Inclusion/Συμπερίληψη

As I was walking through Syndagma square in downtown Athens, I came across an unusual scene. A group of youths were in the midst of a group hug and making strange noises similar to wolves. A rare thing to see especially in this day and age. They all looked like modern day hipppes. Someone standing next to me asked them what this was all about, and one of the girls said ‘inclusion’ with the most serene, and truly geniune smile I have seen in years.

Then I heard from someone else that they were pan handlers from all over Europe and this is their show of solidarity.

I am not sure what is was all about. but, I found their free spirits and positivity truly refreshing.

Καθώς περπατούσα στην πλατεία Συντάγματος στο κέντρο της Αθήνας, συνάντησα μια ασυνήθιστη σκηνή. Μια ομάδα νεαρών βρισκόταν στη μέση μιας ομαδικής αγκαλιάς και έβγαζε περίεργους θορύβους παρόμοιους με τους λύκους. Ένα σπάνιο θέαμα ειδικά στις μέρες μας. Ήταν πολύ χίπικο. Κάποιος που στεκόταν δίπλα μου τους ρώτησε περί τίνος πρόκειται και το ένα κορίτσι είπε «συμπερίληψη» με το πιο γαλήνιο και αληθινά γνήσιο χαμόγελο που έχω δει εδώ και χρόνια.

Τότε άκουσα από κάποιον άλλο ότι ήταν ζητιάνοι από όλη την Ευρώπη και αυτή είναι η επίδειξη αλληλεγγύης τους.

Έτσι, δεν είμαι σίγουρη περί τίνος πρόκειται, αλλά βρήκα το ελεύθερο πνεύμα και τη θετικότητά τους πραγματικά αναζωογονητικo.

October Storms/Καταιγιδες του Οκτωβριου

Stormy days are here Οι θυελλώδεις μέρες είναι εδώ

When will the foggy minds become clear? Πότε θα ξεκαθαρίσουν τα ομιχλώδη μυαλά;

So much information Τόσες πληροφορίες

All unclear Όλα ασαφή

Volcanic eruptions Ηφαιστειακές εκρήξεις

Social media disruptions Διαταραχές στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης

Tensions rise Οι εντάσεις ανεβαίνουν

Missiles point to the sky Τα Βλήματα στοχεύουν τον ουρανό

Division and chaos Διχασμός και χάος

Shortages of everything Ελλείψεις σε όλα

The Truth coming unveiled Η Αλήθεια που αποκαλύπτεται

The Great awakening begins. Αρχίζει η μεγάλη αφύπνιση.

In the Valley../Στην Κοιλάδα..

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.– Psalm 23

A little prayer for humanity in these trying and difficult times.

Παρόλο που περπατώ στην κοιλάδα της σκιάς του θανάτου, δεν θα φοβηθώ κανένα κακό: γιατί είσαι μαζί μου. με παρηγορούν το καλάμι και το ραβδί σου.-Ψαλμός 23

Μια μικρή προσευχή για την ανθρωπότητα σε αυτούς τους δύσκολους καιρούς.

Dream a Little Dream..

I took a stroll through the Psirri district of Athens. Little Kook cafe always has the best decorations. This seasons’ theme is Peter Pan.

“Come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned.” Peter Pan

“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take part in anything, they must just look on forever.” Peter Pan

“Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.” Peter Pan

Final Goodbye/Τελευταιο Αντιο

Students carry a sign that says: ‘Τhese hearts only find comfort in justice’

I went for a stroll downtown today. It’s been a long, long time.

It was a extra chaotic day downtown, with the Acropolis Rally and the funeral service for Mikis Theodorakis still taking place, and the unexpected rainy weather. I didn’t expect any of these events to happen today.

I stumbled upon legendary Greek composers’ Mikis Theodorakis funeral service at the Metropolitan Church of Athens. He passed away on the 2nd of September, and I assumed that his casket would be in Crete by now where he is originally from. There were a lot of people with red roses in their hand waiting in line to enter the church and his other hardcore fans stood singing his songs in front of the church. It was very moving with the somber weather and the birds flying over us right after a lyric alluding to the birds was sung.

Therea are still a lot of tourists and it was very crowded and busy.

A Helpful Hand/Χερι Βοηθειας
Paper collage by Angela Zafiris

I was inspired to make this collage by the act of solidarity toward Greece during last August’s horrific fires. Many volunteer firefighters from Greece and beyond as well as professional firefighters and equipment from: France, Romania, Poland, Cyprus, Ukraine, Israel, Serbia, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and Russia lent a helping hand to Greece.

We are very grateful and thank everyone who helped Greece in the time of need.

In a world that is facing many crises it is a beautiful thing to see people come together; to see the humanity in a time of aggression, anger and division. .