Greece 2007

Once upon a time, a city of great splendor and culture was shining over europe and the world. As they like to say, greeks have invented everything; or at least propagated it in western europe. Architecture. Warfare. Mathematics. Philosophy. Theater. Sport. Little escaped their genius. They even invented the concept of "peace".

The sophisticated Athens was, alongside with Sparta, one of the main hellenistic city state. The place where intelligence was praised over strength. Where wits prevailed over violence.

Fed with greek history and myths since an early age I was thrilled to come to this place of wonder. Athens, though, is not what you expect. For some strange reason, you don't see Cyclops, Hydras and Philosophers in streets. You see taxi drivers ; metrosexuals on scooters ; old men drinking ouzo ; sexy ladies on heels ; posh restaurant ; little tavernas ; cloth or souvenir shops ; clubs & discos.

And at the corner of the street, you suddenly stare at the Acropolis from a distance.

For the good and the bad, Athens has embraced modernity.
It is now a hyperactive mediterranean city, filled with noise, smells and sun.

Some will like it, some will hate it.
My own feelings are mixed.

I quite like Athens as a city, and I had a great time there.
Yet I have to admit the rest of Greece is... even more incredible. :-)