This winter in Belgium, a charity concert organized by '12 Hours for Greece' raised 35,000 euros to support the initiative 'Fuel for Schools.' Greek artists performed at the concert and hundreds of Greeks and philhellenes attended. The funds from the concert were then donated to the International Foundation of Greece to help heat the schools in remote areas of northern Greece.

'Fuel for Schools' was started in 2012 and has raised money annually to benefit the schools struggling during the current economic crisis. Aspasia Leventis, the founder and president of the International Foundation for Greece said in a press conference that this year 250 schools had applied for the program.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Following an oil spill near Salamina island in 2017, a swimming ban was put in place for the beaches along the Attica coast. However, the health ministry authorities stated recently that beaches are once again open to the public.

Beaches are now open for swimming with the exception of Salamina’s Limnionas bay, Selinia and Themistokleous coast. According to the shipping ministry, “joint efforts for the complete restoration of the marine environment impacted by the wreck carried out by relevant ministries, affected municipalities, port authorities, decontamination companies and volunteer groups, and its return to the public have been completed”.

Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis also ordered a committee of experts to carry out on-the-spot inspections of the affected areas in order to assess progress ahead of the summer season.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

AA recently announced their new flight service between Athens International Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport that will officially launch in the summer of 2019.

The flight service will run from May until September on the Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner. There will be 198 seats in the main cabin and 28 in business class, introducing about 67,000 new seats to the travel market.

This new route makes it American Airlines' second connection with Athens. The first operates to Philadelphia, USA.

Article source: Tornos News

Anastasia Gerolymatou doesn't only believe that 'Age is just a number'; she has become living proof of that saying. At 81 years of age, the Greek will have her name in the Guinness Book of Records after windsurfing from Kefalonia to Kyllini in the Peloponnese, last week.

 

The octogenarian athlete has 3 grandchildren, who are her main source of inspiration. 'I did it so my grandchildren can remember me for what I accomplished,' she says with pride.

 

Gerolymatou plans to keep windsurfing for as long as she is strong enough to do so. She watches what she eats and keeps herself busy by doing the things that she loves.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Daylight saving time 2020 in Greece will begin at 3:00 AM on Sunday March 29. At 3:00 AM local time, clocks will turn to 4:00 AM as daylight saving time goes into effect across the European Union.

Since 80% of Europeans said they were opposed to the clock changes, the EU has ruled to discard the time changing practice by April 2021. Consequently, each Member State will have to decide whether to remain permanently on 'summer time' or to change their clocks to permanent standard time.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab.

 

Μadrid may be the only capital in the world to have its own wine appellation, but Athens is still one of the few major cities to boast a vineyard on its doorstep. Although not as well-known as Vienna’s Heurige wine region, the Mesogaia valley, a mere 30km from downtown Athens, is covered with over 650 hectares of vines. You fly right over the vineyards as your plane lands at Athens International Airport. The Mesogaia vineyard, defined by Mount Pendeli to the north and Hymettus to the south, has been the capital’s purveyor of inexpensive, everyday wine for centuries.

 

Mesogaia is considered the birthplace of retsina. The local grape, the sturdy Savatiano, can produce excellent resinated wines and a wide range of non-resinated, dry whites. Over the past 30 years, there have been so many successful experimental vinifications of the Savatiano that it is now considered one of the most exquisite grapes Greece has to offer.

 

Two other areas on the outskirts of Athens have important vineyards: one to the north, extending from Stamata to the village of Afidnes, and one to the west, centered around the town of Megara.

 

At the turn of the 20th century, Attica was Greece’s most important wine-producing region. Sadly, most vineyards have now disappeared as the city expanded in all directions, especially from the mid-sixties onwards. When the Athens airport relocated to Spata in 200, more than 1,800 hectares of vineyards were sacrificed. However, this was offset by a decree ruling that all the surrounding land will remain farmland indefinitely. The legislation has saved many of the vineyards around Spata, Markopoulo, and Koropi.

 

Even though more than 40 wineries currently operate in the Mesogaia region and beyond, very few are open to visitors. On the plus side, they are so close to Athens that some of them can even be reached on public transport, although using a car is best if you want to drive through the vineyards and combine a visit to one or more wineries with other attractions and beaches nearby.

These Attica wineries are open to the public and available for tours and tastings. Call or email in advance to arrange your visit.

Ktima Kokotou

Ktima Kokotou is a lovely estate surrounded by nature, 23 km north of Athens. It was created by George and Anne Kokotos in 1980, and if you’re lucky you will be shown around by Anne, who is English and passionate about wine. The estate is known for its elegant and sophisticated produce. Wines that you must try: their flawless Savatiano, their elegant Chardonnay, and the award-winning Kokotos Estate Red.

Address: Kokotos Estate, Stamata, 145 75
Telephone: 210 8145113
Note: Wheelchair Accessible

Papagiannakos Winery

Vasilis Papagiannakos is the first winemaker in Greece to have built a bioclimatic winery, designed by award-winning architect Elena Stavropoulou. The building is beautiful and impressive, with lots of wood and big windows overlooking the vineyards. Wines here are very modern and popular on the export markets. Must try: a meaty Savatiano from old vines, an ultra-modern version of Retsina, and a truly impressive rosé called Granatus.

Address: Pythagora, Markopoulo, 190 03
Telephone: 22990 25206
Note: Wheelchair Accessible

Mylonas Winery

This proud-to-be-small winery was created in 1917 and is currently run by three Mylonas brothers who have made a name for themselves as ambassadors of the Savatiano grape. Winemaker Stamatis Mylonas doesn’t need much convincing to put together a vertical tasting of his Savatiano wines, proving what an exciting varietal this is. Also, unmissable is his steely Assyrtiko.

Address: 3 Ippokratous, Keratea, 190 01
Telephone: 22990 68156

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

 

We're happy to announce a new Media Sponsorship collaboration with Run Messinia 2021 We thank them for their trust and amicable support!

Run Messinia is an ultramarathon race of a total distance of approximately 421 kilometers, a tribute to the important events and unforgettable battles of the heroes of 1821. On June 5-14, 2021, during the “Run for Freedom” edition, 10 athletes per route will attempt to run 10 marathons in total, in 10 consecutive days, crossing historical places and monuments of Messinia, Laconia, and Arcadia, which are related to the Greek revolution.

We love sharing events and letting our community know what's on in Athens and around Greece! Whether it’s art, music, sports, food & drink, or community events, our aim is to encourage people to embrace and experience all that Athens has to offer! We keep our readers up-to-date with what’s on, and what’s coming up in our great city.

Part of the work that we do at XpatAthens is to collaborate with many different venues, digital platforms and event planners/hosts as Media Sponsors - you're welcome to learn more and see our sponsorships here.

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Cyprus has opened its first underwater archaeological park, offering visitors a glimpse of history at one of the eastern Mediterranean’s best preserved ancient harbors.

The now-submerged harbor lying off the ancient city-kingdom of Amathus was constructed between 312/311 BC and 294 BC when Cyprus was the focus of conflict between the two successors of Alexander the Great. It was probably constructed as a naval base because of its narrow entrance, though experts say its combined commercial use cannot be dismissed either.

Over the centuries, it has developed into a natural reef where marine life thrives.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Some things never change–and humor, luckily, is one thing that hasn’t changed a great deal over time, as we can see today by the comedies of ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks were known for exploring a wide range of comedic content, using the satire and farce that are just as funny today as they were in ancient times.

Tropes such as mistaken identity and, of course, the old standby, sex jokes, will never go out of style, as we can still see today. We have always needed an outlet for the stresses and troubles of life, and that was just as true two millennia ago as it is today.

Of course, politics will never cease to be a part of our lives and we see portrayals of politicians from the time of ancient Greece who may as well be behind the mahogany desks of today, all over the world, still wheeling and dealing.

And the battle of the sexes is absolutely nothing new, as we can plainly see in the comedies of the great writers of ancient Greece.

Lysistrata

Lysistrata is one of the comedies that has been translated the easiest throughout human history. Written by Aristophanes, the man who is known as the best Greek comedy writer of them all, this play has been reinterpreted and staged all over the world innumerable times even in the form of an opera. This play, which takes place during the Peloponnesian War, portrays Lysistrata, a woman who is tired of the constant, seemingly meaningless, fighting.

After deciding to take matters into her own hands, she persuades the women from all of the Greek city-states to join her in her effort to bring an end to the males’ unending wars. And, of course, she has to use one of the very few powers women had in those times–that they refuse to have sex with their husbands until they somehow call a halt to the hostilities.

Before too long, the men begin to suffer without the pleasures of being with their wives and agree to begin peace talks. However, they cannot leave quarreling and fighting behind, and they start to find fault with many of the terms of agreement. Lysistrata then comes up with the idea that she should parade a beautiful woman in front of them so that they would become so desperate they would sign almost anything. Naturally, Lysistrata wins that bet.

This immortal comedy was even remade recently into a dramatic movie, called “Chi-Raq.” Incredibly, Lysistrata was first performed in the year 411 BC–proving that human nature remains basically the same as in those days of old.

Thesmophoriazusae

Thesmophoriazusae, yet another masterpiece by Aristophanes, focuses on taking pot shots at the tragic poet Euripides. Using powerful women as protagonists, he has them deciding that they have been unfairly represented by Euripides as seducers, schemers, betrayers, or sometimes simply helpless victims–none of which these women are. The women decide to rise up and punish the great playwright for his misrepresentation of their gender.

Concerned, Euripides asks Mnesilochus to go disguised as a woman to the great female celebration of Thesmophoria, a fertility festival for women held every autumn that strictly prohibits any attendance by males.

Mnesilochus would be expected to speak in favor of the playwright there. In many different ways, including hilarious and sometimes painful methods, the hair is removed from his body and he is finally dressed like a woman. He then makes his appearance at the Thesmophoria, where he is supposed to hear the ladies start the festivities with a prayer that anyone who angers them be punished–especially poor Euripides.

The Frogs

The Frogs, another comedy by Aristophanes that has certainly stood the test of time, was first performed at Lenaia in the year 405 BC, taking first place in the theater competition. And this is no wonder, since its take on human nature is just as tru today as it was then.

The play tells the story of the Greek god Dionysus who is in complete despair over the loss of the tragic playwright Euripides, who had died just the year before. The Greek god visits his half-brother Heracles, asking advice on how he could to get to Hades so that he could bring Euripides back from the dead. Heracles tells him that he should either hang himself or jump off a tower as the fastest way to make it to the underworld. Instead, Dionysus chooses to travel across Lake Acheron — dressed in Heracles’ clothing.

While he voyages on the lake, a choral interlude is heard in which frogs croak their song. Dionysus is so annoyed by the sound of the frogs that he engages in a mock debate with them which is surely one of the highlights of the play. Naturally, when Dionysus reaches the underworld, he is mistaken for his brother Heracles by Aeacus, who is still angry that Heracles stole the dog Cerberus.

Dionysus then wisely trades clothes with his slave in order to having to fight Aeacus. But of course, as always happens in these cases of mistaken identity, a person — in this case a maid — then appears and mistakes Dionysus’ slave for Heracles. Of course, she then offers him a feast replete with virgins.

Of course, Dionysus then asks to trade clothes again but only ends up meeting yet more people who have reason to be angry with his brother. When Dionysus and the slave finally discover Euripides, he is arguing with Aeschylus about just who is the best tragic writer. The debate then prompts Dionysus to wonder which playwright he should actually bring back; so he judges a competition between the two brilliant wordsmiths. And, the competition of the two great playwrights retells some of the great tragic plays of Greek history as parodies, in a more unexpected twist.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

For many people, the idea of purposefully spending time alone can seem counterintuitive or even scary. However, delving into solitude is not an act of isolation but rather a "journey" to self-discovery and personal well-being. So why is spending time with yourself a valuable practice in the pursuit of a more meaningful and balanced life?

Time spent alone provides fertile ground for self-reflection. In the absence of external distractions, you can delve into your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations with greater energy. This introspective process is vital to personal growth as it allows you to understand yourself more deeply, identify areas for improvement, and begin the continuous journey to becoming the best version of yourself.

Spending time with yourself allows you to face and process your feelings without outside influences. This self-awareness contributes to the development of emotional resilience. By recognizing and understanding your emotions, you cultivate the power to face life's challenges more effectively, fostering a sense of inner balance and stability.

Solitude provides the mental space needed for creativity to flourish. When you are alone, you can explore new ideas and engage in truly innovative thinking. Additionally, quiet allows for focused problem solving as the mind can tackle challenges without external distractions, leading to more effective solutions.

A busy life often does not allow for the pursuit of personal interests. Spending time alone gives you a chance to rediscover these aspects of yourself. Whether it's engaging in a favorite hobby, exploring new interests, or simply making time for curiosity, these moments can rekindle a sense of joy and fulfillment.

In the hyper-connected world we live in, constant interaction and external stimuli can lead to mental fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Solitude often provides a respite from this sensory overload, allowing for mental rejuvenation. It becomes a critical practice for maintaining overall well-being and preventing burnout.

Being alone does not mean being lonely or uncommunicative. It can quite simply mean that someone has realized the wealth they hide within themselves and finally want to explore it more!

Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

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Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!