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World Spay Day - Sponsor A Cat Today
Unneutered tomcats can create many problems on the streets - to themselves and also those unfortunate enough to get in their way. Five-month-old Gretel was found with a serious scratch wound on her face. And Snow White, who is only 9 months old, was attacked by an unneutered tomcat, likely either trying to mate with her or scare her off his turf.
They can father potentially hundreds of kittens in their lifetimes, adding to the overpopulation of stray cats in Athens.
Each February, Nine Lives participates in the Humane Society International’s World Spay Day – a global campaign that spotlights the importance of spaying/neutering.
Spaying/neutering is a proven way to reduce stray cat populations and improve their everyday quality of life. To mark World Spay Day, Nine Lives issues a challenge to supporters: help spay/neuter as many cats possible in one month!
For as little as €35, you can become a Friend of Nine Lives today and a cat will be spayed/neutered, get anti-parasite treatment and receive much-needed medical attention, all thanks to you!
Click HERE to read their stories and choose a cat (or cats) that you would like to sponsor!
February «Thursday Meetups» At The Hellenic American Union
All photographers are selected by the renowned, Plato Rivellis.
Greece Joins FLEX - A Life-Changing Program For International Students
The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) was founded in 1992 and has since become a competitive, merit-based scholarship program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
FLEX students gain leadership skills, learn about American society and values, and teach Americans about FLEX countries and cultures. FLEX is a highly competitive program with over 26,300 alumni who have contributed over one million hours of community service in cities and towns across America. The students return home to active alumni networks that carry out inspiring activities.
Prominent Sports Personalities To Join The 3rd Messinia Pro-Am
Other distinctive professional golfers include the Italians Emanuele Canonica (European Tour 2005 Champion), Alessandro Tadini (4 Challenge Tours, 2 PGA and 3 National Opens) and Federico Elli (1st Messinia Pro-Am champion), Swede Henrik Engdahl (PGA Greece, winner of two Aegean Pro-Ams in 2007 & 2018), British Stuart Boyle (PGA Great Britain & Ireland, winner of the first two Messinia Pro-Ams at group level), Slovakian Peter Svajlen (Title holder of 4 PGA Slovakia), Portugal’s Thomas Gouveia (Portuguese Championship and Cup), Belgian Valérie Van Ryckeghem (Title holder of 1 Ladies European Tour), Israeli Asaf Cohen (2 nd in Messinia Pro-Am 2018) and top Greek pros including Adam Kritikos, Eugenios Papadopoulos and Chryssanthos Diakou.
For special accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and the full program of Messinia Pro-Am click HERE!
Syros: A Classy Year-Round Island Destination
Even Ermoupoli, Syros' capital, has a dual identity. Ermoupoli is stately and grand, topped with an Orthodox church, while above it, Ano (Upper) Syros is a typical Cycladic village, crowned with Catholic monasteries and churches.
The beautiful amalgamation of marble-paved squares, exquisite mansions, traditional settlements, and crystal clear beaches bestow Syros with a unique, elegant character that can't be seen anywhere else in Greece.
Syros is a year-round destination; in fact, it is a place you could live in throughout the year, so much is there to do!
7 Things To See And Do On Syros
1. Visit Vaporia
The neighborhood of Vaporia in Ermoupoli is where the island's captains of industry built their beautiful townhouses, all with sweeping views to the sea. Step inside the blue-domed church of Agios Nikolaos to find an interior that reflects its patrons' wealth: a marble icon screen and pulpit, and chandeliers brought in from Trieste.
2. Explore Ermoupoli
Ermoupolis is the bustling yet elegant port town of Syros. Marble flagstones pave its spacious main square, home to the majestic Town Hall, one of the 19th-century masterpieces of Ernst Ziller, the famous Saxon architect who became a Greek national. Graceful, neoclassical buildings emit an aura of old-world charm. Buildings such as the restored Apollo Theatre (a miniature of La Scala in Milan), the Hellas Club, and the Pallas cinema are perfect examples of yesterday's elegant urban architecture.
3. Taste Loukoumia: The Traditional Syros Sweets
The loukoumia from Syros(also known as Turkish Delight in English) are soft and chewy, flavored with rosewater, mastic, bergamot, pistachios, and almonds. According to locals, the water, not the sugar nor flavorings, makes them so delicious. Be aware that they are addictive, so don't forget to take plenty with you when you leave.
4. Visit Ano Syros
In contrast to Ermoupplis, Ano Syros has all the features of a typical Cycladic village. Its white cubist houses are nestled on a steep hillside, linked by narrow alleys and occasionally opening up onto spectacular terraces. Two things make Ano Syros unusual: the catholic monasteries and the Cathedral of Saint George on its summit and the bouzouki tunes of famous musician Markos Vamvakaris that can still be heard in its shops and squares. A native of Syros, Vamvakaris was one of Greece's greatest rebetika (blues) musicians.
5. Explore The Island's Beaches
Remember these names: Galissas, Delfini, Kini, Finikas, and Dellagratsia, where the island's elite built their splendid summer villas. Their serene landscapes, sheltered water, and pretty coves are ideal for a tranquil family holiday.
6. Visit The Industrial Museum
Part of Syros' former industrial district has been transformed into a museum. Wander among its buildings to see permanent exhibits related to its history and its shipping and industrial heritage.
7. Discover Grammata Bay
Grammata in Greek means letters, and at Grammata Bay in northern Syros, there are letters carved on the rocks. Generations of seamen washed up on this isolated coast and inscribed their wishes, prayers, and names on them. Most of the carved letters date back to the Roman and Byzantine eras. You can reach Grammata Bay by boat or on foot.
To learn more about the island of Syros, please visit: discovergreece.com
Athens-Thessaloniki Electrified Railway Line Opens for Travel
The Grand Wellington | GB Roof Garden Restaurant
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the GB Roof Garden Restaurant takes fine dining to a whole new level. Indulge in delicious dishes while relishing in the restaurant’s elegant setting, incredible views, and wonderful ambience.
In addition to the restaurant’s main menu, Chef de Cuisine Dimitris Boutsalis has created an exquisite seasonal menu inspired by the world-famous Wellington recipe. Visit the GB Roof Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar until March 24, 2019 to discover "The Grand Wellington" specials and savour 3 delicious variations of this renowned dish.
Cyclades Trail Cup 2019
In its 4th consecutive year in 2019, Cyclades Trail Cup presents a new set of events in alternative destinations with original routes and exciting cultural experiences! Giving priority to some of the “near” Cycladic islands, the 2019 Championship will include 5 events in 5 destinations: Kea, Folegandros, Andros, Kythnos and Tinos.
Cyclades Trail Cup 2019 event schedule:
13 & 14 April – Kea Challenge
22 June – Folegandros Sunset Trail
28 & 29 September – Andros Trail Race
19 & 20 October – Kythnos Challenge
30 November & 1 December – Tinos Challenge
All Cyclades Trail Cup events have always cultural side events in order to offer all visitors a full and unique experience. Every event will promote sports and cultural experiences like archaeology, mythology, music, dance, gastronomy etc.
Always thinking about the environmental impact, all events in every destination are thoughtfully designed. Organizers are educating locals and visitors about the mountains, sea and recycling. The main goal for 2019 is to fully stop ‘one use plastics‘.
European Destinations That Are Better In The Wintertime
Visit Copenhagen during wintertime, and your vacation is definitely going to be great. A cosy Scandinavian feeling can be found throughout Copenhagen, from pastry shops to inviting hotels. You don’t have to stay indoors to enjoy the season, though. Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Tivoli Gardens, and canal views are certainly worth bundling up for. Oh, and the buildings of Nyhavn look even more colorful against a snowy background.
Venice has become so overrun during peak season that recently there have been attempts to limit tourist overflow. But come wintertime, the city actually lives up to its La Serenissima nickname. The canals are quiet and shrouded in mist, hotels offer discounted rates, and you can actually visit St. Mark’s Basilica in peace and quiet.
Winter is, hands down, the best time to visit Budapest. Seeing the Hungarian Parliament surrounded by ice drifts on the Danube will definitely make you embrace the cold! Budapest’s grand cafes, museums, and thermal baths will seem so much more welcoming after spending some time outdoors, exploring the city.
A Half-Greek Yorkshireman Completes Conscription At Presidential Guard
Like all members of the Greek Presidential Guard, his role was to watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the country’s most important memorial that is located in front of the Greek Parliament.
Even though joining the Presidential Guard is a huge honor, not everybody is eligible to join.
- Male
- At least 6ft 2 in height
- Greek Christian Orthodox
- Have no medical complaints
- Have no visible tattoos
- Caucasian
Evzon Evangelos Marathos Rainey talks about his experience on the Greek Presidential Guard, and explains the symbolism behind movements, marching, the traditional dress, and even facial hair!
Watch this interesting video to understand what it means to be a member of the Greek Presidential Guard.