This place is.....well....it's something else. (Written May 31st, 2021)
I have traveled to many other European countries in the past and Greece is something else. I love this country. It might be because its in my blood (as a found out thanks to 23 and Me I am 9% Greek) but its nothing like anywhere else I have been. I find contrasts everywhere I look that make me smile and roll my eyes. The people here are friendly and judgemental all that the same time. They are always unapologetically themselves. Today I saw a man driving a scooter with a broken leg. Cast up to his knee with his crutches laying against his shoulder. Whipping in and out of oncoming traffic in downtown Athens. No one batted an eye.
Judgementally Friendly
When you walk down the street people will stare and look at you up and down until you smile and say hello. Then they act like they have known you for many years and greet you warmly. It is such an interesting contrast. This stark contrast includes both people and places. Athens is a city where you can look to your left and see ancient ruins and beautiful marble sculptures, look to your right and you see old buildings barley standing covered in graffiti. I have a love hate relationship with Athens. It is so incredibly different from the city of Edmonton Alberta where I grew up in and still call home. One could say its quite the culture shock.
Quick Advice For A Quick Visit.
If you are coming from Canada, the U.S, or most Northern European Countries you will probably be shocked with how Athens looks. This was the case for me. I would describe most of Athens as a post-apocalyptic New York City. Now don't get me wrong there are many beautiful places in Athens and it has taken me months of travelling around to realize this. It is a HUGE city. For people who are just spending a few days here and are doing the typical touristy stuff like eating souvlaki and taking selfies at the acropolis you will be in the centre of Athens. The most crowded and populated area. This area is covered in graffiti and dirty. Also I would say if you can stay in more of a suburb area around the centre and use the metro to explore the centre it's a good idea. The very first time I came to Athens I was with my mom and we knew nothing about this city. Typical tourists. I booked an airbnb blindly in the worst area of the city because on a map it was very close to everything we wanted to see and the reviews all said "great location if you want to see the sites." The reviews should have stated "there is a chance you will be mugged if you go out at night." If you want to stay in the centre try finding a place in the Plaka neighbourhood. It will probably cost more but it's the area that looks like what most people picture Athens to look like and its full of tourists so lots of english speaking people. Kolonaki, Koukaki, and Monastiraki are considered safe areas in the centre. Avoid Kypseli, Gyzi and Omonoia.
This being said majority of greek people are very friendly. If you are in a tourist area they will speak english and will help you the best that they can....and then probably make fun of you in greek to their buddy when you walk away. Welcome to Athens!
Comments