Free and Easy in Athens

We visited Athens City twice, first on 11.10.2024 immediately after our Acropolis tour before flying to Mykonos in that evening. The second time was on 15.10.2024 after returning from Santorini, the day before we ended our tour and flew back from Athens to Malaysia.

In our first trip, we spent significant time walking along Ermou Street, which runs perpendicular to Syntagma Square next to the arena of the Changing of Guard.

As we strolled along the street, a small roadside stall caught our attention, selling one of Athens' most iconic snacks - the sesame-coated koulouri bread ring. Tempted, we bought one on the spot and paired it with a cup of coffee from a nearby cafe. Taking a seat at the curbside, we enjoyed our simple feast while watching the city bustle past. With its golden crust dusted in toasted sesame seeds, each bite offered a delicate crunch that yielded to a soft, slightly chewy center.

This unassuming bread has deep roots, believed to date back to Byzantine times, and was later popularized in Thessaloniki before earning its place as a beloved national breakfast staple in Greece.

Coffee break outside a cafe at Ermou Street.

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In both occasions, we had a chance to catch a glimpse of the iconic Panathenaic Stadium. The original Stadium before the refurbishment to its current form was used for the first Olympics Game in 1896. The current venue was used for another Olympics in August 2004 or 28th Olympiad, exactly 20 years ago.

Google view of the Stadium.

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It was during the second stop at Athens when we were taken to the Monastiraki Flea Market. Every city has a pedestrian street or a market where the locals and tourists can explore, congregate and look for interesting food. KK City has the Gaya Street (Read here), KL has Chow Kit and Seoul has Myeongdong Walking Street (Read here). In the case of Monastiraki Flea Market, my verdict is that product variety marketed here and vibrancy was below expectation!

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A popular spot where visitors to Athens dropped by is the Presidential House at the Tomb of the Unknown Solders to see the Changing of Guard. The Changing of Guard is held every hour every day. We were there at around 5pm on 15.10.2024 to witness this routine.

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We had a quick visit to Veneti Great, a huge bakery which is within short walking distance from Moxy Hotel where we stayed. In comparison, this bakery is significantly bigger in terms of floor area and varieties than bakeries in KK.

Swimming in The Aegean Sea

The final itinerary in Santorini was the Santorini Private Sunset Sailing. This 4-hours cruise in the afternoon provided us an opportunity to see the sunset and to swim in the Aegean Sea. Unlike my wife who loves swimming, I am no swimmer and at best a "dipper". However, I still consider a dip in the Aegean Sea was worth the attempt and risk. This body of water in between modern day Greece and Turkey was central to the development and flourishing of several ancient cultures including the Classical Greek Civilization.  

Boarding the cruise boat - Dream Catcher.

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With the little knowledge gained a day before from the local guide about the geology of Santorini (Read here), we had a chance to see for ourselves the unique soil profiles of some of the tiny islands formed by volcanic eruptions.

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Finally, the cruise boat stopped in front of a cliff where tour members were given a chance to dip and swim in the Aegean Sea. Only three took the challenge - my wife and I plus another member, Mr. Chew. The water was cold and I only stayed for a short while before the chill became too unbearable!.

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With so much time available, tour members had to think of ways to kill the time. The most obvious option was to look for all available spots on the boat to take photos :)

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The cruise also offered meals prepared by the sailors. Dishes included appetizer - Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese; barbequed meat, Greek pasta etc.

Barbequed meat.

Greek pasta.

Puree and appetizer - Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese.

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The final part of the cruise was to enjoy the sunset before returning to the port. All were busy posing for photo-taking with the backdrop of the setting sun slowly disappearing below the horizon of the Aegean Sea.