Family Fun in Greece 1: Athens
Despite the rain, the nationwide labor strike, and the reduced capacity for arriving flights at the airport, our kids arrived safely in Athens, more or less on schedule. Danny and Mei flew from San Francisco via Istanbul, and Amy flew direct from New York City. We all settled into our rooms at Fresh Hotel, near the Athens Central Market. Steve and I had stayed there briefly when we first arrived in Greece a month ago, and we loved the stylish, whimsical decor and the sumptuous breakfast buffet.
Friday
After our big, delicious breakfast, Mei, Danny and I went shopping. We had a mission: Danny needed something more suitable than cowboy boots for walking on the Acropolis (ancient marble is slippery). The Attica department store was impressive - as huge and luxurious as Harrods or Bergdorf. But there were more interesting options in the small shops nearby. Danny found some stylish Nikes at a place called Aftermath, reportedly the first exclusive sneaker store in Greece.
Amy arrived in the afternoon, and our little family was complete! We celebrated our reunion that evening with a sunset dinner on the rooftop at Kuzina. We had fabulous views of the Acropolis and the Temple of Hephaestus. The people standing on the Aeropagus (Hill of Ares) looked like penguins. The Parthenon looked magical.
Saturday
After gorging ourselves on the breakfast buffet, Amy and I did a little shopping. Near Syntagma Square, we found an interesting little niche perfume shop called KK’s Lab. Amy and I selected “Pear Blast,” a fresh, clean fragrance that we both loved on the spot. It was fun watching as our perfume was blended to order, and now we each have a travel-friendly roller of fragrance as a memento of Athens. We relaxed with champagne cocktails at little cafe, enjoying the weather and the people-watching.
Steve joined us at the Acropolis Museum, which houses the vast collection of artifacts from the Acropolis and the surrounding slopes. It was impressive, and a little overwhelming. Read about our museum visit here.
After our museum visit, Danny and Mei joined us for a private tour of the Acropolis of Athens. It was truly awesome to see the Parthenon up close, after admiring it from afar. That iconic classical temple, so emulated around the world, was constructed nearly 2,500 years ago! Read about our tour here.
Sunday
On Sunday morning, Steve, Amy and I walked to Syntagma Square to watch the Changing of the Guard. The official uniforms and ceremonial “march” were so fascinating! Read about this event here.
We left Parliament and walked along the National Garden to the Metro station near the Acropolis. Danny and Mei joined us here, and we connected with Charis, our guide for the Acropolis Treasure Hunt. We explored the base and slopes of the Acropolis, solving puzzles along the way. It was like doing an Escape Room outdoors - perfect for our game-loving family! Read about our treasure hunt here.
Our reward after finding the treasure was a late lunch at an excellent family-run taverna called Scholarchio, where “lunch for five” was a feast that included twelve traditional Greek dishes served family-style, drinks, and dessert - all for just €20 per person! Then most of us went shopping in the colorful streets of Plaka and Psyri. No purchases this time, just pictures.
That evening - as if the treasure hunt hadn’t been enough - we had our traditional weekly Family Game Night on the hotel rooftop. Danny had brought along something new for us to try: a cooperative strategy game called Crew. It was a fitting last night together in Athens.
