This morning, in the darkness at 6 am, we hopped in our taxi to head to the port and our ferry to Syros.

We’re excited for this new island  chapter in our Greek Odyssey but sad to say goodbye to Athens.

Athens is a vibrant, fun and historically important city that we have enjoyed getting to know.

Since the last blog, we ‘ve had the opportunity to tour the Acropolis and Acropolis museum. Though you can see the Acropolis from most places in the city, you cannot fully fathom it’s size and importance until you are standing next to the massive columns and staring into the eyes of the marble ladies that are guarding the Theatre of Dionysis. To walk the same steps and paths that people have walked for centuries is humbling. We stood under the Greek flag, that a seventeen year old Greek soldier grabbed and hugged while he plunged to his death, protecting said flag from Nazi intruders.

We listened as our guide emotionally explained that many relics and pieces of their history had been pillaged and stolen over the years. Even now they are fighting to get these missing pieces back for their museums.

We stood and watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Greek Parliament. These soldiers are highly trained and disciplined. It is a huge honour for them to be chosen for this role. Their precise movements must be in sync with one another though they do not look at each other! Timing is everything!

Yesterday, we took an “Athens for Foodies” tour. Our tour guide Ismini was passionate about her city, her heritage and it’s food! We started our tour at the smallest restaurant in Athens where Harry arrived each day at 3am to begin the process of making his pies, by hand. We met Harry and his lovely wife, who proudly served several varieties of these delicious hand held pies such as mushroom, cheese and spinach.  This family restaurant had been inherited from Harry’s father. Sadly, like many traditional Greek restaurants, there may not be a younger generation ready to step in and take over.

Next we sampled Greek donuts-the same sweet treats that used to be given to the winners of the first Olympic games! These fried treats are served warm, drizzled in honey and cinnamon.  

On our tour we stopped in many places- a cheese shop and an olive shop. In one family run taverna, we had many traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, okra, bread with a lentil spread, Greek meatballs. In another taverna, we sampled cheeses, meats, wines and a traditional 40 proof liquor! It was an acquired taste!

We toured the Athens meat and fish market. Wow…the smells! When the guide told us the floor would be slippery, I nearly gagged and that was before the smell hit me. Warning…graphic pictures below!

For the rest of the day, we wandered through various neighbourhoods, shopping and exploring. Athens is such an interesting city. At every turn there is something different to see- a centuries old church; antique stores full of treasures, eclectic tavernas with smiling Greeks at the door offering a welcome; a stunning piece of graffiti; on old, abandoned but full of character building.

We ended the tour with traditional Greek coffee, a delicacy of sap from the Mastic tree, walnut cake and my personal favourite, orange cake. Both cakes are soaked in honey!

We never felt unsafe in any of our travels even on their subway and train system, which btw was very easy to use!

Next stop, Syros…