XpatAthens

XpatAthens

The wonderful weather, the unique Messinian landscape, the 2 signature golf courses and the 17 maritime teams, composed the impressive scenery of the Greek Maritime Golf Event 2021. The top maritime golf tournament was held with utmost safety for the 7 th year on September 3 - 5 2021, at Costa Navarino , Messinia.

Golfing action with the Messinian background scenery
The golf action started on Saturday, September 4, with the shotgun scramble that was held at The Dunes Course, in a stunning natural landscape full of centuries-old olive trees. Moreover, non-golfers had the opportunity to attend the golf clinic and take part in the putting competition.

The event was completed on Sunday, September 5, as golfers had the option of participating in the two (2) ball better ball (3/4 hcp), at The Bay Course, with a magnificent view of the historic Bay of Navarino, and the picturesque port of Pylos.

The shipping community supported KARKINAKI
On Saturday night, the awards ceremony was glamorous and full of surprises and gifts for the tournament’s participants. The event was be presented by the Euroleague legend, Joe Arlauckas and Ioanna Papadimitriou.

A silent auction was held for the first time and auctioned 32 items of golf legends such as Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Roy Mcllroy and world-class athletes, including NBA Finals Champion & MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, NFL player Tom Brady and tennis player Serena Williams. The activity was implemented in collaboration with the unique agency in Europe, dealing with trading cards and memorabilia, Trace ‘n Chase and the assistance of Ideas Print.

The shipping community “embraced” and actively supported the event’s good cause, as during the ceremony participants contributed with their desired amount, bidding on their favorite items. The total amount collected exceeded the 5,000 euros and was given to the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI, which claims intervention in the effort of stopping Childhood and adolescent cancer being a taboo issue, but also finding as many allies as possible so that every child who suffers from cancer has equal access to high- quality hospitalization, effective treatment and, ultimately, the right to life.

At the same time, a lottery was held with rich prizes that were drawn to the participants and offered by the following donors: Qatar Airways, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, The Margi, Arifakis, Domotel Kastri, Dinner in the Sky and Blue Shades of Greece.

In the context of this year’s event, the recognized Greek PGA golfer and organizer of the Greek Maritime Golf Event, Mr. Thanos Karantzias highlighted: “I feel very proud that the Greek Maritime Golf Event exceeded all expectations for the 7th year. We managed to 2 showcase the golf tourism of Messinia while organizing a highly demanding tournament with utmost safety and with a strict health protocol. I would like to thank the sponsors and all members of the maritime community who participated and supported the top maritime golf tournament with their presence. We are now renewing our appointment for December 4, at the Golf Course of Glyfada”.

During the tournament, participants and visitors had the opportunity to drive and meet the new Porsche models and admire, the impressive Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.

The event was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Golf Federation. Greek Maritime Golf Event, was organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The tournament was addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.

In the overall team standings, the team of Papadopoulos, Harvey, Hutton, Ventouris won the 1 st place. Second place went to the team of Oikonomou, Karabatsos, Patiniotis, Sorotos, while the team of Syomin, Boetius, Garulin, Androulidakis took the third place. In the other categories, William Karnazes won “Closest to the Pin” award and Frank Monteiro claimed the “Longest Drive”.

Dynamic support of the sponsors
Greek Maritime Golf Event was attended by some of the leading shipping companies
from Greece and Cyprus as well as great Greek companies that supported the event.
Maritime Sponsors:
The Marshall Islands Registry IRI was the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company, Onego Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Swift
Marine were Golden Sponsors.
Arrow Hellas, DNV and Drew Marine were Silver Sponsors.
Marine Tours was the event’s Official Travel Partner.
IYC was the Official Sponsor.
Tototheo Maritime and Standard Club were the Official Supporters.
Non-Maritime Sponsors:
MOTODYNAMICS SA was the Signature Sponsor.
Qatar Airways was the Official Airline.
Poseidonia was the Official Supporter.
Avance was the Official Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa was the Official Beauty Partner
Under Armour was the Official Clothing Partner.
Pilia Express was the Official Carrier.
Minoa Water was the Official Water.
Trace ‘n Chase was the Silent Auction Partner.
Pylos Poems, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, The Margi, Arifakis, Domotel
Kastri, Karalis Beach Hotel, ΜΕΤΑΧΑ, UWC SAMOS, Luc Belaire, Veroni, Kayak,
Lakonia, Ideas Print, Dinner in the Sky, Blue Shades of Greece, Athi Rodi and
Unique Flowers Creations are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions was the Audio Visual Partner.
The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group undertook the event’s
Golf Production.
Tournament with safety
The Greek Maritime Golf Event brought together distinguished executives of the Greek
shipping community who competed in the completely safe destination of Costa
Navarino, under a strict health and safety protocol established by the event’s production staff and approved by the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports.

Photo Credit: Mike Tsolis
Thursday, 17 February 2022 15:21

Must Go: Bike Seat For Sale

Moving Sale: Lightly used children's bike seat in good condition.

Red and grey with belt and foot straps.

Pick up in Neo Irakleio, Attiki.

View on Facebook Marketplace 
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 07:00

Eggnog With A Greek Twist

Bring a Mediterranean twist to the classic holiday eggnog with flavors inspired by Greece! This creamy and aromatic drink combines traditional eggnog ingredients with the distinct taste of Greek honey and mastiha.




Ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs (separated)
  • 3/4 cup Greek honey (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup mastiha liqueur (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
  • Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Base:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, Greek honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is just about to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat.
  2. Whisk the Yolks:
    In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and creamy. Gradually add a ladle of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them. Slowly add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
  3. Cook the Eggnog:
    Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the mastiha liqueur (if using) and vanilla extract.
  4. Beat the Whites:
    In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cooled eggnog mixture for a frothy texture.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 2 hours. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of Greek honey.
 
Rooted in the oral tradition of ancient Greece, proverbs served as concise expressions of moral, social, and practical wisdom. Passed down through generations, these proverbs encapsulate the values, beliefs, and experiences of ancient Greek society, offering invaluable guidance for navigating life's complexities.

"Σπεῦδε βραδέως." (Speûde bradéōs.)
Meaning: "Hasten slowly."
Origin: This proverb, attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher and playwright Euripides, embodies the principle of cautious deliberation and prudent action. It advises against rash decisions and impulsive behavior, urging individuals to proceed with careful consideration and patience in order to achieve success.

"Ἀνάγκᾳ δ' οὐδὲ θεοὶ μάχονται." (Anánkāi d' oudè theoì mákhontai.)
Meaning: "Even the gods cannot fight necessity."
Origin: This proverb, derived from the works of the ancient Greek tragedian Simonides, acknowledges the immutable power of fate and destiny. It underscores the inevitability of certain events and the futility of resistance against forces beyond human control, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.

"Γνῶθι σεαυτόν." (Gnōthi seautón.)
Meaning: "Know thyself."
Origin: Inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, this famous aphorism has been attributed to various ancient Greek sages, including the philosopher Thales of Miletus and the oracle of Delphi. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, introspection, and understanding one's own strengths, weaknesses, and limitations in the pursuit of wisdom and self-improvement.

"Μηδένα πρὸ τοῦ τέλους μακαρίζε." (Mēdéna prò toû télous makaríze.)
Meaning: "Do not call anyone happy before the end."
Origin: According to Herodotus, Kroisos, the king of Lydia, impressed by his own wealth and achievements, asked Solon who the happiest man in the world was. Solon, instead of praising Kroisos, famously responded with the proverb "μηδένα πρὸ τοῦ τέλους μακαρίζε" (mēdena pro tou telous makarize), advising Kroisos not to consider anyone truly happy until their life had ended. This encounter served as a cautionary tale about the uncertainty of fortune and the fleeting nature of happiness, despite Kroisos' immense wealth and power.
On Thursday, October 31 at 7:15 PM, celebrate Halloween with a screening of the classic horror-comedy Young Frankenstein (1974)! The Hellenic American Union’s HAU Movie Club, in collaboration with Mooviereel, kicks off the season with this unforgettable Mel Brooks parody starring Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks, Peter Boyle, and Teri Garr. The film will be shown with Greek subtitles, and admission is free!

Co-written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, the film draws inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Universal Pictures’ original Frankenstein trilogy. The result? One of the greatest comedies of all time.

In the hilarious plot, the grandson of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein, determined to prove his grandfather wasn’t as mad as everyone believes, travels to Transylvania. There, he uncovers the secret to reanimating a dead body—with uproarious results.

Young Frankenstein was nominated for two Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Expect fun, with confetti to toss during the opening and closing credits! Extra points for dressing up as one of Universal’s iconic monsters. Don’t miss out!
Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:19

Outdoor Autumn Nights

The past weeks have been more like my weeks ‘not’ in Athens! I’ve been away with work quite a bit – which is nice when you think about it, but less nice when you actually do it… I love to get away from time to time – and I do love to come home!

Returning late Friday night meant I was ready for a fun night out on Saturday… A few phone calls later, plans were hatched. Well, one small plan at least. We would meet at Riza, our sure-bet tsipouradiko in Thiseio, for a lite bite. But this being Athens, and the post-summer city nightlife positively buzzing, this plan quickly expanded.

Having satisfied our stomachs, and with the warm night still young, we decided to move on. We walked over to six d.o.g.s. in Monastiraki and had a quick drink in the energized, ‘standing room only’ vibe in the cool garden space… This is a very popular place, day or night – and with good reason.

Next stop: TAF in Monastiraki. This is for those who love unmarked doorways in empty alleyways, that open onto unexpectedly cool interior courtyards... Cool music, friendly vibe, graffiti-chic art spaces and a refreshingly adult crowd. Highly recommend.

On our way to TAF, we noticed a sign for a roof-top space called Couleur Locale. It’s literally next door to TAF, through a small stoa, past the tiny taverna, and up to the roof via the elevator. This place opened just over a month ago, and is a wide-open, casual bar space – up-beat dance music, great drinks list and some delicious chef-made food choices. It’s also quite a large space, and doesn’t yet get too busy. Anyone else tired of not finding a table at 360 or A for Athens?

One thing is for sure: Athens in autumn doesn’t force anyone indoors. While many of my Canadian friends are waking up to near-zero temperatures, I will ‘have another round, please!’, and might even leave my jacket at home…

Until 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…

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 11:12

The Third Largest City In Greece - Visit Patras

Welcome to Patras, a bustling student city, a place where entertainment, history and culture mingle together to create a destination filled with wonderful discoveries. Start your exploration around the city from Aghiou Nikolaou (Ayiou Nikoláou), the most famous pedestrian street. There, 192 steps await to lead you to the Old City. A romantic stroll around its cobbled streets will reveal grand colourful neoclassic mansions, reminders of the city’s glorious past.

 

Visit the city’s Medieval Castle, built in the second half of the 6th century A.D. on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. Its walls enclose an area of about 22 sq.m.; it consists of a triangular external compound enhanced with towers and ramparts.

Walk past the remaining buildings, and take in breathtaking views of the city.

West of the Acropolis, in the “Áno Póli” (upper city), you will find Patras Roman Odeum, which was actually built earlier than the Athens Odeum (Herodion 160 AD). The geographer Pausanias, who visited Patras in 170 AD, wrote: “It has the most beautiful decoration I have ever seen, excluding of course that of Athens". The surrounding space is turned into an archaeological area where mosaics, sarcophagi and other ancient findings are displayed. The romantic souls should seek for the city’s landmark, the Lighthouse, in order to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the port.

A visit to Spinney, the pine-tree-covered hill, the so-called “Veránda” of Patras will certainly uplift your senses. Its specially formed paths and the shade offered by the tall trees make it an ideal place for you to enjoy leisurely walks, or even go jogging. There you can also find a Municipal tourist kiosk from where you can admire a breathtaking view of the city, the port and the Patras Gulf.

In the centre of the city, two historical monuments will certainly draw your attention: Saint Andrew Church, one of the biggest churches in the Balkans, and “APOLLON" Municipal Theatre, one of the first opera houses in Europe. It was designed in 1972 by the German architect Ernest Ziller. Since 1988 it permanently houses the Patras Municipal Regional Theatre.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:50

ELSTAT: Internet Use In Greek Households

The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) conducted research on the use of information and communication technologies by households for 2013. The research revealed that in the first quarter of 2013, 60.4% of Greek citizens between the ages of 16 and 74 used a computer and 59.9% used the internet. 

The vast majority of internet connections at home were broadband connections. Compared to the first quarter of 2012, the largest increase in internet connections was recorded in Attica (6.8%) and the smallest in Central Greece (1.5%).

More than 6 out of 10 men were using the internet and the ratio was almost the same among women. There was a strong variation, however, between different age groups. More than 9 out of 10 Greeks aged between 16 and 24 were using the internet, compared to 1 out of 10 Greeks aged between 65 and 74.

The variation between groups of different educational levels was also considerable. The internet was used by 9 out of 10 Greeks of high educational level, by 7 out of 10 Greeks of moderate educational level and by about 2 out of 10 Greeks of low educational level.

Moreover, in the first quarter of 2013, 93.3% of Greeks used the internet at least once a week, showing a 2.7% increase in use, compared to 2012 (91.7%).

By Evgenia Adamantopoulou

Greek Reporter

Two historical movie theaters in downtown Athens could be fully operational once more by the end of the year, if all goes according to plan in an initiative of the Museum of the City of Athens and the Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation with the support of Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis, who hopes that their relaunch could signal the rebirth of central Stadiou Street – once a vibrant shopping and entertainment thoroughfare and now a desolate stretch of closed shops.

It bodes well for the plan – though few know this fact – that the interior areas of both the Attikon and Apollon cinemas were untouched by the firebombs thrown by protesters in February 2012 during a violent riot that claimed the lives of three employees at Marfin Bank, located nearby on Stadiou Street. The exteriors of the two movie theaters, which are both located in the same once-beautiful block, were badly damaged.

“The fire was stopped at the last minute thanks to the efforts of a handful of firefighters and the cinemas’ operator, Giorgos Tsakalakis, and members of his family and staff on that fateful day,” says Antonis Vogiatzis, president of the board of directors for the Museum of the City of Athens, which is located nearby.

To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
by Nikos Vatopoulos
Couples who choose to sign a so-called cohabitation agreement, including same-sex partners, will have virtually the same rights as those who are married with the exception of the right to adopt a child, according to new legal provisions that were put up for public consultation on Monday 9th November 2015 by the Justice Ministry.

The agreement, which in its current form grants non-married couples similar rights to those who are married, would be extended, giving signatories the favorable tax status enjoyed by married couples and increased inheritance rights. In the case of civil servants, the same benefits granted to married couples would apply.

The bill unveiled by Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos yesterday also includes provisions aimed at boosting anti-racism legislation. According to the proposed legislation, not only offenses with racist motives will be regarded as crimes, but also those stemming from discrimination based on someone’s sex or religion.

To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
Page 212 of 437