Greeks queued outside banks on Monday as they reopened three weeks after closing to stop the system collapsing, the first cautious sign of a return to normal after a deal to start talks on a new package of bailout reforms.

However limits on withdrawals will remain and payments and wire transfers abroad will still not be possible - a situation which German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday was "not a normal life" and warranted swift negotiations on a new bailout, expected to be worth up to 86 billion euros.

The stock market will also remain closed until further notice. Increases in value added tax agreed under the bailout terms have also taken effect with VAT on food and public transport jumping to 23 percent from 13 percent...

...Limits on cash withdrawals have been made slightly more flexible, with a weekly limit of 420 euros in place of the daily 60 euro limit previously. "Capital controls and restrictions on withdrawals will remain in place but we are entering a new stage which we all hope will be one of normality," said Louka Katseli, head of the Greek bank association.

Greeks will be able to deposit cheques but not cash, pay bills as well as have access to safety deposit boxes and withdraw money without an ATM card.

Bankers said there may be minor disruptions after the three-week interruption to services but they expected services to resume largely as normal. "I don't expect major problems, our network and the network of our competitors are ready to serve our clients," said a senior official at Piraeus Bank, one of the big four lenders. "There might be lines because many people will want to withdraw money from their deposit boxes," the official said.

To read this article in full, please visit: eKathimerini

Revithia sto fourno, baked chickpeas, is something everyone MUST make at least once – it’s just that good. Using only five of the most ordinary of ingredients, this positively perfect authentic, rustic peasant dish is a cinch to make for the modern home cook.

Two big time-savers include subbing in canned chickpeas (good quality, of course) for dried and making your caramelized onions up to 4 days ahead. Fresh chopped rosemary, olive oil and salt/pepper round out your shopping list for this one so seriously, give it a try – YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. 

Of course, when you have the time, it’s always good to start with dried beans and boil your own so I’ve included the boiling directions below.  As I mentioned above though, it’s absolutely acceptable to substitute canned chickpeas here. Either way you go, remember to RESERVE either 2 cups of boiling liquid or 2 cups of the canning liquid to use in the recipe. It helps give an really nice, extra creaminess to the beans.

And caramelizing the onions is easy to do especially with the oven method shared here. It’s honestly just a matter of setting aside the time to peel and slice the onions.  The amount written may seem like more than you need but the thing is the onions really shrink down to a fraction of their original volume. Their sensational sugary, golden brown goodness infuses right into your chickpeas while they’re baking so they’re a KEY ingredient here. Just jump right in, start with one onion and they’ll just fly, you’ll be finished in no time!

• 1 pound dried chickpeas (soacked and boiled until tender) or four 15oz cans
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cups reserved boiling liquid from chickpeas, or liquid from can
• 1 tbsp dried chopped rosemary
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups caramelized onions

To read more, and to discover how to make Revithia sto Fourno, please visit: The Greek Vegan

Located relatively close to Athens (about 39 km), Mavro Lithari is a small but sandy, organized beach. It beach bars with ice-cold drinks appropriate when the heatwaves strike. The refreshments and drinks served at the beach bar will come in handy when the temperatures rise.

@drone_arcade

Kakia Thalassa is one of the cleanest beaches in Attica (except during northern winds). This beach is paved with small pebbles outside and sand in the water, it is relatively organized with sun loungers, umbrellas, and swings for kids. It is about an hour's drive from the center of Athens.

@karpdimitris

Located in Agia Marina Bay, Loubarda is organized and has shallow turquoise waters. The beach offers shelter from the wind due to its unique location.

Saronida

@scarlet_starlet_mary

Saronida beach provides plenty of shade, but only if you get there in time to catch a spot to place your towel under the trees. It is sandy and has beautiful clear waters. It may not be organized, but you will find a kiosk and restaurants right across the road.

Grand Beach Lagonissi

@grandbeachlagonissi

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and luxurious sandy beaches in Attica. It has beautiful waters and sand inside and out. A set with an umbrella & 2 sunbeds for a maximum of 2 persons costs € 30.00 from Monday to Friday. A set with an umbrella & 2 sunbeds for a maximum of 2 persons costs € 60.00 on Weekends and Holidays. Special rates apply for children aged 2-12.

Good news; figs are finally in season! Make this easy fig jam recipe, which will go great with nuts, blue cheese, and prosciutto.

 

To read the directions, please visit: Greece By A Greek

The civil aviation authorities of Greece and Russia have agreed to increase flights between Athens and Moscow by up to 35 weekly, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The initiative for cooperation came from Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency.

Additionally, two local airlines will operate 14 new flights to Athens on a temporary basis until the next round of consultations.

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

For the 7th consecutive year, “Navarino Challenge”, the annual celebration of sports, comes to Messinia and Costa Navarino from October 11 to 13, 2019 with new surprises and new activities!

Greek basketball legend Nick Galis, the first Greek basketball player to have joined the Hall of Fame, and to have been counted among the pantheon of world basketball greats, will be present at the award-winning event for the first time. Emphasizing the role of sports in bringing people together, Nick Galis pointed out: “Sport unites people. Sport unites nations. The Navarino Challenge brings together professional and amateur athletes, people of different ages, genders and skills. It creates friendships and special bonds between participants who all speak the same language, that of sports. As a society, we have to send the message that sports unites people - #sportsunitespeople - but to also give young children core ethical values through sport. Costa Navarino and Navarino Challenge are pioneers in promoting this idea and I will contribute to spreading the message with great pleasure”.

Nick Galis will be the guest of honour at this year's event and he will be the one to tip off the 4on4 tournament at Costa Navarino. Participants who book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino will, for the first time this year, have the opportunity to form their own championship team and compete in the tournament until the finals. Basketball clinic with Joe Arlauckas Basketball will be the sport of honour with Euroleague legend Joe Arlaukas leading basketball lessons for children aged between 5 and 17.

Free participation in the Authentic Marathon of Athens for the first 50. 

The first 50 to book a package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino will earn a free participation in the Athens Authentic Marathon’s 5km race on November 10, 2019. With the main goal of promoting sport and fair play through its message “sport unites people”, Navarino Challenge will include more than 10 Olympic sports and numerous activities for everyone in its programme.

Navarino Challenge participants who’ve booked their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in the main activities (running, swimming) can also enjoy all the other event activities. More information on accommodation packages can be found HERE!

Runners and swimmers can act immediately to take advantage of the early bird offer by registering to a 30% discount until 31 May (children’s participation is free of charge).

Entries for the award-winning sporting event are underway and interested parties can take part by completing the special form available HERE!

Pre-sale is also available online via www.viva.gr or by phone at 11876 as well as at all Viva pre-sale points. “Navarino Challenge” participants who book their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in the main events (running, swimming) will also have the opportunity to enjoy the full activities programme.

More information on premium hosting packages will be announced in the coming weeks.

Samsung is the official technology partner for another year.
Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas and the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”. Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for one more year.
Official supporters are Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Poseidonia and Avance Rent A Car. “Navarino Challenge” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 programme of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia.
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Hellas, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Supporters: Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Poseidonia, Avance Rent A Car Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy, Fysiotek Sports Lab, Climb Up Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, Athens Easy Transfers, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel, Pylos Poems
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

China is the second-largest book market in the world, with an impressive turnover of about 10 billion euros a year.

 

Regarding Greek literature, translations of ancient Greek works are very popular in China coming in the first place, Nikos Kazantzakis is the most translated contemporary Greek writer. At the same time, Seferis, Cavafy, and Elytis are among the most translated Greek poets.

 

Author and historian, Emilios Solomos researched to investigate the image and ranking of Greek literature abroad and spoke to Hellenists and translators who bridge Greek literature with faraway languages and cultures.

 

Solomos spoke with Jingjing Hu, translator, and Head of the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the Shanghai International University, regarding Greek literature in China. "I adore Greece and I want to introduce it to my compatriots," she explains.

 

According to Hu, modern Greek literature is still relatively unknown but appealing to Chinese readers because of their genaralized admiration of the ancient Greek world. She suggests that boosting publishing exchange between Greece and China will eventually make it easier for Greek writers to communicate directly with Chinese publishers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greek poetry set to music in memory of Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis.

On 20 June 2023, the Acropolis Museum celebrates 14 years of operation, and it will be the first time that among us will be missing the late Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis, who served as President of the Board of Directors of the Organization for the Construction of the New Acropolis Museum from 2000 until 2019 and as President of the Board of Directors of the Acropolis Museum from 2009 until 2022.

Other than his great life achievement, which was the Acropolis Museum, Dimitrios Pandermalis dedicated a bid part of his life to excavating and revealing the archaeological area of Dion. His love and connection to people of Dion was deep. He supported in various ways the cultural events of the area, including the Olympus Festival and the Center of Arts and Culture of Dion.

On the occasion of the Acropolis Museum’s birthday on Tuesday 20 June 2023, to honor its late President, the Museum invited the Youth Orchestra of Dion to offer its visitors a free tribute to Greek poetry set to music, at the entrance courtyard at 9 p.m. The multi-member orchestra consists of young children, mainly schoolchildren and students, all sharing impeccable artistic skill, passion and inexhaustible talent. The performance will be led by the conductor Nikos Patris. Soloists will be Vassilis Lekkas, Gerasimos Andreatos, Zoe Papadopoulou and Babis Velissarios. The evening will be presented by Alexis Kostalas. Entrance to the concert is free. On this day, the Museum exhibition areas will be open from 9 a.m. until 12 midnight with a regular general admission ticket. During the same hours, the restaurant of the second floor will be open with beautiful night views to the Acropolis.

Program | Part A May – August

The Lycabettus Municipal Theater is back, ready to offer unforgettable nights under the Athenian sky! From late May to October, for more than 50 evenings, the hill of Lycabettus will be filled with sounds and melodies from renowned names in the Greek and international music scenes, as well as top-quality, high-aesthetic performances. With energy and passion, the performers will create emotional nights, connecting with the audience to form lasting memories at one of the city's most beautiful and iconic spots, turning each evening into a unique experience.

In the first full season of the new era of Lycabettus, the program curated by the Technopolis City of Athens opened on Wednesday, May 22, with the melodic techno vibes and spectacular visuals of Mathame, the Italian techno duo of brothers Matteo and Amedeo Giovanelli. Known as one of the most sought-after acts in global dance music, they will present a spectacular AV show with guests Lyke and SONA. On Saturday, May 25, Alexandros Tsouvelas, sharper and more battle-ready than ever, will celebrate his 10-year presence in stand-up comedy with many guests.

One of the most recognizable voices and important personalities in rock and metal music of the last thirty years, Corey Taylor, will grace Lycabettus on Tuesday, May 28, with the greatest hits of his career as the lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour, as well as his solo work. On Saturday, June 1, Adriatique will take to the decks, transforming the hill into a vast dance floor. Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer, the successful Swiss duo, will deliver an extended set alongside Echonomist, Nick Jojo, and Human Rias.

One of the most touching nights this summer at Lycabettus will be Monday, June 3. Friends, collaborators, and companions of Lavrentis Machairitsas, including Giannis Zouganelis, Christos Thivaios, Giannis Kotsiras, Dimitra Papiou, Miltos Paschalidis, Dionysis Tsaknis, and many more, will remember and honor the creator who left an indelible mark on Greek rock with a tribute concert titled "But I Still Exist, I'm Still Here."

The unique Thanasis Papakonstantinou will connect with his devoted audience with three consecutive nights, as his summer tour, featuring Martha Frintzila, Giannis Litainas, and Alexandros Ktistakis, stops at Lycabettus on Friday, June 7, Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. On Monday, June 10, Marios Frangoulis and Giota Nega will present "Love Stories," their first on-stage meeting, performing iconic songs from their discographies and classics from renowned composers and performers.

In the summer of 2004, Archive performed for the first time at the Lycabettus Theater. This year, 20 years later, the pioneers of progressive rock return on Friday, June 14, to rekindle old memories and create new ones. On Wednesday, June 19, one of Greece's top rappers, Eisvoleas, will celebrate 25 years in music with a full band, combining rap with rebetiko, blues, and Mediterranean sounds.

On Friday, June 21, Queen Symphonic will deliver a concert-celebration featuring the most iconic hits of the legendary band Queen, performed by the lead singers of the "We Will Rock You" rock musical from London's West End. Starting Tuesday, June 25, the Rockwave Nights will bring thirteen nights of rock to the top of Lycabettus. The series begins with virtuoso violinist Ara Malikian, who will take us on an unforgettable musical journey blending classical structures with Mediterranean sounds and Armenian folk melodies infused with rock and pop tones.

On Wednesday, June 26, Giannis Aggelakas and the 100°C will present "Electric Chair," a musical experience featuring songs from his entire career and soundtracks he's written for films, reinterpreted in a new way. On Thursday, June 27, the enduring Pyx Lax will deliver a concert with their greatest hits, wrapped in memories created at this historic theater.

The Rockwave Nights continue with Greek bands that have been missed by their fans. Raining Pleasure, the top Greek English-speaking band, reunites on Friday, June 28, to reconnect with old fans and meet new ones. The next night, Saturday, June 29, Rotting Christ, Greece's biggest metal band, will celebrate 35 years in music with a unique show prepared exclusively for this live performance. On Sunday, June 30, Hat Trick will bring their rock 'n' roll energy from Thessaloniki for a one-of-a-kind concert.

On Monday, July 1, Alkinoos Ioannidis will reunite with his historic band for an electric celebration full of beloved songs, unexpected covers, and creative improvisation. On Tuesday, July 2, the dazzling showman MIKA will arrive with a vibrant pop dance party, and on Wednesday, July 3, Sweden's foremost progressive metal band, OPETH, will share the stage with modern progressive pioneers Leprous in a psychedelic performance. The first part of the Rockwave Nights concludes on Thursday, July 4, with Pan Pan and Years Of Youth in an "electronic utopia," a show resembling a love letter to Athens from its most iconic hill.

On Friday, July 5th, Evanthia Remboutsika ascends to the theater with an enthralling company: magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, acrobats, street artists, and of course, the skilled musicians who are her steadfast companions in the "Evanthia's Carousel," for a night imbued with the romantic spirit of another era. The spectacular "The Wall - Pink Floyd's Rock Opera" comes to Athens for the first time on Sunday, July 7th, and Monday, July 8th. Influential rock musicians, renowned singers backed by the legendary band, and solo dancers of contemporary dance compose a performance that blends Pink Floyd's music, dance, song, and archival footage from Alan Parker's eponymous 1979 film.

Hans Zimmer and John Williams, two titans of cinematic music, will resonate at the Lycabettus in a concert featuring the best soundtracks of all time. Beloved melodies, exceptional lighting, and projections set the stage for the high-standard show "The Music of Hans Zimmer VS John Williams," which we'll enjoy for two nights, on Tuesday, July 9th, and Wednesday, July 10th. On Friday, July 12th, the charismatic Asaf Avidan with his unique voice and tremendous theatricality arrives with his Ichnology Solo Tour, while Jacob Collier, the "colorful Mozart of Gen Z" as dubbed by The New York Times, takes the stage at Lycabettus on Saturday, July 13th.

Fever Ray, the band that glorifies the grotesque, making it irresistibly charming, comes on Sunday, July 14th, with a unique live music performance proving that musical audacity and imagination know no bounds. Two more nights follow as part of Rockwave: on Monday, July 15th, Pink Martini with the captivating China Forbes on vocals treat their beloved Greek audience to a heady cocktail of classic sounds, Latin, traditional pop, and jazz melodies, while on Tuesday, July 16th, French soul diva Imany and Voodoo Cello, the album that bears exclusively her personal seal from conception to execution, engage in a breathtaking dialogue between a unique voice and eight cellists.

Continuing with Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit: these three epic stories-productions of the small and big screen will come to life on Friday, July 19th, in a spectacular concert with projections, special effects, impressive lighting, and the renowned scores performed by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.

On Sunday, July 21st, the ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra presents a retrospective of its seventy-year journey, a tribute to its creators, the great musicians who served it, as well as to the composers, orchestrators, singers, actors, and soloists who honored it with their collaboration. "Swan Lake" with Tchaikovsky's masterful music, one of the best and most popular ballets of all time, arrives on Monday, July 22nd, with a fairytale spectacle featuring two great names in dance, the Principal Dancers of the Berlin State Ballet Iana Salenko and Dinu Tamazlacaru, as well as the Romae Capital Ballet. On Wednesday, July 24th, follows "The Melodia 99.2 Cassette for Manos Eleftheriou," a grand concert tribute to the great poet and lyricist Manos Eleftheriou, curated by Miltos Paschalidis and Giannis Kotsiras, with the participation of beloved artists.

The first part of the Lycabettus program concludes by hosting the last, highly anticipated concert of Rockwave Nights: 21 years after their first appearance at the top of Lycabettus, Placebo, the group that the Greek audience loves like few, returns on Thursday, August 1st, spreading once again their unique "Placebo Effect" on the city's horizon.