So, this year’s solo trip didn’t start as I’d hoped. After setting my alarm for 0315 and making sure that my lift to the airport was also awake, I arrived at Manchester Airport shortly after 0400 – an ungodly hour to be functioning on all cylinders. The day before there had already been broadcasts on…
What a day this has been. What a trip this has been! My stay here in Athens is almost at an end and tomorrow I head back home. The hike on Mount Hymmetus, has left me with quite an appetite and right now my mind is on food. This evening I head back into the…
Continuing on with my inspiration from Monty Don’s visit to Athens during his fantastic TV Series, Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens, this afternoon I am going to visit Mount Hymettus, another place that he travelled to during his programme. I’ve booked a sunset hike on Mount Hymettus with an exciting tour operator called Nomad’s Path. They…
Most keen gardeners, especially if you live in the UK will know of Monty Don. He is a regular fixture on our TVs, where every Friday evening he makes us all green with envy as he potters around his beautiful garden at Longmeadow. He has also made some fantastic programmes about gardens across the globe…
After cooling myself off in the shade of the National Gardens (Evzones have that effect on me!), the next phase of my Athens explorations commence. As I walk through the gardens absorbing the calm and tranquillity, I can hear the sounds of chanting. I know already that a protest march is scheduled for today so…
Today is a day for action. Let’s face it, you don’t come to Athens to lounge around do you? I had to cut a day from my Nafplio stay so that I could be in Athens for the Grand Changing of the Guard and parade from the barracks. This takes place every Sunday at 11am…
I’m sure you know that feeling of leaving a place that you love so much. That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, tinged with a dose of melancholia. Strangely though, I don’t feel that today. Although I’m saying farewell to Naflpio, one of my most beloved places, I know that it’s more of…
Before I left for Greece I wasn’t sure if this part of the journey would work out for me. To get to the Peloponnese from Athens I’ve always caught the bus. However, on this occasion it will be faster travelling by train. The Hellenic Train website I found to be a bit hit and miss….
The week leading up to my departure was chaotic. Work was busy, the family were – well – my family and I had a real problem packing. I hate packing and procrastinated until I couldn’t procrastinate any more. God knows how many times I packed and then re-packed, trying to incorporate a wardrobe for all…
Delphi has so far managed to elude me. It is a relatively easy (though long) trip from Athens if you use a guided tour but Athens has always had a way of keeping me there with other distractions. Until now. Last night I booked the Delphi and Arachova tour through Get Your Guide. I’ve used…
Breakfast at the Lotus is a sight to behold. Not only does their breakfast room on the top floor have fantastic views of the Acropolis, the breakfast offering doesn’t disappoint either! Prior to Covid this did open as a bar in the evening too but at this point has not yet re-opened in that capacity….
After my trip to Plomari I was shattered. I manage to drag myself around the corner to Kalderimi for a ‘dine and a wine’ before heading back. I hit the hay hoping for a good night’s sleep. All was well until around midnight when I was woken by the sound of “thump thump thump” from…
