Interview with Lambros Papadopoulos (Athens Spotter)

Today an interview with Lambros Papadopoulos Spotter for our Athens cityblog.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have studied Maritime Economics at the University of Piraeus, I lived in Madrid, Spain as an Erasmus student, and continued studying Cultural Management & Entrepreneurship at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and now I am finishing an MBA. Working as a research and production assistant for a travel documentary series for the Hellenic TV between 2005-2007, has given me the chance to travel everywhere around Greece and meet interesting people and situations.like traveling a lot, carrying my camera with me, and experiencing new cultures. My next trip has to be somewhere in South America.

The last 3 years I have been working as a project manager at DATAKAT SA, my family’s company.

How do yo like being a Spotter?
Being a Spotter is a great experience, and I really appreciate the appetite, the persistence and the professionalism that Sanne and Bart have shown to this wonderful idea. I always wanted to find out what are the best spots in a place, before I visit it, so I can make the most out of my time. Spotted by Locals can really hand over the key of the town to every traveller and unlock all these next-door secrets that can make one feel like home.

I have many nice every day Spotters stories that describe the wonderful spectrum of this idea. However, the main thing behind all this is that there is a mutual benefit. I have received compliments from people visiting the places I have recommended, but also many thanks from owners that recognize the change that Spotted by Locals has made to their business.

At Kolonaki ,in restaurant ‘to omorfo’, the owner could not understand why all these Dutch tourists suddenly came to his place, and when he asked them, he realized the reason. Three months ago, his son came to me, told me the story and thanked for all the good I had done to his old father, and that he is very happy etc.

Why Athens?
Athens is no easy town. I would consider it to be, the most unpleasant of all European capital cities regarding public transportation, traffic or public space but I must mention that there are always surprises that lurk around the corner. I believe it is only a matter of observation. Athens offers gifts, black holes (very bad walking pavements..), unusual sounds, flavours, smells, beautiful people, falling rocks, broken street lights, strikes, wonderful sea view, excellent food and many more contrasts that form a unique cluster.

I think that a must do when visiting Athens, apart from all the great things that one can do in the city, is going at the sea, no matter if it is day or night. The things that one should avoid is all the touristic-pseudo-traditional places.

Can you describe a perfect day in your city?
A perfect day includes riding a bike and discovering new places around Athens, visiting new neighborhoods and meeting friends.

A perfect day should also consist of a stroll through Kaufmann bookstore, then minimum 2 hours in Plaka, quality time at Filopappou hill, with a view at the Acropolis or the sea, letting your imagination run wild and then catch a movie at Zefyros open air cinema.

Is there something else you want to share?
I would like to say that Spotted by Locals is a great community and wish that it will grow bigger and bigger. I am waiting for an annual SPOTTER meeting!

Check out all Lambros Papadopoulos’ articles and the other interviews with our Spotters.

Last Changed Date: 2016-05-19 11:45:13 +0200 (Thu, 19 May 2016)