By Sayra Moran.
I have longed to see the white washed homes and the sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea and to see the remains of the ancient world in Greece. I went to Greece last month – not the prime time to hit the famed islands but crisp, fall weather makes for the perfect time to experience Athens fully. Many travel websites are replete with recommendations to see Athens in one day and take off for the islands, which is a shame because Athens has much to offer its visitors. When I first got to Athens, I quickly realized the city is called ‘Athina’, after the mythological goddess. She was perceived as the protector of the city. The high regard and admiration for her was beautiful to me.
The view from the top of the Acropolis showcases the popular white and creme color-coordination of Athens.
Athens is a very walkable city, which I truly enjoyed. Nothing like scoping out a city how the locals see it on the streets, day to day. Staying at the Athens Centre Square Hotel kept us close to the busyness of the Plaka, the famed Acropolis, Athens Centre Square and the nightlife district Psyrri. As we walked down the street into Monastiraki Square every day, we passed coffee shops lined with old Greek men, sipping on the ever-so-popular frappes, stands smelling of freshly baked bread and colorful street vendors. The streets and market surrounding the hotel buzzed from early in the morning and late into the night. The city felt very alive.