Hello from Athens, Greece!
I've been waiting for the month of March! Spring is in the air! Even though the winter has been pretty mild, I expected super nice weather this month and it came through. There were more experiences to be had, so I made the most of my final month in Greece!
Aegina Island
With so many nearby islands, taking a boat ride to Aegina Island is the closest (and quickest) to get to. It's only a little over an hour, so it makes for an easy day trip. The boat ride was reallly fun, with a nice little cafe on the lower level to relax - or plenty of seating above to take in the refreshing sea breezes.
Once there, I grabbed some breakfast, then wandered around Old Town and took in the creative vibe of the town. No chain stores here. Everything is individually owned by the locals. After a delicious lunch consisting of snapper, salad, bread, and a beer - it was time to head back. What a great day!
National Archaeological Museum
On a cloudy or rainy day, there's nothing more comforting that spending some time in a musuem. This one was fantastic! No better way to learn a bit about the history of Greece than here at the National Archaeological Museum.
My favorite part was the statue of Zeus (or Poseidon) from 460 bc. The placard listed both names, and since they were brothers I guess they're not sure. There is nothing in the right hand. Zeus would have held the lightning bolt, and Poseidon would have held the trident.
It's quite something to think that the many artifacts you see stood here in Athens and around Greece so many centuries ago.
The Food in Athens is Out of this World
There is no doubt that the food is amazing here in Athens, and the choices are abundant. You can stay traditional, or go beyond and try the local take on foods and flavors from another part of the world.
Feyrouz Lavantine Sreet Food - is a family owned restaurant with unique and contempory street food from the Middle East. Feyrouz is the mother of the family - and cook. They've created a gastronomical blend of East and West, and their food is contempory, inventive and imaginative - and tastiness is the final goal.
I ordered the Feyrouz Wrap - a thin hand kneaded dough roasted with minced beef and herb mix. I added the homemade babaganough yogurt, feyrouz salad, and pomegranate molasses for a touch of sweetness. If their goal was tastiness, this wrap was a sure win!
Tylixto - Souvlaki and gyros are all around here in Athens, but this place always had a line of people waiting to order their wraps. That must mean the food is really good, right??
Ermina and Giannis took their catering company to a new level in 2012 and opened Tylixto along the busy pedestrian street of Aiolou near Monastiraki Square. It's become a top destination spot for the best (and most sophisticated) street food around.
They offer souvlaki, Arabic pies, pork and chicken gyros, and secret recipes of handmade sauces - among other fresh and traditional items.
I ordered the wrapped chicken souvlaki skewer, with tomato, lettuce, yogurt-mayonnaise, and fries. It was out-of-this-world good!
Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast
For a more indepth look into my life abroad, you can always listen to my most recent podcast - and don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Finally...
So, the first leg of Year 4 is complete, and I'm on my way back to the U.K at the end of the month! My life will be much different there, and much more about acting than traveling.
However, there is so much beauty and history to explore in the U.K., I will definitely be taking some travel journey's and blogging about them!
I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!
ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER
Bob Tapper
actorbobtapper@gmail.com
Outside US: +01 9494846275
Inside US: (949) 484-6275
I love Greece and I loved seeing your adventures there. 2 things stood out. The Museum....it brought back so many memories and Souvlaki...we always had it on the way home late at night for a midnight snack...I never have midnight snack here ...but there? of course. Did you get into the Ouzo? Have a good time in the UK.. If you are coming back to Euro Zone..I will be in Paris in September. I cannot remember if I sent you my Greek movie, but will again as you have probably been to these places and it would be more interesting. Carry on, Mr. Man about the World!