It was a holiday after three summers and you can imagine how thrilling it was when we started planning. The month of October sounded good, a month when all these years we have mostly enjoyed the celebration of Durga Puja, living in Delhi & now in Calcutta. And we wished for a longish holiday. So all plans put in place, finally the day arrived and we were at the airport much before reporting time. As we looked forward to a refreshing first day in Athens.

Starting the morning with a good deed

While inside the smoking room of Kolkata airport, one of the three friends having a hearty discussion left his boarding card and walked off. Another passenger noticed it and brought to our attention. So I quickly stubbed my cigarette and literally ran after them as they were speeding off animated in their discussions. When I handed it over the guy must have thanked me quarter of a dozen times. The happiness writ large on his face.

The Qatar Experience

This was the first time we were flying Qatar. Right from the time we booked our flights till we boarded it was seamless a process. Having flown with other airlines over the years where the hostesses were like robots welcoming you and walking around serving you food, we were in for a surprise. The smile was genuine and from her heart as she welcomed us on board.

Both during our flight from Kolkata to Doha and then from Doha to Athens the crew was amazing. And they all looked genuinely interested in serving you. The food was good as well and more importantly they were interested in hearing you out and chat if you wished to.

And here I must mention about the two crew members who became my friends. Lav Chaurasia of Indian origin who has traveled around India including my current city Calcutta and the Turkish girl Kubra Turcam who is so passionate about her YouTube channel and particularly the one on her village back home. It was great meeting you folks and wish you both lots of success in your career and passion.

Talking about YouTube, do subscribe to Travelwisesr, the travel vlog for some exclusive videos from around the world.

We are in Athens

My prayers didn’t pay off this time. The flight reached an hour later. But the immigration took just a minute after a five minutes wait. The luggage was circling around as we reached the belt and in no time we were out walking to the Airport Metro station just a short walk away past the towering hotels.

Airport to City Center

If you are one who loves to travel light and not carry too many pieces of luggage the Airport Metro is your best bet. One way tickets cost € 9 per person. The Blue line takes you till Adhia Marina but Syntagama, the center of town where many travelers prefer to stay falls midway. It would take you forty minutes to reach there.

We were headed to Monastiraki the station after Syntagama and the most happening destination for your stay in Athens. Our hotel was located on Vissis street and this area is known as the “emporiko trigono” meaning commercial triangle and the link between ancient and modern Athens with many UNESCO archaeological sites within walking distance.

The Shocker

The train wasn’t as empty as you just saw above. It was packed and most were heading to where we were. Therefore after we alighted at Monastiraki metro station the escalator got jam packed as well. In a bid to tackle my luggage and balancing myself, I never noticed when my little purse with my credit cards and debit card had slipped out from my pocket and fallen down on the escalator steps.

God had other plans

Oblivious of this fact I was about to call my hotel for directions after reaching up the escalator when three guys came running looking for me. Seeing me they were relieved and me speechless for a few minutes as they handed over my purse to me all smiles. Thanked them at least a quarter of a dozen times, took few deep breaths before we came out on Athinas Street and called up our hotel.

God has his or her own way of giving back for good deeds. A small gesture by me in the morning was rewarded with such a big surprise. Saving me so much of trouble in a foreign land, with just about enough foreign exchange apart from my credit cards. God does exist. In the form of humans around us.

Blend Hotel

Blend Hotel is a lovely 4 star property located on Vissis 2, Athina and is surrounded by colorful streets and alleys, close to two lovely churches “Chrisospiliotissa” and “Agioa Eirini”. The place is buzzing with cafes, restaurants, bars, street vendors and the back of Acropolis Hills and old town town of Plaka just a short walk away through the happening foodie’s street right in front.

The hotel restaurant ‘Folk” is also great for a lovely choice of dinner and drinks. The complimentary breakfast is served in the same restaurant has a healthy choice to pick from.

A Warm Reception

John at the reception was such a lovely person to talk to. His welcome for us was very warm and then he gave us a good overview of the surroundings and how to travel around to the landmarks and important locations by marking it all out on a map. The reception was just a benchmark on what to expect when you stay here. But that was just the start.

Our Room

And the Welcome Gift

Breakfasts in Blend

It was time to move out

This street that you see just opposite our Blend Hotel is the most happening street of Athens. It was a Sunday evening and shops are mostly closed but the restaurants all open. That gave us the opportunity to witness some great street art all on shutters of shops and walls around as we walked past the church next door to us.

Shop & Street Art

And while in Athens you must go around and take a street art tour either self planned or through one of the many tour options available. Check them out here on Travelwisesr Holidays.

The streets, cafes & restaurants

As this little one chalks out its plan

A Hi & chat with Bashar Khan an Afghani shop owner

The Party joints get into action

As we head to this Indian restaurant ‘Curry Express’ for Dinner

That’s Simran, originally from Jalandhar in Punjab, India although born in Athens. She is the owner of the place and was so happy when she heard I was a travel blogger and from India. As a special gesture she served us an extra portion of Tandoori Chicken apart from our order of naan and butter chicken which was nice, spicy & hot. And both she and her gesture so sweet.

An Ice Cream before retiring to our room

And then this surprise from Blend Hotel

After checking in and reaching our room in the afternoon we had found that there was no phone to call reception or for room service. So I had told John about it. He had checked and found that the same had been sent for repair and since all rooms were occupied there was no spare one available as well. I had told him to forget it since this wasn’t an issue as we would be out most of the time.

Despite that we were offered a complimentary dinner for the two of us in their restaurant on any of the three evenings we were staying in Blend. Thank you John & thank you Blend for this surprise gesture not seen much these days. Much appreciate. We opted for it on our last evening and here is what they served. Mouthwatering lavish spread.

Athens. Our first day was full of surprises. Add to that the lovely people, great conversations, ease of moving around the city and our stay in the most happening part of town. But the icing on the cake certainly was our stay in Blend Hotel. A lovely property to be in with hospitality that is visible. Book your Blend Hotel stay here on Travelwisesr Holidays.

If you loved the feel of Athens & our Blend Hotel stay, PIN it for booking later!