Athens: The First Days
As I described it in the previous post, my trip to Athens started off quite peculiarly. This post will take you through a day-by-day journal of my first few days in Athens.
Thursday, November 1st.
It’s 3 AM. You’d think I’d have a hard time waking up or being motivated to leave, but quite the contrary. I take a taxi, arrive at 4:15 AM and at 4:30 I’m sitting at the cafe passed the gates with my laptop out. Similarly to working in a hotel, there’s something motivating about being in an airport this early in the morning. It’s almost like the rest of the world is asleep, so being awake makes you twice as productive. I write a couple more articles, polish the documents I’m sending my supervisor in Morocco, and soon enough it’s time to board the plane.
I arrive in Athens at 10 AM. Getting out of the aeroplane to 27 degrees and the blazing sun instantly makes one feel like one is on vacation– that is until you reach the centre of Athens. It’s fast-paced, there are cars and motorbikes everywhere (watch out, they will run you over) and I like it already. I wait (like a German) at the red lights to realize that I’m literally the only one waiting. Tourist? Spotted.
I arrive at my Airbnb, and I crash.
Friday, November 2nd.
After a good night’s sleep, I go out and check out the supermarkets. I read somewhere that there’s a market every Saturday in Exarcheia, an area close to where I’m staying. I’ll go there tomorrow. I walk around and go check out the area where I’ll be staying starting on the 5th. I realise it’s a bit shady, but I’ll ask my coworkers on Monday to see what they think. Nonetheless, I’m happy to find a gym nearby (it’s always good to create a routine for yourself when you’re abroad) and a few restaurants.
Saturday, November 3rd.
Today is the market day! I go to find out that actually, most Greeks shop solely in farmers’ markets as they are significantly cheaper than supermarkets. After trying out some Greek olives, telling about 14 people that I come from Canada (they asked), and almost falling in the slippery streets twice, I’m on my way to the centre to attend a convention for Master’s Programmes in Europe– just an idea I’m exploring for next year. I meet with Warwick and Lancaster representants and leave inspired.
Sunday, November 4th.
Today is the last day in this first Airbnb, tomorrow I’m “moving” to another one where I’ll stay for the next two months. I walk around, have a coffee and do some more work, nothing crazy. Tomorrow is my first day at Hestia Hellas, and I really have no idea what to expect. I guess we’ll see!
