In this new 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… Have a story to share? Send it to ideas@xpatathens.com!

Hey! Welcome to my corner : ) I’m a 30-something expat – born & raised in Canada, of mixed English/Irish/Greek ancestry. Outside Canada, I’ve spent a few years living in Australia and Ireland, and have called Athens home for the past two… I love so many things about this city – and so much else leaves me shaking my head…

Will there be traffic? Will I get the paper I need? Will I find parking? Is this ‘highly recommended’ restaurant worth the price? Is that random café on the corner as bad as it looks? Is the beach I heard about today worth the drive? Can my ‘brain’ and my ‘heart’ ever agree on this place? Is it really too far to walk? Was she just rude to me, or did I miss something in translation? Is the sun through my window as warm as it looks?

‘You never know until you try…’ – in Athens, ain’t that the truth!

See you next week…

Jack

In Greece, the sun is more than just a source of light—it’s a way of life. It illuminates ancient stories, glistens over crystal-clear waters, and casts golden hues over endless landscapes. Inspired by this radiant energy, FAOS Sunglasses embody the brilliance of Greek heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

A Name Rooted in Light

Derived from the ancient Greek word "φῶς" (phōs), meaning "light," FAOS is more than just eyewear—it’s a tribute to the glorious sun that defines Greece. Designed and handcrafted entirely in Greece, every pair reflects the essence of the Mediterranean, combining timeless elegance with modern innovation. The brand’s signature blue and white hues echo the purity of the Aegean, while the iconic Greek letter "Φ" serves as a proud emblem of its origins.

Handcrafted Excellence, Inspired by Greece

Each pair of FAOS sunglasses is meticulously handcrafted, merging traditional artistry with cutting-edge techniques. Using premium Italian Mazzuchelli acetate, these sunglasses offer superior durability, a luxurious feel, and a finish that stands the test of time. The five-barrel hinges provide 40% more resilience compared to standard eyewear, ensuring long-lasting performance. Every frame is fitted with ZEISS lenses, globally renowned for their crystal-clear optics and advanced anti-glare coatings, offering an unparalleled visual experience.

A Sustainable Vision

At FAOS, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. The brand is committed to eco-conscious production, collaborating with responsible manufacturers who recycle industrial waste, reduce energy consumption, and prioritize ethical craftsmanship. The packaging—an award-winning design—is made from FSC-certified paper, while the cleaning cloths are crafted from recycled ocean plastic bottles, helping to protect the very seas that inspired the brand’s aesthetic. Additionally, 60% of the energy used in the manufacturing process comes from solar power, reinforcing a dedication to a cleaner future.

A Story in Every Frame

More than just an accessory, each FAOS model is a narrative of Greek culture, drawing inspiration from historic sites, sun-drenched islands, and architectural wonders. From the sleek, minimalistic lines reminiscent of Cycladic architecture to frames named after legendary locations like Mycenae and Delos, every design carries a piece of Greece’s rich history.

A New Definition of Luxury

FAOS sunglasses are not just about protecting your eyes—they’re about embracing a lifestyle of quality, heritage, and sustainability. By merging Greek craftsmanship with global innovation, FAOS offers eyewear that is bold, sophisticated, and deeply connected to its roots.

With every pair, you wear a story ~ of light, culture, and timeless Greek elegance.

Founded in 1948, the American Women's Organization of Greece - AWOGreece, is a dynamic English-speaking volunteer women's non-profit group that connects American women in Greece and their friends.

Our vibrant community of women of all ages and backgrounds who share common values and beliefs, focus on charitable and benevolent volunteerism in philanthropy, education and women empowerment. Diverse recreational activities such as monthly meetings and networking events are also organized to help foster a sense of bonding among its members.

AWOGreece is also a member of The Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO) founded in 1931. FAWCO is an international network of independent volunteer clubs and associations comprising of 57 member clubs in 28 countries worldwide, including AWOGreece. FAWCO serves as a resource and a voice for its members; seeks to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide, especially in the areas of human rights, health, education and the environment. In addition, FAWCO advocates for the rights of U.S. citizens overseas. The organization is a global women’s NGO and since 1997, FAWCO has held special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

How to join

Full time AWOGreece: To become a member, simply download and complete the Membership Form/GDPR form. If you are not a U.S. citizen or the spouse of one, you can still join as long as two AWOG members sponsor you. Email the completed forms to info@awogreece.org. Once your membership application is approved, you can submit your annual dues (40,00 Euros) to our AWOG bank account.

Friends of AWOGreece: Those who reside outside of Greece can also support our cause by becoming a “Friends of AWOGreece”. You will not have voting privileges, but you can attend area meetings and participate in group activities in Athens at member prices. Fill out our Membership Form/GDPR and get in touch: info@awogreece.org. Once your membership application is approved, you can submit your annual dues (30,00 Euros) to our AWOG bank account.

When we meet?

Aside from cultural and fun morning and evening outings we arrange throughout the month, we also have two “area” meetings each month. Our Glyfada/south group meets every forth Thursday morning of each month and our Halandri/Agia Paraskevi north group meets every third Thursday morning of each month.

Why join?

AWOGreece is a great group to give back to your local community collectively. Our main charitable cause, is the Heart Pillow Project, a woman-to-woman project where members and friends unite in a common purpose to stuff, stitch and package heart pillows for distribution to mastectomy patients in Athens Hospitals.

AWOGreece is also a great way to connect to the American and ex-pat community in Greece, meet new people and make friendship but most of all, we have fun!

United we will move forward to inspire, support our community and work together as a team with commitment and determination that the organization keeps flourishing for decades to come.

 

Last Thursday night I met a writer friend for a coffee in the centre of Athens. She was excited to tell me about a new project she’s working on, a concept for a new online business. We met at the Black Duck on Christou Lada Street – off Stadiou Street.

I was impressed with the place – spotless, airy, creative space - but creative in the sense of a canvas hanging in a gallery, as opposed to grafitti on the side of a building. It’s a ‘grown-up’ café, bar, restaurant and art gallery – with painting and photo exhibitions, musical events, theatrical performances. Interesting menu. Appropriate service. Acceptable prices. And – wait for it – wheel-chair accessible, including a dedicated washroom. Their own marketing is not overstated: “The Black Duck offers a breath of art and aesthetics in the everyday life of the center of Athens.”

5 days later, the neighbourhood wears the evidence of the weekend’s violence. Burned out buildings and broken windows. But The Black Duck is still open, and my friend’s project is moving forward… Destruction and creativity, neighbours.

Black Duck, Christou Lada 5A

This was, if nothing else, a week of reflection for a lot of us.

See you next week…

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…

The Salvation Army is an international Christian movement that operates in 127 countries worldwide. In Greece, the Salvation Army has been operating as a nonprofit company since January, 2011, standing by vulnerable groups, most especially: young families and single mothers, the elderly and the so-called ‘new poor’ – those formerly of the middleclass who now need help in positively adapting to a new lifestyle which incorporates a lower standard of living.

WHO WE ARE

After successfully founding and running the Salvation Army in Thessaloniki, Greece, Captains Polis Pantelidis and Maria Konti Galinou relocated to Athens to establish similar programs and activities. These Athens initiatives fall under two main areas: the ‘By Your Side’ community program and the Christian Church, or ‘corps’, division.
HOW WE DO IT

‘BY YOUR SIDE’ COMMUNITY PROGRAM:

ADOPT A FAMILY PROGRAM
This program provides a concrete way for groups of friends to help their fellow humankind by providing concrete assistance in a pro-active, transparent manner. Particular emphasis is placed on maintaining the privacy and dignity of those on the receiving end.
With the individual’s dignity in mind, we aim to support those benefiting by the program to reach their full potential – with a view to their achieving independent living. It is open to all, regardless of age, culture, nationality, political and/or religious beliefs.

PARENTS AND TODDLERS GROUP


We consider family to be the heart of any community; any link by marriage, adoption or blood is considered family. Accordingly, we provide families with a safe, controlled, fully equipped environment where young children can play together or with their carers. Perhaps equally important, the carers also have an opportunity to socialise with each other.The programme is open to children aged 6-months to 4-years-old, regardless of race or political, cultural and/or religious beliefs. In order to participate, an application form must be filled out and accepted. Participants are also encouraged to support the program with any donation possible - even as small as 30 cents per session.

CHARITY ‘SHOP’

Following international Salvation Army tradition, this shop makes donated new and second-hand articles available to the general public. Small donations are requested to be used to support other Salvation Army activities in the community.
All donors, customers and volunteers involved in the charity shop are viewed as human beings with equal rights. Staff, whether paid or volunteer, must be attentive to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all participants.
As for customer care, all donated articles are selected to meet quality standards. Each piece is washed and pressed on the Salvation Army premises.

GREEN LIGHT PROJECT

The Salvation Army in Athens actively participates in the fight against human trafficking. Equally important is the issue of prostitution, where many girls are trapped, often at a very young age. This program provides a nonthreatening place where victims of trafficking and women working in the sex industry can regularly drop in for a ‘normal’ chat and cup of coffee - hence facilitating their societal integration. The program also hosts workshops.

The trafficking of humans for sexual exploitation is against the basic human right of freedom, and thwarts people’s right to set their own boundaries. We believe that human trafficking does not have a place in human society and must be eradicated.

CHURCH OR ‘CORPS’:

Like most Salvation Army centres, we hold weekly worship services on our premises on Sunday mornings, from 11.00-13.30. These meetings have a relaxed atmosphere and include hymn singing, Bible readings, members of the congregation talking about their Christian experiences, and presentations by worship or drama groups. We also host supplementary activities, like Sunday School, Bible studies and prayer meetings.
Our belief follows the mainstream tenets of Christian faith, with particular emphasis on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We aim to share the message of Christian love to everyone, while at the same time working with and respecting all other faiths and beliefs.

We view the fight against poverty, abuse and social injustice as an expression of true Christianity. We desire to lend a listening ear and helping hand to those in need, in order to encourage them to reach their full potential and achieve independent living. We intend to care for the community by encouraging change through hope, and example.

How can you participate?
The Salvation Army aims to spread the Christian message of God's love to all, as well as extend humanitarian aid, regardless of politics, religious beliefs or race. We invite you to contact us and join this effort, as volunteers, donors or sponsors.

Offering Aid To Refugees

The Salvation Army in Athens has been working with the refugees arriving in Athens from the Greek islands. We distribute around 700 to 1000 sandwiches and around 150 to 200 litres of milk. Also, we visit the people living in Athens' squares during the day assessing their needs and help them accordingly. We support with nappies, baby milk, clothing, shoes, socks and soon we will be able to provide sleeping bags and water proof coats. So many stories and so many lives and each one of them very special. The problem is here to stay and with the winter months approaching we would like to be ready to be a positive step on their journey.