To

To
understand our society, we need to look at cities that have
changed the course of history, cities that we have built, and
cities which in turn have shaped the world in which we live now.
Cities such as
Athens.

Fanned by the Grecian breeze, you can almost taste Athens’ rich
cultural history as you walk the restaurant-lined streets of Plaka;
its walls and sun-lit terraces whisper stories of old.

A few kilometers away,
Psyri is perhaps the city’s hippest area. Young creatives move
between tattoo stores and cocktail bars. Passing by a restaurant
here, I stopped to listen to someone playing a bouzouki – a
traditional greek instrument from the lute family, and the source
of an ethereal, peaceful melody.

My curiosity was piqued by Athens’ many surreal abandoned places
– I saw an old, empty bus and an airport abandoned as if part of a
Hollywood movie set. I had to stop immediately and take a picture
of it.

The lively neighbourhood of Monastiraki left me speechless.
Perusing its flea market, I stumbled upon classic greek sandals and
stunning carpets. At its hilltop open-air theatre, friends gathered
in the evening as the sun set and night drew in – the views were
outstanding.

I was lucky to have an amazing Athenian host who drove me –
along with her dog, Franco – past the port city of Piraeus to
Lemos, a beautiful rocky stretch of coastline in the seaside suburb
of Vouliagmeni. On a private beach we jumped into the Mediterranean
as rays glinted on the water’s surface like diamonds. I left my
camera behind and embraced the moment.

I only spent four days in this magical city, but it occured to
me that you never know when love can knock at your door. Athens
opened its heart to me.

@jisusisback | jisusisbackstudio.com