Here is my own view about the city. (I have written this in one of my old holiday brochures.)
Athens during summer is hot, noisy and congested. Athens is also astonishingly vibrant and beautiful with a surprise around every corner. A cultural paradise or a large noisy city?
"It is fair to say that both opinions are perfectly valid!
It is impossible to escape the past: from the midst’s of the 13th century B.C. to the classical splendor of the Periclean Golden Age; from the Hellenistic Epoch to the Greco-Roman era; from the Byzantine Middle Ages to the Latin and Turkish occupation; from the 1821 War of Independence to today. Athens provides endless evidence of all these eras. However, it is still the Acropolis and Parthenon that cannot fail to have the largest impact on every visitor to Athens. Classicist or not, the city's impressive history cannot fail to take hold.
The most enjoyable way to see Athens and the quickest, is on foot. Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the Parliament building, the traditional changing of the guard, the National Gardens with their shady grounds, the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Olympic stadium, the Presidential Palace and of course, the Acropolis and Parthenon. These are but a few of the many sites which are all within walking distance from your hotel.
A pleasant stroll from Omonia Square (The hotel Titania is 5 minutes walk from there) can take one through Syntagma Square to Plaka. Plaka is the oldest section of Athens, dating back to 1821, lying under the shadow of the Acropolis. Cafes and tavernas abound, filled with all manner of folk putting the world to rights. Colourful shops and flower-filled courtyards all add to the vibrant scene.
Nightlife is extensive and goes on until late. Evenings can be spent meandering through the bars and shops of the fashionable area of Kolonaki, enjoying a meal in the more bohemian Plaka, prior perhaps to visiting one of the numerous Athenian clubs that cater for all tastes. In the summer season one can take in an open air performance of a play or concert at the magnificent Odeon of Herodes Atticus in the shadow of the Parthenon. An experience not to be missed."
I see that you are going for a cruise around the Greek islands and I would suggest you take warm clothes this time of the year.
Remember:
Hospitality in Greece is a Duty willingly performed. Don’t forget to taste some good food in Athens…….and when you are back home then ask your wife to try some of my own
GREEK HOME COOKERY recipes!
http://www.greekhomecookery.com You will be made to feel welcomed wherever you go in Greece. If Greece feels expensive then blame your dollar! When I was in LA last Xmas….I was paying 120 dollars for a dump motel room with nothing more than a TV set……..
For a LIVE weather report check:
http://www.ifstudio.org/weather/weather.phpEnjoy your holiday to my beautiful country and I would expect your TR when you are back ....
I am jealous of you as I will be visiting the cold Russia at the same time.
AJ
I guess you where in Crete…… How did you escaped from the Cretan women??
PS: Last 2 photos are from Rhodes island
