From Place To Space: My Athens! Part One

Hello Monday, hello spring, hello friends! Let us start into a new week invigorated by ideas, creativity and the insatiable desire to discover new places, new cultures new concepts of aesthetics and happiness. Probably today's virtual trip won't be all too new to everyone of you, but it is a personal return for me, a visit to a city I called home for an entire year as a student: my Athens!

As usual, I will try to tell the story visually through my snapshots. Since I took quite a good number of shots I've decided to split them up and make two parts for the blog so expect next Monday part two. But let us see what I want to share with you in this part one. 

Almost all pics in today's blogpost about Athens were taken at the main touristic sights of the Greek capital. Now you might wonder why I am showing the obvious places instead of unknown corners. Let me explain: I lived there for an entire year. My apartment was a 10 minutes walk from the Acropolis. And yet I enjoyed every single day the view of the ancient city. And every time when I'm back to Athens, I must go there, take in the smell of pine trees, gaze at the stones of a metropolis built thousands of years ago, overlooking the numberless houses of modern Athens, looking at the blue horizon and the flickering waters of the Aegean Sea. However, I do have some favorite spots for the best views of Athens that I will share with you here.

If you intend on visiting or revisiting Athens soon, consider these two options for amazing bird's eye views of the capital of Greece: First, if you head to the Acropolis just continue the main path, passing the entrance to the Acropolis and you will arrive at one of the most magic places of Athens - the Areopagus hill. In ancient time this rock functioned as the high Court of Appeal, nowadays it is the famous spot of couples, few tourists and locals to sit, have a drink and chat while overlooking the endless metropolis (tip: go there at dusk, the atmosphere is enchanting).

The other 'hot spot' for a perfect view of the city and the postcard view of the Acropolis is the opposite hill called 'Philopappous'. I actually used to live right under that hill. The hill's top is marked by an ancient monument. Actually, it's the name of the monument and the hill is officially called Mouseion hill, but believe me, everyone calls it Philopappous. It will take you 10 minutes to climb up (take the stairs just underneath the Areopagus hill) and you will have the most stunning view of the landmark Acropolis. Plus the Aegean Sea will open up in front of you, to all sides you will overlook the city that used to be the birthplace of democracy. Sit down, take in the views and think of how amazing our world is and how much beauty there has been throughout times on this rock that we call Earth and home. 

P.S. The amazing restaurant on the pic above is a great suggestion for dinner: It's called 'Kuzina' and is located in the Thisio area. It interprets traditional Greek cuisine in a refined, modern way and offers a delightful interior design and stunning views of the Acropolis and Ifesteio temple. Go there for a great dinner!

Happy new week, friends!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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