Omonia Square, Athens
By John Carr, Times correspondent
Omonia Square is not what it used to be. Older Greeks still remember it from about 1960 to 1990 as the glitzy bustling heart of modern Athens, its neon signs featured in almost every Greek film of the period. But when the Albanian border burst open in 1991 Omonia Square quickly became the abode of young Albanian unemployed men lounging everywhere, too quick to turn to crime.
It was not uncommon to find human excrement on then disused escalators to the Omonia underground station. Now there's a spanking new Metro station, the escalators are working and clean, but the area still is home to pickpockets and druggies - mainly Albanians, Asians and African hookers, especially at night.
Tourists are generally not molested, though it's wise to keep money and valuables well hidden. The square's souvlaki joints are worth a visit - on condition that you don't go around looking like a typical tourist!
By John Carr, Times correspondent
Omonia Square is not what it used to be. Older Greeks still remember it from about 1960 to 1990 as the glitzy bustling heart of modern Athens, its neon signs featured in almost every Greek film of the period. But when the Albanian border burst open in 1991 Omonia Square quickly became the abode of young Albanian unemployed men lounging everywhere, too quick to turn to crime.
It was not uncommon to find human excrement on then disused escalators to the Omonia underground station. Now there's a spanking new Metro station, the escalators are working and clean, but the area still is home to pickpockets and druggies - mainly Albanians, Asians and African hookers, especially at night.
Tourists are generally not molested, though it's wise to keep money and valuables well hidden. The square's souvlaki joints are worth a visit - on condition that you don't go around looking like a typical tourist!
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