The Journey Begins: A Day of Travel

Our trip to Athens started early in the morning with a flight from Jacksonville, FL. Hank and Izzy did all they could to keep us from leaving, but we loaded up the bags and off we went. We boarded our first Delta Air Lines flight, heading to Atlanta, GA. The 8:40 AM departure was smooth, and we were on our way.

After a quick, uneventful flight, we landed in Atlanta at 9:50 AM. With some time before our next flight, we decided to relax at the Delta Sky Club Lounge on Terminal B. It was comfortable, with plenty of seating and good snacks, making it a nice place to unwind before our longer flight.

At 11:49 AM, we departed for Boston. This flight too was on time and smooth, and by 2:30 PM, we were touching down at Boston’s Logan Airport. We had just enough time to stretch our legs before boarding the long flight to Athens.

An Unforgettable Flight to Athens

The transatlantic flight from Boston to Athens, was a bit more memorable than we expected. We were hoping to get some rest, but that didn’t quite happen as planned. A man seated next to Jen spent most of the flight singing the same song repeatedly with headphones on while watching TV. On top of that, he made strange noises randomly throughout the night. Surprisingly, the flight attendants didn’t seem to notice, and we had to endure the whole experience up close. While it wasn’t as restful a flight we’d hoped for, we managed to get a bit of sleep.

After a long night, we finally landed in Athens at 8:20 AM on the 14th of August.

Arrival at The Roc Club

Once we arrived in Athens, we used the Blacklane car service to get to our hotel in Vouliagmeni. We often use Blacklane when traveling overseas because it’s reliable and convenient. As expected, we had a smooth ride to The Roc Club.

The hotel had recently undergone some extensive remodeling and rebranding, which was obvious from the updated, modern look of the lobby.

Since we got there early, our room wasn’t ready yet. The staff was accommodating and suggested we have some coffee and pastries on the veranda while we waited. The veranda had a nice view of the Athenian Riviera, and the coffee and pastries were a good way to pass the time.

After a couple of hours, our room was ready, and it was worth the wait. The space was airy and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed an incredible view of the Mediterranean. The natural light poured in, highlighting the clean, minimalist design that gave the room a fresh and tranquil vibe. A cozy armchair was perfectly placed to enjoy the scenery, and the sleek, uncluttered furniture made it easy to relax.

The bathroom continued the theme of understated luxury, with its polished marble surfaces and glass-enclosed rain shower. The design was both elegant and functional, with thoughtful touches like plush towels neatly arranged beneath the floating vanity. The combination of soft lighting and high-end finishes created a spa-like atmosphere, making it a soothing space to unwind after a day of travel.

Every detail of the room reflected the recent renovations, from the modern fixtures to the crisp, white linens on the bed. With the serene views and the inviting comfort of the space, it was the perfect retreat to recharge for our adventures in Athens.

Relaxation by the Pool

With the afternoon ahead of us, we decided to spend some time at the hotel’s pool. The pool area was surrounded by greenery, rocks, and a great view of the sea.

We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool and enjoying some cocktails. A quick swim in the cool water helped us shake off the fatigue from the flight.

Dinner at The Roc Club

As evening approached, we had dinner at The Roc Club’s restaurant. We started indoors, where the setting was simple and comfortable. The meal kicked off with prawn tartare, followed by fried calamari and arancini (Italian rice balls). Each dish was well-prepared and flavorful.

We paired our meal with a bottle of Assyrtiko, a Greek white wine that went well with the seafood. As the sun began to set, we moved outside to the terrace to finish the evening.

The fires outside of Athens had thankfully subsided by Tuesday, but a few ashes were still in the air. Before we sat down, the staff wiped away some ashes that had settled on the table. We finished the meal with a glass of Cretan raki, a strong local liquor, which was a nice way to wrap up the day.

After dinner, we headed back to our room, ready for some much-needed rest.

Looking Ahead

Our first day in Athens was a mix of experiences, from the quirky flight to a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. The Roc Club offered a comfortable and modern setting to start our stay in Greece. We’re looking forward to exploring Athens and seeing what the city has to offer.

Stay tuned for more updates as our journey continues!