So Much to Remember...

Unforgettable Postcards from Athens

view from the balcony

in the apartment

the best gyros from Quick Pitta

this little guy is the pet of one of the kiosk owners - how funny!

morning coffee on the balcony

selfies in the park

catchin' the sunlight

while they all catch the sunset from Mars Hill, we enjoy the last of our time in Greece

view from the rooftop garden restaurant

Friday Walk-About - Spring Break Edition

We had planned on checking out a museum or two today on our last weekday of Spring Break, but no luck - they were all closed for Easter, apparently. So we had a nice walk about in the sunshine. Don't be fooled, though...there was snow in the mountains and a bitter cold wind was whipping through Athens this morning.

we discovered this interesting statue of sorts by the National Art Gallery

and this most interesting modern art by the plethora of embassies near Kolonaki (oh, and we found the TGI Fridays!)

Then we wandered back towards our favorite neighborhood, walked around, found some excellent gyros, and walked some more.

we sat and enjoyed the scenery and sunshine in the Thissio neighborhood - Chuck snapped a few pics

After a brief conversation with an older gentleman who wanted to tell us that he remembered the time when it was free to get onto the Acropolis, we decided to walk some more. It was getting warmer, so we headed back into the Plaka, and sat in the sun enjoying cocktails. Finally giving up our table, we ventured into some clothing stores despite the cling-on sales people and found a couple of fun additions to my limited wardrobe. Then we made our way into a wonderful art gallery and found this:

a wonderful painting of the Plaka neighborhood right off the ancient Roman Agora;
the church is one we have visited several times

Then we decided to try a new taverna - the sign stated it was the "most traditional taverna," and they weren't lying! We didn't order from a menu, but the server brought a bunch of dishes for us to choose from on a large tray. We chose meatballs in a delish tomato sauce, gigantic beans, salad (of course), and spicy cheese spread for our bread. Bring on the wine!

now, THIS is good, authentic Greek food!

this was the view from the second floor of our restaurant - the bells were ringing...

and people were coming and gathering - a lot of them, and they just kept coming!

The Little Town of Ambelakia

High in the mountains of Northern Greece is Amelakia, a small town that made it big for a short period of time, traveled the world, brought the world back home, then settled down into a small little town again. Here we visited an old church (there's a shock!) and the mansion home of the head of the cooperative, Mr. Mavros (who changed his name to Schwartz for ease of travel). Click on this link to read more about this little town that did.

we had a wonderful taverna lunch all together

then  snapped some pics on our walk to the church

saw amazing examples of Byzantine artwork like this gilded wood carving over the altar

Chuck is praying for good weather...

Come, Sweet Spring!!

then, another walk to the Schwartz Mansion

it didn't seem like much, until we started climbing stairs...

incredible architecture and painting

the painting was outstanding

yeah, this is impressive, indeed

I loved the ceilings in this house

and the detail, like on this fireplace

here is the real deal  - the red colored wool that made Ambelakia famous

And, then it was time to head back down the road...

our chariots await...

while Chuck and Dr. Diamant discuss architecture before once again boarding the bus

Lessons Learned after 4 Weeks

on 'taverna row' right beside the Roman Agora

I just one one thing to say: I have never walked so much  in my life.

OK, I have more than one thing to say. But, we have walked so much that the bottoms of my feet are rather swollen and definitely sore.

love Kekkos!

Lessons learned to date:

I don't like wearing dirty clothes, and you have to plan a bit to have your things dry in time to wear them. I totally got 'caught' without clean clothes for our first field trip. Airing them out on the balcony had to suffice.

Long hair is definitely better for travel than a short, high-maintenance hair style. And scarves are a must, not just as an accessory. A scarf is a lifesaver in bitter wind!

Sundays are NOT a day of rest - truly, everyone goes out to see and be seen! Even if the stores/shops are not all open, everyone is out and about, walking around and socializing.

If you don't like tomatoes, remember to tell the server you don't want them in your food - it would seem that they like to pile them on everything, just because!

When stopping at a rest stop, make a quick bee-line to the restroom or else you will have to stand in a long line. Yuck.

Quit trying to fit in - you just won't. Just go with it. And, get used to being 'observed'...'observe' back! (they won't be offended, really!)

It would seem that the profs don't really expect you to read everything they assign. *shrug* Skimming works.

I am still trying to get a handle on the eating style here in Greece. Snacking seems to be the norm, possibly similar to France, and I am still not sure when 'meals' are taken. Mostly what I see are people eating a lot of appetizers.

Gelato and ice cream are mostly the same thing.
It just tastes better here.

Squares are the best for people watching, along with 'taverna row' that has a view of the Acropolis and the Roman Agora. They like 'tourists,' too.

At the weekly farmer's market only buy what you will eat within the next couple days - the food is so fresh and organic that it spoils quickly.

Chuck sez the most obvious lesson he has learned is not to put toilet paper in the toilet. (He really hates this!)

Don't plan on getting beauty products that are similar to those at home - just go with it. (you really don't have a choice, anyway)

People smoke here - a lot. Not usually manufactured cigarettes, though...they like to roll their own.

Don't expect all food servers or cashiers to be friendly...and that service comes at their time schedule, not yours. Just sit back and relax...they will get to you, especially if you make moves to leave!

Peddlers, panhandlers, beggars: young (often dirty) children making noise on a cheap guitar or accordion are only looking for money and are sent out by their parents (non-Greeks) - they are persistent and this makes for an awkward situation. Also, older men with lotto-type tickets, small gadgets for sale, and men from Jamaica selling string bracelets are also quite persistent. When choosing a taverna and place to sit, don't choose the table closest to the sidewalk...you will be harder to get to if you are further in, and you also have a greater chance of the server shooing those looking for a handout away. Also, never believe older Gypsy women trying to give you a 'free' rose - nothing is free and they will want one or two euros. (Note: I have witnessed Greek men getting quite snotty with these, threatening to take what the peddlers are trying to give, challenging them and basically calling their bluff - the peddlers want you to take what they hand you, so they can then ask for money - counting on your good graces. So, the peddlers/beggers stay away from Greek men and target Americans or other tourists who don't know their game...beware.)

When ordering food, most places serve large orders, so consider sharing dishes. We have been choosing a salad to share, and a couple of different dishes to try and share. The serving sizes here are quite generous, especially at non-touristy establishments.

Go to the same establishments or businesses repeatedly - when they recognize you, you will get friendlier service. When at the grocery store, go to the same cashier, if possible. When going to the farmer's market, go to the same seller.

"orange pie" - the best!

Eat the 'orange pie' - it is to die for. You can work off the pounds later. Oh, and order double cappuccino with medium sugar. You're welcome.

Pick a pharmacy and keep going to it (they are small but everywhere). They can help you with a lot of things - I'm sure that most of the things they offer are not on display.

That's another point: there is no such thing as 'browsing' here. When you enter a store, you immediately have a sales person at your side - and they don't leave your side until you tell them what you are looking for. Then, they still don't leave your side while they show you what fits what you want. Can I even explain how awkward this is? I probably would have spent far more money on stuff if I hadn't been rather chased away...

Don't take a taxi if you can help it. Walk or take public transportation.

Don't waste money on clothes dryers  - hang your clothes to dry in your apartment or on your balcony.

Copy paper, notebooks, and binders are a different standard size here than in the States. Don't bring them from home - buy them here.

No tipping. I know - just don't. The service staff get paid good wages here and thus don't have to make up for a lousy wage as in the States. Also, the server will not come and pester you for your order or while you are eating. If you need them, you must alert them. Don't worry - they are watching for your signal. And, you can 'camp' on your table as long as like. Really - it is how things are done here. Nice, huh?

Hair is a big thing here. Period. For men and women. The more the better for women - the neater and tighter the cut for men, the better. I don't have nearly enough hair.