Athens

Early morning wakeup call so we could grab breakfast for our 8:55am flight to Athens. Luckily it was on time! So many smelly people on the flight that I actually sprayed perfume around. Apparently the deodorant trend hasn't caught on yet. Surprisingly the flight wasn't full so Mom and I were able to sit with a seat between us. If there was a smelly person between us I wouldn't have been able to do it.

We sat across from this older couple that was out of control. At first we thought they were just joking around elbowing each other, but they were actually violent - going back and forth pushing each other. At one point we thought they were going to go at each other with the plastic knives from the in-flight service. It was pretty hilarious and strange - oh, those Germans. The flight wasn't bad at all - little over two hours. I slept a little, but Mom can never sleep and she's still fighting a cold/sore throat. Cool to see the islands from up above, but not sure which was which.

Touched down in Athens and it was SO hot - humid 90s at least. Mom had info already on how to get to the Marriott so we took a bus into Syntagma Square which took about 45 minutes and then we hopped in a cab to the hotel. Kind of strange because there was already a guy in the front seat and there wasn't a meter. The majority of the taxis in Athens are pale yellow Mercedes - not the most attractive cars.

Athens was not what I'd expected at all: such a big city and kind of has a dirty/dry look with ruins scattered throughout. Made it to the Marriott and cooled down for a little in the A/C. Went out on the balcony to take pictures of the Acropolis in the distance (awesome) and just as Mom was saying "don't lock us out"...I did. Woops! I thought Mom was going to have a panic attack. It was pretty scary being three floors up above the highway in that heat, but luckily we were at the front of the hotel so it wasn't long before we could see someone and yell down to them that we were locked out. I guess it happens a lot. The hotel guy ended up having to break the top lock, but we were eventually saved.

Changed up and went to see the Acropolis up close. Unfortunately today is the European Union Election Day so all of the archaeological sites closed early, but we went to the area anyways. Took the metro there - only €1 each, so cheap. Would've been cool to go in and see the Parthenon and Acropolis, but still wicked cool to walk around the outside of it. Can't imagine how enormous and magnificent it looked back in the day. Really wish I'd been able to take that Greek Mythology course at Queen Mary.

It was so hot out - can't get over that we're in Greece. Walked around the ancient Agora, but that was closed as well. Went to the Placa, which is the marketplace area with tons of touristy shops and restaurants. Everyone was trying to sell us something or get us to come to their restaurant by saying that I was a movie star and kissing us both - yeah right, buddy.

Ended up going back to one of the first restaurants we'd seen called Ydria. Large outdoor seating area with umbrellas and wooden basket chairs/couches. Most appealing were the fans and misters - we were dying to get out of the heat. We started with a Greek salad and then Mom had stuffed tomatoes and I had veal with baked noodles. Two big bottles of water to rehydrate us and they gave us a sweet wine as a digestive when we were done. Very tasty. Kind of creeped out by all the bugs around (tons of gnats all over the tablecloth, dive-bombing into my water, and landing on me). The waiter informed us that it was bug season - last thing I wanted to hear! Keeping my fingers crossed that the bugs steer clear of Santorini, Paros, Antiparos and Mykonos. Maybe they don't like the water.

Walked back to the metro and headed back to the hotel. Changed into our suits and headed to the eighth floor for some swimming in the outdoor pool. You could see the Acropolis on the hill in the distance - just incredbile. After swimming we scoped out the desserts in the executive lounge and made some hot choclate. We were going to rent a movie, but then saw that they were €20. You've got to be kidding. Santorini tomorrow and Lauren meets up with us Tuesday!!