Freedom ... sort of.

As of today, May 4th 2020, lockdown in Athens is loosening and the rules regarding permits have been put to one side. However, the virus is still prominent worldwide and although we are allowed outside without the government’s permission the rules of social distancing are still in place. With the added ‘must do' of wearing a mask at all enclosed places such as the metro and hairdressers.

Today as we walked outside ready to enjoy our first day of freedom, waiting for the crowds of people all rejoicing about having lived through the worst stages of the Covid-19 pandemic we noticed little change. Although, more people lined the streets and more venders were open ready to see their electrical and sport equipment (as these are the first wave of shops allowed to open) Athens was very clearly still being cautious. Rightfully so. This caution is one of the main reasons we have been able to feel so safe here during one of the scariest times of our lives.

​The change that was visible, however, was that of relaxation. People were more inclined to sit in small groups on the walls along the cobbled streets leading down to Thiseio, without having to stick to the route that they had written down on their permits.

​With masks at the ready we decided to visit the Kappa shop where we were able to get some good deals on T-shirts and shoes. It felt oddly strange to be buying something other than the essentials of groceries.

Although it will take a while for things to go back to any sort of normality, even with proper retail stores not opening till next week and then archeologically sites, such as the Acropolis, the week after, there is definitely hope and excitement in the air as we get closer to becoming the bustling capital city Athens was before this virus.

​Written & published by: Elly Babe (@elly_babexxx)