“In Greece, food is an excuse to meet friends,” says Nikita Patiniotis

With half the national population, Athens is Greek cuisine in microcosm. Nikita weaves his Athens market tour through the narrow streets of Monastiraki to taste Greece, and during several hours Context Travel’s Beyond Feta Athens food tour introduces travelers to many future new friends.

Varvakios Agora, the Athens Central Market

Nikita Patiniotis defines Athenian cuisine for Context Travel, Part One

We’ll wander through bustling Athinas Street into the vast Varvakios Agora and understand why Greece is still the ancient center of the culinary world. Context Travel’s Beyond Feta walking tour illuminates a civilization. Come walk with me.

Context Travel wanders markets Lord Byron knew, Part Two

I discover a 150-year-old wine shop in the basement of an aging building which attracts presidents, Hollywood moguls and Athenian business elite.

In part three Context Travel illuminates the Greek way of life

Demitri Koliolios (left) 4th generation owner Dyporto Wine Shop, Athens

The pleasant evening temperature, the lack of car horns and loud music coupled with the sounds of conversation and relaxed dining, Greek national pastimes, create a culture in contrast to the 21^st century’s frenetic pace.

This is not tradition triumphing over the modern era; it is the modern era.

Love at first bite at Athens’ To Kati Allo

More than one spoonful of this sweet at a time would most likely make your teeth ache. But if the quality of the spoon sweet was deemed worthy, the bride could take a deep sigh of relief.

Spoon sweets were a test for Greek brides

Along with a natural Mediterranean diet, enjoying rich Greek Coffee may hold a key to Greek longevity – average life expectancy is 81.

Greek coffee at Flegra Palace Hotel can promote longevity

Athens will introduce the visitor to a life that’s beyond the microwave and the modern world’s overly scheduled itinerary. If you give in to the experience, you just may change your own way of life.