It's an itch I haven't been able to scratch for four years. I've always traveled. When I was younger it was trips around the country with Mom, and then trips here and there with friends, but it wasn't until a month long trip around Europe with my best college girlfriends that I discovered traveling around the world. And with that I fell in love.
It seemed strangely perfect to find myself on a plane for another adventure. Less than 48 hours before had been easily the best day of my life, my wedding to my now husband Marc. I had only a few short weeks before started a new job with which was so far promising to be everything that I was looking for. So much change in my life, and with that, finally another trip to explore a new place and culture. I settled down with a glass of wine and a sleeping pill (kids, don't try that at home) but sleep didn't come easily. I was too excited.
Landing in Athens, I immediately felt in the zone. I had done this drill before. Find an ATM. Find the subway. Find the Hotel. Automatic pilot. But this was not my first time traveling with someone who had never really explored out of the country before. I was nervous how Marc would do. I know we travel in the States together splendidly. I believe it says a lot about a couple on how they travel together. There is stress, indecision, confusion, emotion, and generally being out of your comfort zone. Prime time for annoyance, fights, and high emotions. Things have always been stupidly smooth for Marc and I...at least in terms of our interactions together. There's always at least one piece of lost luggage or one delayed flight in there, but we handle it well.
Anyways, I digress. On the subway, Marc immediately began engrossing himself in the Greek language. It was something I never really thought to do (English in most European countries is a second language), but it ended up being an effort that would come in handy in finding restaurants and other locations written only in Greek. I loved Marc's instant passion for delving into the culture.
As with any first day, jet lag took its toll shortly after checking in. We meandered about and ate lunch (a rather ho-hum meal, but very welcome after such a long flight with plane food), but then decided a nap would do us both good. We passed out for several hours before going on a hunt for another meal. We found place after place closed, and I was ready to toss Lonely Planet for failing us so miserably (for which I would later have to apologize to LP for, since it ended up not being its fault at all...but more on that later), when we finally came across a local tavern that was open. One guy was working the whole place. He moved quick as he brought us wine and bread. I have become seriously addicted to Bread with some olive oil and vinegar. Simple, but so good. Actually, that was a theme through the whole trip. Some of the most amazing meals were actually quite simple.
I can't remember what Marc had, but I had a pepper and a tomato stuffed with rice and herbs. It was awesome. I can't even tell you what the herbs were but the combination was mouthwatering. We also had some baked Feta with tomatoes and peppers that was superb. I don't think I've ever had feta warm before. Only the cold crumbles on salads.
With wine and food in me I was feeling pretty good, but jet lag doesn't go away in a day. We decided to make our way back to the hotel to prepare for a big day in Athens, visiting the Acropolis.
Not a single picture taken on Day #1! how unlike me! I promise the rest will include more pictures :)
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