At what age do we become old? Some people would say seventy. Others may say 65. In my professional and personal lifeI have encountered many who say they feel old at even younger ages. I also know several who are not only young at heart but also young in actions in their eighties. My favorite aunt mowed her own lawn in her eighties. Go Auntie!
And so when friends and acquaintances questioned my plans to undertake another solo backpacking trip at seventy eight I waved them off and made a itinerary. Greece was the destination. I had planned to be just across the Aegean Sea in Croatia on a weeklong Mother-Daughter trip and decided it would be prudent to visit Greece since I was in the area anyway.
So when my daughter returned to the states, I took a flight to Athens on the first leg of my very enjoyable journey. Luxury is nice but doing and learning on one’s own leaves an even better after-feeling. Upon landing I followed the signs to the subway and after gaining information at the ticket booth discovered which stop would place me within walking distance of my hotel. My budget was happy as the cost was so very much less than a taxi would have cost.
The following two days in Athens were amazing as well as a good refresher in Greek history. Naturally, a visit to the Acropolis was in order. Thanks to my advanced gym preparation I managed the climb to the top and marveled at the sprawling city below as well as the ingenuity of the ancient Greeks. The Parthenon called up high school history lessons while the Temple of Athena Nike was a reminder that the female gender was once held in higher esteem than in many countries today.
Just below the historical wonder I discovered a delightful sidewalk cafe where I could dine and enjoy the passing tourists.
The markets in Athens are a shopper’s dream. I found the Monastiraki Flea Market particularly fascinating. I spent hours checking out the various clothing, souvenir, and jewelry shops and discovered that bargaining is expected.
Having accessed information from Rick Steve’s books and websites, I purchased ferry tickets online and with a brief subway ride arrived at the port of Piraeus. The ferry system is exceedingly efficient. I was soon boarded and enjoyed a smooth ride to the island of Santorini. Upon arrival and viewing the steep cliffs surrounding the port i decided that this 78 year old heart might be too taxed to attempt the climb. So I acquiesced by hiring a cab. Great decision! Even my driver had difficulty locating my lodging. However, my lodging was so much more worth any difficulty.
My stay at Imera Suites was amazing. Ensconced in the cliff side, the room was quite large and the view from the balcony overlooked the Caldera. Reaching the suite required mastery of eight flights of stairs but the view was extraordinary and the knees held up. Watching ships passing while the sun dipped below the horizon was a most relaxing scene. Mornings brought a delicious breakfast served on my private balcony. As an added plus, the owner’s daughter was ever so helpful with tips about restaurants, island tours and more. At her recommendation I booked an inexpensive day tour circling the island and including a visit to archeological ruins of Akrotiri inhabited around 5,000 to 3,000 B.C. A winery and tasting was also included on the tour. Our extremely knowledgable guide was a French professor of Greek history from whom I learned the history and rationale for the domed architecture common to the area. Basically, it was because of the lack of wood on the island and the forever white was to combat the sun’s heat.
Naturally, sunset at Oil, home of the famed Santorini blue domed buildings, was a highlight. The town was enchanting despite its hordes of tourists.
Next stop was the island of Mykonos… a two and a half ferry ride. Again, research won accolades. My lodging at Cape Mykonos was spacious with another beautiful view of the sea. The lodge driver met me at the ferry and provided his phone number in case I needed a ride at any time. I suspect he would have been up for a date but I preferred hiking the mile and a half to the old town and back. The famed windmills were great photo ops but I fell in love with the tiny streets and myriads of miniature shops.
The day following my return to Athens I walked to Omonia Square, purchased a tour ticket and set off for Delphi. A two and a half ride took me to the Unesco site on Mount Parnassus. Delphi dates back to 1600 B.C. It was the home of the oracle, the voice of Apollo on earth. The once sacred site contains ruins of the Temple of Apollo, Temple of Athena and an interesting museum.
On the last day in Athens I visited the Agora and explored the multitude of shops. Also a source of enjoyment was the many sidewalk cafes. I had a cappachino at one and enjoyed lunch at another. Even as a solo I found the waiters very congenial. One thing I really enjoyed about the local restaurants was that the meal is punctuated with a small free desert.
So to those who voiced negative comments on my plans to travel solo, I say “hogwash!” . I not only had a wonderful, educational experience but met many wonderful friendly and helpful people along the way.
SeniorTraveler 