Slawo Urban 03/05/2024 Slawo Urban 03/05/2024

A Day in Athens

My journey through the land of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus has been charming, especially amidst the endless exploration of old and new Athens. This city is an open-air museum where you can feel the philosophical way around each corner.

My visit to Athens wasn't for leisure; it had a purpose—to capture the essence of the Humans Behind AI campaign, an opportunity to connect with brilliant minds in the field.

Beyond the campaign, I seized free moments to discover the city and its people. My first stop was the National Library of Greece, a remarkable institution housing over a million items, 300 million electronic resources, and an impressive collection of ancient Greek manuscripts. It was a place where history lived, and the stories of the past were easy to grab.

I met Chris, a Director of Life Sciences Innovation and Senior Lecturer at Imperial College. His dual passion for technology and Athens was infectious. Over conversations about Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius, Chris recommended visiting his favourite bookshop, Free Thinking Zone, in the Kolonaki district—a sanctuary of activism and intellectual exchange.

The owner, an advocate for human rights, welcomed me into this unique space—a blend of coffee shop, gallery, and co-working hub brimming with cultural vibrancy. Immersed in socially conscious publications and invigorated by their mission, I left with a deeper connection to the power of ideas and positive change.

Empowered by these encounters and leaving with a copy of Marcus Aurelius Meditations, I embarked on a stroll to the Acropolis and through Plaka, a neighbourhood bustling with shops and cafes. Despite winter, the weather was perfect—a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius—enhancing every step amidst ancient Greek architecture.

If you find yourself in Athens, walking as much as I did, do not miss refuelling at Falafellas. Their falafel is more than a sandwich; it's an experience for memory and taste buds.

Oh, I forgot to mention the impressive "routine" Change of the Guard, which takes place every hour 24/7 and involves two incoming and two outgoing sentries supervised by a "Corporal of the Change." It is an impressive spectacle showing humans’ control over body and mind.

After a day filled with literature, intriguing people, profound thoughts, and delicious food against the backdrop of the Acropolis, I returned to my hotel, reflecting on the magic of twenty-four hours in an unknown place—Athens. This city seamlessly weaves history with contemporary life.

Slawo Urban 30/04/2024 Slawo Urban 30/04/2024

Iceland

Let me take you on a journey through Iceland, starting in Reykjavik.

The city, nestled on this island of fire and ice, welcomed me with its serene and laid-back charm. I am excited as it is my second time in Reykjavik, where I have more time to explore before heading inland for my photoshoot.

I am hungry and also on the hunt for a hot chocolate (which is delicious at the Reykjavik Roasters)

It seems everyone is drawn to Braud & Co., the renowned bakery.

I vividly recall my first visit in 2016, where queues wound around the corner for their cinnamon rolls, disappearing within minutes.

This time, I indulged in my pastry without delay – a rite of passage for any connoisseur of bread and pastries passing through.

After a morning exploring the iconic Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa and eating Arctic Char and Atlantic Wolffish, I had the privilege of meeting Anders Vange, a gifted glassblower who fashions art from recycled glass powered by renewable energy.

As we conversed about glass, Iceland, and his grandfather's sailor life on Aeroe Island in Denmark, memories of my visit to that island in 2019 came flooding back. It felt like a shared bond woven from our collective experiences and adventures.

Reykjavik emerges in a laid-back aura, where every moment unfolds effortlessly, further enhanced by the unexpectedly sunny weather.

When immersing yourself in a new location, the initial focus often gravitates towards capturing broader views and landmark attractions.

With time and experience, I find myself drawn towards the intricate details, losing myself in the captivating beauty of each moment.

Such is the magic of creativity—presenting a photograph of a colossal lava rock formation and inviting viewers to weave their own narratives and indulge in their imagination.

Wherever your travels take you and whatever sights you encounter, there's always a captivating detail that can encapsulate the entire story, much like the images captured below: the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall, the Black Sand Beach, and the Gullfoss.

The extent of storytelling through imagery is entirely in your hands – how much you choose to reveal and the level of detail captured to convey your unique narrative.

Slawo Urban 02/12/2023 Slawo Urban 02/12/2023

Tokyo

I still have to pinch myself when I think about my trip to Japan—it feels like my dreams over the last 40 years were projected in front of my eyes. I travel a fair amount yearly and enjoy different cultures, people, and food. Arriving in Tokyo felt like coming home—an instant feeling you have. You know when you know.

My stay was limited to only four days, so I had to make the most of it. I had three days to myself and one day to work. I usually don't read travel books and ignore recommendations because I am curious to explore things. Everyone has different expectations, so recommendations don't work for me.

My first day was great, as I had arrived at one of Tokyo's most unique and traditional hotels. My stay in the Okura Hotel was out of this world. The people, the room, and the service were outstanding, conscious, and tailored to my needs.

Walking and exploring

Whenever I can, I walk to explore any city, so I put on my running shoes and start exploring the city on foot. Starting from Toranamon and the newly developed Toranamon Hills, I went to the classical Shibuya District and Shibuya Crossing.

I enjoyed being there, but I also realised quickly that I prefer to avoid tourist places where you must queue and wait to see something overshared on Instagram.

Anyway, I am not interested in sharing my entire life on Instagram, so I have left quickly to explore Tokyo and indulge each second. On my way to Kitazawa, I stopped at shops to buy little gifts and memories from Tokyo. The Stüssy shop in Shibuya is fantastic if you ever land there.

I am not a camera tech nerd.

You are probably about realising I am not sharing anything about technical photography, camera settings, etc. For me, this is not that important. Since I picked up my first Olympus camera around 2000, I have always photographed with the feeling for light, the moment focusing on light, symmetry, or just gut feeling.

Twenty-four years later, I did the same with all my cameras, such as Canon 5d IV, FujiFilm X100V, and GFX100II. All cameras are different, but in the end, they are all my extended eye, and if I don't see things, the camera will never capture them.

I have finally arrived in Kitazawa, jetlagged and hungry after walking some serious miles. I am now searching for a Ramen Restaurant - overwhelmed by the offers and misleading Google reviews from confused tourists.

On a little side street, there is my point of happiness—Naochan ramen なおちゃんラーメン. Money out, money in the machine slot, and now it's time to wait for this beautiful bowl of nourishment. Ramen is my happy place.

Ramen, Ramen and Matcha

The night and sleep were great after my Ramen and welcome day two, which I started with a traditional Japanese omelette turned with chopsticks. I had a vision today—visiting Kamimeguro, which is known for its stunning cherry blossoms along the Meguro River and the relaxed residential atmosphere of Meguro City, following a visit to Nampeidaicho and Sarugakucho to hang around in some bookstores and galleries. Lurf Museum was pretty cool, and the in-house cafe was as well.

And Sushi

I enjoyed my working day yesterday but didn't have much time to walk around the city, so I am excited again to conquer the mega city on my last full day. I have big plans and also new shoes with more cushioning. My first stop is early to the Tsukiji Fish Market to grab some fresh Nigiri and Sashimi for breakfast.

Wish something

I recommend Fat Tuna Belly Nigiri for Breakfast—the sweet, buttery taste triggered my pallet. After breakfast, I visited Senso-ji nearby to draw random wishes for OMIKUJI and buy some beads for my family.

I love visiting Buddhist temples, leaving a prayer and thinking about my loved ones. I recommend visiting Senso-Ji early in the morning.

More Sushi

Working the day before and walking a lot requires a reasonable calorie intake of Ramen, Matcha, and more Ramen and Sushi. I can’t get enough of the flavours and Umami. For my last day, I treated myself to Omakase, a Japanese dining experience that involves enjoying the chef's culinary skills to create a personalised sushi experience. I can’t describe the flavours and sensations I have experienced during my 2-hour Omakase.

Walk in the park

I finished my day with a sunset walk in Yoyogi Park, Yoyogikamizonocho, and Nishiazabu, eating Japanese snacks and drinking more Matcha.

I continued pinching myself, and I couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to be here in Tokyo. I love the precision, kindness, accuracy, and pride of people doing their craft. I haven’t experienced it here in Europe. Some people say the overengineered precision kills creativity.

I disagree; the attention to detail and precision creates an appreciation for things and people around you.

Thank you, Tokyo.

All images are mine taken on an iPhone, Canon or FujiFilm camera.