Exploring Athens, Greece

Hello from Athens, Greece!

There's so much to explore here in Greece, and I've begun to discover it! We've only seen a few wintry days, with cool temperatures, rain, and some wind. But the sunny days are plentiful, and getting out to see the beautiful sites of Athens is underway!

The Parthenon

I wasn’t sure about the best time to visit the Acropolis and Parthenon. But one beautiful, glorious sunny day, I decided to hike on up. The nice weather, the history, the views - wow, what a great day!

Marina Zeus

The California in me always has me searching for the water, harbors, beaches, and boats wherever I go - if possible. And obviously Greece has that element being in the Mediterranean area.

Marina Zeus (Zay-Us) is a fancy super yacht marina in Pasalimani Bay on the peninsula of Piraeus. It has great restaurants, fresh fish, overall amazing food and drinks - and plenty of history.

The harbor was a former military base, and the swimming competition took place here in the 1896 Summer Olympics. It was renovated for the 2004 Summer Olympics as well!

I could sit here all day and gaze out into the Aegina Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea beyond! I make it a weekly ritual and love it here!

Monastiraki Square

The main metro station that I use as my home base is the Monastiraki station, built in 1895. It's a very central point in Athens, and you can easily walk to most significant places from here.

The square is a former religious site, and full of history. You're surrounded by the remains of churches, mosques, temples, and cemeteries. Down one street is a flea market, and restaurants and shops are all around, including street vendors selling baked goods, fruit, and much more...

And the Acropolis is always within view!

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

For a more in depth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my podcasts - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

I’m really enjoying my time here in Athens. The only downside is there really aren’t any opportunities here for me as an actor. So I’ve just been focusing on the “travel blogger” aspect of my life and working on some videos. And this is a wonderful place to do it!

Soon enough I’ll be back in the U.K. for a good long stay where my main focus will be honing my acting skills and searching for creative opportunities. But until then, I’m going to keep exploring, learning, and enjoying my travels in Greece.

I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Getting Settled in Athens, Greece

Hello from Athens, Greece!

It's been a bit of an adjustment, but I'm really glad to be back in Europe! My New Year's Eve flight from the U.S. was super easy, and I began the new year here in Athens - ready to rock and roll.

One thing I'm very happy with is the climate. The mild, Mediterranean temperatures are quite pleasant. I'm not sure where I got the idea that it might be rainy here during the winter months because it's been pretty much nothing but sun every day. Temperatures are a comfortable 60 degrees (F) or so. I think I'm going to enjoy the next few months!

Something you can't miss as you walk around Athens is the Acropolis and Parthenon. It's quite a beautiful sight (day or night) and fairly easy hike to get a closer look.

The Acropolis

I’ve been here a month and haven’t yet walked all the way up to the Parthenon. I figure I’ve got plenty of time, and I’m actually saving that experience for a really nice sunny day - or even a nice evening - since this ancient archeological site is breath-taking any time of day!

An “acropolis” basically refers to a complex that is built on a high hill, and the Parthenon is the most famous the temple that sits on that hill. There are strong monumental walls that have fortified the summit of the acropolis for more than 3,300 years. The history runs deep.

Here's my view from a rooftop bar, enjoyihg a beer, and taking in this magnificent site!

Plaka Neighborhood

At the base of the Acropolis is the old, historical neighborhood of Plaka - a former nightclub district that the government closed down in the 1970s due to the loud music and unruly crowds it attracted.

Today, it's a truly magical place, with cobblestone sidewalks, cute shops, little churches, and quaint cafés. It's one of the nicest neighborhoods in Athens. Everyone who comes to Athens will walk through the streets of Plaka. It's appropriately known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods." If you get a chance to visit, you'll know why.

Anafiotika Neighborhood

I came across this scenic, tiny neighborhood in Plaka and immediately fell in love with its beauty! It’s an old, historical neighborhood - a hidden gem known as the “Hidden Island of Athens.”

The white-washed homes with colorful doors and windows, cobblestone walkways and pathways, makes this one neighborhood you must see. Not to mention the incredible views of the city. Oh yeah, and it’s a haven for cat lovers!

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

To hear more about my January 2023 experience in Athens, Greece, you can always listen to my most recent podcast - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Finally...

So, Year 4 of my journey has begun, and I can't be more excited for what's to come. There is so much to explore here in Greece and I can't wait to experience it and share it. Then I'm back to the U.K. and north England once again. There's so much more to see and explore there as well - plus, I'm back in the acting game continuing my learning, networking, and filming.

I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Moving Forward Into 2023

Hello from Athens, Greece!

The last four months have been life-changing. It's a crazy world, and we're living in unprecedented times. Reconnecting with family and friends reminds me that we all need to show as much love and kindness as we possibly can towards each other.

I found that some of my relationships had changed. Some had stayed the same. And, some had even deepened. Change happens. It's all good. I have nothing but love for my family and friends.

My time in the U.S has been a lesson in not reacting to situations, but rather going with the flow of life. And it's been about trusting that everything will be okay. I shared beautiful moments with family and friends, and those moments are the ones I carry with me forever.

WHO AM I?

Moving forward into 2023 is especially exciting for me. Not only because I'll be spending more time in the U.K. cultivating relationships and furthering my acting career, but because I've become clearer on who I am as a person.

While I was in California, it really hit me. Yes, I'm an actor and enjoy "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances" (to quote acting teacher Sanford Meisner), but I also enjoy filmmaking. All aspects of it. In front of the camera, behind it, or along side it. And on top of that, I enjoy traveling and sharing my travel stories and adventures.

So yes, I'm an Actor, Filmmaker, and Travel blogger. And in 2023, I'm ramping up the travel blogger aspect of my life!

BOB TAPPER: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

I've been writing this blog every month for three years now. And this will continue. But I plan to expand on that - and I'm starting a travel podcast!

My new podcast is called Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

Each month (along with this blog) I'll be publishing podcast episodes that I hope you'll enjoy. I want to inform, educate, create some value, and entertain.

I've come to believe that it doesn't matter where you are. It's your experience of where you are that matters.

I'm starting 2023 in Athens, Greece and will be here for three months! I've never been here before, so I'm super excited and ready to explore. What should I see? Where should I go?

To start 2023, I thought I'd ask people on my travels from the U.S. to Athens what their wish for the world was for the New Year. I then asked some people what I should do first when I get to Athens. Take a listen!

I'm launching my podcast starting with Season 4. If you go back and listen to Seasons 1-3, you'll hear about my journey so far and how I got to this point. However, now is the time to move forward, meet people, interview people, and get different perspectives on life abroad.

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I hope you'll subscribe to my podcast.

Just search "Bob Tapper" wherever you get your podcasts!

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I'm so grateful to be on this journey. Let's keep going...

Thanks for following along - and welcome to my Life Abroad podcast!

ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275