Day 13: Athens' National Archaeological Museum
Back to the Plaka and Hera Hotel
We took our last ride on the bus back to the Hera Hotel. We said our goodbyes and thank-yous to our super driver, Cristos. He and Dafni worked together perfectly as a team on the bus!
We went to Meno Male for a pizza lunch. The pizza was so satisfying, we ordered seconds. And thirds. We chatted with the friendly lady behind the counter. We walked the Plaka, in search of small gifts for family and friends at home.
The temperature had changed dramatically in 2 weeks. It was a sweltering 94F. Despite that, the crowds seemed to have doubled. We hung around spots with air conditioning, but the heat was relentless, made more intense by the cobblestone paths.
Before going back to the hotel to elevate our swollen feet, we stopped at the Alcehemist Cafe Patisserie for a small treat. Small they weren't! Generous portions, everything was scrumptious and the workers, like every local we had encountered, were warm, and super friendly.
We took a fast hydrofoil back to the mainland. Cristos picked us up at the port of Piraeus for the remarkable National Archaeological Museum. We were delighted to see Mamma Faye again.
The museum was the most comprehensive we'd visited. There was an abundance of intricate items, like jewelry and pottery, in displays, distinct art and impressive sculptures. Leo and Rachel discussed how much more there should be, so much has been stolen over the years. The museum was busy (we were there earlier than the cruise crowds), but Mamma Faye made sure the visit was thorough.
We loved the museum. We had free time at the end for a WC and coffee break, we spent it going to different rooms and displays we hadn't yet seen. The museum was wrapped up the ancient history tour we'd experienced over the last two weeks. Starting and ending with Athens, and Mamma Faye, completed the circle.
Last Group Dinner
The last group meal is comforting, and tough. You've gotten to know other members so well, you're happy friends joined together laughing, drinking and sharing stories. Then waves of emotions hit when you realize it's the last time you'll be gathered like this.
The meal was one of the best we'd had on the trip. Every dish was a gourmet culinary delight. Who knew a simple spinach salad could be so flavorful?
Dafni surprised everyone with an envelope of group picture prints. As well as lovely wrapped packages of custom made evil eye jewelry and key rings. The evil eye is a prevalent souvenir item. Dafni talked in great detail about the meaning of the evil eye one day on the bus. What thoughtful treasures that continually remind us of our once in a lifetime exploration of Greece!
Day 14: End of our Tour and the Long Journey Home
We said goodbye to friends at breakfast. Rachel got teary-eyed, especially when she talked with Dafni, to thank her for everything over the last two weeks. Dafni was a great guide, her love for her home country, history, mythology and food, was infectious.
We stayed one more night at the lovely Hera Hotel. For our last day, we walked by the Arch of Hadrian and visited the serene and lush Zappeion Gardens. The high heat kept us in the hotel for most the late afternoon. For dinner, we met up with some remaining tour members. We were hoping for one more meal at the hotel rooftop restaurant, but alas, they were closed for a private party. We finished the night with one last gelato!
We departed the next morning. The flight from Athens to Philadelphia was long, 11 hrs, but without issue. However, storms in Charlotte caused over 8,000 delays/cancellations, ours being one of the delays. After 3 hours stuck on the runway, 2 hours waiting in the airport for updates, 3 hours waiting in a rental car line, then an 11 hour drive...we finally made it home. Six hours before our flight landed. It was by far our most exhausting travel day to date. Ziana and Leo were troopers; they didn't complain and they slept for most of the drive home. Another tip for family travel, always carry snacks and water!