Cities rebuild bigger and better

When travel writer Michael Lamb visited the Greek capital he found derelict and abandoned villas in beautiful, rundown neighbourhoods; scenes where shutters hang off buildings, where masonry is crumbling and gardens are overrun with weeds.

As he reveals in this week’s cover story on pages 38-39, the properties typically belong to families who left when times were tough.

Now, Athens is ‘‘on the radar for creatives, doers and digital nomads who want an alternative vibe’’, and a selection of cool neighbourhoods are offering exceptional experiences.

The city is often thrown into the same basket as Berlin, another wounded bird, which rose to become a bohemian epicentre.

I am in Christchurch this weekend, and while it might be 17,330 kilometres away from Athens, I feel like these destinations also share some similarities.

After the devastation of the earthquakes, the South Island’s largest city has bounced back in an incredible way, attracting young creatives with fresh ideas, and bringing colour and life to the four avenues and surrounding suburbs.

The effortlessly cool port town of Lyttelton is one of the best examples.

It was one of the fastest suburbs to find its feet. Harbour workers and local artists now co-mingle between reinvigorated green spaces, quirky bars and restaurants and boutique shops.

New Zealand’s now blossoming alternative folk-country scene also notably came to life here after the earthquakes. It begs the question: is Athens the new Christchurch? On page 42, Lamb also ponders whether visiting the (other) Garden City can save the planet. Singapore is doubling down on going green, where attractions such as plant-covered accommodation and the world’s largest glass greenhouse are part of an effort to lead the way in sustainable living and tourism.

You can also read about Peter Calder’s journey to a sleepy US town, on page 44, which changed its name for a radio show contest and, on pages 30-31, follow Gyan Yankovich’s electrifying cycling trip from one of France’s most famous wine regions to the famous pink city of Toulouse.