Escape Athens!

Nobody can outdo a Greek when it comes to summer.  Regardless of class, work, or status, every Greek is guaranteed a vacation.  Nevertheless, even with the financial crisis, it’s still fair to say that most Greeks get at least one week off.  But there are exceptions, of course.  The upper middle class Athenians have the advantage of a summer home on an island or beach waterfront.  Jealous? Well, I am.  But let’s not get carried away.  After a long year of battling traffic, air pollution, and the daily frustrations of the city life, the escape begins… 

August 26, 2011 

From Athens we headed south down Syngrou road and then took a left onto Poseidonos road.  Hence, Poseidonos (Poseidon) “God of the sea” road hugs the coast line. It’s no surprise that he rules the road.  His waters have been attracting people for centuries to build communities.  A community called, Glyfada, comes first and it stands tall with a bit of pretentiousness. Its affluent reputation inhabits some of the wealthiest Greeks.  Expect to see high rise apartments overlooking this leafy green neighborhood and also the Glyfada Marina port where only the elite park their Yachts.  Many refer to it as the “Greek Rivera” or the “Greek Beverly Hills.”  However, Glyfada’s high culture scene wasn’t our plan that day.  Plus, our wallets would definitely agree.  But if I meet a rich Greek shipping merchant, then I’ll hold that thought.

Go to Vouliagmeni! Instead of bankrupting ourselves in some dim-light restaurant in Glyfada, we had a midnight snack at the “Waffle house” where homemade ice cream and waffles = blissful overdose (17 Poseidonos Ave. # 210 89 61 227).  Candy land colors, poppy trance music, and a sugar high staff surrounded by good company means playtime! It’s a place where I felt like a kid again.  Waffle house carries unusual flavors like Tsoureki (sweet bread), Mosaic (chocolate loaf), Ferrero Rocher (that darn good truffle), Mastic cinnamon, and of course the quintessential Greek cream “Kaimaki.”  Dress code: bathing suit… you’re by the sea, remember?

Prior to our midnight waffle experience, we swam at Varkiza.  The altitude changes from the outskirts of Vougliameni around the small bend to Varkiza.  Our car twists and turns facing dramatic drops to the sea.  It’s a great panoramic experience.  Once we arrive at Varkiza, we plop our mats down and notice that the beach is sparsely populated.  It’s a place for low-key sports like wake boarding and racket ball.  Unlike the ritzy Glyfada, where I’d totally be snapping away at those Greek celebrities, I have a chance to sit, take in the sea, and write.  The general rate, (7 Euros) grants access to an umbrella and lounge chair for the day

Well, this concludes summer escape #1. Next escape plan: Evia Island summer home. Thanks for reading!