Greece Trip

Data Points

• From: November 25th, 2023
• To: October 3rd, 2023
• Flying: Airfrance

Remarkable Memories

• Freddo Coffee

  Greece is hot. This affects how they drink their daily coffee. Instead of classic espresso, they drink iced foamed espresso all the time. I got addicted to it and drank it every day.

• Olive Oil

  I know it's obvious, but the Olive oil there is fantastic. I had tons of it.

• Graffiti everywhere

  It was awesome seeing tons of Graffiti everywhere — so different from the US, London, or France.

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• Greek Craft Beer

  I know Greece isn't known for its beers — wine and ouzo are the stars — but I love craft beer and found a very nice options. I loved a she devil themed Hazy NE IPA in particular.

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Places

• Phraoh

  Best food I had in Athens. A recommendation from David, Co-founder of Napkin. I had lunch there once and had to get back for dinner. Lovely.

  Solomou 54, Athina 106 82
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• Bowel Of Noise

  An underground record store, and also the Black Metal mecca in Athens. While there, I met people from Necromantia and Medieval Demon.

  Themistokleous 25 10677
• Barley Cargo

  Craft beer, 5 minutes from my hotel. Very friendly owner, got me lots of free samples, and told me ancient stories about Greek beer.

  Kolokotroni 6

Mementos

• Kolomboi

  Also known as Greek worry beads, they have a rich history in Greek culture. They relieve stress and provide a mindful form of fidgeting. Amber, bone, wood, or seeds make these beads. They are strung on a cord with a 'priest bead' and a tassel.

  Flipping and fondling the beads can soothe and calm the mind. The Komboloi, besides its practical use, symbolizes Greek identity and tradition. Many people, especially older men, hold the beads and play with them while talking or thinking. Mine is made of Onyx.

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• Antique fake coin I got as a gift

  I got it as a gift out of nowhere from an old man in the Monastraki Flea Market. He sold real vintage coins, but you cannot take them out of the country. I tried to pay for it, but he didn't accept it and kept saying — "It's a gift because I like you."

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• Bronze Bracelet

  I don't remember the store where I got this, but it was at the Monastraki Flea Market. I love it.

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Log

Starting with a layover in France, I stayed at a classic "coffin hotel" near the airport. Unfortunately, they had zero food and coffee options outside designated hours. Yet, there was a "shopping mall" on the other side of the road. People could go there to watch movies or enjoy large glasses of beer at affordable prices.

The food wasn't great, but the entertainment center and drinks gave me some relief while I was there.

From such long distance to the city, I had to rely on an Uber to explore Paris, which cost me 60 euros each round. Despite the expense, Rushing around such a fantastic city was fun, but exhausting. I crashed as soon as I arrived back.

I arrived at the French airport by 7 AM the next day, ready to catch my flight to Athens.

The Athens airport made my journey smooth and easy, unlike my past experiences. The process was smooth. No passport control is strange to someone used to strict US procedures.

When I got to Athens, I took an Uber to the beach resort. I had some business to do there. The time difference made me even more tired. I retired by 4 PM, only to wake up in time for the first event around 7 PM.

The first part of my trip involved enjoying my client's company. We indulged in incredible food, with ouzo flowing and a positive atmosphere,. This set the perfect tone for the days ahead.

I said goodbye to my client. Then, I had four days alone in Athens. It turned out to be the best part of the trip. I followed the locals' guidance and explored less busy parts of the city. I enjoyed the gritty atmosphere there. Graffiti filled the streets. One message stood out: "We want immigrants, not tourists." This sentiment resonated in the city, which wanted to keep its unique identity.

I avoided touristy places and gone to a little restaurant that a friend suggested. They served amazing Greek food. I love coffee and found great options everywhere. I got in love with the refreshing freddos, chilled and popular in the Mediterranean heat.

Another highlight was to find people in the Greek black metal community who shared my taste in music. While exploring, I also spent time reading John Fowler's "The Magus". This inspired me to compose a short EP that captured the essence of this journey.

I left Athens and traveled for 27 hours to reach Rio De Janeiro by 10 PM. Despite the exhaustion, I confidently say I would do it again without hesitation.

Sitting at my desk, I reminisce about this adventure and feel grateful for my humble Kolomboi. It's a toy that holds cherished memories from the trip. Additionally, I brought back plenty of Ouzo to share the merriment with friends.