Issue 5: Crashing Dad’s Work Trip: An Athenian Adventure
A spontaneous Athens getaway, ancient wonders, great food, a tourism deep dive, and a break from my master’s. When your dad invites you to crash his work trip to Greece, you say yes!
When you're invited to crash your dad’s work trip to Greece and escape your extremely stressful master’s program before the end of semester one, you DO NOT turn down the opportunity!
In September, my parents came to visit just as I had started my master’s program, coinciding with a conference in London and at the same time I moved to the city. During dinner with my parents after my dad had taken an impromptu day trip to Paris (and brought me not one, but five croissants), he proposed that I tag along on his work trip to Greece from the end of November into early December. The details of why he was in Greece flew right over my head, I was completely sold on the idea. Little did I know that this adventure would soon become essential for my mental and physical well-being, especially as my program transformed into a daily whirlwind of work.
For more context, the day I was travelling, I had a seminar presentation I couldn’t miss. It was mandatory for everyone to present, and the topic I chose, sustainable development and green growth, meant I simply couldn’t forgo it (plus, I would have gotten into so much trouble otherwise). So, on that day, I rolled my hand luggage from Waterloo, through Waterloo Bridge, Strand, and Holborn (I walked to school every day!). I delivered the presentation of my life, answered questions like a champion, and then made my way to Heathrow Terminal 2, which in my humble opinion, is way better than Terminal 5 (Terminal 2 for the win!). I took the Piccadilly train from Holborn to Terminal 2 as instructed by a friend. It was an efficient, albeit extremely uncomfortable, journey.
I arrived at the airport well ahead of my flight. Since I was missing class and a seminar later that week, I emailed my professors to let them know (I’m not a slacker!). After a not-so-memorable dinner at a local restaurant, I hopped on my 10:30 pm flight to Athens, thrilled to be leaving London. Before takeoff, I messaged my family group chat and had Beyoncé’s "Love on Top" queued up as my in-flight takeoff ritual.
I must preface this by saying I have always loved travelling, exploring new cities, and engaging with different cultures. I feel my best when I have the opportunity to discover a new place and immerse myself in the local community. From my first trip to Kenya at just three months old to now, these experiences have significantly shaped my worldview and deepened my appreciation for the diversity of our world.
First Impressions of Athens
I touched down in Greece at approximately 1:30 am the next day. I was not very impressed with the airport but in awe of the city’s beauty as my driver picked me up. We drove past the city toward the hotel while I kept my dad updated on my ETA. Passing by the Acropolis, beautifully lit at night, and experiencing the serene peace of modern Athens in the early hours was simply unforgettable.
Exploring Athens: Art, Architecture, and Development
My first full day in Athens was mostly spent sleeping off jet lag and catching up on missed classes and readings. Later, when my dad finished work, we headed to dinner in Monastiraki. From our table, we enjoyed a stunning view of the lit-up Acropolis while catching up on my master’s progress and his work. We savoured incredible Greek food, enjoyed some gelato, and took a leisurely stroll around the city before returning to the hotel.
On my “real” full day in Athens (yes, the one where I wasn’t just sleeping), my dad and I set out for the Acropolis. As a seasoned Athenian, he knew all the ins and outs. After buying our tickets for 10 euros each, and despite my less-than-ideal climbing outfit (I was in my Birkenstocks clogs), I was thrilled to explore some of the most significant pieces of Athenian history. Climbing the steep hill, we were rewarded with panoramic views of Athens: the whites, creams, and yellows of the town, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the city. We marvelled at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (built in dedication to his late wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla), the Propylaea, and the Erechtheion (my favourite, thanks to its six beautiful sculpted female figures); we also admired the Temple of Athena Nike and, of course, the star of the show, the Parthenon, which was even grander in person than I had imagined. To say I was amazed would be an understatement.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, the Acropolis has been undergoing continuous restoration and preservation in collaboration with Greek authorities and conservation experts. These efforts aim to correct past restoration errors, ensure structural stability, and use materials compatible with the originals. The work incorporates innovative technologies and traditional methods to preserve the site’s authenticity while reducing its carbon footprint, a wonderful initiative! Additionally, new pavement pathways, a recently installed elevator, and enhanced lighting have improved accessibility for people with disabilities and elderly visitors, aligning with UNESCO’s emphasis on inclusivity while maintaining the site’s outstanding universal value.
After we visited the Acropolis, we headed to the Acropolis Museum. Opened in 2009 and designed by architect Bernard Tschumi, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing artefacts from the Acropolis while highlighting both ancient heritage and modern architectural innovation. From a cultural perspective, the museum stands as both a cultural institution and a political statement, symbolizing Greece's commitment to reclaiming its heritage while offering a world-class facility for its preservation and display.
Later, my dad and I found ourselves wondering how much the Acropolis and its museum make per day from ticket sales alone. At about 20 euros per adult, and with roughly 20,000 to 23,000 visitors per day, the site generates approximately 460,000 euros daily. With the improvements in accessibility, I suspect these numbers may continue to rise.
Tourism accounts for around 13–19% of Greece's GDP, making it a cornerstone of the economy, with Athens serving as both a cultural and economic hub. As a major employer, tourism directly and indirectly supported over 800,000 jobs in 2023—roughly 18% of national employment.
My second day in Athens ended with the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen from the rooftop of my hotel.
My third day was dedicated to more sightseeing and local shopping. It ended on a high note when our initially quiet driver warmed up to us and took us to Mount Lycabettus, which he claimed offered the best view of Athens and the perfect spot to catch the sunset. From that vantage point, the Acropolis stood majestically in the centre, framed by surrounding houses and buildings, and not far off, we could see the Panathenaic Stadium. Our driver explained that it is the world’s only stadium made entirely of marble and is deeply tied to the modern Olympic Games. He shared stories about its significance to the Athenian people and even bits of his own life in Athens. This experience, chatting with locals, shop owners, and our driver, deepened my understanding of the local perspective, providing insights far beyond what guidebooks or museums can offer. It’s so important to step out of your own bubble and connect with those who live there; their stories truly enrich your travel experience.
The Connection Between Culture and Development
Greece leverages its deep, rich history and cultural heritage to drive economic growth, particularly through tourism. By capitalizing on its ancient landmarks, the country not only boosts cultural tourism but also makes significant economic contributions. In 2023, tourism directly contributed about 28.5 billion euros to GDP, demonstrating how cultural tourism drives both direct spending and broader economic activity.
Active restoration and preservation projects, in collaboration with Greek authorities, along with strategic investments in upgrading tourism infrastructure, continue to boost the number of visitors each year. However, while Greece’s reliance on its historical assets has spurred economic growth, it also faces challenges such as over-tourism and sustainability. Popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens can become overwhelmed during the summer months, leading to environmental degradation and strain on local infrastructure. Efforts are underway to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation by promoting sustainable practices and diversifying tourist offerings beyond traditional hotspots.
Cultural heritage plays a pivotal role in shaping national identity and driving global tourism in Greece. It serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future while fostering a sense of belonging and pride, as well as generating significant economic benefits. By preserving historical landmarks and promoting intangible traditions, Greece not only strengthens its internal cohesion but also attracts international visitors who contribute to economic growth and foster cross-cultural understanding.
Lessons from Athens: what it taught me about global interconnectedness, tourism and development
In summary, this trip significantly reinforced my love for travel and cultural engagement. The hustle and fast pace of London had left me little time to appreciate its culture, but Athens allowed me to truly connect with the local community rather than simply sticking to tourist spots. It also ignited my desire to explore other, less popular parts of Greece.
Global interconnectedness: a city shaped by exchange
Spending time in Athens was an eye-opening experience that revealed the deep connections between history, globalization, and economic development. Walking from the Acropolis to the bustling streets of Monastiraki and Plaka, I witnessed firsthand how a city can preserve its past while actively engaging with modern global systems. Athens is a living testament to global interconnectedness, not only through its ancient structures, like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, which remind us of Greece's foundational role in Western philosophy, democracy, and the arts but also through its evolving identity. The ongoing debate over the Parthenon marbles housed in the British Museum underscores how historical artefacts continue to influence contemporary international relations. The city itself is a mosaic of influences; Turkish, Roman, and more, each leaving its mark on the local cuisine, architecture, and culture. This taught me that no place exists in isolation; its history, economy, and identity are continuously shaped by global forces.
Development: the intersection of past and future
Athens is not just a city of ruins, it’s a city in motion. While its ancient landmarks dominate the skyline, the city is rapidly modernizing. Greece is actively leveraging its cultural heritage as a tool for development, investing in digital preservation efforts, sustainable tourism, and heritage-based economic initiatives. This made me rethink the concept of development: it’s not just about economic growth but about balancing history with innovation, preservation, and progress.
Athens reminded me that history is not merely something we observe, it’s something we engage with, question, and preserve. The city challenged me to think critically about how globalization shapes even the most ancient places, influencing how history is told and who benefits from it; about the ethics of tourism and how we as travellers can foster more responsible cultural exchange; and about development as a balancing act between honouring the past and embracing the future.
In my view, Athens is a mirror of the world, a city deeply rooted in history yet constantly evolving. It left me with a renewed appreciation for the complexity of cultural preservation, the impact of global interconnectedness, and the importance of sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.
Now I pose a question to you, my amazing readers: What are some places that have shaped your understanding of history, culture, or development? I’d love to hear your travel stories, feel free to share them in the comments or reply to this post!
Thank you so much for reading this week’s post, and as always, I’ll see you again next Monday for another adventure!
Loved reading! Greece is one of my favourite places I’ve visited as well, the unique architecture is so beautiful.
Oh you ate this !!!