XpatAthens
Thursday, 14 January 2016 11:49
One Of Our Favourite Athens Neighbourhoods Ranks #5 In The World
With wishes of kali xronia, kalo mina, kali evdomada and xronia polla, one might be forgiven for being confused about how exactly to greet people at the start of the year…! But as the Christmas spirit slowly dwindles, and the ‘Winter Sales’ spirit quickly takes over, one’s mind may start to think about all things shiny and new…
Athens seems to be somehow still ‘buzzing’ – it seems to me that there are plenty of tourists around, judging by the number of people wearing tshirts and shorts. Official sources are estimating tourist numbers around 26million visitors for 2015 – this is simply great! Athens is ‘on the map’ more than ever. Even with our well-known challenges and difficulties, people are still coming. Probably in search of a deal - but they came nonetheless... ;)
And now, AirBNB has named one of our favourite Athens neighbourhoods in their Top 10 must-visit up-and-coming global neighbourhoods. KOUKAKI has has taken the #5 spot on this list – sharing the spotlight with neighbourhoods in Japan, Germany, Thailand and France, among others. Here’s what the Daily Mail had to say:
"Adjacent to The Acropolis, Koukaki sits at the bottom of the Lofos Filopappou and, like all great neighborhoods in Greece, is home to many ancient treasures.
In recent years two pedestrian-only streets have cropped up in the neighborhood, Drakou and Olymbou streets, making it a fantastic destination for a wander.
After it became a pedestrian playground, the street morphed to have a cafe-like feel with all of the restaurants and bars placing tables and chairs outside. Grab a coffee, a book, and a seat and watch the parade of people go by.
While you can pop down almost anywhere to grab a drink, O Mpampas has a wide selection of beers, and Vinni Biraria has 66 beers on their menu. For 'creative' Greek cuisine, Edodi is a foodie haven. Ambrosia is popular for traditional Greek fare while Skoumbri specializes in seafood."
Koukaki is also home to Mani Mani, a restaurant inspired by the southern Peloponnese's Mani region, and consistently some of the yummiest food on the block. Fodor’s says that Mani Mani “strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and heartiness. Located in a converted neoclassic residence, the decor has the relaxed precision of an upscale home-decor catalog (a gauzy drape or rag rug here, a beautiful glass vase there), but the food and extensive regional wine list quickly take center stage.” I couldn’t agree more.
And Koukaki is also home to Hitchcocktales, a cool, hidden gem of a bar. This is a beautifully designed space that combines industrial with vintage and modern touches. The menu is international, the music is swing, jazz and lounge, the cocktails are great, and the vibe is happy.
Koukaki is a great place to welcome 2016 and think about all the wonderful ‘what ifs’ of 2016.
Kali xronia!
Until next week,
Jack
Mani Mani
Falirou 10, Athens
+30 210 921 8180
Hitchcocktales
Porinou 10, Athens
+30 210 921 0023
Published in
My Week In Athens
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Thursday, 16 March 2017 07:00
The 14 Best Greek Islands For Families
Here are the best Greek islands for families. They’re known for their sandy beaches, water sports, untouched island life, and lots of history and culture.
Rhodes, Dodecanese
Best for: fly and flop
If you’re after a bit of R&R, Rhodes’s east coast has a 30-mile stretch of well-maintained golden-sand beaches with warm, shallow water down its eastern coast.
Corfu, Ionian islands
Best for: budget
Make like the Durrells and head to Corfu for a spot of swimming and sunbathing on one of its varied beaches: sandy Glyfada, on the wild west coast; nearby Paleokastritsa, with its sheltered pebble coves; or Sidari on the north coast, with its peculiar rock formations and warm shallow sea.
Zakynthos, Ioninan islands
Best for: sociable teens
If you want to avoid the crowds of an all-inclusive, but have teens who need to mingle, head to the Peligoni Beach Club on Zakynthos. The island’s dramatic coastline will thrill your family by day – Navagio (Shipwreck beach), a blissful cove backed by plummeting limestone cliffs, is unmissable – and Peligoni Club offers families with teenagers round-the- clock activities – and options for socialising in the evenings.
Mykonos, Cyclades
Best for: honeymoon with the kids
Mykonos is famous for its flamboyant nightlife, but the island also makes for a wonderful family destination if you stay in one of the quieter resorts, such as Agios Ioannis, with its lovely sandy beach beach, immortalised in the film Shirley Valentine (1989). Days spent by the sea will ensure that young children are ready for bed come sunset, after which you can head into Mykonos Town for dinner, then round off with either drinks overlooking the harbour in Little Venice.
To read this article in full, please visit: The Telegraph
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Kids Life
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Wednesday, 10 January 2018 19:03
January 9th - Travel Greece In 2018!
10 wonderful places in Greece to visit this winter, a great initiative launched by Discover Greece that aims to present Greece to the world and Athens seen from another perspective!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 04 December 2018 01:33
A Festival Of Light Comes To Life At SNFCC
This holiday season, the Stavros Niarchos Park is flooded with light and sound, through a series of interactive installations that create an enchanting winter wonderland. Three of these installations have been specifically designed for the SNFCC and the project has been curated by Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF).
The Christmas World at the SNFCC came alive on Saturday, December 1. About 15,000 spectators, of all ages, had the opportunity to witness the magical celebration that brought the spectacular Christmas setting to life. The interactive luminous installations, the ice rink, and the numerous brightly lit Christmas trees will certainly impress visitors thought-out the holiday season!
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Local News
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Tuesday, 28 May 2019 07:00
How To Become A Trireme Rower For A Day
Following the hugely successful sojourn of trireme Olympias at the Zea marina earlier this month, the Hellenic Navy is organizing a series of activities that will bring the general public closer to this impressive replica of an ancient trireme.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Hellenic Navy is planning a rowing trip that will allow people to discover what it was like to be a rower on this famous ship and sail in the waters of the Saronic Gulf on a 2-hour journey through time.
The navy will also be hosting a series of interactive tours of the trireme, where people of all ages can visit the vessel and learn all about its history. Furthermore, visitors will be able to sit in a rower's seat and row in a static mode.
Reservations for both activities can be made by phone on 6940471218 until Friday, July 19 (except Monday, June 17) and from Monday, September 2 to Wednesday, September 11 from 09:00 to 13:00. Rowers will additionally need to register online. Tickets cost 3 euros, with no discounts.
Summer 2019 Activities Schedule
The rowing trips will take place from 10:00 to 12:00 on the following Sundays: June 23, June 30, July 14, July 21, and September 8.
The interactive tours will take place from 17:00-19:00 on the following Wednesdays: June 19, June 26, July 3, July 17, September 4, and September 11.
For further information, please visit: Averof Floating Naval Museum
Photo: Averof Floating Naval Museum
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Local News
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Monday, 18 November 2019 01:17
Stefanos Tsitsipas Makes History!
Stefanos Tsitsipas won the biggest title of his career and was crowned champion at the Nitto ATP Finals in London, yesterday! The sixth-seeded Greek tennis player defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria over two hours and 35 minutes in the championship match at The O2 in London.
At 21 years and 3 months, Stefanos Tsitsipas is the youngest Nitto ATP Finals champion since Lleyton Hewitt (20) in 2001 in Sydney.
"[The crowd support] is just phenomenal, having such an army behind me while I am on the court. They give me so much energy. They give me belief that I can achieve the things I want to achieve on the court. They motivate me. They just give me so much energy in general and I just love that. I would like to thank every single one [of the fans] who came here to support me today with the Greek flags. They made it feel like home” said Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas has earned $2,656,000 in prize money and 1,300 ATP Rankings points in five matches this week and is the first tennis player since David Nalbandian in 2005 to recover from losing the first set and claim the title.
To read this article in full, please visit: ATP
Image Credit: @Stefanos Tsitsipas
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Greece In The News
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Wednesday, 18 March 2020 21:37
New Tourism Campaign Urges Travelers To Stay Safe And Plan Ahead
A new campaign by Marketing Greece urges international travelers to '#StaySafe' during the coronavirus pandemic—while continuing to dream and plan a future escape to Greece.
With its main motto 'Till Then, #StaySafe,' the campaign aims is to share the message with aspiring travelers worldwide that better days are coming while prompting them to stay safe in the meantime.
The new, innovative campaign uses stunning photographs accompanied by the caption 'When the time is right, we'll be there for you. Till then, #StaySafe', using the unique light of Greece to bring hope to all the people who are experiencing unprecedented social distancing.
Marketing Greece's announcement states, "In our times, humanity is called upon to rise to a shocking challenge, with messages of hope and optimism being more imperative than ever. Greek tourism, fully identifying with the sense of freedom and escape from the everyday grind, sends its own message for the next day."
To read this article in full, please visit: GreekReporter.com
To read this article in full, please visit: GreekReporter.com
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 01 October 2020 13:40
The Epigraphical Museum: A Cultural Gem In The Center Of Athens
Did you know that the largest Epigraphic Museum in the world is located in Athens? The Epigraphic Museum hosts in its permanent collection 14,078 inscriptions, which cover the period from early historical times to the Late Roman era. Even though the Museum is housed on the ground floor at the south wing of the National Archaeological Museum, it has a separate entrance from Tositsa street.
The Museum's purpose is scientific research, study, registration, protection, preservation, publication, photographic documentation, and promotion of the ancient Greek inscriptions. The Museum also aims to create a specialized epigraphic library while the inscriptions have already bee digitally cataloged. It hosts temporary exhibitions regularly and organizes art exhibits inspired by Greek script and the ancient inscriptions.
When Was The Museum Built?
The main building dates from 1885, with an extension added in the 1950s.
Why Is The Museum So Important
The ancient Greeks' detailed and diligent record-keeping provides excellent insight on life and society.
Must-See Exhibits
At first glance, the Epigraphic Museum might seem too specialized; however, a complete cost-account of the Parthenon's construction and a prototype voting machine used in the election of state officers in Athens, circa 162 BC will fascinate visitors.
Fun Fact
The detailed financial data chiseled on ancient marble slabs have an odd similarity to a modern-day computer printout.
Address: 1 Tositsa, Athens (Get Directions)
Telephone: 210 8217637 & 210 8232950
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 Tuesday Closed.
Discover Some Of The Best Under-The-Radar Museums In The City
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City Discovery
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Wednesday, 25 August 2021 07:00
Where To Drink Ouzo Like A Local
Care for an ouzaki? Like so many words in Greek, ouzo is often referred to affectionately in the diminutive, which makes it even more seductive and appealing. Just a ‘little’ drink, nothing pretentious or serious about it, an ouzaki can be an excuse to pause in the middle or end of a busy day for a chat with friends or a cardinal feature of a summer holiday on an Greek island. Whatever you call it, sharing a carafe or miniature bottle of ouzo is an essential Greek experience.
Around Athens you will find dozens of eateries known as mezedopolia - places that specialise in these little dishes - whose menus run to several pages. Instead of ordering a three-course meal, you can set your imagination free and make a meal of as many dishes as you can manage. Don’t forget though. They are meant to be shared, not gobbled by one person. The sharing adds to the camaraderie.
Here are some of our favourite mezedopolia (also known as ouzeris) in the Athens area.
Athinaikon
Photo Credit: Eleni Veziri
Photo Credit: Eleni Veziri
One of the oldest mezedopolia in Athens, this is a place to come for its décor alone. Although it’s only been in its present location since the mid 1980s, it has the atmosphere of the original establishment which opened in 1932. Wonderful tiled floors, period photographs, a splendid painting of Athinas Street with no cars, shiny marble tables and gleaming wooden chairs create the perfect setting for browsing through its six-page, leather-bound menu. Justly famous for its seafood meze—shrimp croquettes, home-made lakerda (cured tuna), skate with garlic sauce—it also features tempting treats from Anatolia such as pita (pie) with pastourma (spicy cured beef) or saganaki (fried cheese and sausage) Constantinople-style and intriguing items like "Drunkard’s delicacy". Surround yourselves with as many dishes as the table will hold and work your way through them slowly while you sip your ouzo of choice. Don’t under any circumstances come here on your own.
Address: 2 Themistokleous, Omonia, Historic Centre
Telephone: 210 383 8485
To Ouzeri tou Laki
Address: 2 Themistokleous, Omonia, Historic Centre
Telephone: 210 383 8485
To Ouzeri tou Laki
Photo Credit: Eleni Veziri
To many Greeks and foreigners, ouzo and a table of mezedes are best enjoyed by the sea, watching boats come and go. In Athens, Lakis’ ouzeri is about as close as you can get to having that experience, though the surroundings are landlocked. A kaiki (fishing boat) rudder stands by the entrance, a ship’s wheel hangs on one wall, nautical motifs decorate others, and the ceiling lights resemble seashells. An open refrigerator displays an exciting array of fresh fish and seafood, brought in daily from Kymi and Skyros. You can choose your own fish to complement unusual dishes such as chickpea fritters, mackerel with caramelized onions and sardine moussaka. Many customers are regulars, sipping from 16 different brands of ouzo and toasting the sign opposite the entrance: “All the world is a madhouse, but this is the headquarters.”
Address: 16 Elpidos, Victoria Square
Telephone: 210 8213776
Hohlidaki
Photo Credit: Eleni Veziri
Most mezedopolia have a generous selection of ouzo brands, but Hohlidaki probably holds the record with 130 in their collection. The bottles are arranged on and above the counter that separates the cosy, funky dining area, with its vintage posters, photos and ancient (functioning) jukebox, from the kitchen. It might take a while to taste them all, but the menu offers so many appetisers, you’ll find it hard to choose. Not only does this 30-year-old ouzeri serve scores of standard delicacies, it also changes its menu at least twice a year to focus on a specific region of Greece. Last time we were there, it featured dishes from the Ionian islands—lentils and eel from Lefkada, baked eggplant from Zakynthos, Corfiot sofrito, and Cephalonian meat pie. Eating here is always a gastronomic adventure, a way of exploring foods you would ordinarily have to travel extensively to savour.
Address: 31 Adrianiou, Neo Psychiko
Telephone: 210 674 6661
To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org
To many Greeks and foreigners, ouzo and a table of mezedes are best enjoyed by the sea, watching boats come and go. In Athens, Lakis’ ouzeri is about as close as you can get to having that experience, though the surroundings are landlocked. A kaiki (fishing boat) rudder stands by the entrance, a ship’s wheel hangs on one wall, nautical motifs decorate others, and the ceiling lights resemble seashells. An open refrigerator displays an exciting array of fresh fish and seafood, brought in daily from Kymi and Skyros. You can choose your own fish to complement unusual dishes such as chickpea fritters, mackerel with caramelized onions and sardine moussaka. Many customers are regulars, sipping from 16 different brands of ouzo and toasting the sign opposite the entrance: “All the world is a madhouse, but this is the headquarters.”
Address: 16 Elpidos, Victoria Square
Telephone: 210 8213776
Hohlidaki
Photo Credit: Eleni Veziri
Most mezedopolia have a generous selection of ouzo brands, but Hohlidaki probably holds the record with 130 in their collection. The bottles are arranged on and above the counter that separates the cosy, funky dining area, with its vintage posters, photos and ancient (functioning) jukebox, from the kitchen. It might take a while to taste them all, but the menu offers so many appetisers, you’ll find it hard to choose. Not only does this 30-year-old ouzeri serve scores of standard delicacies, it also changes its menu at least twice a year to focus on a specific region of Greece. Last time we were there, it featured dishes from the Ionian islands—lentils and eel from Lefkada, baked eggplant from Zakynthos, Corfiot sofrito, and Cephalonian meat pie. Eating here is always a gastronomic adventure, a way of exploring foods you would ordinarily have to travel extensively to savour.
Address: 31 Adrianiou, Neo Psychiko
Telephone: 210 674 6661
To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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City Discovery
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Monday, 04 July 2022 07:00
How To Break The Pattern When Dealing With Anger
Some of my clients recently have been having difficulty in their communication with their partners. There is a lot of conflict about issues most of us have to deal with – kids’ summer activities, vacation place and time, family time, and self-time. You get the picture. There’s a lot of anger followed by voice raising, name-calling, and, as expected, a lot of antagonism.
This is a pattern of behavior that needs a minimum of two people to get it going. It can look something like this:
Person A: Once again you planned something without asking me. You always do that.
Person B: But I asked you and you didn’t respond. I had to do it on my own.
Person A (getting angry and raising their voice): You treat me as if I don’t exist; as if I just have to follow. You don’t respect me.
Person B (starting to get upset): Now that’s not fair. You know that’s not the case and it has nothing to do with respect.
Does it sound familiar? I bet it does to a lot of us, myself included. We all get into this trap at times. And instead of clarifying and expressing our emotions, we attack the other person by responding to their impolite remarks. The argument escalates, there’s no solution and we find ourselves angrier than before. So what can we do to avoid these kinds of situations?
We need to break the pattern. Why? Because anger can escalate and lead to physical or emotional violence which may put our safety at stake. Because if we respond to anger with anger we may be seen as the aggressor. And because when we respond calmly we set an example for others.
Here are some suggestions to calm the situation.
This is a pattern of behavior that needs a minimum of two people to get it going. It can look something like this:
Person A: Once again you planned something without asking me. You always do that.
Person B: But I asked you and you didn’t respond. I had to do it on my own.
Person A (getting angry and raising their voice): You treat me as if I don’t exist; as if I just have to follow. You don’t respect me.
Person B (starting to get upset): Now that’s not fair. You know that’s not the case and it has nothing to do with respect.
Does it sound familiar? I bet it does to a lot of us, myself included. We all get into this trap at times. And instead of clarifying and expressing our emotions, we attack the other person by responding to their impolite remarks. The argument escalates, there’s no solution and we find ourselves angrier than before. So what can we do to avoid these kinds of situations?
We need to break the pattern. Why? Because anger can escalate and lead to physical or emotional violence which may put our safety at stake. Because if we respond to anger with anger we may be seen as the aggressor. And because when we respond calmly we set an example for others.
Here are some suggestions to calm the situation.
- Do your best to respond calmly by using a low tone of voice and non-threatening body language.
- Learn how to manage your emotions so as not to take it personally.
- Practice deep breathing.
- Take a step back and try to see what the real issue may be. It’s highly possible the other person’s anger has nothing to do with you.
- Listen actively and with empathy and acknowledge the other person’s feelings.
- Apologize when necessary.
- Set your limits. You have every right to leave the “conversation” if you don’t feel safe or if you’re too upset to respond.
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Published in
Mind
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