ATHENS, GREECE

Me time abroad, as mothers we sometimes need some time away from our children to relax and unwind. Don’t you think so mummy’s?

So, a few years ago my husband suggested I take a break abroad. At first I was very reluctant, not because I thought my husband could not cope looking after the boys, but because I was going to miss them, as this was my first time away. My husband persuaded me that I needed the break and it would do me the world of good. So I asked my youngest sister if she would like to go away with me for a long weekend break. Of course she said yes, who’s going to say no to a free holiday? We both picked Athens simply because neither of us had been there before.

We stayed at the Marriot Hotel which was only 15 mins away from the city centre via car or shuttle bus. The hotel provided a free shuttle bus which would take you to the centre and back should you decide to use that service. All the information was provided by the staff at the front desk.

Our first day of sight seeing involved visiting the Acropolis of Athens. So trying to decide on what to wear?…. It was a hot sunny day with no cloud in sight. So I opted for my orange Karen Millen dress with the zip and pockets. It was the perfect choice for the weather as it was very very hot. The dress was sleeveless and loose fitting, so very airing for doing a lot of hiking. I wore my flat Carvela sandals and my black Pippa Grab Modalu bag. The bag has an attachable strap, very handy to wear it crossbody to leave your hands free.  

The Acropolis is located on extremely rocky outcrop above the city and contains remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significant. The most famous being the Parthenon. The views here are breathtaking and the ancient temples are incredible. The walk to the top is quiet a distance so make sure you have plenty of water with you. Also wear sensible shoes as the marbles can be slippery, so watch your steps!

Lunch was followed by a walk to the Acropolis museum. It’s an archeological museum focusing on the findings of the Acropolis of Athens. You can see the ruins of older settlements underneath the museum through the glass floor. It is between a museum and an art gallery. There is also a lovely bookstore with a terrace cafe, so you can sit and enjoy an afternoon of whatever beverage that may take your fancy.

Back to the hotel and a quick change into my Burberry bikini. We headed up to the roof top swimming pool for a well earned drink and a swim to cool down. Then got ready for the evening ahead! I decided to wear my white Karen Millen halter neck dress. This is such a pretty dress and I love wearing it. I paired it up with my lace up Kurt Geiger espadrilles, Michael Kors sunglasses and of course my black Modalu bag. 

Evening entertainment included a visit to the Odeon Of Herodes Atticus. A stone theatre structured nestled on the slope of the Acropolis. We watched greek musicians and bands perform the night away. Although we didn’t not understand a word of what they were singing we most certainly enjoyed the music and the sound of the bouzouki, for those of us who do not know what a bouzouki is… it’s a pear shaped instrument similar to a guitar.

Shopping time was spent in Ermou street, which has many international names like Benetton, Zara, H&M and a few more. In downtown Athens, you have the Plaka and Monastriaki which are well known to travellers for their large variety of tourist shops. My beautiful sister and I had a fabulous time soaking up the culture and of course doing some retail therapy!

Until next time, safe travels everyone!

Thanks for reading.

THE OUTFITS

Orange dress: Karen Millen

Sandals: Carvela (Kurt Geiger)

Bikini: Burberry

White Dress: Karen Millen

Espadrilles: Kurt Geiger

Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Bag: Modalu

Top: Karen Millen

Shorts: Guess similar (here)