Greece: Mykonos, Hotel St. John

Greece: Ferry to Mykonos

The next morning we were off to Mykonos via Hellenic Seaways' high speed ferry, which took about 4-5 hours includinng stops along the way at smaller islands. We boarded from Piraeus in Athens. If you see vendors selling breads and pastries that look tasty, pass. They were quite disappointing. The food on the ferry is equally tasteless. The journey itself wasn't uncomfortable, however there were some hiccups with seating arrangements and a huge delay when we returned to Athens from Santorini, but that may have been due to the taxi strike at the time. However on the way to Mykonos from Athens, excitement prevailed over anything worth complaining about. And the views from the outdoor deck of the various islands were phenomenal.

Greece: Athens: Fallen

I don't remember the name of this particular historic site, but it was, as all the other ancient architecture in Athens, magnificent. One of the pillars lay there, fallen, in a domino effect, and we wondered when and why it had fallen. But like a lot of ancient history, it's shrouded in mystery.

Dusk was falling, and the light was just perfect for this last day in Athens. Tomorrow, off to Mykonos!

Greece: Athens, Out n' About

Some randoms from the outskirts of the Acropolis.

(Can you see the black cat hidden in the shadows?)

Greece: Athens, Odd

Here are some odd shots from around Athens. Just 'cause.

Greece: Athens: Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora was our next stop and a natural progression from exiting the Acropolis (that is, after resting atop a giant rock with magnificent views - first image. It still boggles my mind that one can walk amongst ancient ruins with such liberty, not to say it was taken for granted.

I direct you to this page for the history, but look below for the photographs.

Greece: Acropolis: The Parthenon

We made it! I apologize, the next set of shots are going to be only of the Parthenon and it's surroundings. My super comfortable Pumas were put to the test (on the sometimes slippery rocky surface). Which is likely why the original steps leading up to the top has been covered with wooden planks, like at the Taj Mahal.

It was hotter than hot and part of the Parthenon was being restored, but words cannot describe how mind-blowing it was to see in person and photographs don't do any justice.

P.S. The sleeping dogs were a surprise.

Greece: Athens, Acropolis: Along the Way

Getting to the Acropolis in the high heat was no easy task. Some olive trees and fancy water stations helped along the way.

Here, some of those moments.

Greece: Athens, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes is a stadium theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis. It's still used for music festivals every year, having been restored in the 50s. How incredible would it be to be seated here during a concert? Epic.

Here's a panoramic view, which is not entirely accurate, but you get the gist, I hope.

Other panoramas: Boston from the Ebersol Suite at the Liberty Hotel + NYC's 30 Rockefeller

Greece: Athens, The Acropolis Museum

And so it begins. At the Acropolis Museum.

Sitting atop an archaeological site, which can be seen through glass floors, the museum opened in 2009. Designed by a NY City based architect, the museum houses 5 floors worth of ancient artifacts and excavated historic treasures. One of the highlights is its direct view of the Parthenon. Photography was not allowed inside the museum. Nor were chocolate bars. Museum entrance fee, 5 euros. Snickers bar, likely 5 euros. Eating a Snickers bar whilst looking up at the Parthenon? Priceless.

Greece: Athens, Plaka at Night

We arrived in Athens just as the sun was setting (note, NYC isn't the only city with yellow cabs, and Mercedes Benzes, no less), checked in and went out for dinner (getting our recommendation from a group of cops at a corner!). They were spot on; it was absolutely delicious! Walking around the beautiful shopping district of Plaka was surreal to me, as Greece has been at the top of my travel list, forever. Plaka is a lovely, albeit touristy area, with cobblestone pathways, darling open air restaurants and charming residences and shops. Athens reminded us a lot of Bombay, a bit busy, a tad grimy, but we loved it. It has the tastiest olives and the friendliest locals. Couldn't ask for much more, and I didn't even mention it's incredible history (yes, that's one of the corners of the Acropolis, that's nestled within Plaka that we spotted on our walk around Plaka). Could not even contain my excitement. More to come!

Throwback Monday: Greece!

It's time for us to leave winter behind and focus our sights on sunny horizons, mainly: GREECE!

Won't you join me?

Boston: Blogger Meetup at the ICA

Last night I met up with some Boston Bloggers at the ICA in Boston, in the seaport district. The ICA is a beautiful structure completed in 2006, airy and minimalist in its style much like the art it houses. Some of the works were particularly interesting such as the paintings by Sue Williams, which I think we may have enjoyed a little too much!

Then we were off to Anthony's Pier 4, a charmingly old and nautically inspired resturant on the water. Reminded me very much of Toronto's similarly named and decorated, Pier 4 Storehouse. Can't speak for the food but I liked that they had Earl Grey and that too, loose leaved! Also the service was friendly at the bar!

Here are a few captures from the evening, with Emily, Sarah, Anna, Aubrie, Danielle, Clair and Melanie.

Some via Instagram.