Giannis sells dry nuts in downtown Athens, pretty close to the new Acropolis Museum. He is almost 60 years old, yet he has a mindset and an attitude toward life of a young man. Despite the difficulties he has faced - and is still facing- in life, he remains optimistic and refuses to give up.
''These days are pretty tough and everybody's struggling, myself included. But what can be done? You have to keep fighting. This is not my main job. i do it though every now and then to save up some money for my daily needs. I'm a cook, but at my age it is extremely hard to find a stable job. You see the employers, they do recognise that I am experienced and skilled ; however they don't like my age, that's the truth.''
He has been in almost all continents, as he used to be a seaman a couple years ago. His favourite part of the earth, apart from Greece, is South America. ''South America is wonderful. Countries like Chile, Argentina and Uruguay look a lot like Greece. And the people there are very open and friendly, just like us Greeks.''
Giannis treats all customers with courtesy and respect, and he always lets them try his products before buying. He even tries to speak their language - his english is pretty good and he also speaks some spanish and french. "I'm just moiling everyday, like everybody nowadays in this country, to live decently.''
If you ever happen to see Giannis while in downtown Athens, make sure to say hello and try his goods!