After an exhausting first week of school, I finally got to sleep on Saturday morning, which felt incredibly refreshing. I was thoroughly drained by the end of each day, so the rest was much needed.

One of my friends and her husband from my old job in San Francisco were passing through Athens on their way to Santorini, and we planned to meet up. After my luxurious morning, I caught the noon bus from Vrachati to Athens, which took surprisingly long—almost three hours. However, once I arrived, we quickly took the subway to explore the Acropolis.

The Athens subway impressed me with its cleanliness, quietness, and stunning stations adorned with marble—a striking sight. We grabbed a quick snack and then headed to the Acropolis. Paying our entry fee, we wandered the ancient grounds, overwhelmed by their historical magnificence. The Acropolis, meaning “highest city,” sits atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views stretching to the sea. The walk through this iconic site under the warm sun, tempered by a cool breeze, was phenomenal.

After spending a few hours there, we descended the mountain to a charming neighborhood behind the Acropolis for dinner. Before settling on one, we meandered through narrow streets lined with various shops and restaurants. We enjoyed a delightful meal, seated outdoors on comfortable cushioned chairs—much needed after all that walking. Seeing a familiar face during my travels and catching up with an old friend was a joy.

Being in Athens brought me a sense of peace and exhilaration. Having spent over a week in the small village of Vrachati, I realized how much I thrive in a city environment. I adore the vibrancy, the people-watching, and the endless activities a city offers—I’m definitely a city girl at heart. I plan to make trips to Athens every weekend; staying energized in the quaint village for an entire month would be a challenge otherwise!