Steeped in history and mythology, Athens is a complex beast. Many visitors simply use it as a stopover point on the way to the more romantic, alluring islands. Perhaps because of these short, hurried stays, Athens gets a bit of a bad rap. The architecture can’t rival that of Rome or Barcelona, the people can […]
Category: Greece
Dinner in the Sky: Adventures in Haute Cuisine
When you exit the Kerameikos metro station in Athens and head towards Gazi, you will emerge onto a small square. Directly opposite the station, you will find a concert venue called Technopolis marked by a large, rusted metal structure. Joe and I noticed the unusual circular framework right away, but not the extremely tall crane […]
I’ve Been There, But Not With You
I am exceedingly familiar with many archaeological monuments in Greece. When I studied abroad in Athens, I ventured up to the Acropolis on the regular. While working at Nemea and Mycenae, I got to know those ancient stones and columns all too well. I’ve gazed up at the Venetian fortress in Nafplio many, many times. […]
Food Trucks for Everyone at the Athens Food Market
Running errands is generally a completely mundane, uneventful activity. But when traveling in a foreign country, mundane things often become much more interesting and enlightening. When Joe and I were out and about preparing for my parents’ visit, we stumbled upon the Athens Food Market. About 15 food trucks clustered around Plateia Klavthmonos, and a […]
A Few of My Favorite Things (On Crete)
Joe and I only spent a week on the island of Crete, but its magic quickly captivated us. We had a great deal of freedom thanks to our rental car and we used it to the fullest extent. After exploring parts of the western half of the large island, I think Joe fully understood what […]
Worth the Journey: Remote Beaches of Crete
When tourists flock to Crete, they are likely making the trip for several reasons. Ancient Minoan and Greek archaeological sites abound, and delightfully fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats are available everywhere. However, the island’s intense natural beauty is perhaps the most compelling reason to visit.
Hiking the Samaria, Europe’s Longest Gorge
When you sign up to hike the Samaria Gorge, it’s hard to imagine exactly what lies ahead. Even if you have made the descent before, as I had, your memory plays tricks on you and optimism prevails. Joe and I discussed the possibility of knee issues, but brushed our worries aside because, when in Crete, […]
Discovering Stories at the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
Nestled on a quiet street corner on the edge of the Kerameikos neighborhood, a relatively clean, four-story building devoid of street art rises up behind a row of orange trees with a subtle air of importance. The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art houses a stunning collection of artifacts dating from the 8th – 19th centuries […]
Living Our Best Normal Lives Overseas
You’ve read about our adventures to Porto and Ibiza, the gastronomic delights we’ve enjoyed, hikes we’ve taken up steep, rocky hills, and the awe inspired within us while gazing at elaborately decorated architecture – the highlights that make a good story. Perhaps some of you are wondering, however, what we actually do all day every day over […]
The Writing on the Wall: Street Art in Athens
Oh, Athens, you beautiful, dirty, seething, charming, noisy, riotous, sun-drenched, ancient, ever-changing, artful city. This place bursts with memories of learning, growing up, drinking, dancing, eating, laughing, crying and living. So much has changed – there was actual LETTUCE in my Greek salad the other night – but many things remain the same: the Parthenon rises up, […]
