The day before I’m set to leave for Greece I feel a mix of apprehension and excitement. I didn’t want to get my hopes up too high as I had already cancelled this trip last year and we all know how quick things can change when a pandemic is involved. Backpacking through a foreign country can already be a bit stressful but throw a contagious virus on top of it, and it adds an extra dimension of worry. I had read good things about Greece and they seemed desperate to get their tourists back which allowed for fully vaccinated travellers to visit without quarantining or having a PCR test on arrival.
I arrived at YVR extra early as this was my first overseas trip since Covid and I wanted to be sure to have plenty of time. The airport was packed with people so it seems I’m not the only one with itchy feet. For those thinking of traveling right now, my first bit of advice is to research the shit out of where you’re going and the requirements for entry. Travel just got a little more complicated than normal and if you don’t have all your ducks in a row, you won’t be boarding the flight. As I was waiting in line to show my vaccination status and entry document for Greece, I heard the flight staff advising the woman ahead of me that she would not be allowed to board the plane as she didn’t have the proper documents for entry to Vienna. Oh my god. I’m in instant panic mode thinking I’ve somehow misread what I need or not filled out the proper paper work. I can feel my heart pounding and I’m already thinking of what my backup plan is going to be if I can’t get my ass to Athens. The woman has given up her argument with the flight staff and stomps off in frustration. And this is what I mean about doing your research before you book your trip. There is so much misinformation out there that you really have to dig to figure out what actually is needed. I’m praying my fastidious nature pays off today.
Success! I’m boarding the plane and on my way to Athens with a brief layover in Toronto. This is another thing I would suggest. If you don’t have a direct flight, try to route it through Canada so that you don’t have to pay for more Covid tests then absolutely necessary. I notice the onboard flight staff are super diligent with reminding people about wearing masks properly and everyone seems to be complying for the most part.
I luck out with my seat mate and meet a documentary film maker from NY who has just finished shooting in Vancouver and is on his way home to NY. We cover the whole gamut of topics including how crazy lockdown was in the city that never sleeps, the Black Lives Matter protests, the looting of Soho, politics, travel and trying to bounce back after a pandemic.
I arrive in Athens and it literally takes me five minutes to have my documents checked and to go through customs. I had expected long lines and being bombarded with questions but this is the fastest I’ve ever gone through an airport on arrival. I grab my taxi to the Plaka district and my driver is a wealth of useful local information. I tell him his talents are wasted driving a taxi and he should be a personal tour guide. He informs me that this is his retirement job and he used to be a cruise ship captain. He’s literally been everywhere and his family is spread across the globe.
Despite being exhausted, I’m too keyed up to nap so I hit the streets with my camera. I’ve picked a great area to stay in as all the major sites are within walking distance. I’m surrounded by history and I explore all the alleys filled with colourful stucco buildings and churches. I come across four guys busking Beatles tunes in front of a 500+ year old church and stop for a listen. I hunt down the gyro place that my taxi driver recommended. He assured me they were the best in the city and my tasty treat doesn’t disappoint.
The Greek people that I’ve met so far have been so genuine and friendly that I love it here already. They seem thrilled to have tourists visiting their city and always eager to help.
As I’m sitting here typing I pause and look across the rooftop deck to see the Acropolis lit up by the sunset. The joy of traveling…
