By: MJ + PJ
On this adventure we have had a few truly exceptional expriences as a family. These were occasionas where we were all undoubtly sure, during and after, that we had ‘stuck gold’. PJ was wanting to visit a Greek restaurant where they allow you can participate in smashing plates. We found one, it was awesome, and this is that story!
Having spent about four of our eight days in Athens, Greece, we had not settled on how to see the nearby islands nor where to smash some plates at dinner. (Doing so in our Airbnb seemed somewhat wrong!) Time was running out if we were to make reservations, so we had to make some decisions.
There are only about four different restaurants in Athens where plate smashing is allowed on a nightly basis. There are rules about this, as you can imagine.
We decided upon the Zafiro Experience Greek Show. This artesian themed ‘restaurant’, atop the hill known as Ikismos Georgiou Papandreou, has tremendous cityscape views as a bonus. As a part of the experience they showcase a handful of traditional Greek goods and crafts. We figured we would get more than just a traditional dinner, and their reviews were solid on TripAdvisor.
Getting to the restaurant by 7pm was a bit tricky. We used the metro, then the local bus, and then had to walk up the remainder of the hill to the restaurant. We arrived at 6:45pm, and the host greeted us and gave us a brief look around. The other large party attending the evening’s event was going to be about 45 minutes late, so after the host showed us the traditional olive oil press and how oil is processed, she ushered us into the bar area. There she insited we have a drink and enjoy the view while we waited. This seemed reasonable, and after walking up the hill we could use some time off our feet.
That drink was on the house (or included… does it matter?), and once the other party (a group of about 30 elderly Italians) arrived, we joined them. The evening started to acceleate after that!
First was the olive oil tasting, with wine and olives, and mingling around their store. This was followed by entry into the dining area where a bouzouki and guitar duo played. Here we were given a demonstration by the chef on how traditional foods (the ones we would eat soon enough) were prepared. As the wine and laughter flowed, we were entertained by four traditional Greek dancers.
Halfway through our very generous and delicious meal, there were more dancers added… namely the guests. MJ and AJ were among the handful ‘volunteered’ early by the host, and in due course PJ and AJ had their time. This oscillated throughout the rest of the evening, giving us the chance to gather some evidence!
While taking the time to eat between dancing, it was hard to overlook the music of the bouzouki and guitar duo. Their quality exceeded the recorded music used for some of the early dances! We had seen a few bouzoki players on the streets of Athens, but this player was clearly well trained and skilled. He added fills, trills, runs and leads that were both assertive and styled, played impeccably. If you stared at him long enough he’d look toward you and give a little smile, which showed it was mostly effortless.
MJ was in a trance watching them at times – it was not unlike the lunch duo we observed in Cusco months earlier. Given this distraction, he barely noticed AJ and PJ being taken away by the host. They returned a few songs later, dressed in traditional costumes with numerous other guests. This party was well past started, and we were reminded of the fun we had at the disco on Amantaní Island in Peru!
The elderly Italian guests and the host took a liking to AJ. He was (as usual) the only child there, but was willing and enthusiastic to participate in whatever was presented, much to his credit. This kind of interaction makes us as parents, both happy and relieved. We can only imagine what future impact these kind of experiences will have on him, but are grateful that he participates. It is heartwarming to have others take him under their wing for a few moments in expereinces that are rich in culture.
The food was delicious. We wanted more but could not fit it in. Loosening our belts and dancing could only create a bit more room for food. The anticipation grew for that one element that had not yet occured – the plate smashing! Opa! It was included in one of the last few dances, with a copious amount of plates being handed out (plaster thus recyclable each night). PJ’s dreams came true, and AJ got a chance to do something we’d never let him do at home!
In the midst of all of this dancing and smashing one of the elderly Italian men realized that he and AJ shared the same first name, which caused a little commotion at our table!
With the evening winding down, we had to consider how to get to our accommodation. We’d heard you just catch a taxi into the city centre, but we only really needed to get back to the metro station. It had started raining in the meantime, so walking down the hill became unfeasible. Our host insisted that she would drive us down the hill to the metro. We accepted! We were sad that the evening had come to an end, but we were all smiles through the raindrops on the car windows.
While some of the things you seek when traveling seem odd at times, even to yourself, it’s when you look for the unusual that you often find unexpected rewards. This particular evening had a bit of everything, but it was clearly the people and the culture that made it what it was.
