Maybe it was all those good luck Greek Eyes I bought, or maybe Athena happened to be in a really good mood, but my week in Greece was just Mary Poppins-worthy – practically perfect in every way.
My initiation to the culture began even before my plane landed in Athens. My neighbour, an Albanian-born Greek, chatted to me as we flew over the Adriatic Sea and promised to show me the best souvlaki house in Athens when we landed. Two hours later, that was fulfilled at Zaxos Restaurant: swaying palm trees, a cloudless azure sky and my first of many drool-inducing gyros. We laughed at how ridiculously good life was.
My hostel – randomly selected over the net – turned out to be located in the best part of Athens. Tucked in cosily between the gorgeous artisan shops and bustling taverns of the old city, Plaka, I was a marble’s throw away from every Athenian attraction, while avoiding the pollution, traffic, riots and prostitutes of the CBD. Phew. The only downside: mixed dorms. Boy, oh boy, do some men know how to snore.
That first afternoon, I also met a local Athenian, who offered to help me take a photo after he saw me struggling at Zeus’ Gate. He turned out to be a third year university student studying music (the Bach Chorales, to be exact) and history. So, naturally, we got talking. And walking. He showed me around Athens, explaining everything from the architectural design of the buildings to the political situation of the nation. I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer or tour guide!
From there, I spent my week taking full-day tours through the countryside, cruising around the Greek islands and exploring the ancient ruins and museums.
My first tour group consisted of two couples and eight girls, all backpacking alone, with whom I bonded very quickly. Strong, independent women out to enjoy life and explore the world. What’s wrong, boys? Scared? Go, girl power! Together, we visited the impressive man-made Corinthian Canal and the archaeological site at Mycenae. In between bites of soft Greek nougat and sips of coffee frappé (a local favourite during summer), we explored ‘beehive’ tombs and learnt the architectural significance of the Relieving Triangle in the Lion Gate.
And at the healing sanctuary of Epidaurus, I discovered the real ‘reason’ behind my love of snakes. It is thanks to Asclepius, the most important healer god of antiquity, who carried a serpent-entwined staff – also known as the Rod of Asclepius – used today as the symbol of medicine. Aha!
