Walking Another Mile With Me: Yogita Warde

As the days passed by and it was day 3 and I was energetic and ready to explore what was coming my way. In the morning, my husband and I woke up early for a morning walk. Exploring an unfamiliar city and understanding its culture has always been something I enjoy. At 7 in the morning, everyone seemed to be going about their business – some alone, others in groups. It became clear that people here wake up early and get to work.

After our walk, we reached the hotel for breakfast, took a little rest, and then set out for a city tour. Our first destination was the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum is a renowned archaeological museum located in Athens, Greece. It is dedicated to showcasing the artifacts found on the Acropolis of Athens, which is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.

The Acropolis Museum was really well organized, located just behind the Acropolis. We had lunch at its food court before heading to the most beautiful spot in Athens, the Acropolis. We bought a ticket for 20 euros. We reached there around 1 o'clock, and it was scorching hot.

Climbing up the hill felt like trekking in the blazing sun. In just 15 minutes, we got a beautiful view of Athens. We could see a lot of old things well-preserved despite being worn out. It felt like a good effort was made to take care of the ancient treasures there.

Moving on to the next thing, The Herod Atticus Odeon is one of the oldest theaters globally, and since 1957, it has hosted art festivals like concerts and ancient drama performances, mainly during the Athens Festival. This Roman stone theater boasts incredible acoustics!

Furthermore, we reached the Acropolis, and the view from there was breathtaking. At that time, they were renovating the Acropolis, but despite the scorching heat, we found a shady spot under some trees to rest for a while. We took plenty of photos; it's truly a magnificent place. We stayed there for about 30 minutes before descending and heading back to the hotel.

We had booked a table at Orizontes Lycabettus restaurant for dinner two days ago, which is considered one of the best in Athens. The restaurant offers an amazing view. Getting there is an experience in itself, as you need to take a cable car.

The restaurant is situated on the highest peak of Athens, the hill of Lycabettus. We enjoyed both the evening and night views from there.

Our dinner included a delightful spread:

• Mixed salad

• Stir-fried mushrooms

• Grilled sea bass fillet with grilled vegetables

• Risotto wild mushroom trilogy and homemade Tartuffe

• Ravioli with chicken pâté

• For dessert, we savored a Chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream.

After dinner, we descended from the hill using the cable car. It was truly an amazing day!

Below are the things you should avoid while visiting Athens:

● Avoid Flashy Displays: Refrain from displaying expensive jewelry or valuables to minimize the risk of theft.

● Beware of Pickpockets: Stay vigilant in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings to prevent pickpocketing incidents.

● Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local traditions and customs, such as appropriate attire when visiting religious sites.

● Don't Drink Tap Water: Opt for bottled water to avoid potential health issues as the tap water may not be potable for tourists.

● Mind Traffic and Crossings: Exercise caution when crossing streets, as traffic in Athens can be busy and pedestrian crossings may not always be strictly followed.