Signs of crisis
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In the city centre as well as in outer districts, shops are closing down. swissinfo.ch -
Sales have been brought forward. It's hoped price cuts will encourage shoppers to spend. swissinfo.ch -
Kiosks are something of a Greek tradition. This kiosk can keep going, but many others have had to close. swissinfo.ch -
Waiting for business at the central vegetable market in Athens. swissinfo.ch -
The debt crisis and the catastrophic economic situation dominate the headlines. swissinfo.ch -
Every Sunday at 11 there is a large military parade with music. swissinfo.ch -
Hardly any houses have not been graffitied. This one near the university has been daubed with the slogan "anarchy=freedom". swissinfo.ch -
"New world" declares the yellow sign, echoing what many Greeks would like. swissinfo.ch -
Opera singer Maria Callas (1923-1977), still an icon. swissinfo.ch -
Roma women and men sell all sorts of things on the streets of Athens. They are often in groups or seen begging on the pavements. swissinfo.ch -
The traditiional Athens flea market on Sundays is popular, especially when the weather is good. swissinfo.ch -
"Closing down"! Another business that hasn't survived the hard times. swissinfo.ch -
Taxi drivers too have known better times. swissinfo.ch -
But a return to the drachma seems not to be the solution. swissinfo.ch -
An entire block of flats is available for rent. swissinfo.ch -
At the moment it is peaceful. But riots keep erupting in Athens. swissinfo.ch -
"It will pass," people say. Hope dies last, among the Greeks too. swissinfo.ch -
Looking for things that can be reused - before the refuse collectors take them away. swissinfo.ch -
Time to emigrate. Many Greeks, young people in particular, want to try their luck abroad. swissinfo.ch -
Waiting for better times. swissinfo.ch
Greece has hit rock bottom and everyone is having to economise. Images from Athens.
This content was published on December 12, 2011
Many shops have closed and people are worried about the future. Another big problem is illegal immigration. But somehow life goes on. (Text and images: Gaby Ochsenbein)
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