Greece
That hill is the Lykavittos, one of the hills of Athens. Beyond to the right is the Acropolis with the Parthenon visible on top, and beyond that, the Aegean Sea. This view is from the north on a series of hills called Tourkovounia [Grk. Τουρκοβούνια, which translates as the Turkish Mountains]. At over 1,100 feet tall, it is the highest range of hills in the Attic Basin. The southernmost section is called Attikos Alsos. It's not easy to get to. You take the Metro line 3 to Panormou, and walk maybe 30 mins. But it is worth it for the views and to see Papandreou, the 'village in the city' that sits in the middle of the Tourkovounia.
Here is the true Athenian flea Market on St. Anne's St, near the Eleonas Metro station. There are 2 warehouse buildings, and dozens of sellers who set up outside, by the road, and in vacant lots. Everything is available - old and new, clothing, household goods, jewelry, food, icons & hardware. The ladies are Eva and her mom Dora, mi familia.
These are actually from like 8 years ago, when I first came to Athens and stayed with my friend Niko in Vyrona, named after Lord Byron, who fought with the Greeks in the Revolution of 1821. His house was a sort of penthouse on top of an apartment building. The kitchen is above right and out that door is the rooftop with the view on the left. The pix below are from Ymittos and Gouva, not far from Vyrona, and from the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion.
Piraeus - port of Athens
The vibe of Piraeus is so excellent, even if you're not going anywhere. It's the thousands of people coming and going, making this the busiest passenger port in Europe that give it the special energy, like Penn Station in New York (but a thousand times more attractive and enjoyable). I always sit one the back decks where you can watch the harbors and islands go by, meet people, and hear news from the island cities. Below are 2 short videos that get some of the feeling.
