From Place To Space: Athens

Do you have the tickets ready? Yes, it's Monday, and we are embarking on yet another inspirational voyage. Today's destination: Athens, Greece. Get ready for sun, culture, history and a vibrant nightlife. Here we go.

Some of you already know that I used to live and study in Athens, Greece. I spent a very cool and fun year as an Erasmus student in the Greek capital and combined studies with an Aegean lifestyle. That included swimming in the Aegean after classes, sipping frappés in the sun, buying fresh fruits and veggies at street markets, partying all night and cruising the country's numerous islands on the weekends. Moreover, it was a unique feeling in the mornings when I went to the university. I would leave my apartment in the quiet neigbourhood of Koukaki, stroll in flip-flops pass the Acropolis and take the metro to the university. Ancient history literally became part of my everyday life. 

So, when you are in Athens, don't miss out on these things: Of course visit the Acropolis and the new adjacent museum, have an afternoon walk underneath the Acropolis and get lost in the winding alleys of the Anafiotika quarter (you will feel like on an island and not in Athens), enjoy a frappé in one of the little tucked away cafés on the hill, walk down to Monastiraki and discover some goodies at the flea market, buy some handmade leather sandals in Plaka, have dinner under the illuminated Acropolis in the evening. Then head to the popular Gazi area for a vibrant and very long nightlife. I love the Micraasia bar-lounge with its big rooftop terrace and oriental flavours. In the same area you will find the amazing Mamacas restaurant which will give you a feeling of being on the Cyclades in the middle of the bustling city. For hot days, escape the city center and take a trip to the coastal suburb of Glyfada and enjoy the sun and sea in the Balux pool club with DJs and luscious big beds along the pool and on the beach. 

Well, and Athens is not all about ancient history and remarkable ruins. It is also the base for some amazingly refined homes with sophisticated interior designs and creative approaches to living under the Greek sun. Just like these two great examples: the home of the avant-garde lover Alketas Pazis and the bright and design packed home by Athenian architect Stella Konstantinidis. I think these are enough reasons to pack your suitcase and get a ticket to Athens. Enjoy!

Photography: Both homes via Yatzer; Mamacas restaurant via Mamacas; other pics by Igor Josifovic.

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