"A city stranded in the shining path of time, sparkling restlessness in the shadow of eternity. Colours pervade. A mesmerising red ribbon gets carried away in a frantic race. From Vassilissus Sophia to Syntagma Square. The countdown reaches zero on restless sources with euphoric bursts and drunken dawns. The dreams fade and with the first light of day they return."
EB
I have been in Greece such a ridiculously short time, it's hard to draw full conclusions on the country. Besides, I've only experienced Athens. What I can say about the city is that there is a tangible feeling of history everywhere you gaze. There are fully and partially excavated sites all over the place, giving a clear reminder of what's gone before, and the role it has played, and continues to play, in modern day society. When you step out tomorrow, you will walk in antiquity.
Athens outwardly appears glamorous, slick and efficient, but, like many places right now, it's immediate future remains unclear. Even in my limited time here, there has been civil unrest, the police required in force. These are not the only disturbances recently. I was slightly enlightened by Katherina, a retiree, and volunteer at the National Museum. She pre-emptively offered me help at a nameless subway station, as I stared at my map, and then off into the distance. I took the opportunity to cagily enquire about the social climate. She lowered her voice and informed me that people are losing their jobs, and beginning to struggle. Even those still fortunate to work are suffering, as prices continue to rise. There are worrying times ahead.
The help and friendliness I received from the city's inhabitants is possibly my most abiding memory from the time I've spent here, perhaps even rivaling the great rock itself. People here told me that they worry friendliness is becoming rare, that smiles are dissipating. I never experienced this. I met Dimitri, from Kos, Jamie from Athens, formerly of Melbourne for many years and many others. All took the time to offer this traveller a helping hand. Any number of school children approached me to say hello and practice their English. Such interaction always reaffirms to me the belief in the human spirit and the kindness of strangers.
Good luck to you Greece....
Athens outwardly appears glamorous, slick and efficient, but, like many places right now, it's immediate future remains unclear. Even in my limited time here, there has been civil unrest, the police required in force. These are not the only disturbances recently. I was slightly enlightened by Katherina, a retiree, and volunteer at the National Museum. She pre-emptively offered me help at a nameless subway station, as I stared at my map, and then off into the distance. I took the opportunity to cagily enquire about the social climate. She lowered her voice and informed me that people are losing their jobs, and beginning to struggle. Even those still fortunate to work are suffering, as prices continue to rise. There are worrying times ahead.
The help and friendliness I received from the city's inhabitants is possibly my most abiding memory from the time I've spent here, perhaps even rivaling the great rock itself. People here told me that they worry friendliness is becoming rare, that smiles are dissipating. I never experienced this. I met Dimitri, from Kos, Jamie from Athens, formerly of Melbourne for many years and many others. All took the time to offer this traveller a helping hand. Any number of school children approached me to say hello and practice their English. Such interaction always reaffirms to me the belief in the human spirit and the kindness of strangers.
Good luck to you Greece....
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