It's a city with a quirky charm.
None of the romantic air of
Nor the cosmopolitan vibes of
Built around ruins that speak volumes
Of its glory long past and jaded present.
Years of wear have bred an air
Of unruliness in both city and its denizens,
Who drag their feet along deserted streets,
Tired as the dormant earth.
No office crowds scuttle along dusty pavements.
Shops shuttered all afternoon,
to shake the summer heat.
The city’s dependence on tourism and lack of industry
Leave little to want, for the future.
Still, its jaded people trudge on.
The recession and inflation weigh heavy on their waning faith.
Lost in an era of decadence,
The city screams a silent protest.
Now, modern architecture lies beside its crumbling grecian past.
The city lays frozen in a silent chaos.
The ancient ruins of Acropolis look down upon its people
As a reminder of a civilisation
That once reached a pinnacle of greatness...
Only to be torn by war and occupation.
Its mythical charm now enveloped in
A down-to-earth practicality.
It almost seems like
To the myriad facets of Greek history.
It's a city with an intriguing tale to tell
Yet its voice so fragmented.
[ … There’s a lot of building going on at the moment
In preparation for the 2004 Olympics next August.
The honour now scorned on the streets as a reminder of
How the city lost the centennial event to
(when it did matter)
in the city very convenient (and relatively cheap)...
Although one can’t help but wonder about its viability
Since there are no barriers to scan tickets
And hardly anyone who checks??! ]
Tanned bods roast along sun-kissed beaches,
Soaking up the rays, watching the clouds drift by.
Winding cobblestone paths,
Dotted with blue-trimmed whitewashed houses,
Tiny shops selling all manner of trinklets and garments,
And quaint cafes…
It’s an
Basking in the Agean sea.
At night, the town never sleeps.
Restaurants and bars open till the wee hours.
With lots of cheap booze to keep the revelry going!!!
Met some
They say that once you go there, you won’t want to return!
... Think I could definitely get used it here :)
But for now, it's back to reality...
