Up and at it 4:30 AM to ready ourselves for a second round of travel. Last night we scoped out bus transport to Terminal 5 from our accommodation, so after check-out we followed our trusty Google Maps App to bus stop, and caught the 423 to Heathrow. Slick as snot (except my card wouldn’t tap / ApplePay to the rescue). Fast, economical, and easy peasy trip. Managed to navigate a fairly tame security setting at T5 as well … so glad we arrived early! Then… sit and wait.
Our Athens flight with British Airways left the gate almost exactly on schedule. Lasting approximately 3 1/2 hrs, it was decent flight that covered some gorgeous terrain. We flew over the English Channel (could see the “white cliffs of Dover”), France, the Alps, across northern Italy and the Adriatic down to Athens. Actually landed early knocking 10-20 minutes off the airtime. Then a customs log jam… looked like a long wait until an employee pulled our group from the line and redirected to a newly opened agent booth. Whooah!
Then directly to the Metro Line 3 (we got excellent directions from YouTuber – Greece Explained). Of course, we just missed the subway car, but at least landed in the right spot and enjoyed the 19°C temperature outside. Great service into the city. We dumped out in a very busy Monastiraki Square… just hopping, but a short, beautiful walk to our amazingly located digs. We’re well positioned on a picturesque pedestrian street in the shadows of the Acropolis. Love it already! It even has an incredible rooftop view, which is so Acropolis friendly, that blew our minds!
You know when you just get that feeling that you are in trouble with a plan… that was Sunday night! We had worked hard toward, and even purchased, Olympiacos tix for a home game in Piraeus. However, at every turn it went south. Not loading in App, no bar code, wrong names… a very unresponsive StubHub reseller. Looked like a dud early on but we still wanted to try! We worked it darn hard, but really to no avail other than a ticket refund for a sale that wouldn’t work! Fortunately we built the evening with a Plan A, and a Plan B! As I write, from The James Joyce Irish Pub just 3 minutes from our accommodation, we are enjoying a lively crowd taking in Premier League Football ⚽️ with ales, comfort food and warm seats. Making lemonade 🍋 with Plan B!!!
Last guns saw us tumble back to our accommodations after a great wander around the neighborhood. It was good to have the chance to saunter about during a more leisurely time of day. We managed to locate a few refreshments, and squirrel away up to our rooftop area for some quiet contemplation! As a final traipse, we strolled through sections of Plaka, Monastiraki and Ermou streets on a beautiful evening. Even treated ourselves to a late night gyro (pronounced “hero”)… oh boy what a treat. Picture included for one Mr Mike Hinchey! Perhaps our “Foodie” find of the day! Some last minute planning for “best AM route” to the Acropolis for an 8:00 AM timed entry. All in, an exciting day on the ground in Athens!!!
You made it!! Awesome. Sounds like a pretty neat and efficient trip to your new home. I expected nothing less with all of the pre-planning and homework you folks do. We did the Heathrow hotel thing last year and we couldn’t believe the cost of cabs/Ubers for short little rides. Bus is the way to go. Looks like you are in for a nice week of weather. Good timing. Looking forward to hearing about accommodations and seeing the food pics.
Enjoy the Acropolis Museum today. You didn’t mention you were going there but knowing you and Janie… it’s on your list:)
I can feel you researching in the background Mike. We’ve had a great day… couple of anticipated hiccups but no show stoppers. Ditto on the uber/cab fees… unruly. We did it Saturday… but only as a matter of absolute convenience. Ugly charges! Acropolis and museum pencilled in for Monday… we have an absolutely stunning view from the accommodation! Will try and grab a “nighttime” capture before bed. Mediterranean grub starts tomorrow… we may even try our hand at cooking some 😉! Pics are a promise Mike. Chat soon.
Love the Gyro pic. Thanks for remembering.
Oh boy… a version of the donair for this part of the world!!! Messy but so good 🤤
Glad you guys have made it safe and sound… I’m sure you’re on the move with a full day ahead of you. Fingers crossed all goes to plan and you can make it to the match today 🤞
No luck at the stadium… but we’re having an awesome night enjoying some premier league in a hopping Irish pub. It seems we’ll get to the Mediterranean diet grub tomorrow! Glad to be on the ground here. Thanks for Checking in Monica ♥️
Glad you made it and looks like the getting there went without too many glitches !
Enjoy your week and hi to Janie !
We’re on deck for sure! Thanks for chiming in Andrew. I believe Greece was among your travels many moons ago. Day went perfectly, minus some ticketing issues this evening that we had expected would occur (but were hoping for the best). From ancient ruins to modern graffiti, there is a lot going on! Thanks for the note…
Looks like an amazing adventure so far! Nice to have a change in scenery and temperature! James Joyce is a perfect name for an 🇮🇪 pub! 🍻
We’re having a blast 💥 Patrick! Going to tackle the Acropolis today and the focus is Ancient Greece, so a day of steps in this entirely walkable city. Also going to start trying some of the delicious Greek Food we’ve been seeing on Instagram. Hope the break treats you well and that you folks can keep the snow shovels packed away! Cheers… and thnx for dropping a comment!
Sounds like this trip hasn’t disappointed. Even your ticket issue will be memorable and helpful for any future adventures!!
The view from your accommodation must be priceless… looking forward to the pics.
For two history buffs this week will probably be challenging …. visiting every museum that opens before dawn and catching those that close latest at night! Enjoy!!
So far so good Eileen! Sunday ended up being a great day to get our feet on the ground. Lots to learn for sure… whether we’re looking for it or not. And you are so right about collecting these experiences, that may or may not roll in our favour, and making meaning with them. We’re also hoping that the weather holds the same… sunny warm days for exploring, and cool evenings for sleeping! I have the sense that Athens is going to be a super sized destination for us! 🙌