The sun came screaming in the glass balcony door at 06h00, almost instantly causing the temperature of the room to rise. We sleepily turned on the A/C to combat it, eventually giving in to the heat and waking up to pack our belongings for the day ahead. It was already 86 degrees by the time we were in the car, water bottles replenished and music on loudly at 10h30 as we began the long haul back to Athens.
The towns we passed through on our climb from the seaside were each colorful and very alive with activity, mopeds zipping by and schoolchildren running this way and that. Driving so far has been both fun and challenging as I do my best to respect what little laws it seems they have. An hour or so from Monemvasia we were deep inland, winding through and around some massive peaks that towered over the road. I’d guess these peaks to be 7-8,000 feet each, and their protrusion from the otherwise flat valley was something spectacular to see in person. So many friends have visited Greece and seen only the islands, our backcountry tour between the ocean villages has given us an entirely different experience that I feel privileged to have had. Our only real pit stop during the 4 hour drive was a bathroom break at a little roadside bakery. Dani grabbed a cold Coca-Cola from the fridge and I picked up a freshly made raspberry strudel pastry for myself. By early afternoon we arrived in Athens, and the open roads and limitless freedom of the last two days driving came to a screeching halt as the city streets became packed with traffic and the typical hellish confusion that always seems bustling in major metropolitan area roadways.
The towns we passed through on our climb from the seaside were each colorful and very alive with activity, mopeds zipping by and schoolchildren running this way and that. Driving so far has been both fun and challenging as I do my best to respect what little laws it seems they have. An hour or so from Monemvasia we were deep inland, winding through and around some massive peaks that towered over the road. I’d guess these peaks to be 7-8,000 feet each, and their protrusion from the otherwise flat valley was something spectacular to see in person. So many friends have visited Greece and seen only the islands, our backcountry tour between the ocean villages has given us an entirely different experience that I feel privileged to have had. Our only real pit stop during the 4 hour drive was a bathroom break at a little roadside bakery. Dani grabbed a cold Coca-Cola from the fridge and I picked up a freshly made raspberry strudel pastry for myself. By early afternoon we arrived in Athens, and the open roads and limitless freedom of the last two days driving came to a screeching halt as the city streets became packed with traffic and the typical hellish confusion that always seems bustling in major metropolitan area roadways.
Driving towards 8,000-foot peaks
Stopping for strudels
Our Airbnb was not as nice as we had hoped, and the host informed us we had to turn on the water heater at the electrical breaker panel “then leave for half an hour”. I asked if the leaving was for enjoyment of time outdoors or safety reasons, and he didn’t go into detail after saying it was the latter. Combined with the miserable condition of the bathroom itself, we each decided against risking our health and lives just to take a shower. We had a light snack in a nearby shopping district, street vendors everywhere and restaurants galore, each place convincing you that their (nearly identical) menu was the best. The evening was spent high atop Athens from a place called Philopappos Hill, a part of the city park that has an elevated monument to Julius Philopappos, a prominent regional administrator in 114AD. Most importantly the highest point of the hill has a direct and unparalleled view of the Acropolis - perfect for anyone looking to photograph the ancient architecture. I set up my tripod and got the camera ready, reserving our spot as more people arrived, and we talked for a while with a younger UK couple who were on a two week vacation as well. The guy, after asking where we were from, complimented Tom Brady, saying he waits up to watch Sunday American Football in the fall. Conversation turned to the more internationally friendly Formula 1 racing, and we talked about favorite teams and tracks around the world as the sun began to set over Athens. Getting a few photos and some footage with the drone, Dani and I packed up and headed down the hill, ultimately finding an upscale restaurant with an elevated terrace that looked out over the Acropolis, perfect for a nice dinner on our first night in the city. We shared a salmon salad, both surprised to see it came out raw, and an unparalleled gluten free brownie dessert with fresh strawberries and a light caramel drizzle. It was quite the experience to sit there enjoying a meal, our view being straight across to what my arguably be the most recognizable structure in the world, the Parthenon. With a rare opportunity in front of me, I took a moment to fly the drone up over the Acropolis. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but captured some of the most beautiful footage of our entire trip, which I'll share with you in a few weeks once I have it edited.
After putting the camera equipment away, I navigated us back through the city streets with no GPS, Dani somewhat doubting my internal compass but following along nonetheless. Sleep came fast, alarms set for early in hopes of making it up to the Acropolis before the heat made the completely unshaded monument unbearable. To be honest, so far Athens hasn’t blown my sox off, but we shall see if that opinion changes in the morning.
After putting the camera equipment away, I navigated us back through the city streets with no GPS, Dani somewhat doubting my internal compass but following along nonetheless. Sleep came fast, alarms set for early in hopes of making it up to the Acropolis before the heat made the completely unshaded monument unbearable. To be honest, so far Athens hasn’t blown my sox off, but we shall see if that opinion changes in the morning.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens City Streets
The Acropolis from Philopappos Hill
The Parthenon
The Acropolis
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