In a few weeks, I'm going to be spending a few days in Athens, then on to Istanbul. Are there any items in either place that I should be on the lookout for that aren't available in the U.S. or online?
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Athens and Istanbul - any "must buys" ?
- Thread starter texquill
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Don't they have the Arko cream in Istanbul? Not sure...
If you will have time, I can organise a visit to Arko HQ, Derby 
They would not only tell you in detail about the products, but also present you boxes of free products as well, enough until the next visit.
I am serious, by the way.
They would not only tell you in detail about the products, but also present you boxes of free products as well, enough until the next visit.
I am serious, by the way.
- Thread starter
- #5
If you will have time, I can organise a visit to Arko HQ, Derby
They would not only tell you in detail about the products, but also present you boxes of free products as well, enough until the next visit.
I am serious, by the way.
What a wonderful offer! Response sent by PM.
I don't know of anything shave related in Athens as I hadn't started wet-shaving when I was there. But while I would recommend sampling all things Greek, I'd strongly counsel that you avoid the Greek beer Mythos and the style of wine known as Retsina. When we saw a donkey on the island of Hyrdra (an excellent and quiet escape from the busy city of Athens), we joked that we had found the Mythos bottling company (I'll let you make the connection). And perhaps it was just the Retsina that I tried, but the pitch flavor, which it is supposed to have, tasted like rotted Pine-Sol. I don't really know what rotted Pine-Sol tastes like, but it is what I would imagine it would taste like. It might be worth a try just for the sake of adventure and, well, when you're in Greece, do as the Greeks. But I did not care for it. The Ouzo, on the other hand, is definitely to be tried. It's a bit of a love it/hate it thing, which is almost entirely contingent upon your like of anise or black licorice. I really like it. Either way, it's worth trying. And definitely try the Greek coffee. But watch out for the dregs at the bottom of your cup.
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- #7
a return ticket!!
Sure you can buy Arko online but for Istanbul prices you might consider a 20" container of Evyap (who make Arko & other fine brands) products.....
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- #10
Wow - that's not too encouraging!
If you will have time, I can organise a visit to Arko HQ, Derby
They would not only tell you in detail about the products, but also present you boxes of free products as well, enough until the next visit.
I am serious, by the way.
Maybe they can clear up the issue between the horizontal and vertical Derby packaging?
IMHO, retsina is indeed an acquired taste. However, served cold enough and with the right food (something spicy, imho), it can be worth the experience. I say, give it a try even if you end up not liking it.
Kolynos Shaving Cream, though I haven't tried it myself. I also remember reading about one called "Olympus Zeus" Fresh or something like that which comes in a nice bowl but apparently it is no good and expensive. It seems Noxzema SC was sold in Greece so I'd load up on that if you manage to find any. Maybe cheap Turkish Alum blocks too.
And find out whether Bluebirds are made by Derby... My guess is yes, I had the same poor experience with both.
Definitely bring back a lot of Arko creams, soaps, aftershaves.
I would suggest getting Korres aftershave balm. Greek product and very nice.
I have an older formulation of the Korres marigold a/s balm, which is very nice. There is a newer version, ginseng/marigold, which I am not familiar with.
In Turkey, get a straight shave from a local barber. Well worth it.
Enjoy.
I have an older formulation of the Korres marigold a/s balm, which is very nice. There is a newer version, ginseng/marigold, which I am not familiar with.
In Turkey, get a straight shave from a local barber. Well worth it.
Enjoy.
don't ask us....ask the locals !! you'll get great shaving stories in broken english,and you'll find things we don't have here and can't get online...go for the rare stuff and enjoy the beauty of greece
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- #17
I have limited time availability while in Athens and Istanbul, and don't have time to spare for getting involved in wild goose chases - instead, I want to use the bulk of my time to get a general flavor of each city.. For that reason, I'm asking people who know something about shaving if, perhaps, they're familiar with any really special shaving-related items that I might find in each city.
With all due respect, I certainly hope, if you ever leave Mt Kilimanjaro and travel to Dallas, and, if you have an interest in acquiring shaving-related items while here, rather than asking the "locals", you, instead, consider asking the folks on B&B where to go. Most of the "locals" here would send you to Walgreens (or Super Target) for their idea of exotic shaving items, such as cartridge blades, Aqua Velva, and cans of goo.
Perhaps, however, since you are familiar enough with Athens to be able to comment on its beauty, you might be able to share with me what places in particular you feel I should visit for "atmosphere" and? Your specific recommendations will certainly be appreciated.
Regards,
yes...limited time will not let you "mingle",,,but ...you will find good shaving supplies there....if you can sqeeze it in,go to the monastary atop mt. athos....you can sit and look out at an unbelievable view...
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- #19
It is my understanding that entrance to the monasteries is restricted to men only. I will be traveling with my wife; consequently, we struck that location off our list.
We will have a private car and driver/guide for the almost three days we will be in Athens. We will ask again about Mount Athos.
Thanks for the recommendation!
We will have a private car and driver/guide for the almost three days we will be in Athens. We will ask again about Mount Athos.
Thanks for the recommendation!
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If Mt. Athos is restricted, then check out Meteora. And even if you could get to Mt. Athos with your wife, I think it is fairly difficult to get to. It takes some time for travel and I think you need special permission if you aren't Orthodox. But if you are interested in monasteries, Meteora is definitely worth a stop. It has some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. It was definitely a highlight of the month I spent in Greece. And when I was there about 3-4 years ago, there weren't any 'men only' restrictions to visit the monasteries. And I would be very, very surprised if this has changed. It might be a different story if you wanted to spend the night at the monastery, but visits were no problem. I would highly recommend Meteora if you get a chance.
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