GREECE
Returning to One of Our Favorite Cities: Athens
Returning to one of our favorite cities, we spent a few wonderful days in Athens, soaking up the history, delicious food, and perfect winter weather. From racing through the airport to catching our train, to savoring coffee at Vanilla and dining at Sfika, Athens once again welcomed us with open arms. A peaceful Acropolis visit and leisurely strolls through historic streets made for an unforgettable stay before we journeyed home via Bordeaux, where we enjoyed one last incredible French meal.
A FEW DAYS IN ATHENS A VAGABOND LIFE
Returning to One of Our Favorite Cities: Athens
We had chosen to fly into Athens to avoid Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport—an experience we do everything we can to avoid. Paris itself has lost much of its charm for us, and its airport remains one of the worst in the world. We used to prefer Barcelona, but it, too, is rapidly declining. So, Athens it was, and we couldn’t have been happier. It’s a city we adore, having spent time here last September, and we were eager to return.
We landed mid-morning and planned to take the train to our apartment near the Plaka. After collecting our bags, we made our way to the metro station. As we walked, I noticed a sharp pain in my foot.
“My foot is really hurting,” I told AP. “I’m struggling to walk.”
He barely looked up from his phone, checking the train schedule. “Hmm,” he murmured. Then, suddenly, he snapped to attention. “Quick! Run! If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss the train and have to wait forever for the next one.”
And just like that, he took off at a jog. Despite my aching foot, I had no choice but to follow, awkwardly limping while carrying my fully loaded pack. We rushed through the airport, across the sky bridge, down several flights of stairs, and made a final leap onto the train just as the doors were closing.
An hour later, we arrived at the Acropolis metro stop and made our way to our apartment, only about 200 meters away. The moment we stepped inside, we knew we had chosen well. The apartment was fantastic—spacious, comfortable, and in an unbeatable location. Close enough to the Plaka and Acropolis to be convenient, yet just far enough from the main tourist paths to be peaceful.
During our stay in Athens, we revisited some of our favorite spots. Our mornings began with coffee at Vanilla (Erechthiou 2, Athina 117 42, Greece), a charming café that had become a staple for us. In the evenings, we enjoyed incredible meals at Sfika (Str. Kontouli 15, Athina 117 42, Greece), a brilliant taverna serving authentic Greek cuisine.
The weather was perfect—clear skies and mild temperatures. On our second day, we wandered around the Acropolis grounds. The last time we visited, it was peak summer and absolutely packed with tourists. This time, on a bright and sunny winter’s day, there were only a handful of people. It was magical to experience such an iconic site without the usual crowds. We took our time, soaking in the ancient history, admiring the grandeur of the Parthenon, and appreciating the breathtaking views over Athens.
The days passed quickly, filled with leisurely strolls through historic neighborhoods, delicious meals, and the simple joy of being back in a city we love. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the airport and board our EasyJet flight to Bordeaux.
That evening, we checked into the Mercure Hotel, conveniently located opposite the train station. We had dinner at a fantastic little spot nearby—Bouillon Saint-Jean (25 Rue Charles Domercq, 33800 Bordeaux). The restaurant serves affordable yet delicious French classics in a stunning, old-world setting. It was the perfect way to ease back into French cuisine after days of indulging in Greek specialties.
The next morning, we boarded the train, heading back to Sarlat and our home in France. As the train sped through the countryside, we reflected on our journey. Athens had once again proven to be a perfect stopover, and while we were happy to be returning home, a part of us was already dreaming about our next adventure.
