greece again next year so busy researching. Did you go back again last year and where did you go and where did you stay?
Kathy
Dec 8th, 2006, 12:13 AM
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We first visited Athens about 1990. At that time, you could see the pollution hovering over the dirty, concrete city but the Parthenon was visible in all its glory. The National Gardens was carpeted in cats and we thought the city was just horrible.
Now, we live in a suburb of Athens. The pollution has gone and so have the cats. Greeks don't believe in sterilising their animals so dogs and cats are everywhere. The dogs were removed to pounds for the Olympics, but they are back now. The cats were dealt with. Cats are everywhere else in Greece and it is a sad sight. They belong to no one and scrape around for food although in most neighbourhoods, the residents will put out scraps for them. I've personally taken some to vets for spaying. One was only 4 months old but was already pregnant. She was run over a week later.
However, that aside, the Parthenon is in pieces now and covered in scaffolding due to a 20-year renovation programme. They are undoing the damage (by rust) caused by Victorian renovations. Nonetheless, it is still a splendid sight.
There are far more pedestrian walkways, specifically, from Syntagma Square (metro, parliament) down through Ermou Street to Plaka. Next week, the whole area will be vibrant with a Christmas market, Shetland pony rides for children guided by Santa and his helpers, a working antique carousel, and lights, lights, lights. Greeks love lights. The rest of the year, the whole area (among others) is buzzing with pavement bars, tavernas and restaurants. There are sometimes music festivals in the area and it is all very much alive these days. Greeks don't go out until 10pm.
Athens has learnt to love its old buildings and there is a programme of renovation. It is an earthquake zone, hence the abundance of concrete. But these eccentric Athenians love their Byzantine churches, so you will find modern buildings over and next to these churches. This is what gives Athens some of its charm.
These days, Athens is well worth a stay or stopover en route to the islands. It even has an island of its own. Aegina is the nearest island, easily accessible from Piraeus (Gate 9). There are buses to Sounion and a hire car or bus can take you to Delphi, a couple of hours away.
Now, we live in a suburb of Athens. The pollution has gone and so have the cats. Greeks don't believe in sterilising their animals so dogs and cats are everywhere. The dogs were removed to pounds for the Olympics, but they are back now. The cats were dealt with. Cats are everywhere else in Greece and it is a sad sight. They belong to no one and scrape around for food although in most neighbourhoods, the residents will put out scraps for them. I've personally taken some to vets for spaying. One was only 4 months old but was already pregnant. She was run over a week later.
However, that aside, the Parthenon is in pieces now and covered in scaffolding due to a 20-year renovation programme. They are undoing the damage (by rust) caused by Victorian renovations. Nonetheless, it is still a splendid sight.
There are far more pedestrian walkways, specifically, from Syntagma Square (metro, parliament) down through Ermou Street to Plaka. Next week, the whole area will be vibrant with a Christmas market, Shetland pony rides for children guided by Santa and his helpers, a working antique carousel, and lights, lights, lights. Greeks love lights. The rest of the year, the whole area (among others) is buzzing with pavement bars, tavernas and restaurants. There are sometimes music festivals in the area and it is all very much alive these days. Greeks don't go out until 10pm.
Athens has learnt to love its old buildings and there is a programme of renovation. It is an earthquake zone, hence the abundance of concrete. But these eccentric Athenians love their Byzantine churches, so you will find modern buildings over and next to these churches. This is what gives Athens some of its charm.
These days, Athens is well worth a stay or stopover en route to the islands. It even has an island of its own. Aegina is the nearest island, easily accessible from Piraeus (Gate 9). There are buses to Sounion and a hire car or bus can take you to Delphi, a couple of hours away.
Dec 8th, 2006, 01:25 PM
#56
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Oh Kathy it was so nice to read your message. I often think of you and your recommendations that served us so well on our first visit Greece a few years ago. I missed you not being here on Fodors and was hoping everything was Ok with you.
We were back again this year and, like before, had such a great time. Our first night in Athens was at the Arethusa (not changed a bit and the same friendliness from the folks there) then when we got back from Mykonos we had a further 5 days in Athens. I was disappointed though that we could not end our vacation at the Arethusa but they were fully booked. Next year we will be back and I will make sure we book the hotel much further in advance.
This time we did much the same as our first time in Athens and took almost the same tours. Mykonos was fantastic as always and we had the opportunity of meeting Thanos there, who posts here regulalrly about the island. Spent a lot of money though on the island but it WAS our anniversary and my husband treated me to a lapis lazuli box that is simply stunning. Everytime I look at it it reminds me of the island.
What's been happening with you? Where and when are you intending to visit Greece next year?
Love,
milley
We were back again this year and, like before, had such a great time. Our first night in Athens was at the Arethusa (not changed a bit and the same friendliness from the folks there) then when we got back from Mykonos we had a further 5 days in Athens. I was disappointed though that we could not end our vacation at the Arethusa but they were fully booked. Next year we will be back and I will make sure we book the hotel much further in advance.
This time we did much the same as our first time in Athens and took almost the same tours. Mykonos was fantastic as always and we had the opportunity of meeting Thanos there, who posts here regulalrly about the island. Spent a lot of money though on the island but it WAS our anniversary and my husband treated me to a lapis lazuli box that is simply stunning. Everytime I look at it it reminds me of the island.
What's been happening with you? Where and when are you intending to visit Greece next year?
Love,
milley
Dec 13th, 2006, 07:48 AM
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How nice to hear about your latest trip to Greece Milley. We haven't returned yet, but will always have our fond memories of our visit there.
We haven't been going to Europe for the last few years because of the exchange rate. Instead have visited US cities we've never been to: Washington, D.C., Denver for our 50th anniversary (where we were married), Savannah, St. Augustine, Honolulu and Las Vegas a couple times.
Last November we went to Buenos Aires, one of our best trips ever. Most recently we did a 10-day Panama Canal cruise and loved it.
I have a beautiful Tahitian Pearl ring we bought in Hawaii two years ago, but I'm still looking forward to buying a Byzantine ring in Greece someday. Did you have your boat ride yet?
Have a wonderful holiday and wonderful travels next year!
We haven't been going to Europe for the last few years because of the exchange rate. Instead have visited US cities we've never been to: Washington, D.C., Denver for our 50th anniversary (where we were married), Savannah, St. Augustine, Honolulu and Las Vegas a couple times.
Last November we went to Buenos Aires, one of our best trips ever. Most recently we did a 10-day Panama Canal cruise and loved it.
I have a beautiful Tahitian Pearl ring we bought in Hawaii two years ago, but I'm still looking forward to buying a Byzantine ring in Greece someday. Did you have your boat ride yet?
Have a wonderful holiday and wonderful travels next year!
Dec 13th, 2006, 11:28 AM
#58
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Thank you so much Giovanna for your kind words. You have travelled so much and sometimes I wonder if perhaps we should maybe try somewhere different.
Ever time I think like that though, I still imagine that beautiuful Greek light, lovely people and the fragrances along some of those tiny streets. Maybe one day we'll find somewhere else to travel to but next year it will be back again to Greece.
Between you and me, this time around I got the chance of the boat trip and took it. It wasn't his brothers boat though! Oh, and that damn orchestra didn't play because my DH was with me. I'm sure you know what I mean - you've seen the movie.
May I wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year time and enjoy your travels in 2007. Oh, and never forget, if you ever see that Byzantine ring perhaps on an Athens or Mykonos shopping website I'll personally collect it for you.
Love,
Milley
Ever time I think like that though, I still imagine that beautiuful Greek light, lovely people and the fragrances along some of those tiny streets. Maybe one day we'll find somewhere else to travel to but next year it will be back again to Greece.
Between you and me, this time around I got the chance of the boat trip and took it. It wasn't his brothers boat though! Oh, and that damn orchestra didn't play because my DH was with me. I'm sure you know what I mean - you've seen the movie.
May I wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year time and enjoy your travels in 2007. Oh, and never forget, if you ever see that Byzantine ring perhaps on an Athens or Mykonos shopping website I'll personally collect it for you.
Love,
Milley
Dec 13th, 2006, 02:32 PM
#59
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I've been reading all the Greek island and Athens posts I can find, and am so glad this one was pulled up again!
I am planning to go to Greece in late June with some friends, one of whom definitely is of the Shirley Valentine club and has a "big" birthday she wants to celebrate.
Since the gang is meeting in Athens before heading to Paros, Crete and somewhere in between for three nights, yet to be decided (I think we should all head to different places those days since we may be a little tired of each other by then!)it is good to read your informative Athens comments. I have been there a couple of times, but years ago. Now I am very glad we are staying a few nights.
Do you or anyone else have a good link or site for information on seeing a play or other performance in a "classic" site, near Athens?
Thanks!
(What does a Byzantine ring look like, by the way?)
I am planning to go to Greece in late June with some friends, one of whom definitely is of the Shirley Valentine club and has a "big" birthday she wants to celebrate.
Since the gang is meeting in Athens before heading to Paros, Crete and somewhere in between for three nights, yet to be decided (I think we should all head to different places those days since we may be a little tired of each other by then!)it is good to read your informative Athens comments. I have been there a couple of times, but years ago. Now I am very glad we are staying a few nights.
Do you or anyone else have a good link or site for information on seeing a play or other performance in a "classic" site, near Athens?
Thanks!
(What does a Byzantine ring look like, by the way?)
Dec 13th, 2006, 03:42 PM
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