This post is about Athens, the capital of Greece and my hometown. As, I am not the right person to write about its history, I will just give my own reasons for disliking and liking this place. If you have visited Athens and want to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment.

Four things I don’t like about Athens:

#1. The bureaucracy (γραφειοκρατία).

Try to deal with the public services for any reason and you will realize that it’s an ordeal on your nerves. Everything goes σιγά σιγά (slowly slowly) and a simple task that could be accomplished in a few hours can take a few days or even weeks.

#2. It can be miserable and depressing.

If one takes a walk at the center they will see overflowing garbage cans and beautiful neoclassical buildings decorated by ugly graffiti. Additionally, this image of decadence is “enhanced” by the numerous stores who have been closed for economic reasons.

#3. The smog (νέφος).

It is unbearable, it makes life in the center of the city hard and it is impossible to get used to it.

#4. It is not pedestrian friendly.

For some of us, walking on a sidewalk can be tough as often we have to do zig zags in order to avoid parked bikes and dog poops. When trying to cross the street the situation gets worse: it is not enough to watch the pedestrian light as there are always at least two cars that run the red light.

#5. The lack of libraries.

Although there are libraries in the center, it is hard to find libraries in the districts.

 

Four things I like about Athens:

#1. The ancient monuments.

Acropolis is undoubtedly the most famous landmark of Athens and a place that every visitor must see, along with other archaeological sites. For some of us, the monuments are not signs of a glorious past but we see them as elements that compose the identity of the city. Sometimes, when we visit similar places in other cities, we feel  as if we saw an old friend from the past.

#2. The roofs and the gardens.

Yes, there are ugly buildings, smog and traffic in Athens, but there are also amazing places that make you feel that you are not in the city. If you have ever been to a café or a taverna in a roof of a hotel or in a hidden garden of a neoclassical house, you know what I mean.

 

#3. It is easy to meet people.

In Athens there are nice people and bad people, as in everywhere else. In general, people are sociable and not too complicated. They are open in meeting people, having  fun with them and having long conversations.

#4.  It is beautiful at night.

It’s the time where the ugliness of the city is hidden. Every time I have the chance to see the city at night from a hill or a roof deck, I realize that one of the most comforting things is the sense of breeze along with the lights and the distant sounds of the city.

#5. The sea (η θάλασσα).

One of the nicest  things to do in Athens  is to have a coffee or a drink, or just a walk  by the sea. It is an easy and simple way to feel ultimate relaxation and it is a must-do if you ever visit Athens.

 

For practical information about Athens, check here:

http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/main_cities/athens

http://www.athensguide.org

 

About the architecture of Athens:

http://www.greeka.com/attica/athens/athens-architecture.htm

 

City guide (available in greek only):

http://www.athinorama.gr