LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Friday, 29 January 2016 07:00
Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Sets Up Studio On Lesvos - Highlights Plights Of Refugees
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has set up a studio on the Greek island of Lesbos to highlight the plight of refugees.
The island has been the main point of entry into the EU for hundreds of thousands of refugees over the past year and the studio would produce several projects with themes related to the refugee crisis from him and his students, Ai told reporters.
“As an artist, I have to relate to humanity’s struggles... I never separate these situations from my art,” he said. The artist is as well-known for his clashes with the Chinese authorities as for his work.
Ai praised the people of Lesbos for having a “very good understanding” of the refugees’ plight,their needs and for being “very helpful and very tolerant”, but emphasised they had limited resources to deal with the issue.
To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
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People
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Thursday, 28 January 2016 07:00
What You Need To Know About Greek Raki (Tsikoudia)
If you’ve ever been to the Greek island of Crete, or if you have ancestors that are from the island, chances are pretty good that you’ve had a spirit called Raki. In other parts of Greece, it’s known as Tsikoudia or Tsipouro. In Italy it’s called Grappa, in Spain it’s referred to as Oruja, and in the country of Georgia it’s called Chacha. To Americans, it’s often considered a form of moonshine, especially when they learn how it’s made.
Though it isn’t readily available in the United States, Greeks are eager to send travelers home with their homemade Raki. They usually put it in clear water bottles so that it can be easily transported. So, what is Raki exactly and why are Cretans so proud of it?
Raki comes from grapes
Simply put, Raki comes from byproducts created from the wine making process. After the grapes are pressed and the juice is stored so that it can begin fermenting, there’s a lot of leftover plant material. Greeks are resourceful people and they don’t let anything go to waste!
The resulting skins, twigs, and mash, which is referred to as pomace, is stored for around six weeks before it’s distilled into Raki. In fact, as long as the plant material is edible, it can eventually be distilled into Raki. Pictured here is an old fashioned distiller that is still used today to make this alcoholic beverage in many parts of Greece.
To read more, please visit: Greek Boston
Raki comes from grapes
Simply put, Raki comes from byproducts created from the wine making process. After the grapes are pressed and the juice is stored so that it can begin fermenting, there’s a lot of leftover plant material. Greeks are resourceful people and they don’t let anything go to waste!
The resulting skins, twigs, and mash, which is referred to as pomace, is stored for around six weeks before it’s distilled into Raki. In fact, as long as the plant material is edible, it can eventually be distilled into Raki. Pictured here is an old fashioned distiller that is still used today to make this alcoholic beverage in many parts of Greece.
To read more, please visit: Greek Boston
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Thursday, 28 January 2016 07:00
Refugees Turn Life Vests Into Handbags On Lesvos
They are a poignant symbol of Europe’s refugee crisis: Mountains of life vests strewn on the beaches of Lesvos, and piled high at dumps on the Greek island that doesn’t know what to do with them.
Now some of those refugees are working on a solution.
A group of volunteers at a refugee shelter on the island has launched a project to make handbags, totes, and messenger bags out of the brightly colored vests, hoping to raise money for charity efforts on the island.
At a tiny makeshift workshop, Afghan tailor Yasin Samadi works with a sewing machine to make a small orange dispatch bag, as children and other curious onlookers wander in and out, drawn by the bursts of noise from the machine.
"If there’s work here, I will stay here," says the 27-year-old from Kabul, who’s been living with his family at the shelter, known as the PIKPA camp, for 18 months. "If not, we'll need to leave."
Lesvos has been at the center of the refugee crisis that escalated dramatically last year. More than 500,000 refugees and other migrants arrived to the island in 2015, nearly half the total number of people who traveled to Europe.
To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
Published in
Greece In The News
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Wednesday, 27 January 2016 09:05
Vote For Athens As The ‘European Best Destination 2016′
For 7 years running, you have been invited to select the best European destination. From Amsterdam to Zadar, select which tourist destinations you'd like to be featured the most in 2016!
After Bordeaux in 2015, we encourage you to select your favourite European destination for 2016. The process is simple. There is no need to register ~ with just one click, your vote is in!
The European Best Destination 2016 is an event organised by the European organisation "European Best Destinations".
VOTE FOR ATHENS HERE!
http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/european-best-destinations-2016/
http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/european-best-destinations-2016/
Birthplace of philosophy, democracy and drama, the city of Athens is not only an open-air museum of world-class cultural heritage attractions but also a contemporary metropolis with an urban personality. Named after the most benevolent Greek Goddess, Athena, the goddess of wisdom and inspiration, Athens has always been at the cultural fore.
With equal measures of grunge and grace, Athens merges the past with the present in the most slender way! A city of paradoxes and great contrasts, in the country that first invented the courtesy and generosity towards people who are far from their home, hospitality (xenia).
An intellectual beacon of the ancient world with spectacular Mediterranean landscapes bathed in the renowned light, Athens is a sophisticated cosmopolitan hub with delicious gastronomic delights, electrifying nightlife, creative vibes and a booming art scene.
From the iconic Acropolis, rising above the city, to charming up and coming neighborhoods and contemporary art galleries, the city of the Classic Marathon and the Olympic Games is a majestically quirky clash of past and present.
One of the world's oldest cities with a recorded history of 3,500 years, the Greek capital is constantly undergoing urban renewals to keep up with the evolution of time. Athens lives up to all the hype!
VOTE FOR ATHENS HERE!
http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/european-best-destinations-2016/
http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/european-best-destinations-2016/
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Local News
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Wednesday, 27 January 2016 07:00
The Many Faces Of Hellenic Culture By Billy Cotsis
The new book by Sydney / London writer Billy Cotsis: The Many Faces Of Hellenic Culture is a collection of tales from the author's own experiences of magical locations from across the globe that even the history books have forgotten. They're 'magical' because what the people of these Helenic communities have achieved seems to defy belief: Hellenic culture surviving against the backdrop of a dwindling Diaspora and the abscence of government assistance; and the Hellenic language enduring despite native speakers being a rarity in many of these regions.
This book covers stories gathered by Billy Cotsis in a range of Hellenic communities located in Albania and Ukraine and almost 'everywhere' in between!
You can find out more about the author through his website here.
Available on Amazon in print and Kindle version.
Available on Amazon in print and Kindle version.
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Books
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Wednesday, 27 January 2016 07:00
Chaplain Of Greater Athens To Be Awarded MBE
The Anglican Church Of Greece is thrilled to announce that Canon Malcom Bradshaw, Chaplain of Greater Athens who has worked tirelessly for the Anglican Church of Greece, has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's New Year's Honours list, published on 31st December 2015.
Malcolm has worked tirelessly to establish close cooperation with other faiths and religions in Greece. In 2009 the 'Church in the Steet' programme was jointly established by the Orthodox Archdiocese of Athens and the Anglican Church in Athens. Since then, some 800 meals are distributed daily to refugees, irregular migrants and impoverished Greeks. The distribution occurs within the courtyard of the offices of the Athens Municipality, Malcolm has also been an inspirational leader in working with the flow of migrants through Greece, providing practical aid and organisation to assist them, he has encouraged a joint response to the needs of refugees by the Churches in partnership with the UNHCR.
During this past year, the Anglican Church in Greece has found itself at the centre of the refugee crisis that has engulfed Greece and the rest of Europe and amongst other things Fr Malcolm has hosted three church delegations from the UK which has led to a major appeal being launched in Britain to raise donations focused on the refugfees' needs.
We send him our heartiest congratulations!
The formal citation reads: Rev Can Malcolm McNeille Bradshaw. Senior chaplain, Anglican church (Greece). For services to interfaith understanding and community charities.
Written by: The Anglican Church Of Greece
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Local News
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Tuesday, 26 January 2016 07:00
Thermal Spa In Evia
When one thinks of a holiday in Greece, immediately sun and Greek islands spring to mind. Did you know that Greece is also popular for its thermal springs? Thermal Tourism was actually the first type of tourism in Greece and has been operating for over 120 years, the Cycladic Island of Kythnos with its thermal springs being popular with the Romans and King Otto.
Travelling to Evia
Thermae Sylla Spa is located on the Greek island of Evia. It’s possible to take a public bus – KTEL – from Terminal B, Lission St, Athens (nearest Metro – Kato Patissia on the Green line). There are three buses a day – four on a Friday and more in the summer. The journey takes about 3 hours total, including a 10 minute stop and 25 minute boat ride from the small port of Arkitsa to Edipsos (where you can actually then collect your luggage and walk along the promenade to your hotel). The price of the bus ticket one way is €15.30 and the ferry ticket is approx. €3.00. KTEL buses also now offer free wi-fi on board.
Therma Sylla Spa - a spa with a hotel
With an outdoor pool - 50% thermal waters and 50% sea water and a year round temperature of 32-34 degrees C, or an indoor pool with 100% thermal water, again with a year round temperature of 34 degrees C, you are guaranteed that this is a perfect place for winter tourism. What better than to swim outside in warm waters whilst the elements rage around you?
To read more, please visit: Life Beyond Borders
Published in
Travel Greece
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Monday, 25 January 2016 07:00
Best Spots For Counting The Stars In Athens
The particular geography of Athens has endowed it with great vantage points from which to admire the city from above, not to mention the distinctive blue tones of Attica's sky and sea. Athenians place the city’s hills and Attica’s sandy beaches at the top of the list for best spots for a first date. Whether or not you're enjoying the scenery with someone else, you are surely going to fall in love with the view from these incredible spots around Athens!
Ardittou Hill
Verdant Ardittou Hill lies in the centre of Athens just above Kallimarmaron Stadium. Of enormous archaeological value due to its position, Ardittou Hill is a favorite spot among Athenians for romantic strolls as well as a great spot for jogging. It probably has the best views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the Columns of Olympian Zeus. A night walk along its cool paths reveals many charming secrets, both ancient and modern. Continuing along these paths brings you to Mets, an area with a growing reputation for fun and entertainment. What better way, in fact, to end your meander down lovers’ lane than with a drink in-hand soaking up the atmosphere with other Athenian fun-seekers!
Verdant Ardittou Hill lies in the centre of Athens just above Kallimarmaron Stadium. Of enormous archaeological value due to its position, Ardittou Hill is a favorite spot among Athenians for romantic strolls as well as a great spot for jogging. It probably has the best views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the Columns of Olympian Zeus. A night walk along its cool paths reveals many charming secrets, both ancient and modern. Continuing along these paths brings you to Mets, an area with a growing reputation for fun and entertainment. What better way, in fact, to end your meander down lovers’ lane than with a drink in-hand soaking up the atmosphere with other Athenian fun-seekers!
Strefi Hill
Climbing up the picturesque steps of Kallidromiou Street in Exarhia, picking your way through the playfully cunning cats who’ve made this place their domain and admiring neoclassical buildings of exceptional beauty, you will find yourself on Strefi Hill. This particular hill is one of the favourite haunts of the Athenian young, and it’s not uncommon for parties to be held there, just below the little stone theatre. The night, as we all know, is made for romance, but if you prefer something less intimate, during the summer months you have the option of “Exostrefis”, one of the best known restaurants in Athens which serves excellent food and wine. The panoramic view of the city from the hill is invigorating, its trees, shrubs and flowers offer a breath of cool fresh air.
Climbing up the picturesque steps of Kallidromiou Street in Exarhia, picking your way through the playfully cunning cats who’ve made this place their domain and admiring neoclassical buildings of exceptional beauty, you will find yourself on Strefi Hill. This particular hill is one of the favourite haunts of the Athenian young, and it’s not uncommon for parties to be held there, just below the little stone theatre. The night, as we all know, is made for romance, but if you prefer something less intimate, during the summer months you have the option of “Exostrefis”, one of the best known restaurants in Athens which serves excellent food and wine. The panoramic view of the city from the hill is invigorating, its trees, shrubs and flowers offer a breath of cool fresh air.
Lycabettus Hill
Perhaps the most iconic hill in Athens, second only to the Acropolis, Lycabettus is the highest point of the Athens basin, standing at 227 metres above the city. Access to this wonderful hill can be on foot but the most popular way is the picturesque cable car. Romanticism without the weariness of the climb and the whole of Athens at your feet! Atop the hill of Lycabettus sits St. George’s chapel in its whitewashed splendor, as if on permanent loan from the Cyclades. Before you decide to visit the hill, check if there is a concert on that day, as the theatre of Lycabettus is one of the most popular open air venues, and its stage has hosted top acts from the international music scene. However, even without musical accompaniment the climb to the top of Lycabettus is well worth it because of the unrivalled view when you get there. Sprawling Athens is at once tiny and vast, its myriad of lights is a starscape to match the heavens.
Perhaps the most iconic hill in Athens, second only to the Acropolis, Lycabettus is the highest point of the Athens basin, standing at 227 metres above the city. Access to this wonderful hill can be on foot but the most popular way is the picturesque cable car. Romanticism without the weariness of the climb and the whole of Athens at your feet! Atop the hill of Lycabettus sits St. George’s chapel in its whitewashed splendor, as if on permanent loan from the Cyclades. Before you decide to visit the hill, check if there is a concert on that day, as the theatre of Lycabettus is one of the most popular open air venues, and its stage has hosted top acts from the international music scene. However, even without musical accompaniment the climb to the top of Lycabettus is well worth it because of the unrivalled view when you get there. Sprawling Athens is at once tiny and vast, its myriad of lights is a starscape to match the heavens.
Philopappou Hill
Named after the monument discovered there, Philopappou Hill is one of the most beautiful spots in Athens. With a strong flavour of ancient Greece, full of olive trees and in full view of the Parthenon, Philopappou Hill seems to encapsulate huge swathes of Greek history, ancient and modern, in a single image. Besides the Parthenon, you can cast your eyes down on the Acropolis Museum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the whole of Apostolou Pavlou Avenue and the Observatory. On a clear day you can see the sea. Especially at night Philopappou Hill is transformed into an Athenian beacon, its monument bathed in a single orange spotlight. After a romantic walk on Philopappou, there are many districts resting in its shade to discover. Theseion, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Petralona. Pick one and have fun until the stars disappear from the sky.
Named after the monument discovered there, Philopappou Hill is one of the most beautiful spots in Athens. With a strong flavour of ancient Greece, full of olive trees and in full view of the Parthenon, Philopappou Hill seems to encapsulate huge swathes of Greek history, ancient and modern, in a single image. Besides the Parthenon, you can cast your eyes down on the Acropolis Museum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the whole of Apostolou Pavlou Avenue and the Observatory. On a clear day you can see the sea. Especially at night Philopappou Hill is transformed into an Athenian beacon, its monument bathed in a single orange spotlight. After a romantic walk on Philopappou, there are many districts resting in its shade to discover. Theseion, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Petralona. Pick one and have fun until the stars disappear from the sky.
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
On the southernmost tip of Greater Athens lies the headland of Sounion, with its iconic Temple of Poseidon, which adorns the clifftop 60 metres above the sea. Sunsets at Sounion are cinematic to say the least and have served many a passionate liaison with a sumptuous mauve and orange backdrop. So if you are in Athens, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sounion at dusk so you too can marvel at the sun’s majestic descent into the Saronikos gulf and – if you are lucky – perhaps a bright full moon rising a little later on. In the summer months don’t miss out on a night dip on one of the nearby beaches. The sea, an ancient floodlit temple and you. A leisurely jaunt down the coast from the city and this paradise can be yours.
On the southernmost tip of Greater Athens lies the headland of Sounion, with its iconic Temple of Poseidon, which adorns the clifftop 60 metres above the sea. Sunsets at Sounion are cinematic to say the least and have served many a passionate liaison with a sumptuous mauve and orange backdrop. So if you are in Athens, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sounion at dusk so you too can marvel at the sun’s majestic descent into the Saronikos gulf and – if you are lucky – perhaps a bright full moon rising a little later on. In the summer months don’t miss out on a night dip on one of the nearby beaches. The sea, an ancient floodlit temple and you. A leisurely jaunt down the coast from the city and this paradise can be yours.
To learn about more great spots around Athens, please visit: Discover Greece
Published in
City Discovery
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Monday, 25 January 2016 07:00
Netflix Available To Greek Subscribers
Greek subscribers will now have access to online services provided by California-based Netflix, the company announced early in January 2016. Greece was among 130 countries Netflix recently added to its global network.
New users can benefit from a month-free trial for series and moviesand a monthy subscription starting at €7.99, the company said. The network produces a number of original series including "House of Cards."
For one monthy price, members around the world will be able to enjoy Netflix original series including Marvel's Daredevil and Mevel's Jessica Jones, Narcos, Sense8, Grace and Frankie and Marco Polo as well as a atalog of licenced TV shows and movies. In 2016, the company plans to release 31 new and returning original series, two dozen original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand-up comedy specials and 30 original kids series - available at the same time to members everywhere.
According to figures released by the company, Netflix had 69.17 million subscribers in October 2015.
To read more, please visit ekathimerini and Netflix
Published in
Local News
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Monday, 25 January 2016 07:00
The Worst Places To Be An Expat
Being an expat can bring all sorts of highs, and challenges. Not least of all because of a change in culture, bringing about culture shock. What about job opportunities? Making new friends? Childcare? Take a look at some of the worse places considered to be an expat.
1) The United States
Being an expat in the U.S, especially if you're coming from Canada, can be a seamless yet difficult transition. With so many things similar - ranging from culture to lifestyle, there are also a lot of aspects of daily life that are difficult to adjust to. One major aspect that ranks the U.S. lower on the list is the health care situation, along with the focus on politics. For Canadians, it's just not different enough to feel like you're moving to a new country.
2) Greece
While Greece offers a beautiful landscape for any relocating Expat, the working life in this country make it a poor choice for career-minded Expats. Currently fighting to recover from a massive economic downturn, Greece has more low-paid jobs than high-paid ones, and poor job security. If you are looking for temporary work however, this may be the country to move to.
3) Ireland
Ireland is again another beautiful background for the Expatl lifestyle, and provides adventure-minded explorers or history buffs with a great locale. However, the economy and low wages do not leave a lot of pocket or spending money in the Expat's pocket. For the Expat family, there are also not a lot of childcare options, and the ones available leave much to be desired.
4) Italy
Who doesn’t love Italians? Unfortunately for Expats, love might not be enough in this beautiful country. Expats typically find their paycheques are lower than they were at home, and that jobs don’t offer as much in the way of a rewarding career. Italy also has higher taxes than many other countries, so that already lower paycheque is being dinged by more taxes.
5) United Kingdom
Surprisingly, the Queen’s country has a low overall quality of life. Across the board, from settling in and making friends, to finding stable employment, much seems to be missing from life in the UK. If you are not part of the royal family (or obsessed with the adorable royal babies) you may want to look elsewhere as an Expat.
4) Italy
Who doesn’t love Italians? Unfortunately for Expats, love might not be enough in this beautiful country. Expats typically find their paycheques are lower than they were at home, and that jobs don’t offer as much in the way of a rewarding career. Italy also has higher taxes than many other countries, so that already lower paycheque is being dinged by more taxes.
5) United Kingdom
Surprisingly, the Queen’s country has a low overall quality of life. Across the board, from settling in and making friends, to finding stable employment, much seems to be missing from life in the UK. If you are not part of the royal family (or obsessed with the adorable royal babies) you may want to look elsewhere as an Expat.
To read more, please visit: The Canadian Expat
Published in
Greece In The News
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