Reminiscing

I’m back in Canada. Home from Athens a week ago, I sit here in quarantine (Day 8) and reminisce. Every time it gets harder and harder to leave. I made the best of the lockdown and even walked down to my favourite graffiti spot the day after Christmas. It was unbelievable to see how much has changed since I last visited in the spring of 2019. WD’s piece Hope Dies Last continues to disappear and even though I know street art is ephemeral I’m still sad to see it go. I realized that I definitely did not miss Ermou street - no matter the time of year, lockdown or not, there’s just something about it that I don’t like. But just past Monastiraki Square is Psyrri, where I can spend hours just strolling and exploring. Sarri, a well known spot in Psyrri for graffiti artists, is an ever changing alleyway full of pieces. I took my time to look over every wall, carefully noticing all of the quirks and changes. 

The colours and the chaos comfort me. This time in particular, there was an overwhelming feeling of quiet calmness as I walked through the streets of Psyrri. Although I wish I could have seen more, I am very grateful for what I was able to accomplish and enjoy during my time in locked down Athens. It’s certainly a trip I will never forget. 

I can’t wait to see how much changes by the next time I’m in my city, to see what art has popped up. I also left my own mark somewhere but I won’t advertise that. Now it’s time to spend these next few months researching, and gathering my knowledge for my next adventure. Maybe I’ll even explore the streets of Toronto to see what’s new...