Sunday, October 22, 2023

Athens hotel with great breakfast and great views of the city









The buffet breakfast at my hotel (Brown Acropol on Omonia Square) is a vibrant feast for all the senses. There are a variety of breads, hot meats, grilled vegetables, pastries, yogurt, fruits, cold cuts, juices, nuts, sausage, yogurt, cheeses, cereals,  jellies, jams, fresh honey, and fabulous coffee machines that make everything from cappuccinos to lattes to expresso. There are even some Greek specialties such a spinach pie, grilled eggplant, roasted sweet potato with feta, grilled red peppers, and more. The champagne is also flowing freely.


The restaurant is surrounded by stunning expansive views of Athens including Leviticus hill and the Acropolis.


I can’t believe I will be on a cruise ship soon where I will have this abundance of the delights every day for 24 days. When you live alone, you don’t dine this lavishly for breakfast everyday!! (I booked this room for €97.)


Here are night time views of the acropolis from my hotel:
















Saturday, October 21, 2023

A culinary adventure in Athens

As I strolled through the vibrant streets of Athens, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in the air—and prices. While Greece has seen a surge in costs, the allure of affordable and delicious street food remains.

My latest gastronomic discovery led me to a charming hole-in-the-wall where, for just three euros, I indulged in a scrumptious gyro accompanied by perfectly seasoned fries. It was a taste of Greece that didn’t break the bank, proving that you can still savor the local flavors on a budget.


For my sweet tooth, a nearby bakery beckoned me with the promise of a heavenly dessert. A mere one euro secured me a fresh slice of baklava that left my taste buds dancing in delight. It was a sweet deal in every sense.

When it comes to dining recommendations, I take a unique approach—I let my senses guide me. Window shopping for eateries allows my eyes and nose to collaborate, leading me to hidden culinary gems. No asking for suggestions; I prefer the spontaneity of discovering a place that resonates with both my cravings and the local vibe.


One valuable piece of advice: follow the locals. In my quest for the perfect gyro, I stumbled upon a gyro and kebab joint conveniently nestled near my hotel, right on the perimeter of Omonia Square—the lively heart of Athens. Here, the energy of the city pulsates, and the aroma of sizzling meats lures you in.


In the midst of rising prices, Athens still holds the secret to affordable gastronomic bliss. So, the next time you find yourself in the cradle of ancient civilization, let your senses be your guide, follow the locals, and embark on a culinary adventure that won’t just satisfy your taste buds but also your wallet. Opa!










Friday, October 20, 2023

Cruise for 24 days!!

It’s Travel Time‼️ I’m headed to Athens to embark on a 24-day cruise, exploring historically rich Mediterranean cities and then, taking a relaxing transatlantic sailing back to the US. In all, I will visit 17 ports of call in Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, and Bermuda and I will enjoy a fun Halloween party on board. My pre-cruise Athens hotel has spectacular views of the acropolis! Can’t wait for sunny destinations, music, games, learning, laughing, dancing, feasting, round-the-clock pampering, round-the-clock, entertainment, unpacking only once, enjoying sunrises and sunsets, and simply enjoying life at sea. Let the countdown begin!😎🌅

PS. Once again, I got a deal of a lifetime.





Places Where I Have Traveled *=more than once

  • India
  • China
  • Dubai
  • Israel
  • Russia*
  • Iceland
  • Cuba Aug 2016
  • Egypt*
  • Indonesia
  • Tahiti Feb 2016
  • Northern Ireland
  • Cook Islands Feb 2016
  • New Zealand Feb 2016
  • Australia Feb 2016
  • Belize
  • French Polynesia Jan 2016
  • Mallorca
  • Shetland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Brunei
  • Morocco*
  • Brazil*
  • Philippines
  • North Borneo
  • Crete*
  • Ionian Islands*
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • Azores*
  • Norway
  • Dodecanese Islands (Rhodes)
  • Bosnia
  • Palestein
  • Croatia
  • Romania
  • Argentina
  • Ecuador
  • Tunisia
  • Corsica
  • Bulgaria
  • Columbia
  • Peru
  • Montenegro
  • Columbia
  • Chile*
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uruguay
  • Jordan
  • Gibraltar
  • Turkey*
  • Bermuda
  • Estonia*
  • Viet Nam
  • Finland*
  • Malta*
  • Thailand
  • Guatemala
  • Crete*
  • Jamaica*
  • Panama*
  • Grand Canyon
  • Scotland
  • Niagara Falls
  • Greece*
  • France* lived there
  • Japan*
  • Bilbao, Spain*
  • Canada*
  • Costa Rica
  • Bahamas*
  • Banff Hot Springs
  • Hawaii*
  • Italy*
  • Catalina Island
  • Luxembourg*
  • St Johns
  • St Marteen/St Martin
  • St Thomas
  • South Padre Island Texas
  • Mexico*
  • Vatican City*
  • Austria*
  • Denmark*
  • Monaco
  • Portugal*
  • Belgium*
  • Holland*
  • Ireland*
  • Alaska
  • England*
  • Sweden*
  • Switzerland*
  • Spain*
  • Germany*
  • Madeira

Events/Experiences

  • Pyramids at Giza
  • Taj Mahal
  • Climbed Great Wall of China
  • Western Wall-Jerusalem
  • Transited Panama Canal 3X
  • Rode Camel in Tunisia
  • fathom Adonia--1st US cruise ship to Cuba--Aug 2016
  • Old Town in Havana
  • Burj Kalifa in Dubai
  • Saw Kangeroos, Wallabees, and Koalas in Australia
  • Kayaked in Bay of Islands, New Zealand
  • Vaparreto # 1 in Venice
  • National Museum in Brunei
  • Saw Geysers Erupt in Iceland
  • Drink at Raffles Hotel-Singapore
  • Fish Spa in Greece and Philippines
  • The Peak in Hong Kong
  • Pedicab Tour in Manilla Philippines
  • Road Amalfi Coast, Italy
  • Chewed Gum in Singapore
  • Marched in St Pat's Day Parade in Dublin
  • Sailed Kotor Bay
  • Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia
  • Smithsonian Museums-DC
  • Toured Ancient City of Petra, Jordan
  • Transited Suez Canal
  • Rio for Carnivale 2X
  • Cruised along Cinque Terre, Italy
  • Fish Spa in Corfu, Greece (teeny fish scrubbed my feet!)
  • Subway in Russia
  • Flash Mob (dance) on stage on several cruises
  • Visted 21 Countries on 5 long cruises in 2012
  • Ceviche in Peru
  • Cremation Service in Bali
  • Saw Lamas in Lima
  • Vasa Museum-Stockholm
  • Buddhist Monastery in Viet Nam
  • Drove Amalfi Coast
  • Queen Mary 2
  • Berlin Wall
  • Mummies In Cairo Museum
  • Jordan River; Sea of Galilee
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor at Sunrise
  • Transited the Pirate-Infested Gulf of Aden
  • Ski Dubai
  • Fellucca Ride on the Nile at Sunset
  • 16-day Europe/Transatlantic on Queen Victoria
  • Tahrir Square-Cairo
  • Toured Pompeii
  • In Fashion Show Aboard Queen Victoria
  • Rode Elephants in Thailand and India
  • 7-Country Baltic Cruise
  • Hermitage Museum
  • Checkpoint Charlie
  • Transatlantic Crossing on QM2
  • Climbed Tikal in Guatemala
  • Mediterranean Cruise 6 countries
  • Audience with Swami in Rishikesh, India
  • Poetry Class in France
  • Kissed Blarney Stone
  • Pike's Fish Market in Seattle
  • Photo with Snake Charmer in India
  • Dacau near Munich
  • Hitchhiked from France to Scotland
  • Climbed Washington Monument in DC
  • Oktoberfest in Bavaria
  • Toured Panama Canal
  • Wine Country in France, California and many others
  • Guest of Placido Domingo in Chicago
  • The Alamo
  • United Nations
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Helicopter over Grand Canyon
  • Club Med in Cancun
  • Eurailpassed Twice Thru Europe
  • Hollywood
  • Albuquerque Hot-Air Balloon Festival
  • Rodeo in Dallas/Ft Worth
  • NCAA Playoffs in Charlotte and New Orleans
  • Cucchi Tunnels in Viet Nam
  • Grammys in New York
  • Paella in Spain
  • Rain Forest in Costa Rica
  • Xmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on 5th Avenue
  • Niagara Falls
  • Disney Land & Disney World
  • Voodoo Museum New Orleans
  • Cancun Jazz Festival
  • Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica
  • Las Vegas for Trade Shows
  • Key West for Hemmingway Festival
  • Art Classes in Louvre
  • Black Ski Summit in Vail and Colorado Springs
  • Texas State Fair
  • Mardi Gras in New Orleans
  • Italian Class in France
  • Nude Sunbathing in St Marteen
  • Danish Pastry in Denmark
  • Palace of Knossos Crete
  • Anne Frank House Amsterdam
  • Karaoke in Japan
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Lobster in Maine
  • Belfast Black Cab Tour
  • Dozens of Transatlantic Sailings