Greece: Athens

For a few years I had toyed with the idea of how amazing it would be to spend my 30th birthday in Greece.  I always told myself, if I have to turn 30 I'm going to do it on my terms!  I still can't believe that it actually happened, and how easy and cheap travel is over here, therefore allowing it to happen.  I traveled from Rome with Katie, and we were met in Athens by Clelia and Ashley coming from Milan, and Susannah coming from Munich.  We planned to spend the first day in Athens, the next two days on the island of Santorini, and the last day back in Athens.  A major transportation strike altered our plans a bit, however, and we ended up having to stay three extra days in Athens.

Our first day was a bit of a misc. day since we all arrived at different times, and because May 1 is a holiday in Europe and therefore most of the sites were closed.  But this gave us the excuse to walk around and see the city, explore the markets, and take it easy.  The weather was beautiful, and the food was delicious.  Not much else you can ask for!

Our first view upon exiting the subway in Monastiraki square.  That's the Acropolis up on the hill!!  Our hostel was located just around the block from this.

We had read about a poet/sandal maker who is apparently quite famous, and had hoped to check out his shop while in the city.  Coincidentally, it happened to be located a few doors down from our hostel.

 Once we had all arrived we decided to hop on the "Sunshine Express", a little Disneyland-type train that we had seen circle the city.

It went down some of the tiniest streets, forcing pedestrians to line up and wait for it to pass.

Susannah, Clelia, and Ashley.

Dinner!  Chicken souvlaki with potatoes and rice.  Delicious!

View of the Acropolis lit up at night from our hostel roof-top bar.