Day 1 & 2: Greece (Athens)

Weather Update: Sunny with Expected Showers. Highs of 19°C

Elevation Above Sea Level: 126 to 300 metres

Arrival in Athens: A Journey with Twists

The flight to Athens was a little bumpy but overall, pleasant. Before arriving, I had meticulously written down my destination and the Metro station I needed to reach. With my ticket in hand, I found myself facing two platforms. Greek is not a language I read, but by chance, I asked a gentleman beside me if this train was heading to my stop so I could transfer to the Red Line towards Neos Kosmos.

"Yes, it does," he assured me. We struck up a conversation for a few minutes before the train arrived. He then warned me against using the Metro, claiming it was noisy and riddled with pickpockets. Instead, he recommended taking the train, which he insisted was a much better experience.

The journey cost 9 Euros (NZD 16.96) and was expected to take about 40 minutes. My new acquaintance promised to let me know when it was time to disembark. But after about 30 minutes, things started to unravel. He asked to see my destination again, and after a brief discussion with another passenger, it became clear—I was on the wrong train. From the airport, I should have taken the Metro after all.

I ended up at the port. Thankfully, I found a Metro station, hopped on the Blue Line to Syntagma, and finally connected to the Red Line, arriving at Neos Kosmos. My hostel was only 100 metres from the station. In desperate need of a restroom, I ducked into an alley behind some bins. When I looked up, there was my hostel—right on the corner of the street. Had I chosen the wrong Metro exit, I would have ended up on the other side of the road, lost. Luck was on my side.

I settled in for the night, watching football using the hostel’s WiFi. The time zone difference in Greece worked in my favour, making it easier to catch live matches.

Day 2: Exploring Athens on Foot

Not entirely sure where to go, I set out for a morning walk. Athens is home to many historical landmarks, and I planned to see as many as possible. Luckily, all archaeological sites were free today—a tip I got from the hostel receptionist. I was determined to make the most of it.

First stop: the bakery, where I grabbed a six-inch sandwich. Second, the pharmacy. Then, it was off to Hadrian’s Arch.

Zeus Temple:

Near Hadrian’s Arch lies an archaeological site where I spent half an hour exploring the ruins of an ancient temple. Tourists are kept at a safe distance due to the fragile state of the structures. Scaffolding surrounds most of the temple, and fallen columns have been neatly arranged—an effort to piece together a history that has been lost to time. Many remnants of the past have simply been stacked in piles, as their original placements remain unknown.

Hadrian’s Arch: A Gateway to the Past

Hadrian’s Arch, also known as Hadrian’s Gate, is a monumental gateway that resembles a Roman triumphal arch. It once spanned an ancient road leading from the centre of Athens to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Built to honour Emperor Hadrian in 131 or 132 AD, the arch was constructed using Pentelic marble—though of a lower grade than what was used for the Parthenon. Remarkably, the structure was built without cement or mortar, relying instead on clamps to hold the stones together.

The Acropolis: A View from the Top

From a distance, the Acropolis towers over the city. I’m grateful that today was a free-entry day—it saved me around 50 Euros (NZD 94). Entry fees to these sites typically range from 10 Euros each, and my exploration covered a total of 14.2 km on foot.

Looking at these ruins today, it’s hard to imagine them in their former glory. The columns of marble and granite stand exposed to the elements, mere remnants of what they once were. It’s awe-inspiring to think that over 2,500 years ago, these structures were built with such grandeur—monuments to gods, rulers, and civilizations long past.

The Acropolis sits atop a flat-topped rock, rising 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level, with a surface area of about 7.4 acres. While the earliest artefacts date back to the Middle Neolithic era, habitation in Attica has been documented as far back as the 6th millennium BC.

The Parthenon: A Legacy of Power and Art

The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, is considered an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece and democracy. Built-in the 5th century BC, it once served as the city’s treasury. Over the centuries, it has seen many transformations: from a temple to a Christian church, then a mosque under Ottoman rule. In the early 1800s, Lord Elgin controversially removed many of its sculptures, now known as the Elgin Marbles, which remain in Britain to this day.

Since 1975, large-scale restoration projects have been ongoing to preserve the remaining structures. Scaffolding and restricted areas for tourists are constant reminders of the ongoing efforts to maintain its integrity.

I took countless photos, captivated by the sheer scale and history of the sites. Even in winter, the crowds were substantial—I can’t imagine the chaos of summer, where temperatures in Greece have soared to 44°C. Last year, tourists queuing for tickets collapsed from heat exhaustion and had to be hospitalized.

Global warming is no longer a distant threat; it’s here. If we don’t take action, future generations will suffer. I find myself apologizing to my grandchildren, knowing that we are not leaving this world in a good place.

Monastiraki Square: A Taste of Athens

After leaving the ruins, I headed to Monastiraki Square, home to a lively flea market with streets lined with shops and eateries. On my way back to the hostel, I stopped at a bar to use the WiFi and update my blog.

As I worked, two locals sat next to me and ordered food. Soon, a bottle appeared, and they began taking shots. A man at the other end of the table gestured for a glass, which he received. Then, one of the men offered me a drink. I declined, explaining that I don’t drink spirits, but thanked him nonetheless.

One of them, Are Lundefaret, introduced himself. Originally from Norway, he had moved to Athens and now owned an apartment here. We talked about travel and writing, and I learned that he was an author with a book set to be published in July. He had just received a 10,000-krona advance from his Norwegian publisher.

Before long, his friend, Alexander—the owner of the bottle—insisted I have a drink. He poured a generous serving into my beer, and the night carried on with laughter and conversation. It was an unexpected but memorable evening, a reminder of the connections you can make on the road.

Final Thoughts: A World Worth Exploring—But…

Athens is a must-see for any traveller. Its history, culture, and timeless significance make it one of the greatest cities in the world. If you ever get the chance to visit, seize it. You won’t regret it.