ATHENS, Greece–Not so long ago, many travellers dismissed Athens, with its scruffy streets, traffic pandemonium and lackadaisical service, as a jumping-off point for some really gorgeous Greek island.
But since the 2004 Olympics, this capital city, bathed in ancient history, has been rejuvenated for the new millennium.
Not only is there an efficient airport, a sparkling new Metro system and a plethora of high-end boutique hotels, but the service at the restaurants I visited recently was impeccable.
And for a city with a population of more than 3 million, its squares are remarkably clean, even if graffiti is ubiquitous.
