Unfortunately our arrival in Greece coincided with three of us falling under the weather with fever. So, we made the best of our limited opportunities in Athens. We enjoyed a fantastic modern apartment (on the inside) in a cool neighborhood that offered several coffee shops, cafes, and small grocery stores. Once a few of us were feeling up to it, we enjoyed visiting Max Perry Handmade Chocolates for treats. We also stumbled across a small mom & pop joint that made traditional Georgian bread by baking the flattened dough on the inside of large cylindrical baking ovens. We would linger to make sure we got the flat loaves that were just peeled off of the inside of the oven – yummy! (For only €1!)

We did, despite the sickness in the family, make it up to the Acropolis. The view was stunning, the weather was great, children were flying kites, it was really a nice time. Our kids spent more time running around on the slick stones than paying any attention to the ancient architecture.

On the last day, the three oldest kids went on a food tour booked through Airbnb. We ate what felt like tons of olives (we’re not fans) but also had some fantastic feta, salami, REAL Greek yogurt, coffee, desserts, and different pastries. It was absolutely delicious. We also learned a lot about the history and culture surrounding typical Greek food.

Street art

Baklava

Coffee being heated by hot sand

Feta, Yogurt, Herbs and Salami

Fish Market

Sweet and savory pastries

So. Many. Olives.

We noticed that a lot of the locals smoke. It’s just a more abundant practice in Athens than what we’re used to. We also noticed, in the little time we were out, how so many people of all ages – especially much older folks – dress nicely and get out with others for lunch, coffee, walking down the boulevard arm-in-arm, shopping, or just to socialize – an observation that impressed us. 

Next stop–Italy!