Moving On

After spending an additional week in Nice where I got to act like a local for part of it - which, of course also including doing mundane things like paying bills and shopping - Wednesday, I left Nice and flew to Athens.  It is my third visit here and each time it has been linked to a cruise which was either starting or finishing here.  While the weather in Nice had been around 21', it was around 28' in Athens.  Thankfully, summer seems to be continuing for me!  

The first thing I noticed upon arrival was that the taxi rates have changed since I was last here 3 years ago.  There is now a flat rate for a taxi into the town centre.  It is 40 euros - although an additional fee for the road toll was added on making it 48.  I am pretty sure the last time I took a cab in from the airport it cost about 10 euros more than that.  The other thing that was immediately evident was that there some COVID protocols seem to still be in place, at least partially.  The cab driver told me that people have to still wear masks on public transport (e.g. buses and the metro) plus in taxis.  There could be a 500 euro fine for violating the rule.  It wasn't lost on me he failed to mention the requirement about wearing one in a taxi until we were almost at my hotel.  Not sure pleading ignorance of the rule would have worked but I didn't get caught.  Whew!

I am staying at the Grand Bretagne hotel which is easily the most luxurious - and expensive - hotels that I have ever stayed in.  The price of my room is about the same as my monthly salary was for my first government job back in 1971!  For those of you familiar with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, this is like that but on steroids!  However, it is a hotel I am familiar with having stayed here before as part of cruise packages and I wanted to treat myself.  It is lovely to be received like a star when you are only just an ordinary person.  All the staff are super - friendly and polite.  And, in keeping with protocols, most of them wear masks.  

Once I'd settled into my room - this time it is on the second floor with a balcony, I went to the Winter Garden lounge where I enjoyed an Aperol Spritz and read for a couple of hours recovering from the two busy airports and the rather frenetic drive into the city.  It was so relaxing. 

A few hours after that, I went to the rooftop restaurant for dinner.  I have eaten there several times before and the food is exceptional, as is the wine list.  I enjoyed a Prosecco sitting at the bar while I waited for my table.  My lamb dinner was the best one I have had on this trip and with it I ordered a wonderful red Greek wine which was much like an Italian Borolo.  That was followed by a Vinsanto dessert wine from Santorini with hints of fig which was a perfect accompaniment to the Tarte Marrakech which was almond sable with pistachio ganache, orange compote and orange blossom Chantilly.  I felt spoiled.  It was magical sitting on the terrace with a wonderful view of the Acropolis.  It was a pretty good date night - even if it was just with myself!

I returned in the morning for breakfast; again, enjoying the views of the Acropolis and the wonderful service and food.  Looking at that 2000+ year old iconic building sitting on that huge rock, it was easy to convince myself being nearly 75 wasn't that old at all!

I am now getting organized for the Azamara cruise which starts tomorrow.  That is going to be quite the experience for me as I will be visiting some countries I have never set foot in as well as seeing some new places in some countries I am already somewhat familiar with.  Regardless, I am open to the experience of seeing new cultures and learning more about this amazing world!