A Research Trip to Athens βοΈπ¬π·
One of my favourite things about writing is research I get to do in person, and when I decided to set a winter book in Greece obviously, I had to experience it for myself! Cue a winter trip to Greeceβs capital, Athens, the location for In the Greek Midwinter!
It wasnβt my first visit to Athens β Iβd stayed once before, and I also travel through quite often to get to Corfu β but it was my first visit in winter. Greece is doing great work in encouraging tourists to visit off-season as the country really is a year-round destination and has much more to offer than just its beautiful beaches and summer sun. And I loved it at this time of year!
Apart from the cold β and it was cold as we even had snow β the charm and hospitality were as you would expect and the queues for Athensβ most famous site, the Parthenon were far less than in the summer months. However, this story called for something a little different than the spots most holidaymakers flock to and I was keen to explore not just the places readers might recognise β the Acropolis, Plaka district, Syntagma Square β but also areas that might be new or unknown to them.
My hero, Astro, works at a bar in the Plaka District β cosy nooks warmed by patio heaters, fairy lights strung under canopies, cushions on steps leading up to the Parthenon β but heβs also an artist, spray painting his work on the walls of the city.
I absolutely love street art in all its forms. From the basic tags to elaborate work that could be displayed in a gallery and Athens has some of the best. Highlighted in the novel is the Psyrri district known now for its edgy eclectic vibe. Back in the day this neighbourhood was thought to be unsafe, but it was rejuvenated in the early 2000s and now it is a favourite for young Athenians with the streets full of music, food and fun. Often it is compared to Soho in New York! Right now, it is almost untouched by the kind of mass tourism in other parts of Athens, so it is a great time to visit!
Hopefully, when you read In the Greek Midwinter and get to know Astro and Jen, you will fall in love with all the areas they visit and want to explore more of Athens yourself!
You can pick up your copy of Mandy’s brand new bookΒ In The Greek MidwinterΒ here: https://mybook.to/greekmidwintersocial