Since the Olympics in 2004, Athens has really become a pretty cool place to hang out - (some would say it always was, but it’s definitely made a quantum leap in the uber-cool stakes). 

Athens has great, very original shopping opportunities, excellent restaurants, good bars, and a wonderful Mediterranean/Aegean west-meets-east vibe.  (Even down to the gipsies, itinerant musicians and Rumanian beggars weeping and lamenting in Classical Greek style on Ermou St).  You are definitely not in Calcutta, but its not Oxford, either) Not to mention the ubiquitous koboloi (“worry” beads), which every red blooded male (and Greece is a store-house for the species) carries.

Greeks in general, and even the busy Athenians, have made an art form out of sitting in cafes and watching the world go by.  Where else can you spend four hours over a single cup of coffee, and still be treated with respect by the waiters? 

Whether you choose Monastiraki, Plaka, Theissio or Kolonaki, food in Greece has become really world class in recent years (which is not to say you still won’t be subjected to rubbish on occasion – gyros, anyone? - but that applies anywhere) Greek wines too have become seriously good.  And consumed with the exquisite Thesseion (the monument to Hephaestus) tor the Acropolis in the background, what more do you want? So, if this whets the appetite - read on!

Theission monument in honor of Hephaestus

Parthenon with Odeon of Herodus Atticus

Photos by Philippio http://bbs.clubplanet.com/2537464-post32.html

“Keep an extra bathing suit in your car.  The sea is always closer than you think”. 

Seen in Carouzos men and women’s clothing – lots of lovely linen stuff - on Joachim, in Kolonaki.