It was “Hop-On, Hop-Off” day in Athens.
After a trip to the gym and working out, we all headed to the roof top restaurant for a Greek buffet style Breakfast. I stuck with my usual yogurt, fruit and coffee breakfast – Andrew went for a “Full Greek Breakfast” platter than had eggs, yogurt, juice, cheese, a basket of bread and just about everything else you could think of. For someone who doesn’t normally eat breakfast – it was an impressive feat to polish off that much food in the morning.
After breakfast – it was time to book our tickets for our “Hop-On, Hop-Off” bus trip around downtown Athens.
These types of tour experiences are available in most major cities – I have witnessed the same buses in downtown Seattle. Essentially, you purchase tickets which allow you to get on and off these tour buses as often as you want to within a 24-hour period. While the bus is driving between normal tourist sites you also get a prerecorded commentary on what you are seeing as the bus drives its route. This is an easy way to see the highlights of a new area while traveling and get a sense of how far apart attractions are located.
With our tickets in hand we set out for the National Archeological Museum – and were treated to a 45 minute tour on the way from our hotel area to the Museum entrance.
The National Archeological Museum was spectacular. If you like seeing Ancient Greek artifacts – you will not be disappointed.
Interestingly this museum does not currently have audio recordings as an exhibit guide – so we downloaded Rick Steves audio guide to the museum and listened to that with our cell phones.
Noel and Andrew remembered their ear buds – and while I may have had a flashlight, first aid supplies and umbrella – I left my ear buds safely in the hotel room. Thus – I looked like I was on a 90 minute phone call walking through the museum!
The museum is a world-class museum – and as such can be overwhelming. The audio guide really helped us to hit some highlights and get some historical context to the exhibits and artifacts.
The artifacts were arranged in the museum in a chronological fashion – which allowed us to put them in context of Greek history.
After the time in the Museum, it was time to get on the bus and head back to the hotel. On the way back, Noel wanted us to find a pastry shop to get a coffee and try some Greek treats.
Mission accomplished.
Noel had a Zoom meeting to attend – so Andrew and I headed up to the rooftop bar to do some email and writing. The views from our temporary outdoor office were spectacular – and since the temperature was in the upper 50’s – we had the entire outdoor patio to ourselves.
As we wrapped up our first full day of touring in Athens – I also snapped a picture of something I have not seen anywhere else in the world – a “Smart Car Police Cruiser”. It had police lights and everything. I am guessing that this was not the preferred vehicle for high ranking Athens police officers.
Tomorrow – we will head on a Rick Steves Walking Tour of Athens.
Kirk’s Travelogue 