High Times in Greece: A trip to through Athens, Milos and Crete on infused edibles.

As the sun’s ray’s stretch up along the streets of Exarcheia, a balmy morning breeze flows in my direction. Graffiti slathered walls hug both sides of the street as my wife and I make our way to Biktoria metro station. It’s our first morning in Athens, Greece and the graffiti is intense! I’ve spotted the same spray painted “balls with wings” tag at least 4 times in the last few blocks past the Archaeological museum.

Nearing the metro we stop at a hole in the wall cafe with an short elderly hunched back man behind the bar. It all feels very Italian. Our cappuccinos are made with extreme efficiency; robotic like movements of experience. He generously slips a few Nutella filled croissants in the bag with my wife’s enormous cheese pastry, correctly predicting my future case of the munchies.

As we sip our coffee on the Biktoria platform, the train on the opposite track rolls through completely covered in graffiti. It’s like I’ve stepped back in time to a 70’s era NYC subway station. Very old school vibes. I pull out the Lemon-Honey gummies infused with Rick Simpson Oil I made for the trip and pop 3 just as our train arrives. I love the contrasting views of modern vibrant graffiti juxtaposed against the white ancient ruins as our metro weaves through city blocks towards Syntagma station.

The bright Greek sun is fully out and it’s warming up quickly as we wander Syntagma square and head into the Plaka district. Under the shadow of the Acropolis, my edibles are slowly starting to kick in; we pass hundreds of stalls peddling a range of touristy mementos: mini olive oil bottles, woven beach towels and bright blue evil eyes watch me from every direction. Lunch becomes a quick priority as the gummies continue creeping up.

We walk past a large empty restaurant with a “to-go” window open on the side selling monstrous gyros for 3.50 Euro a pop. A huge line of takeaway diners is the sign I’ve been looking for; I’m sold. We take our lamb and chicken gyro’s under the shade of an olive tree looking up at the Roman Agora. The next block uphill a man is singing traditional Greek music, sending the relaxing waves our way. My wife closes her eyes for a cat nap. I chug a full 1.5 liter bottle of water to combat my cotton mouth and wash down the rich lamb fat.

The midday sun is blazing down on my reddening neck, strolling the white stone streets towards the Acropolis gates. My high is peaking and we head uphill past the ancient theatre of Dionysus. As we rise around the cliffs, panoramic views of Athens expand. A white metropolis looks out towards the distant port town of Piraeus, fronting a hazy blue Aegean backdrop.

Entering the gate, the massive columns tower overhead. I imagine the likes of Socrates and Plato passing beneath them, working out deep philosophical problems in their minds. Seeing the iconic parthenon in person feels like the novelty of meeting a celebrity; a visual you’ll never forget. The breeze picks up and the enormous Greek flag at the bow of the Acropolis proudly bursts into action for all of Athens below. Tranquil gummies and stunning vistas; I am full of exuberance.

It’s our second day on the island of Milos. Here I’m reminded there’s a big difference between travel and vacation. The city hustle with it’s list of “must see” sites and activities we’ve just left behind in Athens. The long hours in touristy spots and many miles walked on sore feet. That’s travel. Waking up with infused gummies, a strong Greek coffee and no plans but spending the day on the beautiful beaches of Milos. That’s vacation.

We arrive at Sarakiniko beach around 9am pleasantly surprised there’s practically no one here. We wander through the lunar landscape seeking the iconic cliffs. Two crews of photographers and models from Chanel make creative use of the grey craggled rocks overlooking crystal clear cyan water. My wife and I take turns modeling for our own photo shoot around the corner.

My gummies are hitting in full and I feel the urge to jump off the moon into the radiant blue below. Simply looking over the edge of the cliff sends my heart to the races. Maybe not. My wife waits on the rocks below to film my jump. I chicken out and head to the ledge way halfway up the cliffs. I hit the icy water; it’s refreshing as the morning heat rises from the chalky grey stone. By 10 the crowds are rolling in. We float in the shallow water where it’s warm and spend the morning people watching.

By 11 my gummies have warranted an early lunch. We head to the teeny weeny town of Mandrakia, an easy 3 minute drive away. Yesterday we saw the fresh catch of octopus hanging on a line outside the infamous Medusa restaurant and knew we’d have to return.

A large and colorful greek salad lands on the table with locally grown cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers topped with the local sheep’s cheese, fresh herbs and briny olives. Our grilled sardines and octopus arrive, no garnish necessary but a wedge of lemon and a healthy glug of olive oil. They taste of fresh Mediterranean sea water with a kiss of smoke & charcoal. Pure bliss.

It’s 10 past midnight, nobody’s here! The ferry will be here in an hour! Apparently “island time” also applies to the Aegean Sea culture. The rental car guy finally shows, apologizing profusely. Crisis averted! We head to the main pier in Adamantas to wait for our 1:20am boat to Crete on Minoan Lines. Big bummer all the cabin tickets are sold out.

Dance clubs blast euro-pop remixes out open windows into the night. Touristy restaurants lining the harbor have late crowds still nibbling. On the dock, just under an hour to go, I’m surprised to see only one teenage girl waiting. I inhale 4 gummies in preparation for a rough night at sea.

Finally an older American couple and a few younger Germans arrive. I stare out at the black abyss, contemplating the mysterious Venus de Milo we marveled at earlier in the afternoon. By 1am several groups have arrived and the crowd vibrates an anxious spirit.

Finally I catch a hint of light in the blackness. As the glowing moves closer it illuminates the steam creepily rising from this ghost ship looking beast. It’s freaking massive! The boat aligns itself against the dock and lowers the giant stern ramp revealing multiple layers of 18 wheeler trucks and shipping containers. Trucks trade spaces under the stars. Finally the gate opens and we’re moving.

My eyes are heavy and I’m feeling pretty stoned as I enter this surreal ferry world. I’m hopping on and off multiple sets of long shopping mall escalators, glitzy lighting and faux marble lining the walls. Finally I’m directed off at the third floor and enter a gigantic ballroom decked in red velvet banquets and gold fixtures.

A creepy silence hovers as I notice bodies sprawled over every inch of sofa. I turn around as my wife grabs the last empty spot and joins the sleeping army of travelers already on board from Athens. I’m the last passenger awake and take a selfie to capture this bizarre moment in time. Thoughts of Jack Torrance talking to himself in the empty ballroom of the Stanley Hotel stir in my mind as I hit the floor and fade to black.

It’s 6:30am as we disembark in Heraklion and I’m definitely still feeling the RSO hangover. Coffee is top priority and a quick google search points us in the right direction. Steam, a single-origin roaster and cafe is a manageable 5 minute walk. Too perfect.

Buttery, chocolatey coffee aromas slap as we enter. The Ethiopian immediately calls my name. It’s got a wonderfully fruity funk and I’m a happy camper. We’ve got time to kill before the rental car place opens so we post up for multiple rounds at Steam to research our upcoming plans. I’ve got to try the Colombian next.

It’s 10am and I’m driving towards the palace of Knossos, a bougatsa breakfast in-hand. A few more gummies make for a nice pairing with the morning caffeine. I can’t believe the heat’s almost at 90F as we pull into the parking lot. We wander through the ancient ruins of Knossos, soaking up the history of the mysterious Minoans. The red bull fresco stirs thoughts of the Minotaur, legend claims lived in the labyrinth beneath the palace. I wonder what he ate when they weren’t feeding him human sacrifices? I’m ready for lunch.

Back in Heraklion we find a small open air restaurant in the old city. We feast on local sausages with lamb and oregano. Creamy tzatziki with the richest yogurt. Fresh pita with fruity green olive oil. Greek salad of heirloom tomatoes and peppers, crisp cucumber and salty feta. We relax and digest while discussing the plans for Crete. An afternoon in Rethymnon as we head west. A trek through the mountains to Elafonissi and the beaches of the western coast. A few days to just chill and explore Chania. Ain’t life grand?!

Did you enjoy our high times in Greece adventures? Love the Mediterranean? Check out my adventures in Malta.