Athens…the place I spent six years of my life…studying Classic Greek literature and Acting both at the same time…a place where I got my first serious job as PR assistant to the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee…a place where I first fell in love…partied until 6a.m and had to take the first bus to return back to my apartment with a group of friends who did not have any worries, besides adding ketchup or mayo to their hot-dogs we would grab from the canteen behind the Hilton…
A few days ago I had to go to Athens for a very important business meeting…I knew I would leave and come back the very next day…but I wanted to use my time and enjoy My Athens…so I searched the flights and found exactly what I wanted…Leaving the early hours of the day and arriving in Athens around 9.30a.m gave me the time to check- in early in my hotel (thanks to the flexibility and politeness of the Greek people who do not always follow the rules and that is why they are such great people!).
I stayed at the heart of Athens, at the Electra Hotel, at the beginning of Ermou Street, at Syntagma Square. The walk to the end of the vibrant Ermou Street was refreshing whereas discovering the Melina Café Plaka, at Lisiou 22 Street was not at all difficult. It is a small café dedicated to the great actress and politician Melina Mercouri. There are rare photos there and the style of the café reflects the lifestyle of the Broadway actress.
By lunch time I met friends, at the most classy place of Athens which is Kolonaki. Having lunch there in one of the cafeterias while the streets are filled with pedestrians, cars and motorcycles and with everyone saying hello to everyone because they happen to be neighbours, makes you think that indeed the aristocratic Kolonaki is one big neighboroughood.
Walking down the street around 6pm, having the Acropolis opposite me with the Greek flag proudly waving at me, gave me a lot of pride. I knew I could not make it up there on time as the gates for the public are open from 8a.m with last admissions at around 7p.m, but I found another way. The rooftop of the Hotel Grand Bretagne was the perfect idea for a coffee with a great view at this hour of the day. I could not resist and I wish I could spend more time up there…
At 7.30pm I was outside of the Vempo Theatre eager to watch the theatrical play “Zorba The Greek”. The play lasted for 2 hours. I was beyond mesmerized, beyond excited and thrilled. I loved the entire production and I felt so lucky I made it. The actors were amazing and the music…just wonderfully Greek! I laughed and I cried and I applauded giving my fellow actors a standing ovation. Now it felt more of my Athens. Now it felt more like…home…
I went back to the hotel exhausted but happy, full and excited about the special meeting I would have the next day…
The next day I would meet Spyros Mercouris, the brother of Melina for a new project that is under creation right now…
More about the meeting…next time!
