Me? I have the odd Aloe Vera plant on mine, the air conditioning pipe leaking into a dead plant, a storage cupboard for my hoover and my washing can quite frequently be found drying on it.
On the subject of washing, some people extend their washing machines onto it - others drag their living room furniture out there in the summer, turning it inwards to watch TV from the balcony... often Cd's can be found dangling off the (almost always) green awning that serves as both a cover from the sun and a cover from prying eyes (no "Friends" spying on you from their balcony across the way!), in order to reflect the sun and scare away the ever present pigeons.
Breakfast and dinner is often served out there - in fact, as mentioned: it is a real extension of the home. It helps if you've a big area and are not facing the main road, but even then it's great to utilise your balcony. Unless you live on the ground floor or in the basement, rarely does an Athenian home not have a balcony.
And if your even 'luckier,' like my friend, you can witness and hear everyday life going on around you - but maybe I draw the line at semi naked fat old Greek men in y-fronts, the Greek version of Ugly Naked Guy!
By Bex
lifebeyondbordersblog.com
XpatAthens
Thursday, 03 October 2024 12:51
Greek Property Consulting
XpatAthens provides effective and efficient personalized services that are designed to save you time and money. Whether you’re a foreigner living in Greece or living outside the country, we can assist you at every step of the way.
Offering a boutique-style service, our trustworthy team - including certified architects - engineers, interior designers, civil engineers, property lawyers, local accountants, hand-picked construction teams, and property managers - know the intricacies of buying, owning, building and selling property in Greece. They’re all about getting the job done exceedingly well so that your experience is worry free!
Get in touch with our team of experienced professionals who work with you one-on-one to provide a completely tailored service that meets your individual property needs.
Our team of experts can help you with:
Property Management Services in Greece - We help Greek property owners to lease their property with the best terms. We specialize in comprehensive property management for owners, ensuring maximum rental returns and hassle-free experiences. Our services include financial management, digital marketing channels optimization, as well as thorough supervision and maintenance of your property.
Greek Property Pre-Purchase Support - We will Inspect your property before purchase to ensure it meets all legal compliance; we provide legal and notarial representation for property transfers, and property insurance all with English speaking associates experienced in working with overseas clients.
Greek Property Point Person - All of our clients are predominantly non-Greek residents who wish to purchase or who already own property in Greece. We handle all real estate related matters, becoming your go-to-point-person and owner’s representative.
Greek Property Portfolio - We coordinate the process of organizing all your property related documents such as title deeds, public entity registrations, building permits, etc. in order to ensure that as an owner all of your property documents are up-to-date.
Remodeling & Procurement in Greece - We handle complete and partial renovations and upgrades of any scale and type. Our services include plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, masonry, painting, furniture, fixtures, and landscape design.
Greek Property Ownership - We can assist with handling domestic accounts, negotiating leases, issuing energy performance certificates for rental properties, handling ‘common area’ (kinohrista) matters by representing apartment owners and overall property related compliance services with our team of English speaking associates.
Contact us directly here to tell us about your needs. We are a team of trustworthy locals who speak the language, and know how to get the job done impeccably well!
Offering a boutique-style service, our trustworthy team - including certified architects - engineers, interior designers, civil engineers, property lawyers, local accountants, hand-picked construction teams, and property managers - know the intricacies of buying, owning, building and selling property in Greece. They’re all about getting the job done exceedingly well so that your experience is worry free!
Get in touch with our team of experienced professionals who work with you one-on-one to provide a completely tailored service that meets your individual property needs.
Our team of experts can help you with:
Property Management Services in Greece - We help Greek property owners to lease their property with the best terms. We specialize in comprehensive property management for owners, ensuring maximum rental returns and hassle-free experiences. Our services include financial management, digital marketing channels optimization, as well as thorough supervision and maintenance of your property.
Greek Property Pre-Purchase Support - We will Inspect your property before purchase to ensure it meets all legal compliance; we provide legal and notarial representation for property transfers, and property insurance all with English speaking associates experienced in working with overseas clients.
Greek Property Point Person - All of our clients are predominantly non-Greek residents who wish to purchase or who already own property in Greece. We handle all real estate related matters, becoming your go-to-point-person and owner’s representative.
Greek Property Portfolio - We coordinate the process of organizing all your property related documents such as title deeds, public entity registrations, building permits, etc. in order to ensure that as an owner all of your property documents are up-to-date.
Remodeling & Procurement in Greece - We handle complete and partial renovations and upgrades of any scale and type. Our services include plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, masonry, painting, furniture, fixtures, and landscape design.
Greek Property Ownership - We can assist with handling domestic accounts, negotiating leases, issuing energy performance certificates for rental properties, handling ‘common area’ (kinohrista) matters by representing apartment owners and overall property related compliance services with our team of English speaking associates.
Contact us directly here to tell us about your needs. We are a team of trustworthy locals who speak the language, and know how to get the job done impeccably well!
Published in
Services
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:57
House Sitting
And oldie, but goodie from Jack...I’ve spent the past week house-sitting for a friend in Koukaki, in the shadow of the Parthenon. Part of the deal is walking the dog 3 times daily – a task which I don’t mind at all, much less given that my dog-walking path is the Dionisiou Areopagitou pathway around the Acropolis. I mean, how much better does it get – early morning, deserted streets, quiet – and all the dog-owners out for their morning jaunt around the great symbol of the city…
I never thought of Athens as a ‘dog owning city’. I stand corrected.
I’ve walked around the historic centre this week more times than I can count. I told my friends I’ve been doing laps around the Acropolis. It’s surreal. And completely ‘normal’ too. I think it’s great that such an important monument forms such an ‘integral’ part of day-to-day life here. Whether you walk around it, drive around it, look at it through a distant window – it’s always there. And for every tourist with map in hand, staring at the rock – there is another local, on her way to meet a friend for a catch-up.
Life in the centre of Athens – for my taste – is fantastic. Everything is just around the corner. The streets are busy with voices and activity. Nightlife is ‘just over there’. And parking is… well, parking is no issue when you don’t even need a car.
So with the Acropolis Museum in front of me, Makriyianni street behind me, I wait for the real estate agent to show up – it’s about time I checked out some apartments down here…
Until next time,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under
Thursday, 09 June 2016 07:00
Biking In Athens
The capital of Greece, with the joys of the mountain and the pleasures of the sea equally available, can really thrill the bikers. Mount the bicycle of your imagination and follow us on an enchanting trip around the beauties of Athens. Kids of all ages, set the wheels in motion… Take your family along and follow safe ways through parks and cycle lanes. Treat your spare time of nonchalance with fitness in the following suggested places...
- Park of Environmental Information and Sensitisation “Antonis Tritsis”.
- “Syggrou” grove in Kifissia
- The ex royal estate in Tatoi
- The Technical University’s park in Zografou
- Intermunicipal cycle track of the northern suburbs
Let history be your guide…
The longest pedestrian walkway is Dionysiou Areopagitou str. It starts at the Hadrian’s Arch; it goes past the Acropolis Museum and keeps on through Apostolou Pavlou str. to Thissio and Monastiraki and, at Assomaton square, it meets Ermou str. Take the latter and go as far as Gazi or Plaka.
Feel the energy of the surroundings: incomparable monuments of the Greek cultural heritage will set the backdrop for an unforgettable ride pas the Ancient Agora, the Ancient Dionysus Theatre, the Roman Agora. For a time journey back to the ages of the old times of Athens as capital of the Hellenic Republic, Plaka is the best choice.
Caressed by the sea breeze…
When you have cycled around the city centre but you are eager for more, go to the Athens Riviera and enjoy some ouzo after your ride. Our suggestions:
-From “Floisvos” marina to Eden beach
-From Fáliro to Glyfáda
-From the marina in Glyfáda to Kavouri
To read this article in full, please visit: Visit Greece
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:28
Greeks In New York To Celebrate Oxi Day
On October 28th, millions around the world will commemorate OXI (pronounced ō-hē) Day, a day honoring Greece’s courageous resistance during World War II. The day will be remembered on board the USS SLATER in Albany, New York with a brief program beginning at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend.
In 1940 Mussolini delivered an ultimatum to Greece’s Prime Minister demanding the entry of the Italian army into Greece and Italian occupation of Greek territory. The Prime Minister refused. His response was quickly echoed by the people of Athens as “Oxi,” meaning “No.”
To read more, please visit greekreporter.com
By Ioanna Zikakou
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Friday, 27 February 2015 15:40
Balcony Life In Athens
For days now, my friend has been telling me about the fat Greek man in the string vest opposite her apartment. She wakes up to him being yelled at by his wife and today I received the following from her: "What a wake up call, seeing the old fat guy in his y fronts on the balcony across from me first thing in the morn...!" Which got us both thinking about Balcony Life in Athens. You see being a city, balconies become the 'gardens of the home.' Even in the country, people don't often live in houses and live in flats - thus the balcony becomes a great extension of the home.
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under
Tuesday, 22 March 2016 07:00
Tips To Help You Learn Greek
Learning a new language is not always easy - especially Greek! When you relocate to a country where you don’t speak the language, it is always a good idea to try and learn the language or at least a few words. Here are some tips to make learning Greek just a bit easier!
1. Learn the alphabet and listen to people speaking. It is important to learn how to pronounce the letters in the alphabet and once you know this, you will have no trouble being understood or pronouncing words.
2. Learn basic grammar. Many language teachers plunge into grammar without teaching the simple basics or teaching a single word. Many people will agree that it is best to initially learn a few of the basic rules such as the ‘to be’ rule and focus on learning words and phrases - grammar will come later.
3. Read road signs. Practice your language skills by reading road signs. It is a great way to familiarize yourself with your surroundings but also to help you remember and recognize letters of the alphabet.
4. Read subtitles. Many tv shows and films on Greek TV are in English with Greek subtitles. Reading the Greek subtitles while listening to the film in English is an excellent way to learn new words.
5. Listen to Greek music. Greece has many genres of music from traditional to modern, listening to Greek music while you work or just having it on while you're at home will help you pick up new phrases, not to mention enjoying great songs!
6. Talk with the locals. Not only is this a great way to integrate and meet people in your local community, but practicing speaking Greek is probably the greatest way to learn the lingo. Spending some of your day interacting with people you meet at shops, on the street or on the bus, will help you learn pronunciation, word order, grammar, and everyday phrases.
Learning Greek can be fun ~ enjoy!!
To read more tips, please visit: GreekReporter
1. Learn the alphabet and listen to people speaking. It is important to learn how to pronounce the letters in the alphabet and once you know this, you will have no trouble being understood or pronouncing words.
2. Learn basic grammar. Many language teachers plunge into grammar without teaching the simple basics or teaching a single word. Many people will agree that it is best to initially learn a few of the basic rules such as the ‘to be’ rule and focus on learning words and phrases - grammar will come later.
3. Read road signs. Practice your language skills by reading road signs. It is a great way to familiarize yourself with your surroundings but also to help you remember and recognize letters of the alphabet.
4. Read subtitles. Many tv shows and films on Greek TV are in English with Greek subtitles. Reading the Greek subtitles while listening to the film in English is an excellent way to learn new words.
5. Listen to Greek music. Greece has many genres of music from traditional to modern, listening to Greek music while you work or just having it on while you're at home will help you pick up new phrases, not to mention enjoying great songs!
6. Talk with the locals. Not only is this a great way to integrate and meet people in your local community, but practicing speaking Greek is probably the greatest way to learn the lingo. Spending some of your day interacting with people you meet at shops, on the street or on the bus, will help you learn pronunciation, word order, grammar, and everyday phrases.
Learning Greek can be fun ~ enjoy!!
To read more tips, please visit: GreekReporter
Published in
Greek Language & Culture
Tagged under
Tuesday, 02 August 2016 10:33
An App-y Summer
The weather app on my phone tells me daily that Athens will hit 35 degrees or more – while my news apps tell me all about the best beaches and best seaside tavernas. My fitness app tells me I should keep jogging so I am fit for both. And my banking app suggests I should be cutting down on both.
What is life without our apps? They are the little magical assistants that help us do things that seemed simply impossible before. I am a particular fan of all the photo editing apps – and I certainly love the messaging apps like Whatsapp, Viber and so on…
But we are in the middle of Greek Summer, and this calls for some serious digital reinforcements. When the most pressing issue of many Sunday afternoons is ‘Where should we swim?’, which quickly turns into ‘Where will we find a spot on the beach?’ and the closely related ‘Where should we eat?’ – the gods of summer smile down on us and say ‘There’s an app for that…’
Let’s start with getting a spot on the beach… While there is no shortage of beaches to choose from, there is quite often a shortage of beach loungers, beach beds, umbrellas and ‘ksaplostres’. There are 2 slick new apps that promise to rid you of your mid-summer beach lounger stress.
Summerize and Plazz are brand new apps that let you select a beach, view related pricing, select a date, select a particular spot on the beach, and reserve your beach lounger in advance. This is for beaches around Athens, and in fact around the entire country. You can book water sports, too. So simple, and so great. Everyone I’ve told about this so far has had an identical response: ‘I have been saying that forever!’ So clearly this is an app that was long overdue. In both offerings, the interface is totally simple, the details are easy to understand, and the whole process is very smooth – kudos to both! The only drawback is that there aren’t yet a huge number of beaches that are available for booking via the apps. I assume this is because they are both start-ups, and will grow their service base over time. I already used Summerize to book a spot at Akanthus Beach the other day – it worked with no issues at all.
So now you’ve found your beach and reserved your spots. But before you order those fries and toast for lunch (and hit snooze on the fitness app), it could be a good time to think about dinner. But from your sunny perch beside the Mediterranean, who has the mental capacity to make such decision, much less call to book a table?
Enter ‘e-Table,’ a cool new app for selecting, reserving and commenting on more than 1800 restaurants in Athens and around Greece. From tavernas to sushi to Mexican to brunch – they’ve got them all. This award-winning app is the only one in Greece that allows you to make instantly confirmed reservations at popular restaurants directly from your phone. Great interface, easy navigation, tons of choice – and it actually works.
And like many of the smartest apps out there, these solve a problem that I never even knew was a problem, to the point where I can’t imagine what life was like before. So here’s to a fun and app-y summer!
Maybe I’ll turn off notifications on that fitness app...
Until next week,
Jack
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under
Tuesday, 10 January 2017 07:00
Zea - The Main Grain Of The Ancient Greeks' Diet
One of ancient Greeks’ main diet ingredients was Zea flour or Triticum Dicoccum, known as the scientific name. They wouldn’t eat food containing wheat and they used wheat as animals' food. The grain of Zea is probably the oldest in the world.
Zea is two times richer in dietary fiber than wheat, two times richer in protein with a high amount of vitamins A, B, C and E. It is also high in magnesium and very low in gluten.
Until about 100 years ago, Zea was the most popular grain in Greece. But in 1928, according to Santorini Food Lovers, its cultivation was banned for financial reasons as the imported cereals crops of rice and wheat were more profitable. The revival of the ancient Zea grain has lately been taking place in few areas of Greece’s mainland.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece by a Greek
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece by a Greek
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Tuesday, 02 May 2017 07:00
Spinach And Feta Turkey Burgers
“These are a big hit in the summertime when everyone is tired of the same old hamburgers and hot dogs. Serve with or without buns and your favorite condiments. I like to serve these with lettuce, tomato, and Tzatziki sauce!”
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 pounds ground turkey
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Thursday, 12 October 2017 08:30
Road, Sea & Air Travel To Greece Is On The Rise
Incoming traffic to Greece by road, air and sea is increasingly paving the way for improved figures in 2017, the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) said recently.
The number of international arrivals at major airports across Greece grew by 5.9 percent in August and by 8 percent from the start of the year, with regional airports reporting an increase of 5.4 percent and Athens airport by 8.3 percent in the same month.
Inbound road travel was up by 14.5 percent in August and by 10 percent from the start of 2017. Sea travel, particularly from Italy, grew by 14 percent in June and by 12.4 percent from the beginning of the year.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Local News
Tagged under