As I wrap up my trip, I have one last stop to/thru Athens. I hear a lot of people complain that they “have” to go thru Athens to get to the Greek Islands, but I love this city. I think it gets a bad rap for being a dirty, unsafe city; I find it to be vibrant, friendly and beautiful. What other city in the world operates with a majestic ancient city looming up above as a constant reminder of the hundreds of years of rich history? Every time I look up at the Acropolis I am touched by its’ beauty.

I’m here on a Sunday, a day for Athenians to walk and dine and drink. Every cafe is busy from the time I arrive in early afternoon until after dinner around 11. The streets are full and buzzing. People of all ages – couples, families from all over the world. As it gets dark the Acropolis lights up as do the streets. It is nothing short of magical.

For me, I love to spend the afternoon walking thru the maze of streets in the Plaka. There are hundreds of shops. Yes, some are cheesy and filled with evil eye souvenirs. But I love the olive tree and olive oil shops, the linen clothing and jewelry shops. I frequent a few shops from over the years and love talking to the shop owners.

If I could burn my clothes and just fill my suitcases with this stuff I would. I love it so much.

I have dinner with my dear friends. I met Nikos several years ago when traveling and he now meets me on every trip to get me to/from the airport/port/hotels. Leticia is from Paraguay, and they are a magical couple.

We have dinner at this new, cool restaurant that has Greek food with a twist.

The food is delicious but I love the conversation more. Three people from three different parts of the world. We share stories and updates from over the last year. Nikos invites me to visit his family on the island of Andros. I tell Nikos and Leti they are always welcome in my home in the US.

After dinner we walk home and I see the cool, unique shops throughout the city. Athens is thriving.

The absolute highlight of my time in Athens is staying at The Dolli Hotel. I think the Dolli is perhaps the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed in. I discovered it last year after it had just opened. Staying at The Dolli is like staying in a museum. In the heart of the Plaka, it is like an oasis.

This is a whole new level of luxury. They embrace the culture of Crete, constant treats of hospitality and food. There is food in the lobby, in the room, fresh fruit if you are sitting by the rooftop pool.

The hotel staff, gracious and beautiful, welcomes me back and tells me my room will be ready in about 10 minutes. When they escort me up to the room they tell me there is a “surprise” for me to discover. The boys have arranged room service and flowers to celebrate a safe and successful trip.

It may be hard to believe but after traveling all morning from Skiathos, I’m starving and this is the most amazing and welcome gift!!

If you ever go to Athens, splurge on this hotel. You may not want to leave.

So much to be thankful for. I love you, Greece.