Friday, October 13, 2023
Day one of my latest adventure was all about planes, trains and automobiles! My steamer trunks and I took an Uber to the Ottawa Train Station, a VIA train to Dorval train station, a shuttle to Dorval Airport and then a long-ass flight to Athens. I’m travelling with my Aggie friends from College; Glenda from NSAC and Elaine and Linda from Macdonald College. This is our second adventure as we travelled to Iceland in October 2021 after Covid had had its way with the world.
I met the girls (Elaine, Glenda and Linda) at the National Bank Lounge at the Dorval airport to get the party started. Some bubbles, cocktails and snacks later, we boarded our nine-hour flight to Athens. Nine hours is long in the back of the plane so we arrived pretty much sleep deprived.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
We arrive a bit early; the airport procedures are efficient and all our luggage has arrived so our trip is off to a great start. Elaine has arranged for us to be picked up at the Athens airport by Nic, a taxi driver/tour guide that has rave reviews from her friends and family. Nic meets us at the airport and manages to squeeze our not inconsiderable luggage into the boot of his cab and we’re off to Piraeus (aka the Port of Athens) for a night at the Port Square hotel before our Greek Island cruise on the NCL Jade tomorrow.
Our luck holds as we are able to check in to our rooms upon arrival at the hotel for a much needed shower and nap. We’d planned on a lazy day and sometimes it’s just what you need to get in shape for an adventure.
It was close to 5 pm when we finally went to forage for food. Nic had recommended that we head to the Mikrolimando (Small Port) area for dinner. It’s a nice walk to get the blood flowing and ensure we have a good appetite.
He is not only remembered for being the last Byzantine Emperor who put up a brave last stand against the Ottomans, but also for his last speech to his officers and allies before the Fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II. Today, Emperor Constantine XI is considered a national hero in Greece.
Mikrolimano has been used as a port since the ancient years. Nowadays it is a lively place with a seafront promenade that attracts many visitors because of the nice sea views. Many restaurants, cafes and bars are found along the coastline. After checking out the options we chose a good fish restaurant that has a table at the window available.
We proceeded to order (and eat) waaaay too much food; Greek salads, tzatziki, saganaki (flaming feta), mussels, calamari and fried shrimp washed down with copious amount of water (lol we are showing our age!). The restaurant comped us chocolate brownies and ice cream for dessert ensuring we would waddle out.
After dinner we headed to a nearby rooftop patio (Horizon Rooftop of Senses) for an after dinner cocktail before grabbing a cab back to the hotel for an earlyish night.
Tomorrow is another day. Adventures await …
Judy’s Rambles 