All things will pass: Greece will recover

He points to the fact that Greeks younger than 45 speak fluent English and an array of other languages and possess high-level skills.

"Look at the Acropolis. We look back and say 'We were once great' and we ask 'What happened?' But that's wrong. People forget that after Pericles' reign, after the Golden Age, Athens collapsed, but it rebuilt itself again and again."

While tourism income has fallen by 20 per cent this year, he believes it is because Americans and Europeans do not have the money to spend anymore, due to the global nature of the crisis.

The increasing numbers of Chinese and Indian tourists may be a sign of the future of tourism to Greece.

James is aiming to go to China and India next year. "We need to remember that we were the crossroads between the East and West," he says. "Let's not just focus on Italy and France."

Fotini, an architect, who has been living in France for more than 20 years, compares Greece and France. "France is not owning up to its financial crisis. It maybe better than Greece, but not by much," says Fotini.

"When Greece revealed the real state of affairs, Sarkozy did all he could to hide the reality of our unemployment and deficit. Why do you think there is a focus on the burka and Muslims?" she asks.

During the day, 500 metres from the Square, is the remarkable Monastiraki flea market with its labyrinth of alleys and excellent shopping. At its border is Psiri with is great kebab and souvlaki grills. Athens sparkles under the bright sun.

I sip on a cold takeaway frappe while my eight-year-old son negotiates the price of a trinket featuring the head of Alexander the Great. Across from where I sit is the new Museum of Islamic Art.

I detect a slight accent from the shopkeeper.

"I am from Algeria," he says.

When I ask if he is looking to leave, he says, "Are you crazy? Why would I want to live anywhere else? I love the Greeks. I love Greece. This will all pass."

I agree.

As I watch my son walk away with his trinket, reduced from seven euros down to two, I reflect on the ability of Greece to endure and survive challenges.