On to the next temporary home, the Hotel Victory. I picked the place because it was cheap and nearby. I didn’t want to stay in Athens any longer than I had to but there were still things in the area I wanted to see.
Located in another bombed out looking alley fronted by
trashcans, the hotel didn’t make the best first impression. But it looked to be clean and serviceable
enough for two nights stay. That would
give me enough time to figure out my next move.
But first, more sightseeing.
The location of the hotel also left me in a good position to get back to
the subway station I’d seen the day before.
I found my way there again and figured out the route to the
Acropolis. It was its own station so
that helped a lot. What wasn’t helpful
was being crammed in an overcrowded car.
After covid. Without my
mask. I tried to breathe as little as
possible as I was being completely crushed while clutching my purse to my side.
I did find my way to the Acropolis, the center point of the
only clean and well-maintained area I’d discovered so far. Of course, this was the main touristy
area. The long walkway was dotted with
cafes, vendors, and, I was soon to find out, scam artists. I’m walking along
and this woman appears in front of me offering me a free rose. I take the rose and suddenly it’s not free
and she’s pregnant and could I help her out.
Like an idiot, I reached for my purse to give her a few coins. That turned into folding money that I
exchanged for 3 lousy roses. Feeling
dumb, I kept going to the line for tickets to the Acropolis.
The line took entirely too long. I was already annoyed and stuck behind two guys discussing the crappy state of the world. Really not helping my mood. Finally got to the head of the line, handed over 20 euros and got my ticket. Why the hell did it take so long to get to that point?
I ascended the steep hill to the entry point of the ruins. There are staff waiting to screen everyone’s bags. Since I only had a small purse and my water carrier, I tried to slip by. “No roses,” said the woman. Seriously? I just overpaid for these things and for some reason they’re not allowed? I chucked them aside in annoyance and kept going.
I will say this much; the Acropolis does offer some great views of the city. Athens doesn’t look nearly as dirty or congested from up high. Along with the throngs of tourists, there were groups of people being led by a tour guide offering tidbits about the history and renovations.
After a couple of hours, I was getting hungry so back down the hill I went. I stumbled upon a sign so unique that I just had to get a picture of it.
The lady standing in front of the place asked, “Are you Daphne?” “How could you tell?” I don’t think I’m the first Daphne to take a picture of the place. I had to eat there, of course, and had a lovely meal. And ouzo. Never had it before and can safely say I’ll never have it again. If you want the experience, just shoot some Robitussin, same thing.
The area beyond the restaurant was absolutely packed with people, eating at the many cafes, taking pictures, and milling around the shops. This appeared to be the commercial center of the city with big name stores like H&M and Zara right next to the small souvenir shops and food vendors. And again, the place was nice and clean. I know this is mainly for the tourists but why shouldn’t everyone have the chance to live somewhere clean? As Madeira proved, a clean, pretty environment makes for happier people. This is not a difficult process to figure out.
The crush of people in this area was getting on my
nerves. One of my goals in Athens was to
visit the Hard Rock and get my mandatory souvenir. I figured it had to be located somewhere
nearby, so I used Google Maps to lead me there.
Worked like a charm and with t-shirt in hand, I quickly made my way back
to the subway station as it was getting dark.
I was tired and my guard was already up, I didn’t want to risk being out
after dark for too long.
Despite my fatigue, I did not get much sleep. The hotel was incredibly noisy both inside
and out. There were people yelling, cars
blaring music as they passed, and, of course, the banging. My next door neighbors had sex twice – hey,
good for them, but I don’t want to hear it.
I’m not having any kind of sex, I don’t need to be reminded that other
people are.
I got to sleep briefly before the voices started again,
waking me up at 3:45. I guess it woke my
neighbors as well, because – you guessed it.
They had round three of the evening.
Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I had a better night’s sleep in the
dump.
Awake in the morning, I heard the sex neighbors check
out. Again, I know this because of the
loud turning of the key and moving suitcases around. Soon after, I heard the maid coming to turn
over the room. Clock says 9:30 a.m. but with the blackout shade in place, it’s
still dark in the room. I only got
minutes of sleep at a time, so I really don’t care that I should be up. But, since I don’t plan on being here long …
I guess I’ll reenter the world.
Again, the crush of tourists was getting to me. I figured to get something to eat before heading back on the subway. I chose a spot for dinner and sat down. I’m looking at the menu when a woman appears offering me a free rose. And yes, I’m in idiot. Thinking back to the actual free rose I got at a restaurant in Lisbon, I didn’t think anything of this one. Until the woman gives me the same lines about her non-existent baby …
I won’t tell you how much I gave her. It’s too embarrassing. I still can’t believe
it happened again. Having to be on your
guard 24/7 is not fun. It is exhausting.
But not so exhausting that I got any
sleep that night. I spent the whole night
contemplating my stupidity while being forced to listen to the honking cars,
the loudly arguing Greeks, some idiot on a bullhorn …
I spent three nights in Athens and that was four nights too
many. Screw Athens.
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