August 15, 2023

August 15, 2023: Athens, Greece - Aegean Appetites: Embracing Athens Through Its Iconic Moussaka

With the Danube River's last gentle waves bidding me farewell, I left behind the architectural wonders and culinary delights of Budapest. The city, with its meld of history and modernity, invigorated my spirit. From the fiery Halászlé that warmed my insides to the delicate Ischler cookies that teased my palate, Hungary offered an unforgettable culinary tapestry. Yet, as all seasoned travelers know, every departure is but a precursor to another grand arrival.

Jetting southward, the landscape beneath transformed, and soon the vast blue stretch of the Aegean Sea came into view. Nestled by its shores, the ancient city of Athens awaited my footsteps. A city where every stone whispers tales of gods and heroes, philosophers and poets.

As the sun cast its golden hue upon the majestic Parthenon, I wandered the labyrinthine alleys of Plaka. Olive trees swayed in the Mediterranean breeze, their silver-green leaves shimmering. The murmur of locals sharing stories, their voices infused with the melodic lilt of the Greek language, became the backdrop to my exploration.

And then, the tantalizing aromas! Sizzling olive oil, pungent oregano, and the briny tang of feta beckoned from every corner. I was drawn to a modest taverna, its walls nearly hidden beneath the shade of ancient grapevines. Here, I encountered the pièce de résistance of Greek culinary tradition: Moussaka.

A dish as layered in history as it is in flavor, Moussaka spoke to me of Aegean coasts and rustic Cretan villages. The aubergine, tender and rich, the seasoned meat, a testimony to the Grecian love for lamb, and the béchamel, a creamy embrace. Each bite was a narrative, an ode to the land and its people.

Yet, Athens was not just about Moussaka. It was the crisp spanakopita pastries that crumbled delightfully with each bite, the velvety tzatziki that cooled the tongue, and the robust wines that tasted of sun-soaked vineyards.

To the city of Athens, a beacon of civilization and a culinary paradise, I owe many thanks. My heart swells with gratitude, and my journey continues, ever enriched, ever hungry for the stories that only food can tell. 🍆🍷🇬🇷

Εις το επανιδείν! (Eis to epanidein!) Translation: "Until we meet again!" 

Buster Vanray