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:
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!
Spectacularly beautiful scenery in such places as Kotor, Montenegro,
Dubrovnik, Croatia, Mostar Bosnia, Taormina, Sicily, Venice, Italy and more
Kotor, Montenegro
Catania, Sicily
Tenerife, Canary Island
Mt Etna, Sicily
Sites that are rich in millennia of history: Florence, Venice,
Former Yugoslavian Republics, Aix en Provence, Pompeii,
Beautiful, modern ship
Our balcony
Our balcony room
Toured the ship's unique art collection w. I-pad guided tour
Had breakfast here most days
A very funny Captain, Dimitrios Kafetzis. He even conducted a kick-boxing class, one morning, poolside
Ride up Venice’s Grand Canal in Vaporetto, sitting up front:
Excellent Customer Service on Celebrity Cruises
Escargots on the menu nightly
Indulged in a fish spa on Corfu, Greece
Bosnia day trip from Dubrovnik
Being elite (some free internet/laundry, drinks nightly,
afternoon tea, elegant daily breakfasts, special parties and more)
Great Tours in: Florence/Pisa, Catania/Taormina, Venice, Kotor,
Bosnia, Aix-en-Provence, and Barcelona (missed Sienna and Ravenna due to bad
weather conditions)
Kotor, Montenegro
I added Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia to my countries visited
list (I have reached 67, thus far!)
Pre-cruise hotel stay in large room overlooking the sea
Hotel De Ville -Suite 306
Pleasant dinner mates on both segments
John and Josie Reardon from Bristol, CT
Don and Shirley Kaplan from Bethesda
Dave and Diana Mc Call and Les and Jody Soliday from Corona, CA
Dave and Diana
Reconnected with friends I met on previous cruises (Mike and
Linda-toured Luxor with); Miami and Jason (toured Rome and Ephesus with), Eddie
and Marshall (met on Queen Victoria transatlantic) Emile and Susan Baladie (lectured on Solstice Suez Canal cruise and Spring Equinox TA)
Marshall, Karla, Eddie
Susan, Joel, Karla, Emile
Participated in flash mob and performed on stage. Best to view enlarged. I am on the left. First is rehearsal. Second video is final performance.
Won art history trivia from Park West Gallery
Took public transportation in Venice, Barcelona, and Naples
Enjoyed walking tours in Venice; Florence; Pisa, Mostar, Bosnia; Kotor, Montenegro; Barcelona; Aix-en-Provence, France; and Taormina, Sicily. Missed Ravenna and Sienna due to poor weather (for docking) conditions.
Smooth sailing and warm, sunny weather on transatlantic
Gained time many days on the way back to Florida
Great meals on the ship and in ports
Chocolate dipped pineapple at champagne brunch
No jet-lag upon arrival back home
No logistics issues (hotel, flights, luggage, transfers,
etc)
