Athens Greeknotes 12 Oct

A sunny autumn week in athens, max 27ºC I noted on my weather station on friday which felt unseasonably warm even for athens. Not that you’ll find me complaining as it is forecast to plunge as low as 16ºC (!) and rainy next week. The parks are starting to green again, and the oranges on the trees are very slightly starting to turn from dark green towards orange. Mostly I have been either catching up on work after my extended holiday to alonnisos last week or reading on the balcony. Food I have visited the local σουβλατζίδικο (souvlaki restaurant) twice, O Platanos (The Plane Tree). It’s cheap, cheerful, efficient, and tasty. Huge fan. Kafeneio Ivis More upmarket was a visit to my favourite kafeneio in town, Ivis in Psyri, right in the centre but with mostly greek clientele and it looks and feels un-touristed. Incredible food, great location, uncomfortable chairs, friendly staff. You occasionally have to breath in to let a taxi squeeze past. A gem. Lebanese cheese, yoghurt baked…