ATH for Athens

In my airline Athens flight was a turnaround: that means that you go and come back to base the same day. Time on ground is about 1-2h, just enough for the cleaners to reset the aircraft, for catering to load the food and for dispatchers and ground staff to give us info about the return flight. But in some periods of the year this destination becomes less frequent, therefor it becomes a layover. YAAAAAAYYYY!

I was lucky enough to get it in August, when as a tourist it would cost more, take more time to organize and crowding around. As Crew everything is organized by the company: hotel stay, transportation from the airport to the hotel and often enough a shuttle from the hotel to the city. So I just need to decide to go out and explore and that's what I have done!

I took a hop on - hop off tour around the city in order to see all the main attractions and understand the the geometry of it.

View of Acropolis on the top of the mountain

I already got excited! Loved the architecture, the colors, the atmosphere and the stories behind every single building! If I could time travel a little but further like...thousands of years, oh this would definitely be a place to visit! After all, this is where Europe was born!

As a first timer I couldn't miss to see the Acropolis from close by, so that was my main stop. It included a lot of walking and climbing, but it was all definitely worth it!

Climbing to the Acropolis

I love history, there is no better fairy tale, best seller than what actually happened on this little earth of ours. After all invented stories WERE often inspired by the reality, especially in times when it wasn't politically possible to tell the truth. Places like this HAVE seen many happenings and do INSPIRE more to tell!

Panorama from the Acropolis

Just imagine this white city and all the intriguing affairs. The first theater you will encounter is Theater of Dionysus. Today only the pavement and the grandstands are visible. Still it will give you the idea of the greatness. 

Theater of Dionysus

Panorama over the seaside from above Odeon 

But the next one is still used today for the events: Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is quite steep, with marvelous arcades and a splendid view on the city.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

On the very top of the hill there is a selection of Temples: Old Temple of Athena is my favorite, but what distinguishes the city is Parthenon. It is indeed very suggestive and visible from any corner of the city. It is beautifully highlighted at night.

Old Temple of Athena

After my exploring walk, just by going down the hill, I found myself in Plaka, the very center of the city, full of cute restaurants and picturesque corners. It is always alive, very colorful and sweet intoxicating: by the music and the extended selection of restaurants.

I remember having an amazing team on board which made it pretty much one of the most memorable flights. Because the atmosphere on board is 50% set by the Crew. When you have a good team that backs you up and listens, you are more likely to perform better as well. It was our leader's birthday on the way back, so we went in the Cockpit and following the Captain's PA sang a disharmonic but fun happy birthday over the interphone, followed by the sonorous clapping and cheering by the passengers. Later on we also had a surprise cake and little made on board gifts to celebrate while above the clouds. Each and every Crew on this flight was a hard-working, enthusiast, heart warming and cheerful person that I will keep in my dear memories. 

THE Team