Athens Was Good To Us
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Acropolis Museum
Monday 3 December 2012 dawned sunny on the island of Spetses … following breakfast at Filippos, Costas and I departed on the Flying Dolphin at the slightly later time of 1150 hours. First stop Hydra, then Poros … so far, so good. Then, somewhere between Poros and Piraeus the weather changed completely … forced to travel at a snail’s pace, the large swells going right over us. Quite terrifying, actually – I was pleased to reach dry land. We walked to the Metro Station and caught the train to Monasteraki … from there it was only a short walk to Carolina Hotel in Kolokotroni Street – very central.
After checking in, we decided to take the tram from Syntagma to Glyfada, where Costas hoped to leave his watch for servicing at the Rolex shop. Monday evening, of course, and the shops were closed so he left his card under the door and we went for a couple of beers at Riva Bar before catching the tram back to Syntagma Square. Then it was time to check out a bar Costas had heard about … Galaxy Bar, in an arcade off Stadiou Street – what a wee gem! An extremely pleasant young man behind the bar, also named Costas, said he had worked there for four years. The clientele appeared bohemian in the main … artists, writers and intellectual Athenians I would say.
Needing to eat, we walked back towards Monasteraki to Bairaktaris Restaurant … established in 1879, I understand Costas has been eating there for years. We shared plates of Briam, Dolmathakia and Soutzoukakia, the latter being on the house, with a half litre of white wine. The food and atmosphere were superb, however, I thought the large collection of photographs on the walls featuring the owner was a little over the top and the live music, playing “Never on a Sunday” and such like … well, no thank you, I am not a tourist. Next stop, Throubi Bar, the owner of which used to have a bar on Spetses. Great music but way too loud so back to Galaxy and this time, an older barman – Yani, in my opinion, short on integrity. Costas’ Grand Marnier’s were served in a stemmed glass – half measures and expensive, however, I still feel that this bar was a great little find. Eventually retiring to our hotel, I have to say that both the pillows and bed were very good by Greek standards – I hate the hard continental beds.
The following day, Tuesday, Costas was out and about earlier than I, seeing to this and that. When we ventured out together to walk to the Acropolis Museum, with a stop for coffee on the way, it was all blue sky and sunshine, although the air was cool … but remember, this is the beginning of winter in Greece. The Museum, well what can I say … mind-blowing, definitely worth visiting, it has to now be one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, you are only allowed to take photographs on Level 3 and so many of the exhibits there have chunks missing which are in other museums around the world, mainly the British Museum … I think that sucks! Anyway, we had a rather nice lunch at the Museum Cafe and after we had seen all we wanted to see, walked back to our hotel for a siesta, via the Eleftheroudakis bookshop.
Evening number 2 and it was dinner at Hermion, another restaurant Costas has been familiar with for years. Started our meal with a shared Roka and Tomato Salad and Dolmades in a Lemon and Egg Sauce. For my main I chose the Lamb of the Day, served with rice, sweet peppers and mushrooms – delicious! A lovely bottle of white wine and finishing our meal with a complimentary piece of Orange Cake which was to die for! Then, guess what? Back to Galaxy Bar, however, only for a short time and we were in the hotel before 2200 hours … the following day I would begin my long journey back to New Zealand.
Wednesday morning, partly cloudy weather, similar to my mood … Costas bought Koulourakia, those yummy chewy bread rings covered in sesame seeds which are sold by street vendors all over Athens. We walked to Syntagma Square to catch the X95 bus to Athens Airport, arriving around 1230 hours. First a coffee, then time to check in, before a beer for Costas and a wine for me … the time had arrived to once again say our sad farewells – it does not become any easier. Did my duty-free shopping then while I was waiting to board, I noticed that the rain had arrived. Once airborne, as always, the reality hits – I am leaving Greece and I do not like it. Listened to The Vinyl Years, watched the sunset, by 1700 hours Greek time we were over Cyprus and I knew Costas should be departing Piraeus to return to Spetses without me. Tried to think about not where I had been, nor where I was going to … rather savour the moment as an International traveller on a complimentary journey from Athens to Auckland. 2145 hours local time and 25 degrees C, touch down in Dubai … passport control, luggage collection, then a free shuttle bus to the Holiday Inn Express Airport Hotel. Nice room, Internet, tea/coffee-making facilities, however, no wake up calls … not the best night’s sleep, a lot of TV viewing, up again at 0510 hours, passed on the complimentary breakfast and back at the airport by 0655 hours.
Scheduled to depart Dubai at 1010 hours, we sat on the tarmac for the best part of an hour and a half … informed by the Captain that a sick young boy and his parents had been off loaded and we had missed our place in the queue. There is something like 30 aeroplanes taking off every hour from Dubai to all parts of the world and I would guess, a similar number of arrivals. I was in my favourite seat 50A, front cabin, back row, window, with a Russian guy I think next to me who did not speak at all and an Aussie bloke who has lived many years in the UK in the aisle seat … he and I shared a wine and a conversation when we could. During the long haul, I watched a couple of good movies … “A Few Best Men” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” with Judi Dench.
Delayed departure from Dubai meant a delayed arrival and departure also from Melbourne and late arrival in Auckland at 1412 hours … I knew I could be in trouble trying to make my connection to Wanganui in time. I was first of the economy passengers off the A380-800 … a fast walk to Passport Control, lengthy queues, nothing I could do. Eventually to luggage carousel where I asked a lady wearing a T-shirt stating “Airport Assistance” to help me … I had my trolley case, however, I was still waiting for my small bag. Told there was nothing I could do, it was too late now … I eventually cleared Customs and raced to the Air New Zealand desk – no joy there. Hopped on the free bus to the domestic terminal with Louise, a delightful young Irish lass who had come to visit her boyfriend Curtis – he is working on the Rena and Louise had also missed her flight to Tauranga. Arriving at the Air New Zealand ticketing desk, Louise was okay as she had paid heavily for her original ticket and was able to transfer to a later flight at no cost. Mine was a $99 Grabaseat – non transferable – advised there was one seat available on the 1830 hours flight to Wanganui – cost? $434 – gulp! So, so tired and frustrated by now I said to myself, it is only money and took it.
1920 hours touchdown in Wanganui and met by my son Dave and his girlfriend Kayla who took me to mum’s where my sister Janet was also waiting. A nice cup of tea, I distributed their gifts, then Dave took me home – exhausted. Now I have spent my first week back at the coal face and it has been a very busy time. So many wonderful memories and once more the countdown begins until next I return to my other home in Greece and of course, to Costas … I miss him so much.