Destination: Athens
by James Langford

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The best way to get to and from the airport is by taxi. But, once you’re in the city, the Metro will get you close to almost anywhere you want to go. The Metro also is a free museum, since they discovered a treasure trove of artifacts during construction that are now on display at four of the Metro systems’ stops.

In addition, a new tram system, still under construction, is an efficient way to reach many of the area’s beaches. In Italy, it costs 70 cents (Euro) to use a public restroom. In Athens, it costs 70 cents (Euro) to ride the Metro. If you want a taxi, sharing the ride is common, although not required, and tipping is at the discretion of the passenger.

The first stop for any visitor to Athens is the Acropolis. And, it is worth two visits. One visit during the day, and the other, viewed from throughout the city at night. In daylight, it is majestic. At nighttime, the Parthenon lighted is awesome.

If you’re a history buff, which I am, the stories of the Ancients can captivate your mind. You can view endless pictures of sites, maps and read forever the dissertations, thoughts and books of historians, who spend years researching a subject such as Greek history.

However, being there is the ultimate experience.

Plus, there is the National Archaeological Museum, which was part of the renovation for the Olympics. Being the largest in the country, it is a definite stop on anyone’s itinerary. However, since they built the Metro, they discovered more artifacts than can ever be displayed in one building. While the museum has 48 different rooms, there are more than 30,000 objects that still have yet to be displayed. This is where you will find sculptures from as early as 700 B.C. to the Byzantine era. This also is where your clients will be able to see the historic and famous 14th century B.C. golden Mask of Agamemnon.

Vacations and trips abroad always seem to center on two major events each day: museums and archaeological sites, followed by food and drink.

The latter is often the most important. For example, every city in the U.S. has its ethnic centers. I worked in Detroit for more than three years and at the ripe old age of 29 first discovered Greek cuisine in a little area known as Greektown.

“Wow!” My taste buds said ‘where have you been’?

If your clients love Greek food, tell them that it is going to be better than what they’re used to, and also somewhat different. Because the majority of the time, it will be from fresh.

Athens has seen a rebirth of tourism, which includes more upscale shops and restaurants. Because of the games in 2004, a new wave of chefs found employment in the city and started improvising on old standards. The result is not bad.

However, remind your clients that the taverna in Greece is the best introduction to the culture of the country and an excellent source for the best in simple, delicious and inexpensive food. I compare it to a pub in England or Ireland.

Just below the Parthenon is an area known as Plaka. It not only is popular with the local residents but has become a great attraction for tourists as well. While Adrianou and Kydatheneon are the main streets throughout the principal shopping area at the base of the Acropolis, there are pathways and byways that house extremely picturesque art galleries, shops and tavernas.

The area south of Platela Omonia, off of Athinas, also has seen the growth of a number of small but interesting eateries in the past few years.

I recommend at least two places for your clients, both in the suburb of Attica.

Platanos Taverna is one of Plaka’s oldest, having been established back in 1932. The food is not pretentious and it is very definitely Greek. The prices are great (cheap) and it is, ironically, located on Diogenous Street, certainly a derivative of Diogenes. Remember, the philosopher who went in search of an honest man. Here you get honest food you will not forget.

The other is “Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis,” which translates to flavors of designated origin. The kitchen is presided over by one of the top female chefs in the country, Nena Ismirnoglou (if she is still there), and features fresh ingredients that arrive at the restaurant on a daily basis. Nena marinates and sautés strictly in olive oil and constructs her sauces out of citrus and the essence of a variety of native vegetables. She strongly believes that too many mothers and grandmothers have through the years overcooked food and muddied the natural flavors that vegetables and fruits can provide. The restaurant receives contributions from other chefs in the region who will come in to prepare their specialties.

For shopping, be prepared to bargain. Again, the Plaka area is great for flea markets and bazaars. This is where you will find some of the best lace, metalwork, leather, pottery and local wines. Tell your clients to ask for at least half of the asking price.

As I said, I found most of the people there warm and interesting. But in the shops, they can spot a tourist a mile away.

Jim Langford is the president of the Pharmer Group, a communications consulting firm based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.