• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Europe, Travel
/
January 12, 2015

Losing my breath in Athens, Greece

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

It was early Sunday morning, and my last few hours in Athens. I made my way out of the hotel and to the metro to catch a glimpse of what everyone, visitor and local, had said I had to make sure to see before I left: the Parthenon.

In an effort to avoid the tour crowds that tend to take over the area later in the morning, I made sure to be the first one there. The climb up the hill was a peaceful one as I walked past the Acropolis museum and bookstore, past the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and up the stone stairs to the temple of Athena.

GirlGoneTravel_Athens

GirlGoneTravel_Athens GirlGoneTravel_Athens
GirlGoneTravel_Athens

I sat on a nearby stone, and took it all in. With only a few visitors around, it was easy to admire it all without distraction. That is when I heard the church bells. They seemed to dance through the valley, making their way to the top of hill, their soft welcoming sound bringing a sense of peace with them. I made my way over to admire the rooftops of Athens, with Mount Lycabettus rising proudly above it all. The melody of men chanting hymns from below danced straight into my heart.

GirlGoneTravel_Athens

It was then that Athens took my breath away.

The days before were spent connecting with the people from this great city, enjoying the weekend festivities, and eating as much Greek food as I could find. I immersed myself in the culture through the Savouring Athens tour with Dopios. Our guide, Giorgio Fou led us on this colorful and flavorful adventure through the streets of Athens and its Central Market,  where we tasted everything from herbal teas to local pastries.

GirlGoneTravel_AthensGirlGoneTravel_Athens
GirlGoneTravel_Athens
GirlGoneTravel_Athens GirlGoneTravel_Athens

An afternoon consisted of walks past Kapnikarea Church and down Ermou street, past residents and tourists enjoying the open-air cafes and hearty lunches. At times it felt overwhelming with so much to see, hear, and do. Days were spent trying to grasp the history, as well the realization that the city is a lot more advanced and better functioning than it has been given credit for. Not sure what to expect when I arrived, my senses were on overdrive almost the entire time I was there.

GirlGoneTravel_Athens GirlGoneTravel_Athens GirlGoneTravel_Athens GirlGoneTravel_Athens GirlGoneTravel_AthensGirlGoneTravel_Athens

But, that moment, at the top of Acropolis Hill on a quiet, cloudy Sunday morning, I felt it all come together. All the experiences beautiful wrapped in a way that my emotions could comprehend.

Athens is complicated, in a brave, strong, beautiful and vulnerable way. It has survived the punches and isn’t defining itself by its struggles, but by its successes and its ability to move on. The pride of this city stood out everywhere I went, but never in a way that clouded the hospitality and generosity offered to me. The intense passion of the people was fascinating to me and yet, so culturally similar to my Latina roots.

It’s impossible for me to think of Athens and not smile at the memory of my last few hours there. To really appreciate Athens, you can’t just do Athens. You have to allow yourself to be in it. You have to allow it to awaken all your senses and you have to slow down and listen. You have to look beyond the surface to get to the heart of city and allow it to pull at your heartstrings, as it inevitably will.

girlgonetravel_athens

Where I stayed

My hotel was the The Golden Age of Athens. I found it comfortable with all the basic amenities, from complimentary breakfast in the morning to a comfortable bar for gatherings and meetings. It was centrally located too. 30-minute walk could get you to sites like the Library of Hadrian and the Monastiraki Square. But the train station a couple of blocks away can connect you to any place you wanted to be in and around Athens in no time.

Getting around

Inner city metro in Athens is fabulous. Lines are on a color-code system (red lines, blue lines, green, etc.) making transfers and connections an easy process. You can buy passes or single trips, and the transit maps they offer at the hotels and tourist offices are wonderfully done and easy to read.

Word of caution, watch your bag, especially if traveling during rush hour. Pick pockets are a big problem, just like they are in many heavy tourist centers around the world. Don’t let your bag hang on your side, or on your chair when at restaurants. Leave valuables, including passport, in your hotel safe and never, ever carry all your cash with you. There’s no need to be nervous over this tidbit. It is one I would recommend when traveling in New York City, Barcelona, Paris, or anywhere else. It’s not about being paranoid, just about being safe and savvy.

Railways also get you to the suburbs and ferries to the connecting islands. I wouldn’t rent a car in Athens, but I might consider it outside of the major city. Taxis in the city are pricier and not really necessary. I took a cab to the airport from my hotel, but if I hadn’t decided to tour the city till the last possible minute, I could have easily taken the subway as there is a line that takes you directly to it.

 

 

 

All the images are property of Girl Gone Travel. Images may not be used without the publisher’s direct consent.

 

 

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008
4 Comments
  • Tawny of Captain and Clark
    January 18, 2015

    YAY! I’m so glad you were able to trek it up to the Acropolis before you left! Can’t wait to see you again soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Tawny of Captain and Clark
      January 19, 2015

      Me too! Thanks for the inspiration. I can\’t wait to see you too!

      Reply
  • thebritishberliner
    January 23, 2015

    OMG stuuuuunning! I’m so glad that you were able to go to Athens. I haven’t been myself but your photos help bring it that much closer. I love the dried fruit and the picture of the train. People sort of forget that even though Athens is a historical piece, it’s also a living place which you reflected on, like the “normal” shops, the mainland train, and the young man playing the guitar.
    Lovely!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      thebritishberliner
      February 5, 2015

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it : )

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Blogging Practices that Pay Off
Next Post
Rebooting at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe54 Post(s)
  • North America318 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Contact

  • caincarol@gmail.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the way. 

@shellyk_025 @the_garage_at_rye 

#baristalife #barista #coffeeislife
Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry
When your bestie is also your boss and you share s When your bestie is also your boss and you share shifts at your barista jobs it’s easy to forget it’s WORK…☕️😅❤️ 

@seschieber @the_garage_at_rye 

#fingerlakes #baristalife #workbestie
A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. #citygirl A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. 

#citygirlupstate #upstatenewyork #fingerlakesnewyork
Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, ver Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, very) short list of fave coffee shops, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

I spend A LOT of time at coffee shops…whether in my job as a barista or during my free time exploring endless cafes during my travels, but especially around NYC and the Finger Lakes. These are the most noteworthy cafes I find myself returning to again and again in New York City.

📍@conwellcoffeehall in the old Life and Trust Building in the Financial District. An epic space, great brekkie and coffee, brought to you by the same folks of Sleep No More…who (separately but in the same space) offer similar interactive-style performances we know them for, this time revisiting the age of old money, big banks, and the stock market crash collapse of 1929.
📍The @bookclubbar is a bar, book store, and coffee shop in the East Village. Cozy, with outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of books, booze, and brews. Very few people get all of these elements to work well. They nail it.
📍The @plantshednyc in the East Village. Airy space with a beautiful selection of flowers and plants, and big, bright windows whereby to enjoy your cafe choice. 
📍@DawnsTillDusk in Dumbo is a cafe by day and wine bar by night. It’s a Yes to both for me!
📍@Usaginy in Dumbo is an art gallery, with small bookstore and gift shop, and cafe…but their in-house freshly made onigiri is 😘👌🏾
📍@pplnyc in Williamsburg is rustic, and pretty, and cute…and yeah, the coffee’s good!
📍@bluebrown_nyc in Williamsburg stole my heart when I first visited last year on my birthday. I love the vibe of this community cafe and the creativity they bring to their pastries and drinks.
📍@Devocionusa (anywhere), though my local spot is Dumbo. I love that they are all about the coffee…and just the coffee. No fancy, trends here. Come for the impeccable coffee, and delicious pastries, and cool vibes. But mostly, the coffee.

This list doesn’t even make a dent on my long list of cafes but they are the highlights. Share your fave spots in the comments! ☕️

#nyccafe #coffeetiktok #coffeelover #coffeeshop
This is your reminder to PLAY. No matter your age. This is your reminder to PLAY. No matter your age. Play. Play with your partner. Play with your adult friends. Play with your kids, even the adult ones. Play with strangers. The world can be cruel and hard and deflating. So, when the opportunity comes…and even if you need a nudge from your loved ones…give your heart, soul, and mind a reprieve and play. 

Today me and mine played at the Keff Joons pop-up in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This is @cj_hendry latest art installation where they transformed a Brooklyn warehouse into balloon-filled dreamscape and playground for all. There is no fee and the earlier you arrive the shorter the wait. Once inside you become one with the art in a fun and dramatic way. But hurry! The installation is only up till April 20th! 

📍50 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY

#nycart #artpopup #brooklynny #funinnyc #thingstodoinnyc

Copyright © 2025 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice