Business has almost returned to normal in the center of Athens after two days of violent demonstrations. Although the smell of tear gas lingers in the air, municipal cleaners and local businessmen have been busy cleaning up the streets since early morning. As Greek deputies vote on the second austerity bill needed to implement the unpopular measures, Syntagma Square is extraordinarily quiet after yesterday’s full-scale riots.
Much of downtown Athens sees restaurants, cafes, hotels and businesses open and eager to welcome locals and tourists. People are smiling and even the pigeons have returned outside the parliament building
, obviously deeming the area as safe once again. What seemed like a war zone yesterday, is now what it should be, a capital city steeped in fine architecture and history. The sun is still shining on the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ and the colorful flowers are still blooming in the National Gardens. One of the oldest cities in the world will always survive whatever gets thrown at it, just as its people will too.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
