The Balloon Seller

Last morning in Athens, and like most of the tourists we watched the extended changing of the guards ceremony before visiting the flea market. Not much evidence of the antiques mentioned in the guide book, more the cheap hand made jewellery now typical of this kind of tourist market across Europe.

Spotted this sad looking chap sat clutching a bunch of brightly coloured helium ballons to sell to the children, he does not give the impression his heart is really in it, with his sad eyes and half smoked cigarette. You can bet he has not spent his working life selling balloons, perhaps a sad commentary on the current state of the Greek and European economies.