O ur flight touches down. We step out onto the tarmac and instantly feel the warmth of the sun. It’s 27 degrees in Athens at 9:00 A.M. Is there a better feeling to start a vacation? But it’s not just any vacation. Long-time friends are getting married and have chosen the idyllic locale of Santorini as the backdrop for their ceremony. She’s Italian, while he’s Maltese (though both live in the Greater Toronto Area) and decide that their ancestral neighbour to the East is the perfect choice for the big day. It’s our first destination wedding and the wedding is later in the week, so my wife and I decide to make the most of our time in Greece by taking short visits to Athens and Paros before joining the rest of the group in Santorini. Our first stop was The Modernist Athens Hotel. Formerly the site of the Canadian Embassy, the hotel features modern design that strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and luxury. The hotel itself is located on a quiet street that over- looks a leafy residential square in Kolonaki, home to world-class galleries and museums, great shop- ping streets and vibrant night-time atmosphere. Head to the rooftop patio to enjoy the world-class view of the Acropolis and make sure you sample
one of their fantastic Americanos, offered through their collaboration with Ergon House (Grandma’s Boy Blend). More on Ergon House in a moment, an experience all its own. While you can see the hill from almost every radius of the city, you need to be up close to take in the true beauty of the marvels on the Acropolis. The Parthenon, the exquisite marble, and the views of the city and the sea that surround you. Don’t hesitate to take the Metro with direct access to Akropoli Station on Line 2. A great way to beat the traffic that can sometimes dominant Athenian life. For dinner we enjoyed the hybrid Agora-restaurant, Ergon House. From fresh produce to Greek deli- cacies to an excellent selection of regional wines, Ergon House’s offerings appeal to both tourists and locals. The tables surround a 200-year-old Olive tree and you enjoy your meal amongst the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. The restaurant menu mimics the Agora and its pages are divided to reflect the different sections of the market, expertly curated by their chefs, bakers, butch- ers, and fishmongers. We began with zucchini fritters, golden brown yet light and fresh, served with whipped feta and tzatziki. The main course
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