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Movers & Shakers: Meet The Corona Nomads Of Athens
Athens has been rising as a destination for digital nomads for several years now, with people of all types of professions, from artists to web developers and online marketers, deciding that the Greek capital offers a winning combination of climate, quality of life, and low cost of living. When Covid-19 struck Europe, Greece was acknowledged as one of the countries to have handled the outbreak best; the early and strict lockdown kept cases low—and as of now, Greece still has much fewer fatalities than other EU countries of comparable size.
In March, she left London and returned to Nottingham to spend the lockdown with her family. Isabella is half Greek, half English but grew up in the UK, taking holidays to Greece. When her late grandmother's flat in Koukaki became available in July, she jumped at the opportunity. "Dancers can't sit still, we have to keep training," says Isabella. "After being cooped up in the UK, here I have space to train at home with the free classes that dance schools and teachers have been putting online."
The Playwright Searching For A Muse—Ben Jacobs
Like Isabella, Ben, 32, works in an industry decimated by coronavirus: tourism. As a self-employed London tour guide, he ushered groups around the capital daily, passionately sharing stories and interacting with visitors from all over the world.
"London is great for making money, meeting people and going to events," he says. "But now, with so few tourists, I can't make anywhere near what I used to; while London is still as expensive as it has always been." Reluctant to face a long and dreary British winter and the significant restrictions on indoor spaces, Ben's thoughts turned to Athens, particularly its lively outdoor art scene.
"Lockdown has forced everything outdoors and that's far less restricting in an outdoors culture like Athens," he says. Aside from being a tour guide, Ben is also a writer and playwright, with several works currently in progress. Rather than burning through his savings paying rent in London—or switching careers—he decided to relocate to Athens to make his money stretch much further. He arrived in mid-September, just as new lockdowns arrived elsewhere across Europe.
"I've definitely got enough work to keep me busy here," he says. "Athens is now a throbbing and passionate metropolis; a lively stage on the edge of Europe. There's tonnes of inspiration here to create and perform new work."
To read more, please visit This is Athens
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
The Power Of Repeating Small Daily Habits
Written by Nadia Georgiou
If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!
Greekend’: Tourism Organization Coins New Word In City Break Ad Campaign
In its new spot, EOT promotes Athens and Thessaloniki as ideal destinations for travelers looking for a weekend break, stressing the prevailing good weather conditions and easy flight connections. It showcases the offerings tourists can enjoy in Greece’s big cities including the coffee culture, local cuisine, art galleries, shopping destinations, and entertainment venues.
“The Tourism Ministry and EOT are launching the City Break campaign, inviting visitors to discover the well-known and hidden corner of Greek cities,” said Tourism Minister Vasilis Kikilias.
“Hotels in our cities, particularly Athens and Thessaloniki, have suffered due to the pandemic. This campaign is the first in a series of initiatives we will carry out, inviting visitors to safely enjoy an authentic Greek weekend in our largest cities,” he added.
“The pandemic has negatively impacted urban tourism. In many cases, disproportionately to our other tourist destinations,” said EOT General Secretary Dimitris Fragkakis, adding that “the Greekend campaign seeks to promote a complete tourist product, one that is equal to other established European weekend destinations.”
The new campaign is scheduled to initially run for two months in 10 countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and Israel.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
The Nymphs Of Ancient Greece
They were not all immortal. Some died after living for centuries. Still, they existed in a magical world between mortals and gods. Nymphs were generally harmless, too, but not always.
For a man, encountering a nymph while alone might put him in a precarious situation. The term nymphomania is derived from the word nymph. It means uncontrollable desire in a woman and stems from a belief that some nymphs would bewitch innocent young men, becoming their lovers and never releasing them.
Nymphs were everywhere in ancient Greece
These graceful young girls not only populated waters but were found throughout nature. For instance, every tree in every sacred grove was believed to owe its life source to the nymph who lived there.
Wherever Greeks ventured into nature, they were conscious of these beings. Villagers were aware that they were watched, measured, and evaluated by intelligent beings who were wild and unpredictable.
Usually, nymphs were invisible, but thousands of Greeks in ancient times reported seeing them. Nymphs seemed to be everywhere in ancient Greece. They presided over all natural phenomena, including clouds, caves, meadows, and the rocky beaches found all over Greece.
As nature spirits, they were associated with several of the Olympic gods, including Zeus, Hermes, Artemis, Poseidon, Demeter, and Dionysos.
The most famous of Artemis’ nymphs were the Pleiades, seven sisters who were immortalized by Zeus when he turned them into the Pleiades constellation. The Pleiades were originally mountain nymphs, but there were many families.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Why It's Important To Plan A Day Just For You During The Holiday Season
It always amazes me how busy we get just before the festive season. Instead of slowing down and starting to enjoy the spirit we rush to get things, all things, done. Whether it’s for ourselves, our children, our partner, or someone else.
Of course we want to get our homes ready, buy gifts, plan our special evenings, cook, perhaps finish some unfinished business or whatever else it may be for each one of us. And then the Holidays are over and we need extra time to slow down and relax because we’re so exhausted.
I know I’ve had my share but I’ve also learned my lesson. So when planning for the Holidays I make sure I “plan” a day just for me. This is my “I do nothing” day. Yes, I have a family, yes, I have a daughter and yes, I have friends and relatives so I do have lots to do. But this one day I make myself a priority.
This one day I listen to my body, I choose to rest and to look after myself. Maybe I sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed while listening to my favorite music. Maybe I get cozy on the couch and read my book or watch a movie. Maybe I write in my journal and explore my emotions or how I feel about something.
Think about it. The Holiday Season is not officially over until January 7th. Give yourself the permission to focus on you and your needs while you still have time. You do so many things for everyone else, this one day do something just for you!
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
A Jewel Made In Greece Returns At Zappeion Hall
Originally published in Greek on: parapolitika.gr
November At The Municipal Market Of Kypseli
Events
Kypseli BEAT
At the historic Kypseli Municipal Market, in one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, comes the much-anticipated all-day social event blending DJ sets, aperitivo, street food, vinyl records, and fashion. In a friendly and accessible environment, enjoy amazing music from the city’s top selectors and DJs, creating a diverse musical soundtrack for the soul, mind, and body.
- Sunday, 11/3 || 1:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Passing through Kypseli Municipal Market? Take a quick test! Free, fast, and confidential screenings for HIV and Hepatitis B & C, in collaboration with the Athens Checkpoint Center for Prevention & Sexual Health. On Mondays, November 4 and 18, from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Athens Checkpoint staff will be in Creative Lab 2, providing tests and information about sexual health, supported by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
- Mondays, 11/4 & 11/18 || 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Free Entry
The Kypseli Municipal Market welcomes the Bantu Dancers to introduce us to the fun world of AFROfitness—a fitness style incorporating Afro Dance that feels like a party! AFROfitness is a workout program combining traditional African dance moves with contemporary dance expressions, enhancing fluidity, range of motion, and genuine movement. Through AFROfitness, participants explore various dance expressions inspired by African traditions, making it an excellent full-body workout and a fun way to build confidence, improve stamina, and body coordination.
- Mondays, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 & 11/25 || 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
- Atrium
- Free Entry (registration required here)
A market with fresh, natural, and organic produce from small producers.
- Every Wednesday || 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Atrium
- Free Entry
The Bees Hub brings the “Back Yard Art” exhibition to the Kypseli Municipal Market for a November weekend. This exhibition aims to be a meeting point for art and handmade lovers, showcasing unique pieces that express each creator’s personality and passion. Through a range of artistic approaches, you’ll have the chance to meet original creations, such as jewelry, natural cosmetics, woven and knitted items, and artworks inspired by tradition and modern life. The exhibition’s goal is to connect visitors with artists, highlighting the value of handmade creation as a medium of expression and communication.
- Friday 11/8 to Sunday 11/10 || 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Dogs’ Voice is organizing a big celebration day at the Kypseli Municipal Market. The organization’s main goal is to promote hosting and adopting pets. Since summer 2023, Dogs’ Voice has taken in 911 animals affected by natural disasters, plus an additional 166 from the 2024 fires in Varnavas, leaving 50 dogs still looking for their forever homes. Through this event, Dogs’ Voice hopes to inform people about their work, encourage support, and inspire visitors to adopt, foster, and love through volunteering.
- Saturday 11/16 || 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Stratis Bournazos’ book tells his fascinating story, following the paths of liberal anti-communism and the alliance of the non-communist Left with the American state. It also sheds light on the frustrated history of the Greek CCF, exploring why the organization’s meeting with Greek intellectuals and politicians, both conservative and liberal, was fruitless for both sides. This journey through Cold War intellectual life reveals multiple shades of anti-communism, the gap between progressive anti-communists and “national state” intellectuals, the challenges of modernization in 1950s Greece, and the importance of intellectual independence in the explosive 1960s.
- Tuesday 11/19 || 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Atrium
- Free Entry
The Kypseli Municipal Market hosts the Craft & Create Market for a weekend, gathering talented creators, amazing handmade items, and unique brands. Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with creativity and positive vibes!
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Saturday 11/23 to Sunday 11/24 || 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
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Atrium
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Free Entry
Workshops
Internet Skills for Ages 60+
The successful digital empowerment workshop is back at Kypseli Municipal Market! We meet every Tuesday for the advanced group and every Wednesday for beginners, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. With tablet use, we learn how to surf the internet, search for useful information, communicate online with friends and family, and complete transactions with the government.
- Advanced Group: Every Tuesday from 10/1 to 12/3 || 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Creative Lab 1, Cost: €60 for the full 10-session course
- Beginners Group: Every Wednesday from 10/2 to 12/4 || 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Tickets available at more.com
Art Therapy Workshops
These art therapy workshops, led by expressive therapist Marili Topouzoglou, offer a chance for personal growth and self-expression through various artistic methods. Activities include finger painting, creating ceramic totems, storytelling, and self-portrait exploration. Participants discover new ways to connect with memories, senses, and their inner worlds, enhancing self-awareness, creativity, and a sense of community in a safe space for creative experimentation and emotional expression.
- Every Tuesday from 10/1 to 11/26 || 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
- Creative Lab 1
- Free Entry (registration required here or call 2111824102)
Introduction to Woodworking with Hōkō
Learn basic woodworking techniques while making your first project—a handy stool to take home at the end of the course.
- Every Wednesday from 10/9 to 11/27 || 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €220 for the full 8-session course
- Info and reservations here
Dive into Imagination
Art workshop for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-grade children with Kyriakos Mourtzis. Ready to become a unique young artist and dive into the world of colors and imagination? Join us at the Kypseli Municipal Market to play with color and shape, get messy with clay, paint with brushes, and create fantastic worlds that only you will understand!
- Every Wednesday from 11/6 to 11/27 || 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Creative Lab 1
- Cost: €30 for the full 4-session course
- Tickets available at more.com
Photography Workshop: The Art of Wedding Flatlays
Kypseli Municipal Market hosts the Photography Workshop: The Art of Wedding Flatlays, designed for photographers, content creators, e-shop owners, event and wedding planners, and anyone passionate about design and composition. Renowned photographer Monika Kritikos will lead the workshop, sharing the secrets of the art of wedding flatlay and demonstrating how these techniques can be applied to product and e-commerce photography.
- Saturday 2/11 || 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €320
- Tickets available here
Little Pastry Chefs in Action
Byzantion Bakery invites you to the magical world of baking with a unique Halloween workshop for kids. Join us to create spooky Halloween cookies. Using creative ingredients like fondant and colorful glazes, kids will decorate cookies in shapes like ghosts, pumpkins, and bats! Ingredients include egg, flour, butter, sugar, apricot jam, food coloring, and fondant.
- Saturday 2/11 || 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
- 11:00–11:30 AM & 11:40 AM–12:10 PM for ages 6–8
- 12:20–12:50 PM & 1:00–1:30 PM for ages 9–10
- Atrium
- Free entry; registration required at byzantionbakery@gmail.com (limited spaces)
Plant Propagation in Water with Hōkō
Hōkō presents the easiest technique for plant propagation using water. Each participant will learn how to cut and propagate a plant to take home. You’ll also learn how to care for the cutting as it roots and how to transfer it to the soil.
- Thursday 7/11 and every first Thursday of the month until December || 6:30–7:30 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Free entry; reservation required here
Creating with Chrysolie: Watercolor Painting
Discover the art of watercolor inspired by nature’s beauty! In this workshop, we’ll explore how to capture natural landscapes and elements through watercolor techniques. Learn the basics and experiment with colors and textures to create impressive pieces inspired by the world around us. Embrace the creative process with a fresh perspective and natural inspiration!
- Saturday 9/11 || 7:00–9:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €22
- Reservations: chrysoliesart@gmail.com or 6984561871
Candle Making Workshop
Join us for a hands-on, creative workshop exploring the world of natural candles. Spend four hours immersed in colors, scents, and decorations, making beautiful container candles and learning everything you need to create your own natural candles!
- Sunday 10/11 || 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Free entry; reservations on Instagram @beemamacourses or 6909068341
First Aid for Infants, Children, and Adults
This First Aid seminar at Kypseli Municipal Market is for parents, teachers, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning important skills for handling emergencies across all ages. Participants will learn basic techniques like CPR, anti-choking methods, and managing injuries and allergic reactions. The seminar includes theoretical training and practical exercises to build confidence in handling emergency situations.
- Tuesday 12/11 || 5:30–7:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €30
- Required reservations on the Momscent Instagram page or 6979545608 (limited spaces)
Vlavi Book Club
The book club of Vlavi magazine is a space for engaging with essays and literary texts that have shaped the history of publishing. The only requirement for participation is reading the books suggested by the magazine’s editorial team and preparing for a critical discussion.
- Thursday 14/11 || 6:00–9:00 PM | Discussing “Fashion” by Georg Simmel, Plethron Editions
- Saturday 16/11 || 6:00–9:00 PM | Discussing “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner, Gutenberg Editions
- Creative Lab 2
- Free entry
Wax Wrap Workshop
In this workshop, learn to create natural, household wax wraps, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for food storage and transport. You’ll learn how to make, use, and renew them, and will leave with two personal-use wraps.
- Friday 22/11 || 6:30–8:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €30
- Reservations: welcome@astikimelissa.gr or at the Astiki Melissa shop in Kypseli Municipal Market
Creating with Chrysolie: Mixed Media on Canvas
Explore your creativity with mixed media on canvas! In this workshop, we’ll use acrylic paints, markers, paper, glue, scissors, stencils, and more to create impressive artworks. Through experimental techniques and material combinations, you’ll discover new textures and techniques to express your imagination and creativity on each canvas. Embrace the joy of creation and explore the possibilities of mixed media together!
- Saturday 23/11 || 7:00–9:00 PM
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €25
- Reservations: chrysoliesart@gmail.com or 6984561871
Athens: Mother Of All Cities
It's always interesting to hear what other people think of Athens, especially those who aren't from here or those who have been here only a short time. The truth is that perspective is everything, and other points of view often give us the best perspective on our own lives.
So it was with great interest that I picked up a copy of the in-flight magazine of Swiss airways on a recent work trip. The headline: 'Athens: Mother of all cities’
Clearly these articles are written to entice travellers to visit this lucrative Swiss airways destination. They are marketing pieces. But what exactly would a Swiss author see as enticing about Athens?
I'm going to re-write a few key phrases from the piece here - and hope that this isn’t breaking any laws! The full article can be seen linked below...
According to Swiss, ‘The Athenians virtually invented urban life, and we can still learn from them today’. They say that Athens remains a model of urbanity. Because the ‘warm climate and the friendliness of the locals make make Athens a place where life spills out of the homes, shops and thousands of bars and restaurants and onto the streets, however narrow they may be. Because it’s a city that buzzes almost around the clock. And because a new generation has taken the recent crises as a chance to reaffirm, with almost Olympian zeal, the great Greek triumphs of the past: hospitality, culinary variety, strong coffee and fine wine!’
They mention the places that we all know – Plaka, Psirri, National Gardens, rooftop restaurants, bars, and obviously the acropolis.
In an interview with Ted Lelekas (telegourmet.org), he answers the question ‘Why Athens?’ His answer: The nightlife. The sensuality. The friendliness. The wine.
I'd say they pretty much 'got it'. Athens is all of that, and it’s not just ‘marketing puff’ to say so.
Until next week,
Jack
Swiss Magazine (Athens, November 2014):
http://www.swiss.com/CMSContent/web/SiteCollectionDocuments/SWISS-Magazine/2014/SWISS-Magazine-November.pdf
Interview with Ted Lelekas: http://www.swiss.com/CMSContent/web/SiteCollectionDocuments/SWISS-Magazine/2014/SWISS-Magazine-November-Talk.pdf
Check out the Swiss City Guide for Athens here: http://www.swiss.com/CMSContent/web/SiteCollectionDocuments/SWISS-Magazine/2014/SWISS-Magazine-November-City-Guide.pdf
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…
Visit Veria
Veria is the capital city of the Prefecture of Imathia and is located in the northern borders of Greece, in the region of Central Macedonia. It is 362.6 km² in size and its population amounts to 47,500 inhabitants. Across the town passes the river "Trippotamos", the rocky banks of which and its special flora create a stunning natural environment.
Though Veria has been an important settlement since ancient times, the Roman statesman Cicero (100-43 BC) described it as an "out-of-the-way town" because of its distance from Thessalonika (68 km) and the Roman Via Egnatia.
Today, despite being close to a throbbing motorway, it remains a small, neat provincial town amongst the hilly farmland of central Macedonia, with a view across the broad plain below.
Saint Paul the Apostle preached in Veria on his evangelical tour of Macedonia (around 49-51 AD) and found a very receptive audience. A grand outdoor marble and mosaic monument to his visit has been built on the Víma, the square where he preached, at the edge of the town.
One of the main mosaics depicts Paul's "Macedonian vision", a scene found in many churches in Macedonia.
Downtown has a couple of main streets lined with smart shops, cafés and offices full of well-dressed young people. Pleasant but unremarkable. As ever, it's when you go behind this modern veneer and explore the side streets and alleys that things get interesting.
As so often in Greece, one comes across the widespread ambivalence to its own history and heritage. Ancient mosques, churches and houses have been left to decay.
During the five centuries of Turkish occupation, churches were disguised as barns and warehouses. There are said to be 48 of these, which explains Veria's epithet "Little Jerusalem". But the stories of disguise seem odd, as you only have to walk past one and peer into a window to see the magnificent frescoes or smell the incense. It is impossible not to conclude that there must have been a degree of collusion or laissez-faire between the local Greek and Turkish populations. This was certainly not always the case, and the Turkish authorities were known to inflict vicious retribution, such as the hanging of the archbishop in 1436.
To read more, please visit my-favourite-planet.de
By David John
Australian Defence Ministry Looking To Employ Greek Soldiers
Department of Defense is seeking shooters, counter intelligence agents and qualified fighter jet pilots, while the government has already issued a visa for 135 people who will work for the country’s elite units. The military recruitment from abroad has increased since 2012, while the appointment of some 36 foreign employees on the defense sector is currently pending.
The Australian Defense Ministry has already given funds to attract the elite military personnel. “In fact, this is not a waste of time, on the opposite, we save money as we do not spend time for staff training.
To read more, please visit greekreporter.com
By Aggelos Skordas