During my work with refugees the past two years, I got to spend a lot of valuable time in Greece. One of the most beautiful city's I worked in was of course Athens. The city drips in authenticity , and your eyes are constancy dazzled by unusual architecture (especially if you are from Western cities). The sweet aroma of oranges accentuated by the smoldering summer heat accompanies you around every street corner. The pleasant chatter and the espresso alone make your day there worthwhile. I lived in approximately 6 different rentals each presenting a window into a different unseen part of Athens, ready for me and my Canon camera to explore during my time off.
Let's start with Port of Piraeus: Ancient, historic, and yet so infused with modern elements reflecting the growth of global trade. This Port has served as a Port since the ancient times and distinguished itself during the Battle of Salamis between the Greek city states and the Persians in 480 BC. As a history buff, I truly loved living in the area near the Port, exploring the neighborhoods around it. Let's take a look:
Inside the Port itself:
Lov3.Without.Borders is my own tag for photos that I personally take and edit.
This shot was captured from my vantage point at the rental I was living at. What you see is Gate 7 and 8 of the Port. These serve as the main entrance to the Port and are directly linked to the location of Port Authority.
Round and About the port:
The Metro station itself is a pleasure of a view, located next to the sea port. It is housed in a building built in 1929 with all of its ancient glamour still intact despite recent renovations.
Night-view: I am a bit of an owl so night-time is my favorite time. Dazzling lights invited me beside the port on a nightly basis where I sat by the water and watched those enormous ships filled with tourists make their way to the infamous Greek islands.
All in all, I loved living by the water for many reasons. The mix of historic charm, and the peace of the water ensured that my stay was a 5/5. Onward to the next destination.
Approximately 20 minutes by Metro to Ommonia Station, nestled in the heart of Athens is one of my most favorite neighborhoods: Exarcheia. It is characterized for housing some of the most active anarchist movements, this neighborhood taught me a lot about the strength and resilience of the Greek people. Their passion and calling for justice for the working class echoed through and through. The district of Exarcheia was created between 1870 and 1880 at the confines of the city and has played a significant role in the social and political life of Greece. It is there the Athens Polytechnic uprising of November 1973 took place. Exarcheia is a place where many intellectuals and artists live and an area where many socialist, anarchist, and anti-fascist groups are accommodated. Police stations and other symbols of authority (and capitalism) such as banks are often targets of far-leftist groups. The anti-capitalist graffiti in the district is surreal.
Ommonia Square:
Graffiti:
React Now. And the people DO. I was on usual Sunday when this group came by with their list of demands:
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Let's zoom into the heart of neighborhood where all the action takes place by day and night: The Exarcheia Square.
Okay, that wraps up this post I think. I am nowhere near finished presenting a few more of Athens' terrific sports to wander about. In my next post, I shall present some pictures from my stay in the Chalandri neighborhood, and at the famous Monastiraki area where Acropoli is located. I also am planning on putting up a post of my most favorite airbnb stay in Athens.
Always,
Lov3.without.border
Noborder Love