Happy Tuesday, Everyone!
So I just got back from a quick trip to Rome and Greece! I’ll save Rome for a separate article. But first, Greece!
Basically my homegirl Margaret chartered a yacht and invited me to join her. How can one say no to yachting in the Mediterranean Sea? While there, I did a little tanning, a bit of sight seeing, and lots of tik toking. Behold, my humble guide to the city of the Acropolis.
1. How to Get There
With all international excursions, the further in advance you plan, the better! You get better ticket prices, and you can splurge on a first class seat and probably get the best rate! Expect to spend a minimum of a couple thousand to get there. I flew on Air France and because I flew last minute, I had a layover in Paris. Not ideal, but not terrible.
2. Where to Stay
The great thing about Athens is that once you get there, you can find accommodations ranging from $50 a night to $1,500. My friend was staying at the Four Seasons, and if you can swing it, stay there!! She had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the sea, top notch service, and a Cartier boutique in her lobby. Chic!
Athens has two alluring parts: The beach and the city. I spent the day at the Four Seasons, but stayed at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso for beachside excursions. Later on, when I wanted to visit the Acropolis (the main tourist attraction) and pop into the city, I stayed at the Hotel Grand Bretagne. All the hotels were nice, however there was something about the Grand Bretagne I loved, namely their rooftop restaurant with a view of the city.
Every hotel had amazing service with nice and accommodating staff. Grande Bretagne really made us feel special, so I’d go there again!!
3. What to Do
While in Athens, of course visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum (above). Certainly charter a yacht if you can, and visit one of the nearby islands (my friend and I went to Hydra, which is fabulous and looks straight out of a postcard).
Unlike Paris or Rome (which I’ll write about in another post), most of Grecian buildings were destroyed by the Persians, so there honestly isn’t a ton to see from a sightseeing perspective. Just lap up the sun (it was HOT like upwards of 90 degrees), and enjoy the beach and the Grecian hospitality.
4. Where to Go
One must visit in Athens is a spot called MS Rooftop at A for Athens (Miaouli 2, Athina 105 54, Greece). This place had a really young and cool vibe, an accommodating staff, and a lovely view of the Acropolis at night. Come at the sunset for unparalleled views and a menu full of yummy cocktails and mocktails.
5. Miscellaneous Notes: Language, Culture, Etc
Greek is not an easy language to master, and I won’t even act like I mastered any during my short stay there! But, most people you encounter will speak English! Learn the basics like “Thank you” (Efcharisto) “Good Morning” (Kalimera) and “Goodnight” (KaliNychta). There aren’t a ton of black people, but there are some! You know, Black People Travel…
All I can say is that Greek people are some of the nicest I have ever met. Just kind. Accommodating. Helpful. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
We also randomly found out while there that Serena Williams was in town, as were Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson, LL Cool J and Simone Smith, Tina Lawson and Richard Lawson, and more! So apparently Greece is a refuge for black excellence.
Perhaps they love the unfiltered views, amazing services and great weather as well.
Have you been to Greece?
Let me know your thoughts below. I’ll have to go back. And next time I’m going TO the Acropolis (my boo was allergic to the heat and preferred museums), and we’ll have to island hop as well.
But I loved it!
What say you?
Love & Light,
Get. my cover up at FashionBombDailyShop.com.
