XpatAthens

Wednesday, 27 May 2020 07:00

So Close Yet So Far Away

Although the measures for COVID-19 have eased, we are still very cautious. We avoid social contact and do not visit friends yet. That's because we adults can keep the necessary, safe distance, but children cannot. Last week we planned a "date" with one of my daughter's friends and her mom in the park. We would all walk together, two moms and two kids, keeping a safe distance between us.

We discussed with the children in advance and set the rules upfront about what is and what's not allowed. Of course, we had to remind them several times: "Don't get too close, come closer to me, don't touch this." It was going well until the children decided they wanted to hug, but that was out of the question. My daughter started to cry long and loud! That's certainly not what I would call a relaxing walk.

The same thing happened when she met her grandmother; she wanted to run into her arms. And I, the "bad" mom apparently, did not let her. My daughter could not understand why since we've been in the house for so long without meeting anyone and since the measures have started being less strict. "I'm heartbroken that I can't hug my grandmother," she told me and burst into tears. In our family, we have people belonging to the high-risk group, so we are more than careful.

Several worrying thoughts came to my mind: "Have we perhaps become hypochondriacs?" "Is it possible we are more afraid than we allow ourselves to feel?" "And how much has all this fear affected us?" I took my daughter in my arms and let her cry as much as she wanted. I wasn't talking to her; I was simply holding her in my arms. When she stopped, she wiped her tears and said: "I know, mom, that this coronavirus won't let us do what we want. Fortunately, I can at least see my grandmother even if it's from a distance."

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Published in Parenting

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Wednesday, 13 January 2021 14:18

NASA Confirms That The Myth Of Odysseus Is Real

A recent study attempting to date the Homeric Epics compared the natural phenomena described in the epics with astronomical phenomena and has verified the historical accuracy of the narrative.

"We believe that the myth revolves around real events," says Panagiota Preka-Papadima, a Professor of astrophysics at the University of Athens.

She and a team of scientists have published articles in various international scientific journals and concluded that some of the events described in the Epics are real, while the natural phenomena mentioned, correspond to the time of their narration.

"Odysseus arrived in Ithaca on October 25, 1207 B.C.," they wrote. "Five days later there was a 75% solar eclipse covering the Ionian Sea and then the murder of the suitors happened," they continue.

NASA maps describing natural phenomena from 4500 B.C. to 10,000 A.D. have verified the October 25, 1207 B.C. eclipse.

Furthermore, another eclipse, which took place on October 30, 1207, from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, is believed to be reflected in the Odyssey. In Rhapsody Y, just before the murder, Homer describes Theoklymenos saying to the suitors:"... and the sun was gone from the sky, and a heavy darkness spread everywhere!".

"This is a description of the eclipse that covered 3/4 of the sun's disk," says Mrs. Papadima. "The date of the eclipse, October 30, 1207 B.C., is in complete agreement with the Homeric descriptions of the weather, autumnal country life, and the noontime of the murder of the suitors," continues Ms. Papadima.

Researchers have concluded that there is a historical core to the myth of Odysseus and this is a compelling revelation for science and Greek culture alike!

To read this article in full, please visit: greecehighdefinition.com

Published in Greece In The News

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Monday, 11 April 2022 07:00

Hilarious Ancient Greek Beliefs & Traditions

Greeks are known to be philosophers and innovators. However, there is another side to the Greeks: the side where traditional beliefs, many of which are rooted in ancient times, overtake all sense of reason.

Here are some of the funniest and weirdest Ancient Greek beliefs and traditions!

1. Sneezing Prevents You From Getting Pregnant

This isn’t just some old wives’ tale, you see. Soranus, an ancient Greek physician, actually believed that women sneezing would act as a form of contraception, thus preventing pregnancy. After making love, he instructed women to squat, sneeze, and rinse.

2. Magical Sweat Was A Cure-All

Ancient Greeks admired their athletes and saw them as celebrities of a sort. Not only were they revered, but they were also thought to have magical sweat. How it worked: The athletes all performed naked and were rubbed with olive oil, and the sweat which they expelled during competitions was considered to have magical healing powers.

Slaves would scrape the sweaty skin of athletes after competitions. This sweat/oil mixture was called “gloios.” The gloios was in turn bottled and sold as an all-healing ointment for aches and pains.

3. There Is Evil In The Air

There is one ancient Greek superstition that is even now completely interwoven into the society of modern Greece. Generations upon generations have passed down the belief of the evil eye, or “mati.” There is evidence of the evil eye having an influence on the traditions of Greek society as far back as the 6th century BC when it commonly appeared on drinking vessels.

It is believed that someone can cast the evil eye onto another person out of envy (either good or bad) and jealousy. You are said to be hexed with the evil eye if you are dizzy or if you have a headache and yawn a lot. The good news is that you can have the “spell” broken by someone who knows how to perform a special ritual involving oil, water, and prayers.

4. The Island Of Mykonos Is A Breeding Ground For Vampires

Before the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century, there were creatures endemic in Greek folklore who were considered to be dangerous. These “walking dead” creatures were called vrykolakes.

As the legend goes, vrykolakes would leave their graves at night and knock on the doors of their presumptive victims, saying their names aloud. If there was no answer after the first knock, no harm came to the innocent.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Published in Greek Philosophy & History

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Wednesday, 14 September 2022 13:43

The Kypseli Neighborhood: A Queen Of Reinvention

This central Athens neighborhood’s fortunes have risen and fallen over the decades. Today, Kypseli is enjoying a thrilling period of new openings, new events, new people, and new energy, making it – once again – the trendiest and most exciting neighborhood in Athens.

Kypseli means “beehive” in Greek and that’s a great metaphor for this area that always throngs with activity. It’s one of the most densely populated urban areas in Europe – and you can feel it. The old apartment blocks stand close together and certain streets can provoke a sense of claustrophobia that sometimes detracts from the spectacular, historic architecture that abounds. The upside is that, while they might be a little cramped for space, the worker bees of Kypseli are constantly working hard on creative projects, chic eateries, and cool galleries, which all come together to form a vibrant honeycomb of cultural life.

Kypseli is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, but it only started to take on its present form in 1937 when architect Vasilios Tsagris began transforming a stream called Levidi into a long stretch of gardens with trees, water fountains, play areas and statues, including a much-loved dog statue which appeared in 1940. The now-pedestrianized Fokionos Negri Street became Kypseli’s central thoroughfare, as a middle-class to upper-middle-class neighborhood grew around it between the 1930s and the 1970s, leaving a treasure trove of architectural gems, from art deco to Bauhaus and mid-century modernist.

It’s still possible to relive the glory days of Kypseli’s golden era, a time when international stars like Frank Sinatra would hang out on Fokionos Negri whenever they visited Athens. Catch a movie at Stella, a retro open-air cinema whose bright neon-pink lighting is a throwback to the neighborhood’s glamorous, showbiz past. English-language films are screened without dubbing and the screen is surrounded by a mosaic of concrete balconies. After the film, head for a stiff cocktail at Au Revoir, a classic-with-a-Greek-twist drinking hole, run by the Papatheodorou family since 1958.

Diversity Dominates

Kypseli continues to attract people from around the world, with foreign-run shops and businesses abounding across the neighborhood and its multiculturalism extending to its food options as well. Kypseli manages to hold all of its old and new residents together in peaceful coexistence: traditional Greek kafeneios, tavernas, and bars sit comfortably alongside authentic food and social spaces from around the world, while creative spirits are constantly adding splashes of cool to the mix. Taken together, Kypseli is more than just a hive of activity; it’s a kaleidoscopic neighborhood of culture, cuisine, and creativity.

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com

Main image: Dimitris Vlaikos

Published in City Discovery

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025 22:44

Understanding Tax In Greece | Double Taxation

Navigating Greek tax laws can be complex, particularly for expats and foreign businesses operating in the country. Local business consultants play a vital role in simplifying these processes and ensuring compliance with Greek regulations. With deep expertise in Greek tax legislation, local tax experts can assist individuals and businesses to determine whether they qualify as Greek tax residents or foreign tax residents, while offering tailored guidance to meet their unique needs.

Given the extensive Greek international community — spanning Australia, America, the UK, and beyond — local tax experts frequently support expats and international businesses in understanding their tax obligations, including:

Income Tax
Capital Gains Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Social Security Tax
Wealth Tax
Inheritance Tax
General Tax Advice and Structure
Double Taxation Agreements with countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Israel
Establishing Tax Residency
Tax Compliance for companies and individuals
Shipping and Vessel Taxation
Greek Tax Incentives for Foreigners

Determining Greek Tax Residency

The specialized team will be well-versed in helping clients clarify their residency status under Greek tax legislation. Generally, you are considered a Greek tax resident if:

Your permanent home is in Greece.
You have resided in Greece for more than 183 days within a twelve-month fiscal year, even if not consecutively.

For individuals considered tax residents in both Greece and another country, the situation becomes complex, requiring careful consideration of the double taxation treaties Greece has established with 56 other nations.

Greek Tax Year & Filing Deadlines

The Greek tax year aligns with the Gregorian calendar year, running from January 1st to December 31st. Tax returns for Greek tax residents must typically be filed by April 30 of the following year. For business income, tax must be paid in full based on the earnings declared, often in three installments.

Types of Taxes in Greece

Local tax professionals can guide you through the various tax types in Greece, including:

Income Tax: Employers deduct the appropriate tax amounts from salaries each month for employees and businesses.
Capital Tax: Gains from interest, royalties, lottery winnings, inheritance, or property transfers are taxed at rates ranging from 10% to 20%.
Value Added Tax (VAT): Standard VAT is set at 24%, with some services qualifying for reduced rates.
Social Security Tax: Employers contribute 25.06%, while employees contribute 16% of salaries.

Why Choose A Local Tax Expert In Greece

For expats, foreign businesses, and even locals, working with a local Greek tax expert, like our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting, ensures all tax obligations are handled efficiently. Their team specializes in tax planning, compliance, and leveraging Greek tax incentives to help you optimize your financial strategy.

For more tips and insights on managing your business and taxation in Greece, visit this article. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to us with your questions - we’re here to offer you the guidance you need!

This content has been created in collaboration with our partner Tsaks Consulting.

Published in Accounting & Taxes

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Wednesday, 08 January 2025 11:48

Elias Chimney Cleaning & Repair Services

With over 20 years of trusted experience in chimney cleaning and repair, Elias offers clean, top-quality work at very approachable pricing for both homes and apartments. Service is available 7 days a week anywhere within Attica!

To book your appointment call Elias at 697 6825484 or email: ilias-vergos@hotmail.com.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. It is very dangerous to use a fireplace (and its chimney) if it's not routinely cleaned.

2. Freshly cut and damp wood produce more smoke than dry wood.

3. A chimney windbreak hat is necessary for better ignition and in order to avoid over-smoking.

4. Chimneys should be cleaned every 2 tons of wood burned.

5. Cleaning your chimney reduces the harmful substances contained in smoke and released into the atmosphere.

6. A proper chimney cleaning reduces the risk of fire and any other subsequent damage to your home.

Published in Featured Greek Businesses

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:32

Beaches In Kos

Endless coasts with turquoise waters, vegetation, affluent water springs, ancient and medieval monuments, as well as impressive Italian buildings are just a few of the wonders Kos island has to offer. The third largest island of the Dodecanese complex, it is located just 6.5 kilometers away from the Turkish coasts. The name “Kos” is probably derived from the daughter of the mythical King Meropas, called Koos.

Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the ‘father’ of medicine (460-377 B.C) and was already inhabited during the Neolithic Period (5th - 4th century BC). The island was officially united with Greece in 1948.

Kos island extends over a surface of 290 km2; its coastline is 112 km and has 31,000 inhabitants. It can be reached by ferry from Piraeus Port or by airplane from the Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos.

Kos island has several sandy coasts. The beaches in the north side of the island are more affected by winds. Most of the coasts underwent touristic development and have easy access and various services. Some of the most visited beaches are: Nomikou-Barbagianni sandy beach extending from the city of Kos to the surrounding areas. It is an organized beach with umbrellas and deck-chairs, water sports, restaurants and bars. Zourouni sandy beach is an organized beach with umbrellas and deck-chairs, water sports, bars and loud music. Nautical Club beach with fine sand is awarded with the European Union blue flag. Milos beach with fine sand, has also been awarded with the European Union blue flag. There is a coastal bar with loud music and frequent concerts.

Lambi beach has small rocks followed afterwards by fine sand. It is a beach that usually has waves.

Karnagio beach is located in a quiet area, with fine sand and shallow waters.

Psalidi beach, with rocks, that makes it ideal for spear fishing. There are restaurants and taverns here.

Aghios Fokas beach is located in a quiet area with black sand and steep depth.

“Esperides” beach with thick sand and peddles located in a quiet area.

Thermes beach with abrupt depth surrounded by steep rocks. There you can find warm thermal spas.

To read more, please visit visitgreece.gr

Published in Travel Greece

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Friday, 20 February 2015 15:36

Greek Food: Herbs and Spices

This is one of the easiest pages to write because Greek cooking is very simple and does not rely on a large variety of herbs and spices but the combination of a few. Very few. People who are nervous about going to Greece because they have a fear of spicy foods can take solace. Greeks don't eat spicy foods and they don't season heavily.

The focus of Greek cooking is on the vegetables, breads and meats and the philosophy seems to be bringing out the natural flavor of these things rather than hide it or disguise it with spices.

So lets begin with the basics, and the most basic is alati (salt). Greek cooking relies heavily on salt to bring out the flavor of meat, fish and vegetables and most of the salt used is from the sea. There are many places in Greece where salt is harvested on flat plains by the sea and Greek sea-salt is of a high quality. Next is piperi (pepper) which like salt is found on every table and is usually the normal black pepper that you eat at home. Some chefs, notably Aglaia Kremezi, use Aleppo Pepper which adds an interesting flavor to the food but if this was common in any period of Greek history it is not now unless you are lucky enough to be invited to her house for lunch.

Herbs
Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. This is the most widely used herb. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly, in fact I can think of only two recipes. One is a vinegar sauce for fish that my mother used to make and the other is with lamb and roast potatoes though this may be more common among the Greeks I know than those of the general population. Thymari (thyme) is used in some meat dishes and for flavoring some olives as well as some of the best Greek honey. Faskomilo (sage) can be smelled all over the mountains and is used in a tea. Diosmos (mint) is used to flavor keftedes (meatballs) and in some pies and salads. Vassilikos (basil) which is one of my favorite herbs is actually not eaten in Greece though you will see it grown ornamentally or for good luck in gardens, apartments, rooftops, restaurants and even on boats. Anitho (dill) is used in pitas (pies), salads and dolmadas. Maidanos (parsley) is used as a garnish as well as in some meat and vegetable dishes. Dafnofila (bay leaves) are used in some soups and stews. Selino is actually wild celery and is used in some stews, particularly the hirino me selino which is served in the winter.

Spices
Garifalo (cloves) are an important ingredient in stifado and is also used in breads and sweets. Kumino (cumin) is used in soutzoukakia, the spicey meatballs served in tomato sauce. Sousami (sesame seeds) are used on breads and in halva and with honey to make a sweet called pasteli. Kanela (cinnamon) is used in many sauces and desserts and is sprinkled on apples for a dessert after a big meal.

In the Athens central market there are venders selling herbs and spices on the street and there are several shops that specialize in them, the best known being Elixer on Evripidou Street right near the corner of Athinas Street.

By Matt Barrett

greecefoods.com

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Friday, 06 March 2015 12:52

Greek FinMin Varoufakis’ Interview In Charlie Hebdo

The latest issue of French magazine Charlie Hebdo hosts an interview with Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis. The issue was released on Wednesday, February 25, and, according to new editor Gerard Biard, pays tribute to extremism, in the shadow of the murderous attacks in Copenhagen on February 14 and 15.

The magazine cover features a sketch of Marine Le Pen, Nicolas Sarkozy, the Pope and a jihadist with a Kalashnikov chasing a dog that has a Charlie Hebdo issue in its mouth.

In his interview, Varoufakis said that racists and nationalists will be the only ones to benefit if European leaders shoot down Greece’s new anti-austerity government. “This is what I tell my counterparts: if you think it is in your interest to shoot down progressive governments like ours, just a few days after our election, then you should fear the worst,” he said.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By Ioanna Zikakou

Published in Greece In The News

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Monday, 11 May 2015 11:30

British Airways Flies Direct From London To Six Greek Islands This Summer

British Airways announced its Greece summer 2015 schedule which will link London to six Greek islands, two of which are new destinations for the airline.

In addition to flights to Kos, Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini, this summer British Airways will fly direct to Heraklio and Corfu. The last time British Airways flew to Heraklio was some 30 years ago.

“This demonstrates the distint support of the airline to Greek tourism and gives even more passengers the possibility to visit these destinations”, British Airways said in an announcement.

“British Airways continues to invest in the Greek market, expand its route network and proceed with actions that will boost tourism, local communities and their economies”, said Freddie Stier, the commercial manager of British Airways in Greece.

For more information about the proposed schedule, please visit Greek Travel Pages.

Published in Greece In The News

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So Close Yet So Far Away

NASA Confirms That The Myth Of Odysseus Is Real

Hilarious Ancient Greek Beliefs & Traditions

The Kypseli Neighborhood: A Queen Of Reinvention

Understanding Tax In Greece | Double Taxation

Elias Chimney Cleaning & Repair Services

Beaches In Kos

Greek Food: Herbs and Spices

Greek FinMin Varoufakis’ Interview In Charlie Hebdo

British Airways Flies Direct From London To Six Greek Islands This Summer

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