The last time I stayed in this part of Athens was more or less exactly three years ago. I was at an all-time low point in my life but, as I wandered the streets here in a fairly aimless fashion, it struck me that an awful lot of folk had it a lot worse. At last I had a chance to fight back. So what’s changed for the folks here?
The surprising answer is that very little has changed. The photo I use on my twitter account in an Ulster rugby shirt was taken in a hairdresser’s on the corner of the street I stay in. She is still there and seems as chirpy as ever. I popped in to say hello and reminded her of how she photographed me. She pointed to the chair where I sat and said she remembered.
The gorgeous waitress at the local coffee store, which offers a range of finest Brazilian produce, is still there and still as charming as ever. And she speaks English. Back three years ago my morning chats with her were about my only chats with anyone. She is still smiling.
Filed under: