A Day in Athens

My journey through the land of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus has been charming, especially amidst the endless exploration of old and new Athens. This city is an open-air museum where you can feel the philosophical way around each corner.

My visit to Athens wasn't for leisure; it had a purpose—to capture the essence of the Humans Behind AI campaign, an opportunity to connect with brilliant minds in the field.

Beyond the campaign, I seized free moments to discover the city and its people. My first stop was the National Library of Greece, a remarkable institution housing over a million items, 300 million electronic resources, and an impressive collection of ancient Greek manuscripts. It was a place where history lived, and the stories of the past were easy to grab.

I met Chris, a Director of Life Sciences Innovation and Senior Lecturer at Imperial College. His dual passion for technology and Athens was infectious. Over conversations about Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius, Chris recommended visiting his favourite bookshop, Free Thinking Zone, in the Kolonaki district—a sanctuary of activism and intellectual exchange.

The owner, an advocate for human rights, welcomed me into this unique space—a blend of coffee shop, gallery, and co-working hub brimming with cultural vibrancy. Immersed in socially conscious publications and invigorated by their mission, I left with a deeper connection to the power of ideas and positive change.

Empowered by these encounters and leaving with a copy of Marcus Aurelius Meditations, I embarked on a stroll to the Acropolis and through Plaka, a neighbourhood bustling with shops and cafes. Despite winter, the weather was perfect—a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius—enhancing every step amidst ancient Greek architecture.

If you find yourself in Athens, walking as much as I did, do not miss refuelling at Falafellas. Their falafel is more than a sandwich; it's an experience for memory and taste buds.

Oh, I forgot to mention the impressive "routine" Change of the Guard, which takes place every hour 24/7 and involves two incoming and two outgoing sentries supervised by a "Corporal of the Change." It is an impressive spectacle showing humans’ control over body and mind.

After a day filled with literature, intriguing people, profound thoughts, and delicious food against the backdrop of the Acropolis, I returned to my hotel, reflecting on the magic of twenty-four hours in an unknown place—Athens. This city seamlessly weaves history with contemporary life.

Texas Sun & Rain

Iceland