Fools on a hill

After days of travelling we had a bit of a sleep in and ate breakfast in the hotel. Nice range of food western stuff plus Greek cheeses, pastries etc. Barb realised much to her dismay that she had left her charger and travel adapter in Dubai, DOH. So first port of call was to find an electronics shop, which we did. Under the hotel is Thermistocles wall- as you do..

We wondered parts of the charming Plaka area, saw Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Then we ambled through the National Garden. there are lots of very healthy looking stray cats around. The locals are also very friendly and helpful.

We didn’t really have a clear plan so we kept wandering the streets. However, Mt Lycabettus kept looming and beckoning so after a quick cold drink in a charming alleyway of cafes we started walking up, and up, then stairs and rough paths. Barb declared it Mt Doom by this stage and despite many extremely helpful locals, the funicular to the top remained elusive. Then finally it appeared and we went up to the top. There is a church up there and as you can see, the views are incredible and the sprawl of Athens reveals itself in all its glory.
It was very nice up there so we stayed for lunch. Terry was so impressed he suggested a photo of him with his beer. Clearly I chose the better lunch IMO. Squid with fava bean purée.

The funicular ride was quite the experience. We wanted a taxi when we got back down and happened upon the best taxi driver in Athens, he was quite the tour guide as he drove us for a long time; for 7 euros! Barb continuing in her new career in carelessness left her backpack in the cab. He delivered it back to the hotel, lucky we took his card. We have booked him for tomorrow. A chill out for the rest of the arvo as we still work off our jet lag.

El Greco was our choice of restaurant for dinner and OMG, we were the only people there. The bread and dip we did not order but ate lots of – rookie mistake. Greek salad, that feta mmmm.  Then the seafood for 2, should have been for 4. The white serviette had to be waved early. Delicious. Cheap house wine was great. Amazing, the woman brought us a desert we did not ask for and couldn’t eat.  Exactly what we wanted. Food comas all round. Zzzzz.