Or
Eat Like a Greek!
RULE #2 in Athens
EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT
Actually, this rule applies just about anywhere the Wacky
American Tourist and Ever-Lovely Dragon Lady Travel, so why should Athens be an exception.
After we left Lovely Dora, it was off to visit the usual
monuments by Coach, the Temple of Zeus, the Arch of Hadrian, and of course, the
Greek Parliament where we would video the Changing of the Guard.
Geórgios was outstanding in stopping at various key vistas for photos
and pointing out where to start the video to catch the new guards marching in
behind the crowd gathered on the front line and following them through the
crowd for the best shots. The rest was just a great show, which Chucky was able
to capture with overhead shots using the flex view on the camera.
A link to the YouTube Video. Change of Guards/Greek Parliament will be added to the Pic Album once everything is sorted.
With that, it was time to head off to the Plaka for a little
tchotchke shopping and it went like this.
There is this alley, one of many, where you get dropped off
with instructions to meet back at this particular meeting point in “X” minutes.
Then, off you go to be accosted by every shop keeper, sales
person, hustler etc. to sample their wares, while you try to find that ONE
SPECIAL tchotchke for That ONE SPECIAL person back home while you wonder if it
will fit into that tightly packed LUG-gage without breaking, etc.
And it started with…
“Oh look at that T-shirt for {fill in the blank}”
Or
“Look there is a great {fill in the blank} for {fill in the
blank}
And so on.
Several items were looked at for purchase on the way back to
the car but after spending too much time in and out of shops and getting close
to the time to meet Geórgios the “Select Items”
never made it to the car.
Everyone was hungry by then and they were
off to the Kappri restaurant recommended
by both Dora and Geórgios, close to the Plaka.
Normally Chucky is Leary of “guide and driver recommends”,
but after we learned that they all take the whole family there – often and even
for celebrations - WE4 agreed and so began, one of the finest meals in a local
restaurant that the Wacky American Tourist and Ever-Lovely Dragon Lady have
ever had.
As has been the plan with WE4 we each order an item or two
and have it served family style where we can all enjoy a little bit of this and
that.
After drinks and beers were ordered we sipped and chatted
while perusing the menu for stuff to order other than the specials.
John and Jian ordered their own entrees, which was a bit of
a chore as Jian is a bit picky and when she saw Spaghetti Bolognaise on the
menu figured she could also get Gnocchi as well. {Jian LOVES Gnocchi} Unh… NO, and the pouting began. John ordered the Lamb Stew and convinced Jian
to try the Spaghetti.
We4 ordered their usual variety, which this time consisted
of: Dolmades {grape and zucchini flowers stuffed with meat and rice} Dumplings:
{spicy ground beef in tomato sauce in long finger sized dough}
Kebab {Grilled Lamb in long strips on skewers} and something
cheesy and gooey and GOOD.
We coaxed and cajoled Jian to try a little “dis ‘n’ dat”
after John told her how good it was. And when her spaghetti arrived, she gave
half her plate to Chucky who only tried a taste or two. She realized how good it was and with a lot
of sauce left she asked Chucky if he was gonna finish his, which he promptly
gave back to her.
Chicken, Lamb Liver, Moussaka, and DIY Gyros were brought,
piping hot and OHHH SOOOOOO GOOD! Everything
was Outstanding and we were able to get Jian to try almost all of it, much to
John’s delight. He apparently has a hard
time getting her to venture out of her comfort zone.
Coffees around were ordered with a couple of house desserts
to share. Interestingly no Baklava! –
the excuse was you can get that everywhere, but their house desserts were their
specialty. We called for the check and our
host treated us to a very delightful homemade Ouzo. We were delightfully
surprised that with all we ate and drank for 6 people the tab only came to €67! Leaving a healthy tip on top, we headed back
to the van for the half hour drive back to the ship.
John and
Jian headed back to the ship ahead of us and promptly texted a Big thank You
for our arranging a Fabulous Day in Athens with a copy of a group picture with
all 6 of us and Geórgios.
A stop in the Terminal market for some more water and Potato
Chips for Donna, we bade adeu with a hearty farewell to Geórgios and
promises of RAVE reviews for Athens Limo on TripAdvisor etc.
Since we
were now already late for dinner, and pleasantly stuffed from the great meal at
Kappri, we adjourned to the casino for cognac and Donna’s obligatory visit with
her money.
Tomorrow
will be an interesting and early arrival in Mykonos for a ship sponsored tour
that includes a visit to a winery.
Ciao 4 Now
Uncle Chuck & The
Ouzo Loving,
Dragon Lady
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