First-Time Visitors to Athens: First impressions

After a bumpy landing, we jumped on a bus and headed to our hotel. A ticket costs EUR 6.00 and lasts for 3 hours. More than enough time to make it to our stop—even if the bus didn’t exactly follow the route suggested by Google Maps. Missing the mark by a few blocks, we had a five-minute walk back before arriving at the hotel. Just in time before lightning and thunder struck.

Air pollution in Athens is quite terrible and makes you feel uncomfortable breathing. Hoping for less direct exposure, we therefore chose to walk along the side streets which were generally lined with orange trees emitting a wonderful smell. I also particularly enjoyed looking at the fancy motor bikes parked everywhere in the streets. It was like being at a mini moter show.

Neither breakfast from the SAS Lounge nor a complimentary meal from the SAS Plus program was enough to fulfill our hunger. So after checking into the hotel, we walked straight to Atrium Greek Bistrot, conveniently located right beneath our room. We ordered two starters and one main course for sharing. A plate of moussaka and a plate of wild mushroom ragout with roasted sweet potatoes and Greek volaki cheese. And for the main course, baked salmon with black garlic miso and creamy celery root purée. It was all delicious!

To be continued…