Over the last couple of years I have been discovering more of the countries and cities in Europe again. When living on the other side of the world, this was kind of challenging. But also because there were other countries I was loving to explore a bit more.
But the Mediterranean hadn't been the territory for a while which has been kind of a pity because there is so much to see and do.
Greece was one of the countries which had surprised me the most in terms of chillness and how much there is see and do apart from the regular islands that people tend to visit.
So when my most recent trip was going to start off in Athens, I was really stoked to learn much more about the ancient city where the whole centre of European civilization had started.
And the most chill thing to do in a city if you ask me? Just stroll around for a bit and see what kind of vibes you run into.
Getting there
Now the first thing about getting in Athens is getting through the airfield which is about 30 kms away from the city centre which is a very decent and functioning airport actually.
From there on you have the option of getting into the city by bus, but train and by taxi/uber which were are very easy to find and use. So transportation is working good over here.
Some nice murals along the way over there
Now for me I am not the most fan of city trips honestly because I don't really like going into museums or those kinds of things. And then you become to wonder...'what the hell are you going to do in a city to spend your day in?'
That is always exactly what I am wondering. Because after a breakfast in your hotel/hostel, I don't want to go back into the room....you want to go outside, because that is why you are there.
But strolling for the whole day? That might be a bit too enthusiastic right?
Yum!!!
So you head out a have an iced cappuchino somewhere on the terrace and let the surroundings sink in for a bit and see whatever that passes by.
And boyyyy, a lot of people pass by because Athens is crowded and booming still in the after season.
Ancient
I saw a lot of people marching towards the city centre where the Akropolis is the centre piece of it all looking out over the whole city.
I can imagine how back in the days this was the place where everyone was heading to, and that it was also the place from where the city would be guarded and looked out over.
But for me heading up the hill and paying $30 bucks to see what is left over from it.... Nope, that is not how I had intended to spend my day, especially since the whole of Athens is like one big open air museum of remains from that time.
There is a little bit everywhere to see, and that is what is enough. Seeing some old partially restored ruins, thinking about what kind of stories would belong to there and just passing on.
Having another coffee, having another beer.
Looking at what other people are doing and frankly...they seems just as lost as I am. The only difference is that they call it a city trip and head inside to see some more stuff.
Well, I had seen enough quite fast actually. Cities are just not my place to be in for a whole day.
Heading further out
Walking back towards my bag and transportation to get out of the city as fast as I could, I also passed by this church from another different time in history. A whole different building style, a whole different era.
I have to admit, the vibe in Athens was good. The people were friendly (the more friendlier, the further you got out of the touristy part but that seems logical), but wow I was surprised on how crowded it still was over there even in after season.
The conclusion was there again for me, hanging in a city is not something I want to do all day. I want to sit on a little bench and read a book, stare over water or look at mountains or something.
On the other hand, Athens is a great starting point if you want to head out towards somewhere else!