We decided to add Athens, Greece, to our trip very last minute, and I’m so glad we did! Athens was a surprise. My first impression was that it was similar to Sao Paulo, Brazil (where my family lives) because there’s SO much graffiti everywhere, and it looks dirty. I probably couldn’t be different since Athens IS so old, but the part that really struck me was the monuments. The Acropolis where the famous Parthenon (temple dedicated to the goddess Athena)  is located was absolutely breathtaking. The Oden of Herodes Atticus (open theater you can see below) looked like everything I had imagined Athens would be like. There’s a picture below of a couple sitting on steps, totally into each other, and that was taken at right by the Oden of Herodes. I was looking at the view, then I looked back and saw them, completely quite, faces touching, and I couldn’t help but take a picture. And I know I probably should have a model release, but how can you interrupt a moment like that??? I sure didn’t want to. The Temple of Zeus was also very nice and only a short walk from the Acropolis. All places require an entrance fee, but you can get an all inclusive pass for about $30 euro.

FOOD: Food in Athens is cheap. I actually liked the simple gyros way more than their fancy foods. Wine is also cheap (not as cheap as in Italy!) so we had a bottle with every meal, except Breakfast. We chose to eat breakfast at the bakeries that are everywhere in Athens. It was very inexpensive and very delicious. Many of options of pastries and pies, and they have freshly squeezed orange juice everywhere, which is my favorite. If you search for a bar called “Faust Bar Theatre Arts” you will find the area that has all the cool restaurants and bars in Athens!

TRANSPORTATION: Uber is available in Athens, however, you will still be charged the taxi rates. It’s just nice to not have to exchange cash or have to pay directly, but other than that, you will get the same rates. Public transportation is very affordable and will take you everywhere.

LODGING: We stayed at the Melia, Athens, for most  of our stay as the location is perfect for exploring by foot, and spent our last night at the Sofitel, which is connected to the airport. The Melia was great, and the pool had a great city view (you can even see the Acropolis!), but I would try a different one if I went again. The Sofitel was fantastic. It could be that they gave me free macarons at the bar but I loved the hotel, the spa and pool area are breathtaking, and the food was delicious. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!