Our guide this week: Michael Samolis, 61, comes from Athens and sells Greek street paper Shedia. He became a vendor after being long-term unemployed. He says: “Being a vendor saved my life. I could not find another job, I was homeless and really desperate. If it wasn’t for Shedia I don’t know where I would be now.”
My favourite part
The Acropolis and surrounding area
Around the Acropolis we can see the museum of Acropolis and The Parthenon. These two sites are my favourites and make me feel proud about my country and its ancient history. I like living in Athens because I like the ancient history of the city. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and this makes it unique.
My favourite cafe
Gianniotiko
Gianniotiko, which is a small cafe in Omonoia Square is the best place to eat and drink for two reasons: it has the best coffee and the nicest souvlaki (skewers made with meat or vegetables and one of the most traditional dishes of Greece) in Athens and it is always open – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it very special for people like me who work in the street and live in a shelter.
Best free sight
The National Garden