XpatAthens

XpatAthens

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!
Wednesday, 09 July 2025 17:27

Hiking & Yoga Escape In Pelion

September 7-13 - Leave behind the noise and pace of city life and embark on a truly memorable escape in the breathtaking Pelion region of Greece.

Uncover the hidden treasures of Pelion—secluded coastlines, charming villages, forested mountains, and secret beaches where the sea feels like a dream. Disconnect completely and soak in the serenity of this enchanting destination.
 
Your home for the retreat is a beautiful villa tucked into the green slopes of the mountain, embraced by nature. Wake up to sweeping views, savor wholesome, locally sourced meals prepared fresh each day, and recharge your mind and body in a setting alive with vibrant plant and animal life.
 
Steeped in myth, Mount Pelion takes its name from King Peleus, father of Achilles. It was said to be the land of the Centaurs—legendary creatures that were half-human, half-horse—and the beloved summer retreat of the Olympian gods themselves.


Retreat Info

When: September 7-13, 2025

Where: Pelion

Price: From 2,550€

Email: steph@nefelinine.com

Organizer: Nefeli Nine

INSIDE Hiking Yoga Escape

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
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