Sunday, May 19, 2024

Traveling solo

I will be returning to Greece soon and besides the challenge of traveling with large bags, I am also faced with another dilemma. Overnight layover near the Athens hotel. For some reason, most of the accommodation I have been able to find is geared towards couples and families: Apartments with five beds and a kitchen, three bedroom villas, large hotel rooms for two. Of course the price fits the accommodation. What about a bed and a bathroom for one? There is one hostel within five miles of the airport for 30€ per night, but the check in stops at 17:00. And of course, I would need to add about 40€ to the cost for a taxi ride there and back. Incredible! 
Gatwick Airport offers a yotel by the hour. You get a bed, a shower and a toilet in a room as big as a train or ferry compartment for as long as you need it. Perfect. No need to travel anywhere while waiting for a connection. 
As it is, I will be slouching all night on a chair in a 24-hour cafe in the arrivals area of the airport. 
Perhaps it's time to stop this traveling and finally stay in one place. 
I finally decided to spend the night in my favourite hostel downtown Athens, the Mosaikon. The last shuttle bus and an Uber will get me there before 1am, and I can then sleep in in comfort, not worried about the quality of an unknown place. It's only 34€, so much better for a solo traveler. And, even better, I found out, that at an old  theatre nearby, a play Penelope will be performed the very next evening. So.... I added a second night to my reservation. It looks like more cultural events are in my future.
The plane doors are now closed, we are ready to taxi out to the runway, and I say good bye to Poland.

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