"Athens is a place you feel, not see. The beauty and soul of the city is laced into the way of life - the small moments and exchanges that happen daily - rather than in immaculately preserved monuments, museums and high streets like those of other European capitals."
"When I first visited some 12 years ago, I immediately felt at home in the raw, messy and poetic temperament of Athens. I was born in Tehran, but my family immigrated to Canada when I was seven, and I later moved to London in my early 20s, where I lived for over a decade, though I felt displaced in both countries."
"Athenians themselves will tell you, 'We are from the east, not the west'. It is the last stop in Europe before we enter the Middle East, and our shared, overlapping history is still reflected in similarities."
Athens is characterized by its vibrant street life, with vendors selling goods and locals gathering in markets and cafes. The city's beauty lies in its daily interactions and cultural experiences rather than its monuments. Despite its chaotic nature, Athens boasts numerous independent bookshops and theaters. The author, who moved to Athens from Canada and London, feels a deep connection to the city, likening it to their childhood in Tehran. Athenians embrace their unique cultural identity, blending Eastern and Western influences.
Read at CN Traveller
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