Tag: Beaches

Life is a Beach (Second of Two Parts)

Travel and Positivity Buzz

Cool, clear, blue Aegean Sea

There’s a proverbial phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” which embraces positivity and optimism amidst trying times. What can be truer than this than the situation we are all in right now where it feels like our lives have been taken over by the COVID virus, which is nothing more than the common cold virus except that it’s deadlier. I thought this can only happen in the movies, but looks like life is stranger than fiction. Like in the movies, the contagion has resulted to lockdowns where travel and mobility are restricted. Face mask and shield have become so common like underwear that you cannot be caught dead without wearing one. Given that the best way to handle this health crisis is to treat anyone as potential carrier, no matter how hideous and uncomfortable these protective gears are, we just simply have to appreciate these as something we cannot leave our homes without.

Count your blessings

So how do we make lemonade out of this pandemic? There are people who see opportunities out of a crisis (both good and bad ones) and there are those who simply accept the ‘new normal’ (I’m starting to get annoyed with this phrase). For me, it’s the time to count my blessings, to reflect on life with its ups and downs, and how I could see myself as a survivor. Sounds cliche and corny for most, but if you haven’t appreciated those things that you would normally take for granted (such as freedom to move around), then maybe the lockdown can facilitate such realization of how being free is precious yet vulnerable.

My happy place

This is also the time to go back to your happy place. For me, beaches have always been my happy place. Or any body of water for that matter. I’ve always been attracted to bodies of water. Maybe because my feng shui says that I am a water element, so that would probably explain why I would find myself in that blissful state of peace and serenity when I’m near a body of water. Like lemonade, it feels refreshing, that’s why even if summer went by without being able to go to the beach, just the mere thought of it would already alleviate whatever stress this lockdown has brought on our mental and emotional well-being.

Reliving the ghost of summer past

So to keep our sanity and emotional stability in check, let us continue our virtual trip to the different beaches around the world. In the first part of this article, we were able to cover the 3 A’s (Asia, America, and Africa). In this second part, let’s fly to Europe, Middle East, and Oceania, and explore the beaches that I have been to in more than 20 years of travels.

Europe

Praia da Ribeira (Cascais, Portugal)

Europe has always been a fave destination of mine. Aside from its rich history, art treasures, bustling culture, and century old architecture, some places have nice beaches. One such place is Barcelona (Spain). The home of Gaudi, this city is a mix of the old and the new. Modern skyscrapers blending in with the works of Gaudi makes this a very livable city. Not to mention beautiful people. To top it all, it has a beach called Barceloneta on its coastline that is easy reach by car, bicycle, public transportation or even by foot if you happen to be staying in one of the hotels that are lining up the whole stretch of the beach (in my case, I stayed at Pullman Barcelona Skipper which is about 200 meters from the beach). Just like any beach in a city, it gets packed on summers. You don’t need to go far or drive a couple of hours just to get to one. No wonder I fell in love with this city the first time I’ve experienced it. This is one of my top five cities in the world that I would love to live in if given the chance.

(Top left) Hotel rooftop view of the iconic fish art, the marina, and Barceloneta beach; (top right and bottom) Barceloneta beach, promenade, and topless sunbathers (Barcelona, Spain)

Another such place where the old and the new mesh well is Malta. It is the home of the oldest standing structure in the world (called Gigantia, much older than the pyramids of Egypt) in one of the two main islands called Gozo. Valletta, its capital city, is like an open museum with new architecture blending in. The city has pockets of beaches as well, which provide the locals enough space to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea. The city is very scenic and the people are nice. Another great place to live in.

View of the city, marina, and beach from my hotel room balcony (Valletta, Malta)

Europe also boasts of beautiful resort towns and islands full of fine beaches along its coastlines. The resort town of Cascais (Portugal) is one such resort town that has a few beaches to choose from. There’s the Praia da Ribeira, a wide stretch of beach that sits along the busy promenade where locals and tourists alike who find the water too cold for swimming (which is common in European beaches even during summers, unlike its Asian counterparts) can sit and enjoy the cool breeze, the sun, and the sights. There’s Praia da Rainha, a secluded beach which you can access thru rows of restos on a cliff, which gives you the option of having a table and order your fave drinks while basking under the sun and enjoying the bird’s eye view of the beach and seascape. You can go down to the beach and take a dip into the cold waters or just do your sunbathing on the fine sands to get that nice tan.

Praia da Rainha (Cascais, Portugal)

Aside from Spain, Malta, and Portugal, Italy and Montenegro also have nice resort towns with fine beaches. I wrote about the resort towns of Positano and Amalfi in Italy in my previous article (https://columbusbee.blog/2020/03/15/italy-how-thou-i-love-thee-let-me-count-the-ways-part-2-of-2/) as well as the island of Capri. Montenegro has the resort town Budva, which, just like any other resort towns in Europe, is deliciously beautiful with its old charm mixing well with modern marina and pebbly beaches. You can have lunch by the beach if the water is too cold and can sit through all day people watching as well as appreciating the scenery.

(Top) Beaches of Budva (Montenegro); (bottom) lunch by the beach

Then of course you have the popular isles of Greece. Two of which are Mykonos and Santorini, which I wrote about in my earlier article (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/07/21/greece-of-myths-mediterranean-food-and-beaches-part-2-of-2/). You can do beach hopping in any of these isles, as both have pockets of beaches along its coastline. Just be on a lookout for tourist traps, particularly in Mykonos. You need to be extra cautious in this place. You don’t want to get “robbed” (just like what happened to me as shared in my article) that can potentially ruin an otherwise enjoyable holiday. Tourist traps aside, the beaches tick all the boxes: fair share of sunshine all throughout summers, clear blue or green waters, white to black sands or pebbles from volcanic matter, and cool, light to windy sea breeze (Mykonos at times can be very windy).

Beach hopping in Santorini (Greece) from left (clockwise): Black Beach, White Beach, Red Beach

What is common among these European beaches is that these rest along the shores of the Adriatic, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas. I don’t know what’s with these seas, but there is something mystical and magical every time I’m near these bodies of water. It’s like something’s calling me to be near it, to feel it, to soak in it. Aside from its crystal clear waters that are always enticing (as well as baffling, like how waters along some of these big cities and towns have been kept clean thru centuries), there is something special and dreamy about these seas, like unicorns. If I have to get mythical about it, I may be a descendant of Poseidon or his demigod son Triton. It seems like I’m forever under the spell of these seas, that’s why I always keep on coming back.

Chillin by the Red Beach

The magical spell seems to also make people less inhibited. It’s not uncommon in these beaches that people can do the full monty regardless of age and let it all hang out like it’s nobody’s business. What can be more freeing than that feeling of being one with nature (or in this case, being one with the sea)? I haven’t done that yet, but if I did, it would be the most courageous and liberating act that I could ever do in this lifetime (I could probably consider skinny dipping lol).

Middle East

Nation Riviera Beach Club with the view of the Fairmont Marina (the one that looks like Atlantis The Palm) at Al Kasir Island and the Arabian Gulf (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

The only time that I was in the Middle East (aside from layover in Muscat in one of my long haul flights) was when I availed of the stopover promo of Etihad Airways where I spent a few days in Abu Dhabi (the airline’s main hub). The business class promo comes with accommodations at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi which entitle guest access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club. The beach can be easily reached from the hotel thru an air-conditioned underground tunnel underneath the Corniche.

View of Arabian Gulf, Al Kasir Island, and Nation Riviera Beach Club from my hotel room (The St. Regis Abu Dhabi)

The beach is large enough and provides a good view of the Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi (which is the emirate’s version of Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm) in Al Kasir Island. Coupled with turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the pristine sands give this beach that chill vibe aside from the exclusivity and luxury attached to these private beach clubs.

(Left) View of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; (right) enjoying my fave drink while chillin in one of the beach loungers

Since it was the stopover before my flight back to Manila, it was the perfect break from all the flying and walking while on holiday. What better way to rest those tired feet (from walking) and back (from flying intra-Europe) than to lie on one of the beach loungers and sip my fave drink while enjoying the sun, the cool sea breeze, and the nice view.

Oceania

Pinky Beach (Rottnest Island, Australia)

Hopping to the other side of the globe, this region is known not only for its beaches but also for all bodies of water. Starting off with New Zealand, this country is not really known for its beaches but for its fjords, lakes, rivers, and extreme water adventures. But it still has decent beaches on the shores of its cities such as those in Auckland, Devonport, and Wellington and in the coasts of its islands such as Waiheke. The waters and sands in these beaches may not be as pristine as those in Asia and Europe, but these are still good spots to relax especially during summers (take note that summer in this region is between December to March so a good alternative for those living in winter regions or in my case, a good travel option to get out of Manila during December to escape the holiday madness and horrendous traffic).

Mission Bay Beach (Auckland, New Zealand)

Wellington, in particular, has pockets of beaches along its coastline where aside from an enjoyable walk along the long stretch of its promenade, the beaches are bustling with life where Kiwis (locals) that are not sunbathing on the sands are enjoying meals in restos lining up the promenade or having either cold drinks or ice cream from kiosks around the area. I remember going to these different beach spots from my hotel on foot. It was a long walk (about 30 minutes walk one way on my pace, which can be longer if you walk slower), but it didn’t feel like one cause I enjoy the stroll and the sights where not only you pass by shops, bars, restos, museums, a marina and activity center on the way to the beach, but also get a glimpse of Kiwi city life. I enjoyed each trip to the beach, not to mention the calories burnt from walking to keep that slender beach body in check (from all the good food during these holidays).

Bondi Beach (Sydney, Australia)

Australia, on the other hand, is a beach country. Every major city across the continent has its own beach, either natural or man-made. I’ve been to this continent a few times, which only speaks of how much I liked this place. Sydney, which is one of my top five cities in the world (along with Barcelona that I mentioned earlier), boasts of several beaches close to the city center, which makes this a very livable city (I would live there if given the chance). A few minutes by car or by public transportation is the popular Bondi Beach. A vast beach with strong currents and fine sands, this is the beach for both surfers and sunbathers alike. A few minutes by ferry from Sydney harbour is Manly Beach. This place exudes resort town vibe, where shops, ice cream and yogurt parlors abound. The beach and the commercial area are teeming with life, which only affirms that Aussies love their beaches. Not far by foot from Manly Beach is Shelly Beach. While Manly has fine sands, Shelly is a pebbly beach. While Manly has strong waves like those in Bondi, Shelly has calm waters as the beach is located in a cove that is sheltered from strong winds. No wonder Shelly Beach is the more suitable beach wedding scene than any other Sydney beaches.

(Top left) Manly Beach; (top right) beach wedding at Shelly Beach (Sydney, Australia). (Bottom) St. Kilda Beach (Melbourne, Australia)

Another Australian city that demonstrates how Aussies mix their eclectic city living with beach culture is Melbourne. Aside from the fact that Melbourne is the cultural hub of the continent (and the most European among all the major cities in Australia), it has some of the spectacular beaches in the region. Not far from the city is St. Kilda, a resort town with a fine beach, promenade, and amusement park. There’s also a weekend market by the beach promenade that sells all kinds of stuff, from organic to art to basic necessities. Of course, Melbourne’s crown jewel is the Great Ocean Road, its coastline similar to Amalfi Coast where pockets of beaches with amazing views of the rock formations abound. A trip to Melbourne won’t be complete without seeing this postcard perfect coastline. This is where Australia’s own version of the 12 Apostles are, which comprised of several rock formations that used to be a dozen when counted but less of that nowadays.

One of the pockets of beaches along the Great Ocean Road (Melbourne, Australia)

But the beach capital of the country (and the region) is neither of these two cities. Gold Coast is where beach buddies, surfers, and sun worshipers go for the waters, the wave, or just for the sun. When I said in the first part of this article that Guam reminds me of Gold Coast, that’s because of the long stretch of beach lined up with international hotel brands and apartments. I haven’t been to Miami, but I’m pretty sure this is how Miami would look like. Not only a shore full of skyscrapers, but also full of sculpted and tanned bodies.

(Clockwise from top left) View of the Surfers Paradise Beach from my hotel room balcony; view of the skyscrapers from the beach; at the main entrance to the beach (Gold Coast, Australia)

Surfers Paradise is the main beach and this looks like the melting pot of summer holidaymakers. It also helps that it has that resort town vibe that makes it more attractive to vacationers all over the world. There’s always entertainment in Cavill Avenue (the heart of Surfers Paradise, which is Aussies’ definition of a mall) amidst the backdrop of shops, bars, and restos. What more can you ask for in a place that has the sun, the waters, the waves, the sands, the shopping, and the entertainment, not to mention beautiful people from all over.

(Top) Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, Australia; (bottom) man-made beach in the heart of Brisbane, Australia

As mentioned earlier, every city in this country seems to have its own beach. Adelaide has Glenelg beach, which looks like the sister of St. Kilda beach, but still maintains its unique old town charm. Brisbane has a man-made beach in the middle of the city, which is a first for me (though this is not the first man-made beach I’ve been to, where Plantation Bay in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines has both fresh and salt water beaches). Perth does not have a beach in the city, but off its coast is Rottnest Island, an unspoilt, raw, and natural island blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to. Stunning would be an understatement to describe Pinky Beach. Reaching the beach from the center of the island reminds me of that same feeling I had the first time I’ve seen Boracay Island White Beach in the 90’s (at the time when it wasn’t the party island that it is today). The sun seems to be kissing the fine sands as it deflects the light (like it’s kissing back) while the seascape is mesmerizing. In the absence of any commercial establishments (except for a few restos and shops in the center of the island) and the cleanliness that has been imposed on the island. it has maintained its beautiful natural state over the years. Talk about sustainable tourism.

Rottnest Island, Australia

Ever wonder where the island got its name? Apparently an explorer in the 17th century discovered this island and thought the quokkas that are endemic to this island are rats. Since there were a lot of these gentle mammals at that time (and even up to this day), he probably thought the island is a nesting place for rats. Nowadays, people and quokkas have learned to co-exist, maintaining that balance as nature has intended it to be.

A quokka foraging for scraps (Rottnest Island, Australia)

So we have reached the end of the road for our virtual beach tour around the world. How did you find the trip, dear readers? Did you get some virtual tan while soaking into the joy and serenity that these beaches had to offer? While on quarantine, I hope this has brought sunshine in a phone or in a laptop, a temporary relief from the new reality that we live in right now. This part of our lifetime may not be the worst of experiences that we have gone thru, but if you are starting to feel like life is a bitch, think of all your blessings and come to the realization that life can also be a beach. This is coming from someone who has to go thru life with his own flaws (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/06/15/ihaveflaws/), personal tragedy, betrayal, pain, struggles, and lessons learned. But what’s life without these to live by and with? As the saying goes, what won’t kill you will only make you stronger.

Sunsets signify the end of day that was and the start of new day that will be

So if life gives you lemons, chill and make plenty of cool, refreshing lemonade. Coz you only live once, and life’s too short to realize you haven’t really lived at all. Smile and start living.

Living life like an island boy

Life is a Beach (First of Two Parts)

Travel Buzz

The joy of doing nothing

Summer came and went (at least in the Philippines) and we are still holed up in this lockdown. Truly, the COVID pandemic has dramatically changed how we live our lives that even the season that we look forward to for some rest and recreation passed us by too quickly that it seems like it didn’t come at all. Not that I’m bemoaning the season gone (there are far more gazillion problems out there like loss of jobs, hunger, racism, neo-Nazi plight of ethnic minorities and other forms of abuse, oppression, and persecution that deserve more attention) but just to reflect on how time can slip us by without us even noticing it.

Missing summer

Now that summer is officially over (and here comes the monsoon rains), let me reminisce this time of the year when I would normally hie off to a beach to relax and enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea. Not to gloat or show off really, but just my attempt to bring some sunshine in this otherwise grim and gloomy world scenario and to take you on a virtual trip around the globe to see the beaches that I have been to in all my travels (though I may miss a few coz it’s hard to track the last 20 years of travel). So pack your virtual bags (don’t forget to bring the sunscreen) and indulge in the beautiful scenery that this world has to offer (in spite of the ugliness in the world today).

Asia

Beautiful sunset of Lagen Island (El Nido, Palawan)

This is the region that has probably and arguably the best beaches in the world. My beloved Philippines, for example, has been in the list of every major travel magazines out there as having some of the finest beaches in the world. I’ll start off with Boracay white beach, coz this is the first beach that I’ve been to in my youth that really mesmerized me with its natural, unspoiled, unadulterated beauty. This was the old Boracay during the 90’s when there were only a handful of resort-like accommodations (not the party island that it is today) and the white sands were like baby (talc) powder. Tired and weary from the presidential campaign of Miriam Defensor Santiago (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/09/21/remembering-miriam-defensor-santiago/), me and the youth volunteers went to Boracay for some needed relaxation. With crystal clear warm waters, smooth tides, powdery sands, and the sun smiling at us, it was one of my earlier memories where I was truly in awe of a place with so much beauty.

One of my earlier fave summer hideaways (Club Paradise, Dimakya Island, Palawan). Stunning view (the beach looks nice too lol)

A favorite hideaway and escape for me earlier is in Dimakya Island off the coast of Busuanga, Palawan. There was only one resort there (Club Paradise) that was used to be owned by a German entrepreneur. The reason why it’s a fave of mine is because once you are in the island, you are totally disconnected from the rest of the world: no cellphone signal, no TV in the room (where the only TV in the island is in the recreation room of the resort, along with the billiard table, library, and some VCDs) and the only form of communication is thru a radio system. Don’t get me wrong, just because you have these little life inconveniences do not follow that there were no decent amenities in the island. On the contrary, you can still enjoy some fine dining and luxurious services (they have a spa area) depending on how much dollars (yes dear, the rates were not local prices with premium but the equivalent of being charged in dollars) you are willing to spend. A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the annoying calls of your boss on your personal time.

Summer rainbow (Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa, Arreceffi Island, Palawan)

Aside from Dimakya Island, Palawan boasts of some of the most beautiful islands in the world (rated #1 by some travel magazines) with pristine white beaches. Off the coast of Puerto Princesa (where the new wonder of the world Underground River is) is Arreceffi Island (where Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa is). It boast of a house reef where colorful fishes abound and good for all-day snorkeling. Or enjoy a stroll along the long stretch of the beach and relax in one of the resort’s cabanas.

(Left): Lagen Island (Right top): Miniloc Island (Right bottom): Pangulasian Island

But the crown jewels of Palawan are in El Nido. El Nido Resorts, for one, manages 3 resorts in 3 different islands. Lagen Island is known for its beautiful sunsets. It doesn’t have a good beach but the beautiful sunset alone makes up for it. Miniloc Island has a nice beach that attracts a lot of fishes, particularly the jackfish thanks to the daily jackfish feeding in the resort. Pangulasian Island has the most luxurious resort among the 3 locations. It has a white pebbly beach with crystal clear calm waters. It also has a house reef where you can do a lot of snorkeling, where you can snorkel your way from the reef back to the resort (with the resort guide in tow of course). A visit to these resorts won’t be complete without doing the island hopping. Part of that tour is the trip to small and big lagoons and Snake Island with its popular fine white sandbar that emerges during low tide.

Island hopping (El Nido, Palawan)

Mactan Island (Cebu) and Bohol are two other islands in the country with fine beaches. Mactan Island hosts resorts like Shangri-La, Plantation Bay (a man-made beach and lagoon), and Movenpick. Bohol has Panglao beach. While the former is very commercialized and high-end, the latter is laid-back and still has that rustic charm courtesy of coconut trees lining up along the beach. Both have fine white sands and calm clear waters. So depending on what kind of vibe you are looking for, you have a good mix of beach locations to choose from.

The Beach (Phi Phi Island, Thailand)

A country that can parallel the beauty of the Philippines is Thailand. It’s my favorite country in Southeast Asia and has some of the famous islands and beaches in the world. Who can forget Phi Phi Island, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach was shot? That stunning seascape immortalized by that movie has left me in awe while island hopping from the resort that I was billeted in. This is where I had my first taste of kayaking, which is the only way to get into Thailand’s own version of the hidden/secret beach in the big/small lagoons. As a kayaking virgin, I think I did pretty well navigating the tight entrance which is also the exit (so you have to ensure that the small opening is free of kayak traffic as well as swimmers getting in and out of the hidden/secret beach). This reminds me also of the secret beach in El Nido, where you have to wiggle your way in a tight hole on the wall of the limestone cliff on shallow waters (literally a hole where only your body can fit) to get to the hidden beach.

Snorkeling in Thai waters

Then there’s the popular Phuket and Pattaya beaches, both popular and party beaches. While the former is an island, the latter is part of the mainland where you can get to by car from Bangkok in just a couple of hours. Phuket has Patong beach while Pattaya has Pattaya, Jomtien, and Dongtan beaches (more on Pattaya in my earlier article https://columbusbee.blog/2019/12/28/a-tale-of-two-pattayas/). Beaches in these locations are similar in both sand and water quality.

Taking a dip to cool off

Two other Southeast Asian beach destinations are Bali (Indonesia) and Langkawi (Malaysia). Bali is like Pattaya where it has two sides: the noisy, party side of the island (Kuta and Seminyak beaches) and the quiet, peaceful side (Nusa Dua beach). Do not expect any white sands here though, as the beaches are likely made from volcanic rocks/debris similar to those in Greece (which I will feature later in this article). Langkawi on the other hand, is an island with pockets of beaches (similar to Mactan Island), like the resort I stayed in that I have featured in one of the blog’s articles (https://columbusbee.blog/2019/09/07/the-danna-langkawi-a-brief-escape-to-remember/).

Langkawi, Malaysia

America

This region would probably have some of the best beaches as well, but I have only been to one. The island of Guam, which is a U.S. territory, is not only known for its beaches but also for outlet shopping. So this island is a haven for those who enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea plus the shopping. Tumon beach is lined up with international hotel brands, so you have a lot to choose from (I stayed at The Westin Resort Guam). Reminds me of Gold Coast (Australia), which I will write about later part of this article.

Africa

Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town (South Africa)

Let’s now hop to the other side of the world, the region where the waters and the land meet in stunning fashion. What better way to see this is thru the beaches of Africa, particularly those in Cape Town, South Africa. One such beach, Camps Bay beach, does not only have white sands and clear waters, but also spectacular view of the 12 Apostles Mountain Range. To me, a beach with these scenery is a perfect place to be in, where the ocean’s blue waters meet the mass of brown and green earth. Unfortunately, it was winter when I got there, so didn’t really have the opportunity to see how beautiful the views are during summers. But I was still amazed nevertheless.

12 Apostles Mountain Range (partly covered by clouds) and Camps Bay Beach (Cape Town, South Africa)

Cape Town boasts of other beaches along its coastline (like those in Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road with its own 12 Apostles which I will write about later part of this article) such as Boulders beach. What makes this beach unique is the penguin colony that thrives in this location. Unlike the beaches of Asia where palm or coconut trees line up along the beach, this one is lined up with penguin nests. What I noticed is that each nest has two nestlings with their mom (the dad may probably be out looking for food). But be careful going near a nest, the mom can be very protective of her young that she will chase anyone that comes near, and that strong, sharp beak can cause serious injuries.

Boulders Beach and its popular penguin colony (Cape Town, South Africa)

On the northern part of the continent is Morocco, which I wrote a two-part article earlier (first part https://columbusbee.blog/2020/05/10/morocco-a-peak-into-my-expat-past-life-part-1-of-2/ and second part https://columbusbee.blog/2020/06/07/morocco-a-peak-into-my-expat-past-life-part-2-of-2/). Casablanca has La Corniche, the beach that has that Miami vibe where hotels and restos line up along the beach. Agadir has its beach as well, where it can get crowded and lively during summers. The beaches of Morocco usually have beige sands and cloudy waters, so for those who are finicky about sand and water quality, these may not be the best spots for you.

Agadir Beach, Morocco

Let’s pause for now and take a short break from beach overload. Yeah, I know the natural, stunning beauty can be overwhelming, with all these awesome beaches that can be very similar in some ways yet can also be unique in their own ways. To think that we have only covered three regions and there are still three more to go. Tired yet from all the virtual travels? Don’t hang up those virtual beach wear yet coz you’ll need those in the next leg of this trip.

Beach cove along Africa’s coastline

Up next: Europe, Middle East, and Oceania

Greece: Of Myths, Mediterranean Food, and Beaches – Part 1 of 2

Travel Buzz

At the apex of Acropolis Hills (Athens)

So I finally decided to go to Greece after years of having it in my bucket list. Greece has always been an exciting destination for me but having read some negative feedback particularly on Athens, that eagerness to see this glorious country has taken a back seat for a while until last April when Oman Air’s maiden flight to Athens for June was on promo. I thought that was the sign to pack up my bags and go on a Greek adventure.

Athens

My Room (Vitruvius Smart Hotel & Spa)

Unlike most of my trips, this one went not without any hiccups and misfortunes. When I arrived in Athens International Airport in the evening, I was met by my driver Venediktod from Welcome Pickups which was a good decision on my part to book a hassle-free airport transfer. The price did not differ much if I have taken a cab from the airport so I decided to try this transport company and I’m just glad I did. I was ushered in a Benz and the whole trip to the city was very pleasant (spacious leather seats with welcome bottled water) until I got to my hotel (Vitruvius Smart Hotel & Spa). Tired and weary from a 15-hour flight (not to mention more than 2 hours layover in Muscat and 3 hours at Manila airport), I was told that they have overbooked for that night and cannot give me any room. Something like this I would dread every time I travel (though this is the first time that it happened to me), I told them assertively that it’s their problem (not mine) and they have to fix it. So long story short, they looked for available hotels in the area and when they found one, they booked me a cab and told me that everything has been arranged for and I don’t need to pay for the night in that hotel and can return the next day for the rest of my booking.

Essentially I lost almost a day since I could only check in the next day around 2PM and I don’t want to go around the city without settling first in my new room. So while waiting, I wrote one of my articles (in this blog) in a Chinese restaurant across the hotel with very poor Chinese food (I know Chinese since it’s one of my faves and when I say it’s poor, it is…really). When I finally was able to check in, I had some minor problems with the room which are only worth mentioning in Tripadvisor (this blog has a positivity theme after all). You may be wondering why I didn’t use my Le Club Accor (see Travel In Style Part 2) in this leg of the trip. Well, the only Accor hotel in the area (Novotel Athenes) is apparently in a dodgy part of Athens where I’ve read some negative reviews and a bit far from the touristy sites.

Acropolis Hill (imagine climbing up on a dusty, windy, and humid day under the scorching summer heat)

So the early negative feedback that I’ve read about Athens is actually true. Athens is dirty. Litters and graffiti are all over the place. It actually reminds me of Naples. But just like Naples, old vibe, overwhelming character, and remnants of her glorious past overpower whatever cleanliness and safety issues she may currently have. This is more prevalent in Acropolis which is essentially the nerve center and melting pot of the city. Restaurants and shops abound at the foot of the hill and it would take a good hike up to reach the popular Parthenon. On the way up, I met a senior Filipino couple from the US. Athens is their dream destination and their dream finally came true. The wife’s name is Venus, so I told her that maybe it is really her destiny to be finally here. Athena and Venus though were not your definition of women sticking together or having each other’s back, but oh well, that was then and this is now. On the same trail, I overheard a young tourist saying “is there like an elevator or something?” You could probably hear chuckles at the back of my head, but I don’t blame her given the dusty, windy, and humid weather which actually surprised me this time of the year when southern Europe should be cool and airy. Sweaty and tired, the climb was all worth it upon reaching the apex and seeing the Parthenon and the other monuments. Just as I have envisioned it to be.

Parthenon (that’s my conscience walking away for not listening lol)

I decided to get a drink (my, was I super thirsty) in one of the restos lining up the foot of the hill after finally deciding that I had already enough of Acropolis Hills. After downing 2 bottles of Coke Zero in a glass full of ice, I started to walk towards the shops and to see what else is there in the area. A short, stocky guy stopped me on my tracks (this always happens to me, I don’t know why…some encounters pleasant, others creepy) and asked me where I’m from. As always, I’m proud to represent my country every time I travel, so I said “From the Philippines” with perfect enunciation. Every time I do that, I would get that look (like “I’ve never met someone like you from that country” or maybe “where’s that?”) and then compliments that I speak good English. With this guy though, he took it further (and this is not the first time that someone asked the same question) “Do you live there or are you based somewhere else?” So I said it with pride that I live and work in the Philippines (born and raised, true blue Filipino). So he introduced himself as the owner of one of the restos in the area and told me that he has a relative in the Philippines who owns a Greek resto (which I forgot the name). He also wants to invite me to his resto in the evening as there will be music and dancing and lots of young people expected to be there. If only he knows how old I am, but I was flattered by the invite and for being mistaken as part of that generation. I told him I already have made plans for the evening but I will try to see if I could drop by. I didn’t. I was just being polite.

The great philosopher Aristotle, one of Greece’s greatest gifts to mankind. He paved the way for explorers of the past and travelers of modern times when he first declared that the world is not flat (National Archaeological Museum)

A visit to Athens won’t be complete without checking out its museums. I am fond of museums (particularly those in Europe, that’s why I keep coming back) as it’s the only place that can take you back in time. The way of life then are depicted in most artifacts, potteries, and archaeological finds. I am thus excited to visit her museums, being an ancient city with very rich history. I was quite underwhelmed though when I have finally been to two of her museums. The collections in both Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum were not as vast as those in NY Met, Prague Palace, or even Budapest Museum. But despite this initial disappointment (or maybe I was just expecting too much), what makes these museums different is its reference to Greek mythology. I have always been fascinated with Greek and Roman mythologies (you may be asking if there is any difference or similarity between the two, well, one good example is Venus and Aphrodite, where the former is Roman while the latter is Greek, both referring to the same Goddess of Love), of Greek and Roman gods and demigods, so any references to it make an interesting find. Apparently, there was this epic battle between Athena (Goddess of War and Wisdom) and Poseidon (God of the Sea) to win over the protection of the Athenian territory. Athena offered the Greeks the olive tree while Poseidon offered salt water. Guess who won? Of course, hands down Athena (yeah, go girl!). Greece won’t be Greece if not for the olive tree.

Epic battle of Athena (Goddess of War and Wisdom) and Poseidon (God of the Sea) which the Wonder Woman of ancient times won (Acropolis Museum)

Olive tree, like the coconut tree of the Philippines, is Greece’s tree of life. Mediterranean food and diet are mainly consist of the olive fruit, oil, and leaves. I read somewhere that this region has some of the lowest incidents of cardiovascular diseases and can be attributed to their olive staple and the benefits derived from it. So it is no surprise to see olive oil in every dining table and sometimes with complimentary olive fruits. Even before leaving for this trip, I already had a good appreciation of Mediterranean food (one of our go-to restos in Manila is Cyma, one of the few good Greek restos in the metro). I am also fond of grilled meats (I don’t eat vegetables), and it is no wonder that even if the Greeks love their meats, that fondness does not develop into long term debilitating diseases. I guess that’s what make Greeks look healthy in every way (luscious hair, clear skin, active even in advanced age, etc.). They utilize the tree of life (and probably the tree of youth) not only for food but for different health and beauty applications. So the beauty of Greece does not only lie on its past but also in its present thru its beautiful people. I guess Athenians were not wrong in building the Parthenon in honor of Athena. She gave them the gift of life.

Some of the meals I had in Athens. From left, baby veal steak, pasta with prawns, grilled “boughiourdi” shrimp (spicy hot tomato sauce with grated feta cheese), and baked lamb (in case you’re wondering, all are delish!)

(Up Next: Mykonos and Santorini)