Things you hate about visiting Athens

Hey deerspots...You are absolutely right..

I agree with you 100%. I don't like: *the streets are to small *people park everywhere *the way people drive *smoking allowed in the airport ewwwww *smoking allowed in some restaurants *overpriced expensive

Athens got really cleaned up with the 2004 Olympics, which it really needed. In 2001 the city was a trash heap, but in Nov 2004 it was still very clean and much nicer to visit. The smog is still terrible, and Athenians have a reputation for not being real friendly to Americans but overall it is about the same as most huge cities. I don't take taxis in Greece after a bad taxidriver in Patras, but on my first visit to Athens we took two cab rides and both were a bit off-course to bump up the fare but not too much. I really have no need of a taxi in Athens with the great public transportation system. Reading a bus schedule is a challenge, but the wonderful Metro system gets me within walking distance of everywhere I want to go. Coffee ... well, most countries don't brew buckets of coffee the way we do, just get used to it! Espresso is available most places, and of course there's always "Greek" coffee which well more than open eyes!!!

Well, I have sat here for almost 15 minutes trying to think of something I hate about Athens. truth is, I have nothing. i ahve had 4 short stays in Athens, and I'm in love with the place! I have never been to a city so full of history and character, and I found myself fascinated by everything, and was in awe of it all. I can think of a few things that I didn't love, but I can't say I hated any of it.. I was saddened by how many homeless people we saw on the streets. One evening, we were going out for a bite to eat, and were indulging in the national pastime - people watching. We sat there and watched an elderly couple, pulling their little cart down the road. They stopped near an alleyway, pulled a small folding card table & two stool, a red table cloth, and laid out the table. It was sad, very sad. These two people were so obviously full of love for each other, and they seemed to have this ritual down pat. I saw many homeless people, but this couple really touched my heart. The cats.. I LOVE cats, I'm an animal lover in general, but I especially love cats. They were for me, the best and the worst of Athens, and Greece in general. We spent countless hours playing with them, and countless dollars buying food for them. Lol I just wanted to take them all home and love them. An impossible dream. The drivers were a little scarey and took some getting used to - a pedestrian crossing means nothing to an Athenian driver!! And the taxi drivers were...interesting. lol

if you don't like Athens try Thessaloniki for a change! Who knows, you may like it more!