Athens Lockdown 2020

This book is a collection of photos I took during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 when I was somewhat stuck in Attica in Greece. For the first lockdown from March to May 2020 I was staying in the small coastal town of Nea Makri just outside of Athens, on the other side of the Penteli hills to the north of the city. I had become acquainted with the costal paths of Nea Makri and Marathon before the lockdown and as it was enforced spent more time in the hills of Dimosio Dasos Rapentosas. In the winter the winds on the coastline of Nea Makri and Marathon were fresh and chilled with the backdrop of the snow-covered hills of hills that separated the towns from Athens it was a refreshing change from what I was used to in Miami. When the lockdowns came, I was lucky enough to have the empty beaches to myself. The hills and valleys of Dimosio Dasos Rapentosas gave me plenty to explore and while the vast majority of people throughout Europe were confined to their homes. I spent my days wandering hills and cooling off under the waterfalls, in the crystal-clear pools and streams that are hidden in the valleys. Dimosio Dasos Rapentosas and the small Orthodox Chaples in the area hold a strong energy that was enhanced by the numerous thunderstorms. A very clean, strong, and positive energy. In mid-June 2020 I moved into Athens where I spent 10 weeks writing a book "Reglas Mexicanas" which I should have written 18 months earlier and was completed with the help of too much local wine and ouzo. As I was recovering from this and getting back into the business mindset lockdown two appeared on the horizon. I waited in Athens until early January before I left as I was unable to do business during the strict lockdown. But I was able to wander the empty city... It was strange to see such a vibrant city empty. And also, to see the people who were normally warm and friendly change to cool and doubtful. Athens is a city I am very comfortable in for some reason and maybe wandering it's ancient empty and peaceful streets helped me to feel the real city beneath the usual traffic and urban bustle. Many of those I know say they envy my adventures and travels which I understand, I also know I am very lucky to experience what I do. All I can say, especially these days, is that I wish the places and people I was fond of were closer together as I know there are some sadly, I will never see in person again. This book is not about politics its about a place Athens, Attica in Greece. I hope you have the imagination the feel the atmosphere and smell the environments in which these photos were taken. If you get the chance, please, go and wander around Attica!Orlando W.