Marilena Salamanou (1982)

In the cities we travel we don’t only want to discover its cafes, restaurants and ancient sights, but also its vibe. You can feel this vibe well through its art – graffiti, theatrical performances and music that people who live in this city love to listen to.

Since May 2010 we have been running a web radio station that makes us feel really proud! We are 65 people with no radio experience who have managed to build all this by ourselves. We rented a beautiful house in the center of Athens, and started broadcasting from there. We take decisions together, and make this space like our home.

If you listen to us and would like to meet us, you can come and find us downtown. Just ring the bell and come to share coffee, music ideas and rythms!

65producers // 65 ways to music !

Stay tuned at www.musicsociety.gr

I discovered Paul and his jewelery shop when a girlfriend was wearing a golden mustache! From the very first time I fell in love with this strange, special jewelery. After a while these “mustaches” became really famous as hipster girls of the town used to wear one!

It was about time to visit Paul and his jewelery shop! Not only for his “famous mustaches” but also to find out all these great handmade jewels he makes by himself! Since then I feel that I have to spread the news!

Paul has been running his shop since April ’10. He is passionate with “Sentimental jewelery” – something you can discover when you visit his shop. Earrings, bracelets – all with a tender, nostalgic feeling.

An ideal place for retro lovers! And also ideal if you are looking for a special present – I am a big big fan of his mustaches!

Located between Monastiraki and Omonoia metro station at Athinas street. Varkvakeios market is the most important market of the city. You can buy meat, fish, cheese, herbs, fruits, vegetables, second hand furniture, books and clothes. But most of all you will take a look at what a normal day looks like in this capital.

I always enjoy tasting olives there and taking the final decision of what to but after tasting kilos of them! I love its vibe that is really lively. Everything is mixed there. Pet shops, shops that sell very kitch things, bars, hotels, Arab supermarkets. And also galleries. Check the “Art tower” gallery that is located at the square of Varvakeios agora.

If you are interested in flea markets do not miss a walk at Varvakeios

P.S. It is better to make this walk during the day. You must not visit this area late at night as the neighborhood around starts to get rough when it is getting darker.

Have you ever tried “grandma’s hair”?

Maybe the translation from Greek to English not to be the ideal one, but I will explain it better later. But first a question: what does a traveler have to do? Of course taste the street food of the city he/she visits – the food you can taste while wandering around.

At Athens there are different kind of flavours that you can taste. So here we are:

1st step: “grandma’s hair”. This is the candy of our childhood! It is made only by sugar in a magical, special way.

2nd step: “a chicken-lollipop”. It is simpler than what you can imagine. It is a red lollipop which shape is a chicken. Really delicious and really bad for your teeth.

3rd step: Baked corn with butter and salt. You can find its special version decorated with a wooden, miniature flag. Really special during winter time.

4th step: Coconuts with sugar! Hidden between “fountains” – like on the picture!

5th step: Last, but not least. Our nights at the city mostly end up at a cantina. This is the place to visit after drinking & dancing the whole night. Cantina is a vehicle where its owners can make a sandwich or a hotdog with all ingredients a hungry stomach can ask for. They are spread around the big roads of the city. Some of the famous ones are at Mavili square and at Pireos street. You can find street food at central roads of Athens.

Bon apetit!

Glykis cafe is located in Plaka – the most touristic area of Athens. But what makes it not so commercial is that is hidden at a corner of two small roads. It is one of the most quiet and relaxed places all over the city. It can be a small urban jungle as there are plants and flowers around. Take a look also at its drawings that refer to traditional myths – like the mermaid that swims across the oceans.

I like it at lunch time. Their pies (cheese, spinach, etc.) are really tasteful. You can also taste “saganaki” – baked cheese or ask for a “poikilia”(like spanish tapas). And if you are in a mood for something sweet do not miss “ipovrixio vanilia” -a great candy that is ideal when you are really thirsty.

Plaka can be an interesting great neighborhood especially if you avoid the touristic traps and discover its secrets just by wandering around.