XpatAthens
Friday, 06 March 2015 12:24
Lenders Surprised By New Bills, Focus On Funding Gap
European officials have expressed concern that the Greek government has not consulted with its partners over its plans to bring new legislation to Parliament this week but the greatest focus appears to be on how Athens will cover its immediate funding needs.
“We have not discussed anything with the Greek side,” a European official told Sunday's Kathimerini after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced on Friday night that four bills would be tabled in the House this week.
In a televised address to his cabinet, Tsipras said that four draft laws would be unveiled this week in order to tackle the social impact of the crisis, to introduce a new payment scheme for overdue debts to the state, to protect primary residences from foreclosures and to reopen public broadcaster ERT.
At the Eurogroup on February 20, Greece and its lenders agreed that the government would not adopt any measures unilaterally that “would negatively impact fiscal targets, economic recovery or financial stability, as assessed by the institutions.”
It is not clear if Greece’s creditors believe that the bills due to be submitted to Parliament this week fall into this category but sources suggested that there is concern about the lack of of communication between Athens and its partners.
However, the immediate problem that must be overcome is ensuring that the government can meet its funding needs over the next few months, starting with a 1.6-billion-euro payment to the International Monetary Fund in March. On Saturday, Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis went as far saying that Athens would try to negotiate the summer payment of 6.7 billion euros’ worth of Greek bonds held by the European Central Bank.
“Shouldn’t we negotiate this? We will fight it,” he told Skai TV. “If we had the money we would pay... They know we don’t have it.”
To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com
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Local News
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Monday, 04 May 2015 17:54
Ferries To The Greek Islands 2015 – Cyclades
One of the best parts of getting to Greece’s many islands is undoubtedly the trip. Daily, dozens of ferries depart from the main ports of Attica – Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio – to the most popular Greek island destinations. The Cyclades, in the Southern Aegean, are among the most visited. Favorites? Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, to mention a few.
Every summer, holidaymakers flock from across the globe with one or more of these tiny Greek islands on their travel agenda. One of the best parts of getting to Greece’s many islands is undoubtedly the trip. Daily, dozens of ferries depart from the main ports of Attica – Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio – to the most popular Greek island destinations.
The Cyclades, in the Southern Aegean, are among the most visited. Favorites? Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, to mention a few.
Northern Cyclades
Northern Cyclades
Kea (Tzia), Kythnos, Syros (the capital of the Cyclades), Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Renia.
Central Cyclades
Serifos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Donoussa, Irakleia (Heraklia), Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Amorgos.
Southern Cyclades
Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini and Anafi.
Traveling by Ferry to the Cyclades Islands?
The ferry trip to the Cyclades is for most travelers part of the fun and in many cases the only option. Very few of the isles have airports and there are no flight connections to link these islands with one another. What’s more, ferries are much cheaper than flights.
Central Cyclades
Serifos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Donoussa, Irakleia (Heraklia), Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Amorgos.
Southern Cyclades
Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini and Anafi.
Traveling by Ferry to the Cyclades Islands?
The ferry trip to the Cyclades is for most travelers part of the fun and in many cases the only option. Very few of the isles have airports and there are no flight connections to link these islands with one another. What’s more, ferries are much cheaper than flights.
Greek ferry services today are upgraded and quick. Holidaymakers can chose to travel with high speed hydrofoils or the more conventional and larger ferries, which transport vehicles as well.
Popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, which cater to thousands of international visitors all-year-round, do have international airports and tourists can catch direct flights from a number of European capitals.
The majority of holidaymakers visiting Greece, fly to Athens and then catch a ferry to the islands. Most of the isles, at least during the summer, are very well connected to Attica by ferry.
Athens and its Ports
Piraeus Port: The country’s largest port and shipping hub is just 12km from the Greek capital, on the eastern coast of the Saronic Gulf, and easily reached by public transport (Metro, train and bus).
Athens and its Ports
Piraeus Port: The country’s largest port and shipping hub is just 12km from the Greek capital, on the eastern coast of the Saronic Gulf, and easily reached by public transport (Metro, train and bus).
Rafina Port: A much smaller port on the eastern coast of Attica, closer to Athens Airport and very convenient when traveling by ferry to the Northern Cyclades: Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. It is accessible by bus both from central Athens (Pedion tou Areos Park) and from Athens International Airport.
Lavrio Port: A busy little port in the summer on the southeastern coast of Attica, from where ferries to the islands of Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos depart, also offering a wide variety of sailing rental options. It can be reached by bus both from Athens and Athens International Airport.
Ferries to major islands depart daily from Athens early in the morning, between 7:00 and 8:00 and in the evenings, from mid-May to mid-September. Smaller islands are served with routes on most days of the week. Far-away destinations are usually run at night.
The port of Rafina is a better option for holidaymakers wishing to visit the the Northern Cyclades (Andros, Tinos and Mykonos) with much shorter travel times.
To read more, please head to Greek Travel Pages for more information about how to book, ferry schedules and routes.
To read more, please head to Greek Travel Pages for more information about how to book, ferry schedules and routes.
Published in
Travel Greece
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Tuesday, 30 June 2015 07:00
Tyrosalata - Spicy Feta Dip
As summer hots up, why not add this spicy dish to your BBQ or gathering?
There's Spicy Feta Spread and Spicy Feta Dip. The main difference between the two is that the dip is more liquidy. The ingredients also differ somewhat. In order to make it more creamy, what better than to use a rich and creamy helping of Greek yogurt to form the basis? It does wonders for tzatziki, why not Spicy Feta Dip?
Use peppers, spice up as much or as little as you like by using chilli powder, serve with pitta or bread (wine optional!) and there you have it.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 large green pepper, miled, sliced in hald and seeded
1 cup crumbled feta
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Pepper
Olive Oil - enough to achiieve dip consistency
Salt*
To read more, please visit: Lemon & Olives
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Monday, 13 February 2017 07:00
4.1 Miles - A Greek Documentary Nominated For A 2017 Academy Award
This documentary short film, ‘4.1 Miles’ by Daphne Matziaraki, was nominated for a 2017 Academy Award! The film is about a coast guard captain on a small Greek island who is suddenly charged with saving thousands of refugees from drowning at sea.
‘When I returned home to Greece last fall to make a film about the refugee crisis, I discovered a situation I had never imagined possible. The turquoise sea that surrounds the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos, just 4.1 miles from the Turkish coast, is these days a deadly gantlet, choked with terrified adults and small children on flimsy, dangerous boats. I had never seen people escaping war before, and neither had the island’s residents. I couldn’t believe there was no support for these families to safely escape whatever conflict had caused them to flee. The scene was haunting.’
To read this article in full, please visit: The New York Times
Published in
Videos
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Sunday, 12 November 2017 13:36
October 31st - Updates On Transport In Athens
Stay updated on the new electronic ticketing system and learn all about moving around Athens with public transport!
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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Thursday, 26 July 2018 22:56
July 17th - Gearing Up For Summer
July is a very busy month in Greek summer, so a complete list of all the events taking place in Athens will help you make the most out of it! Meanwhile, you can discover how ancient Minoans inspired our summer clothes and styles we wear today!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Monday, 04 November 2019 08:21
Great Hikes In And Around Athens
There's no perfect time of year to go for a hike because any time is a good time! Walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve your overall health by increasing your muscle strength and endurance, decreasing your risk of stroke and heart disease, making your bones stronger, improving your balance, and much more. On top of these physical benefits, walking can improve your mood and boost your creativity! So put on your sneakers try out these top hikes in and around Athens!
Monastery of Kaisariani
A short 30 minute drive from Monastiraki or the northern suburbs, the Monastery of Kai-sariani is a breathtaking site of the Monastery of Kaisariani. A few minutes off the highway, and you’re into pure forestry bliss. You can visit the monastery, take a botanic walk and soak in the remarkable views!
Tsagkarada to Damouchari
A three hour drive from Athens is Tsagkarada in Thessaly. A fun hike from the village down to Damouchari (where they filmed the famous Dancing Queen scene in Mamma Mia!) takes a couple of hours. Amazing scenery and adventure – almost like no other place in Greece.
Palamidi Castle in Nafplio
There are almost 1000 steps to reach Palamidi Castle in Nafplio – but every single step offers endless views of this beautiful seaside town. You can reach Napflio and get hiking in about 2 hours from Athens.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
Travel Greece
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Tuesday, 22 January 2019 07:00
Citizens Service Centers (KEP) About To Fully Digitize Their Services
Great news for Greek citizens and expats as the Citizens Service Centers (KEP) are about to fully digitize their services. In 2019, Citizens Service Centres will be able to provide faster and more efficient services that will require the least possible presence to conclude transactions.
It is worth noting that in 2017, out of a total of 8,519,381 cases handled by Citizens Service Centres throughout the country, more than half were processed electronically.
According to the general secretary of the Public Administration Ministry “the upgrading of KEP infrastructure will allow all citizens to electronically handle public administration issues and issue any required documents quickly, easily and safely without the need for printing or copying.”
“The modernization of services and infrastructure will contribute to reducing the time spent in serving the citizens and cutting down on bureaucracy. The centres will operate based on the principle of “only once”, meaning that information and data submitted to public authorities are not required to be submitted again. That is, supporting documents will be submitted only once, and from then on, the Public Administration is obliged to search for them and provide them when requested.”
To read this article in full, please visit: The Greek Observer
To read this article in full, please visit: The Greek Observer
Published in
Local News
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Sunday, 20 June 2021 07:13
The History Of Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and the second largest in Greece, after Spianada Square in Corfu, and is included in the list of the 100 largest squares in the world. It has always been the promenade square of the city and it was the gathering point for the cream of Athenian society for many years.
Its history begins in the early 1830s when Athens' population was about 7,000, and the area where the square stands was called Perivolakia. When the palace of King Otto was set to be built there, it was named Palace Square.
The specific location was chosen because the site was the highest point in central Athens, offering splendid views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and the Saronic Gulf. Construction work started in 1836 and was completed in 1843. That year though, the name of Palace Square changed once again. On September 3, 1843, the square was renamed Constitution Square, as Otto was forced to cede to the Greek people gathered in front of the palace demanding a constitution.
Syntagma Square began to assume its modern form after 1846 from the Bavarian Michael Hoch, who worked with the architect Leo von Klenze. The square was divided into two parts. The upper square (the eastern part), which until the end of the 19th century was still called “Palace Square”, today is known as “Parliament Square” or “the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.” The lower square (western part), is known as Bacchus Square or the Garden of the Muses. The two sections were on two different levels and were joined by a marble staircase.
When the area of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier was created, the upper part was cut off from the rest of the square. The Monument was built in 1929-1930 by the architect Emmanuel Lazaridis. Its central point is a representation of a fallen Ancient Greek soldier, created by sculptor Fokion Rok. On both sides, to the left and right of the monument, there are bronze plaques with the names of battles the Greeks fought from 1821 until today. The Monument is guarded on a 24-hour basis by the soldiers of the Presidential Guard, the well-known Evzones, with the changing of the guard taking place every hour; one of the living attractions of Athens.
The square is inextricably linked to the historical events taking place in Greece over the centuries. It has been a place of demonstrations and social upheavals starting from September 3, 1843, until today.
An event that was a black mark on the history of Syntagma Square in Athens was the killing of several demonstrators on December 3, 1944. Less than two months after the country’s liberation from the Nazis, police shot at Greek People’s Liberation Army (EAM) demonstrators, thus starting almost two months of fighting in Athens, the so-called Dekemvriana, the precursor of the Greek Civil War (1946-1949).
Syntagma Square has always played an important role in the daily life of Athenians. It was a meeting place, a favorite spot for a Sunday walk, as well as a place to gather together for musical presentations. It has also been the bonafide place for big party election rallies.
In the 19th century, impressive mansions, luxury hotels, and cafes used to surround the square, giving it a true cosmopolitan flavor. In the 20th century, however, the face of Syntagma Square changed drastically and the mansions were replaced by concrete-and-glass modern office buildings housing state agencies and businesses. Other than the Greek Parliament, the Pallis Mansion is the only old building that survived the modernization of the capital.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Photo Credit: Dario Sušanj
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Tuesday, 26 October 2021 07:00
What's Hiding Behind The Four Most Commonly Asked Questions About Goal Setting
“Yes, I have goals and I’m working towards them” or “No, I don’t really have anything planned right now” are two of the most popular answers I get when the topic of goal setting comes up. Although we may all agree that goals are important not all of us feel equally at ease with the process.
Here are the 4 most commonly asked questions regarding goal setting:
Here are the 4 most commonly asked questions regarding goal setting:
- It’s not the right time for me.
- I’m afraid I won’t make it. I won’t succeed.
- I’m not very clear about what it is I want.
- I want to do something different but changes make me feel uncomfortable.
The first question deals with timing: “It’s not the right time for me.” So what you really mean is that although you’re in a job you hate now is not the right time to look for another because you believe there’s some security -even though it may be a false one- where you currently are. And although you’re in a bad relationship you put up with it because you have two small kids and now is not the right time to think about yourself.
“I’m afraid I won’t make it. I won’t succeed” is the second question. This one has to do with your self-confidence. What you’re saying here is that you’re in a job you actually don’t like but you prefer to stay where you are because you’re afraid you won’t find another. Or you are in a mediocre relationship but you prefer to stay in it because you’re afraid you won’t be able to express your feelings clearly or make the first step towards finding a solution, let alone moving out.
The third question, “I’m not very clear about what it is I want,” is all about clarity and direction. So what you mean is that you’re in a job you don’t like but you prefer to stay where you are because you’re confused about what you think you may actually want. Or you are in a mediocre relationship but you prefer to stay in it because you are not ready to commit even though you don’t like being single, you’re a bit bored with your partner and you don’t know what you want at this stage of your life.
The fourth most commonly asked question regarding goals has to do with your willingness to get out of your comfort zone and move on: “I want to do something different but changes make me feel uncomfortable.” So what you mean is that you’re in a job you don’t like but you prefer to stay where you are because you think this is stability and you’re afraid to change your work environment. Or you are in a mediocre relationship but you prefer to stay in it because even the simplest thought of going into the dating process again scares you.
I’m sure you’ve heard that life is happening to you while you’re busy making plans. So, yes, you may be confused about what it is you want at this very moment. You have every right to be and there’s no need to feel guilty about it. A serious issue of safety or practical difficulties may indeed exist. And yes, change can be scary because it gets you out of your comfort zone. On top of that, it’s not with the same ease that each one of us copes with change.
However, there’s a big BUT in all this. And that’s the fact this is your life you’re talking about. You may come up with endless reasons -or excuses- to act or not, to move on or not. There’s one question you need to ask yourself though: “For how much longer?” Think: How much longer will you keep on allowing your doubts and fears to be in charge? How much longer will you keep on postponing decisions about your life and the life of your children? How much longer will you keep on blaming others and harming yourself?
If you want to make changes in any part of your life the right time is Now! To be in control of your life you need to set your own goals and dare to do something different. Yes, it may be scary but If you don’t dare, if you don’t try your best you’ll never know how well you can make it. Janis Joplin has said it beautifully: “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got!”
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Published in
Mind
Tagged under