In the last episode, (the trip to Dubai) I mentioned how I did not let my friend know where we were going until she found out at the gate, well like Yogi Berra said once, “it dejá-vu all over again.” Two differences; one, it was not a birthday trip and two, we were going to Athens not Dubai.
Here is a little re-cap, and something I should have mentioned in the previous episode. My friend’s co-workers, family, and friends were left in awe and astonishment when they discovered that my surprise birthday vacation destination with which I brought her along was to none other than the glamorous city of Dubai. Once we returned, the news of this unexpected choice spread like wildfire, causing a buzz of excitement and disbelief among those close to her. When she told each group (independently), their respective responses were, “YOU WENT TO DUBAI?”
At work, my friend’s co-workers were taken aback by the revelation, and as such she became a quasi-celebrity on the premises. Her jobsite was abuzz with discussions about the trip with everyone eagerly anticipating the stories she had to share. She said that one of her female co-workers said, “he must really love you,” while another said, “does he have a brother?”
Among her family, the news that she had gone to Dubai with me on my birthday vacation caused jaws to drop and eyes to widen. Her family knew that she liked to travel but the revelation of Dubai as the chosen location surpassed all expectations.
As for her friends, they were utterly speechless to find out that the surprise destination was Dubai. Based on her personality they were equally amazed that she would agree to go on a vacation and not know where she was going.
When my friend told me the reactions of her co-workers, family and friends – it allowed me to relive the experiment of Dubai over-and-over. The way my friend regaled me with the reactions of her co-workers, family members, and friends was intoxicating. It was so intoxicating that ten years later I did the same thing.
I wanted to travel to a somewhat unique location without her knowing the destination until we arrived at the gate which would mean neither she, her co-workers, nor her family and friends would know where she was going. So I could have that intoxicating experience once again, upon return.
My adventure began as the flight to Liberty International Airport had cancelled causing a ripple effect that cascaded throughout the day rendering the possibility of me getting on any flight that day slim, so I changed plans and took an Uber to Union Station, and Our Bus to the New Jersey Airport.So, with the scene set we met up at Liberty International Airport and I seated us at a different gate just as I did last time to prolong the mystery of our destination. Over the ten-year gap (from the Dubai Trip) I had learned to appreciate getting on the flight as opposed to being a spoiled brat if I did not get First or business class…and it is a good thing I did because we got economy to Athens.
We boarded the plane and everyone settled in our seats and watched the safety video. Once that was completed and conversations ensued to-and-fro, when I noticed that we were just sitting at the gate. Ten minutes went by, then another ten minutes. By this time even the most oblivious passengers began to notice that the plane was just sitting at the gate. Finally after about thirty minutes the head pursuer made an announcement that there was some kind of minor mechanical issue that is being worked on and should be resolved shortly. I was not concerned because Athens was our final destination, and we were not in the territory where any of the flight crew could be rendered illegal for the flight. So what does that mean. If a flight crew member becomes illegal for a flight, it typically means that they are unable to continue operating the flight due to regulatory or operational reasons. This can occur for various reasons, such as exceeding the maximum allowable duty or flight time limits set by aviation authorities, not meeting the required rest period between flights.
Flight crew members are subject to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure safety and prevent fatigue-related issues. These regulations are in place to protect both the crew members themselves and the passengers on board. If a crew member becomes illegal, it is generally necessary to replace them with another qualified crew member who meets all the necessary requirements to operate the flight safely and legally.
It is important to note that the term "illegal" in this context does not imply any illegal activity or wrongdoing on the part of the crew member. Instead, it refers to their inability to continue operating the flight within the established regulatory framework. Airlines and aviation authorities have strict protocols in place to manage such situations and ensure that flights are operated safely and in compliance with applicable regulations.
However, this “minor mechanical issue” was turning into what is called “a rolling delay.” A rolling delay refers to a situation where a flight departure time is continuously pushed back in increments, resulting in a delay that keeps "rolling" or extending. Instead of announcing a single significant delay, the airline may opt to provide updates in smaller increments, gradually extending the departure time. These rolling delays ultimately pushed against the legal operating time for one or more of the crew members.
At this point the captain came on the PA system and made the announcement that the entire flight crew member would need to relaced and since this was going to take a while…we would need to disembark the aircraft. Most of the passengers were quite upset but not I. Why? Our flight was scheduled to arrive in Athens at 8 a.m., but the hotel check-in wasn't until 3 p.m. This meant what: we would have to wander aimlessly through the city, lugging their suitcases, until they could finally settle into their room?
So, surprisingly, this five-hour delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We re-boarded the flight and off we went and landed at around 1 p.m., which was much more manageable.
We hired a taxi from the transportation desk to get to our hotel. The scenic route from Athens International Airport to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athens, Greece offers a delightful journey through the city's vibrant landscapes. Starting from the airport, the route took us along the coastal road, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. As we continued, we passed by iconic landmarks such as the Olympic Stadium and the historic Plaka neighborhood, with its charming narrow streets and traditional architecture. The route then led us through the bustling city center, where we caught glimpses of the ancient ruins and modern attractions. Finally, we arrived at the Radisson Blu hotel, nestled in the heart of Athens, ready to embark on our memorable stay.
It was September 2019, as we embarked on this trip to Athens, Greece. Little did we know that we were about to experience one of the hottest months in the city's history. We had anticipated warm weather, but nothing could have prepared us for the scorching temperatures that awaited us. The sun blazed mercilessly in the cloudless sky, casting its fiery rays upon the ancient city. The locals had warned us about the heat, but we were determined to make the most of our trip, undeterred by the soaring thermometer.
Our first destination was the iconic Acropolis, a hilltop citadel that housed the Parthenon and other ancient ruins. As we climbed the steep steps, the intensity of the sun seemed to magnify with each passing minute. The heat radiated off the marble structures, creating an oven-like atmosphere. We sought refuge in the shade whenever possible, but even the shadows offered little respite from the relentless heat. Undeterred by the scorching temperatures, we explored the historical sites with awe and admiration. The Parthenon stood tall and majestic, its ancient columns a testament to the city's rich history. However, the heat was unrelenting, causing beads of sweat to trickle down our foreheads and dampen our clothes. We marveled at the resilience of the ancient Greeks, who had built these magnificent structures without the luxury of air conditioning or modern technology.
Standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of Western civilization, Athens, Greece, is a city steeped in ancient history and vibrant culture. The Hop-on-Hop-off Big Bus offers a unique way for us to immerse ourselves in this rich tapestry, serving not only as a mode of transportation but also as a portal to the city's soul.
As the sun casts its warm glow over the Acropolis, we embarked on the open-top double-decker bus, with its vivid red color symbolizing the adventure that awaited us. The Athens Big Bus Tour unfolds like a captivating love story, with each stop presenting a new chapter in our exploration of this ancient metropolis.
Our journey begins at Syntagma Square, a bustling hub of activity. Here, we witnessed the changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament, marveling at the soldiers' precise and ceremonial movements. The bus then meanders through the charming Plaka district, where narrow cobblestone streets and neoclassical architecture create an intimate atmosphere. Tempted by the enticing aroma of souvlaki and the melodies of traditional Greek music emanating from tavernas, we decide to disembark and indulge in the local culture.
Continuing on our adventure, the bus takes us to the Acropolis, an iconic symbol of Athens. As the bus ascends the winding road, the ancient citadel comes into view, its marbled grandeur leaving us in awe. We disembark once again to explore the Parthenon, marveling at its timeless columns that bear witness to centuries of history. From the panoramic views offered by the bus, we caught glimpses of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the ancient Agora, prompting us to disembark once more. We leisurely strolled through the ruins, imagining the philosophical discussions that once filled the agora's colonnaded walkways.
Continuing its route, the bus winds its way through the modern heart of Athens, passing by the lively Monastiraki Square and the vibrant flea market. Captivated by the energetic rhythm of the city, we decided to remain on the bus, allowing the pulsating energy to seep into their veins.
As the day unfolded, we found ourselves at the Marina Flisvos, where the sea breeze carries whispers of ancient seafaring adventures. My friend and I disembark once again, savoring a romantic dinner at a seaside taverna, relishing the flavors of Greek cuisine against the backdrop of a sunset over the Saronic Gulf.
The Hop-on-Hop-off Big Bus transcends its role as mere transportation, transforming into a masterful storyteller that weaves together the past and present of Athens. For us, each stop on the journey becomes a new chapter, and each landmark a page in our story, creating memories that will endure as long as the city itself. Athens, with its rich history and vibrant energy, has been fully explored and embraced by us on the red double-decker bus, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and a tale to be passed down for generations to come.
On one of the days we sought solace in the cool interiors of the city's museums. The National Archaeological Museum provided a welcome escape from the blistering heat, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the captivating world of Greek art and artifacts. The air-conditioned galleries provided a much-needed respite from the oppressive temperatures outside.
Evenings offered a brief reprieve from the scorching sun, as the city came alive with a vibrant energy. We strolled through the bustling streets of Plaka, indulging in delicious Greek cuisine and refreshing drinks. The warm evenings provided a pleasant contrast to the sweltering days, allowing us to enjoy the city's charm without the oppressive heat.
As we embarked on a walk to Socrates' tomb, the scorching heat seemed to intensify. Despite the challenging weather, our determination pushed us forward. The journey took us through winding paths and ancient streets, each step bringing us closer to the final resting place of the great philosopher. As we arrived at the tomb, a sense of reverence washed over us. We paid homage to Socrates, reflecting on his wisdom and enduring legacy. The heat may have tested our stamina, but the experience of visiting Socrates' tomb was a humbling and profound one.
Under the scorching sun of Athens, we eagerly awaited our long-awaited Greek Island excursion to Santorini. However, the previous day's intense heat had drained our energy levels. Accustomed to milder climates in September, we had underestimated the strength of the Greek sun. Despite our efforts to stay hydrated and seek shade, the high temperatures had taken a toll on our stamina. The hotel had a rooftop bar with a pool and a 270-degree view of the city. We were enticed by the relatively cool night breeze, the views, the company and the food. The result was a night filled with laughter, music, and the reserved energy of the rooftop bar that continued into the early morning hours. Lost in the haze of the festivities, we lost track of time and were unaware of the impending departure of our Santorini excursion.
The following morning, the harsh sunlight penetrated through the curtains, rudely awakening us from our slumber. We realized that the combination of extreme heat and late-night revelry had thwarted our plans. In a panic, I checked the time and discovered that the ship to Santorini had already departed without us. Regret and disappointment probably should have washed over us…but it didn’t.
It was our last day in Athens, and we just relaxed and prepared for our journey back home the next day. During the early part of the day, I checked the seat availability on the Athens to New York flight and saw that there were around 20 available seats available, and we were numbers three and four so things were looking good. However, just before going to sleep I thought to check the seat availability situation again to see if there were any significant changes. Let me tell you…it is a good thing I did. The flight was now oversold by five. Could we have still gotten on…maybe, but I wanted to check all of my options. The first thing I did was to check other cities we could fly out of that was near Athens.
The airline I worked for only had the Athens to New York flight so that meant we would have to fly to another city. I checked and saw that there were plenty of seats available that next day from Frankfurt Germany. I like Frankfurt because we had options to New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco if need be. The best option was to fly into Washington DC, so I listed us on that flight in business class. Now I had to get us from Athens Greece to Frankfurt Germany.
Just as I like Frankfurt Germany due to the many options to fly into and out of, I have the same feeling for Lufthansa Airlines. Because of a reciprocating agreement with the airline, I worked for, I was able to purchase an employee ticket for the both of us for around $100 total one-way Athens to Frankfurt and it got us into Frankfurt in plenty of time to make the Frankfurt to Washington flight. Here is the kicker, we got business class on that flight from Frankfurt to Washington. <
Once we arrived in the customs hall at Dulles International Airport, I thought I saw someone I recognized. I did not know this individual personally, but I knew who he was (or at least I thought this person was). The person was comedian John Witherspoon, best known as Mr. Jones in the Friday movie franchise, and Mr. Mimm in I Got the Hook Up 2. Anyway, he was in a wheelchair, and we are three to four booths away from him and his wife and now I am 100% sure it is him and I tell me friend, but she says, “that is not him.” Now we are walking through the baggage claim area, and we are walking at an angle to where we will intercept them, and we do. My friend says, “hi Mr. Witherspoon.” He responded in-kind and we had a little bit of small talk. He asked where we were coming from, and we said Athens and my friend asked where they were coming from, and he said they were coming from vacationing in Paris. There was a bit more small talk, and then we went our separate ways. It goes without saying that we were deeply disappointed and saddened to hear that a little over a month later we heard that Mr. John Witherspoon passed away on October 29, 2019.
Once my friend returned to work, she was rushed by co-workers to find out where, “the one who loved her” had taken her this time. She was once again cast in the roll of semi-celebrity. I must admit though, it did not hit the same as last time because one of her co-workers was from Greece so that took some away some of the eccentricity of this vacation from their vantage point.
In conclusion, our Athens trip was an overall wonderful experience. Seeing and engaging in one of the oldest civilizations on earth was a thrill for us. Seeing the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Socrates’s Tomb and other sites was just shy of a religious experience. We did ride on the Athens metro, eat at a few different restaurants and visited the National Archaeological Museum. The one disappointment was that we missed our Greek Isle excursion to Santorini. Once the trip was over, I asked my friend if she enjoyed herself and she said that she did.