Day 3: Plaka, Athens

Turns out we weren’t as time-zone adjusted as we thought; woke up at 5am and then slept again until 1pm. Not that it mattered one bit.

With half the day gone, we went exploring the Plaka and Monastiraki districts on foot. These are probably the most touristy parts of Athens, filled with lots of shops and restaurants. However, it was a much finer experience than the similar areas I’ve been to in Mexico and Florida. Alongside the t-shirt and trinket shops were also some classier clothing and jewelry stores. I only encountered 3 pushy vendors; the rest either took “no” for an answer or waited to be approached. Certainly a refreshing change from some other places I’ve been.

A block or two off the main roads of Plaka we found ourselves in the neighbourhood of Anafiotika, at the base of the hill that holds the Acropolis. This was a very pleasing venue, with great views, quaint cafes, and dozens of friendly cars waiting for attention.

I marvelled at how quiet Athens is, especially for a city of 3 million people. Most of the roads in this part of the city are too narrow for much traffic; there’s not even that many motorcycles. In Anafiotika, most people travel by foot; the outdoor restaurants and cafes, while well populated, are quite serene. It certainly looks like a place where you could easily pass the time away.