Welcome Greece: Associated by most with its long, sunny Greek summer, golden beaches, turquoise waters, traditional food by the sea. But our country is a lot more than this. There is a lot of history and a lot of happening now. Athens, the capital city, overcoming the crisis, is again a buzzing metropolis, a lively hive of creative spirit, with something of interest for all its visitors. There is “joie de vivre” in every corner of it. Below are some useful things to know from the minute you step foot in this wonderful country of contrasts. By YANNIS NENES
The rails on the pedestrian pathway at Makriyiannis Street are the remnants of the old Athenian Tram, which stopped operating in the early 60s. The underground river flowing underneath Monastiraki Square, some of its parts now exposed in sight, is Eridanos river. The longest road in Athens is Acharnon street, stretching for about 3 kilometers of length. The narrowest is Kallipou street, about 2 meters in weidth. It is located between Monastiraki square and Kapnikarea, intersecting Ermou Street. The name of the english nobleman who removed the marbles of Parthenon is Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin. About 7% of all the marble produced in the world comes from Greece. The first Athenian suburb was Kolonos. Back in 1853 the population of Athens was 30,000. Today it exceeds 3,5 million. The Presidential Guard (Evzones) in front of the Greek Parliament building at Syntagma, "rotates" every hour. Facing the building of the Academy of Athens, the statue on the left is Plato and that on the right is Socrates. 8 _ SUMMER 2022
ATHENS
Could Athens become the new Berlin? The BBC wondered not long ago. The city might look poor in aspects but there is a sexy vibe in it. Industrial spaces have turned into art venues, performance studios, places where much is happening. The hype is art and emerging artists are fleeing from all over Europe. Berlin, maybe not. But shaping its own modern identity, yes!
BROKEN PAVEMENTS and slope warning
Don’t expect properly conserved pavements and roads. So put on your sneakers instead of high heels! BOUZOUKIA It used to be the ultimate Greek nightout. Large stages, whiskey & flowers thrown to the singer we like – don’ t ask why. Younger Greeks, now, prefer big concerts of tribal, balkan, ethnic beat.
CROSS Older people will cross themselves when passing a church. It’s a common gesture for good luck. Notice many taxi drivers do it too. DRIVERS They are kind of sloppy. Following the street signs is something of a weak character. So beware.
DERTI “An unrelenting sense of loss or unfulfilled
desire”. It’s a word to describe the feeling you get after a heartbreak, a sentiment Greeks love to sing about. Remember, “drama” is also a greek word. DRUGS Cannabis in Greece is illegal for recreational purposes. In 2017 medical use of cannabis was legalized. If you are found carrying it around (or using it) you will probably get arrested.
EATING in Athens Never fails to please. There are
hundreds of great places to eat in every part of the city. You will find a wonderful fusion of traditional and modern greek cuisine. Just be careful of restaurants that seem very ˝touristic”– the food there is usually not the best.
FOUSTANELLA Traditional pleated kilt that comes of
the 19th century. It is worn by the guards of the former Royal Palace, Evzones, (meaning the “well-belted” elite soldiers, a term traced in Homer’s times). In Syntagma square, you can take your picture next to them and see if they blink. Every so often they do a little march to break the monotony of standing still all day and at 6pm you can watch the changing of the guards. Just make sure that you do not stand in their way; they are not allowed to stop for any reason-instead, they can march-kick the obstacles with their pompom shoes. FRAPPE SOCIETY Frappe coffee is the lifeblood of Greek society. Made with instant Nescafe mixed with water, ice, milk and lots of sugar, a frappe will provide you with the right amount of caffeine for your coffee break, and the right buzz to sip while gossiping and people watching. Now entries are the fredoccino, the frapuccino and everything as long as it’s cold and long
