During the 2016 Greek-Russian initiative, dedicated to the promotion of Greece to the Russian public and of Russia to the Greek public, Athens and Moscow are planning a series of cultural events aiming at 'renewing the traditional bonds of friendship and enhancing awareness and cooperation,' as described in a statement made by the ministry.

As part of the exchange program, the Acropolis museum will exhibit three golden objects from the Hermitage Museum’s collection of Scythian treasures, while the Russian museum will exhibit a marble statue of an Archaic Kore, lent by the Acropolis Museum.

The Acropolis Museum will inaugurate the exchange on March 11, 2016 during a precursor exhibition presenting exhibits from the Hermitage Museum as part of the cultural program titled 'Year of Russia in Greece.'

Originally posted on: GreekReporter

We believe that Greece is one of the best countries in the world to live, to visit, and to explore. There are an infinite number of reasons to love Greece, but these 49 reasons are some of the best! Here we've chosen our favourite ones from this great list!

1. Greeks take their time.
   
   
2. They let beautiful moments linger.
   
   
3. From May to September you’ll almost never see a cloud.
   
   
4. For Greeks, time with family and friends always comes first.
   
   
5. Eighty percent of the country is picturesque mountains…
   
   
6. Greek food is so much more than souvlaki and gyros.
   
   
7. Feta. The real, salty, creamy, crumbly stuff.
   
   
8. Figs grow wild. Lots of them. Everywhere.
   
   
9. Coffee breaks are serious affairs.
   
   
10. Athens is one of the most underrated cities in the world.

To read this article in full, please visit: Buzzfeed

Oh the weather outside is frightful… So the song goes, and so the season brings! Winter doesn’t seem to scare off most Athenians from their nighttime fun. Let’s face it, even the coldest day in Athens is like a warm spring breeze in more northerly climates. But with decidedly chilly winter temperatures outside and Christmas around the corner, the best weekend plan is to phone a friend and plan a night out in a warm and cozy place…

We started our evening at Sowl in Thiseio. I’ve been here a few times, and even written about it in this space. Sowl is a restaurant-bar-art space in the old Stavlos space that used to house the stables of King Otto in the 19th century. It’s a cool, interesting space, with a newly refined menu that focuses on great Latin American-style food, everything from gourmet tacos to ceviche – with lots in between. A great Greek and international wine list, friendly service, DJ-led creative music soundtrack - definitely a cut above. The place on Saturday was almost fully reserved, but we managed to slip into a couple spots at the bar. When you’ve had your fill of tavernas, and have a couple extra euros to spend on something ‘different’, Sowl is worth a visit. Check out their site and Facebook page for events and gallery exhibits!

By the time our wine glasses had run dry, we had received an invite to meet another group of friends at Riza Riza in Koukaki. It was a last-minute birthday get together, and this is a newish place in the area. Now, let’s be clear: to walk from Thiseio to Koukaki should take between 10 and 15 minutes. On this particular Saturday night, we decided to drive over in my friend’s car. The drive over took about 5 minutes. The hunt for parking in Koukaki’s winding streets took – no exaggeration – 35 minutes! What started as an attempt to save some time ended up as an exercise in patience. I know I know – how long have I lived here?? But seriously, I think I had forgotten…

Frustrated and fully convinced of my decision to not own a car in Athens, we finally arrived at Riza Riza and joined our friends. Riza Riza is a casual, happening bar, with indoor/outdoor seating, extended seating in the back, a modern Greek styling and a hip attitude. It was really buzzing that night, and felt like a warm neighbourhood ‘local’. This is an all-day bar/café, with a small food menu, a great Greek-inspired cocktail list. Best feature for a cold winter’s night: hot winter cocktails like rakomelo and oinomelo. Exactly what the doctor ordered.

Lesson #1: Don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying a night out!

Lesson #2: Leave the car at home.

Until next week,

Jack

p.s. for those of you yet to explore the Koukaki district – here’s a great place to start: http://koukaki.gr/

Sowl
Iraklidon 10, Thiseio
Website
Facebook

Riza Riza
Drakou 19, Koukaki
Facebook

Adhesive labels in passports and all other kinds of paperwork relating to foreign nationals living in Greece are to be scrapped and replaced by a new, electronic residence permit that will also double up as an identity card.

There are currently 557,476 third-country nationals living in Greece legally and they will soon be able to apply for a meeting with authorities to go through the necessary process for obtaining their permits.

Within 30 days of receiving the application, Greek authorities will have to set a date for the meeting, during which their biometric data (user’s photo and fingerprints) will be recorded so it can be entered on the card’s electronic chip. The chip can also store electronic proof of identity and a qualified electronic signature.

To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini

German carrier Germania has announced it will launch a new twice weekly service from Dresden to Athens in 2018. The service will be seasonal and will run from May to October 2018.

The great demand for the Greek market is requiring the company to launch a third aircraft in 2018 to cover the increased travel needs for the Greek islands and Athens from Germany.

One-way flights will be available from 69 euros (airport taxes included) and will be soon be available on booking systems.

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

According to Culture Trip, the city of Nafplion was recently named the ‘Best City in Greece’ because of its history, culture, green landscapes, and crystal clear beaches!

“Set in one of Greece's most diverse and vibrant regions, the Peloponnese, the historical seaside town of Nafplion, near the north end of the Argolic Gulf, is the perfect destination for those who wish to experience traditional Greek life, immerse themselves in Greek history, and relax among splendid virgin landscapes and centuries-old traditional villages.”

“Divided into the medieval and the new town, Greece's first capital city has known tourism since early last century.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Neos Kosmos

Newly open and located in an elegant historic European building in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, is the first and only Greek cultural center. Offering a taste of greek cultural heritage, greek gastronomy, hospitality and greek history, Hellas House aspires to become a new landmark in Shanghai's social, cultural, and business life.

The Tourism Minister Ms. Elena Kountoura, who attended the inauguration, said that "Hellas House is the ideal venue for the presentation of the unique treasures of Greece, while at the same time it really entices Chinese travelers to visit our beautiful country while strengthening the relations between Greece and China."

The opening ceremony was attended by many officials from both Greece and China, ambassadors from various countries, leading executives of international companies, businessmen and personalities of culture.

Article Source: ERT International

Photo Source: Hellas Group

Great news for Greece and its visitors as it was named one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers in 2019!

Greece has made the list of the 20 safest countries to travel to, in the mind of global outbound travelers and, as Mr Freitag pointed out, the state can take a lot of advantage from that.

The vast majority of travelers stated that they would only choose destinations, which they regard as 'safe'. Alongside Greece, the survey concluded that the safety image of most destinations – including Turkey, Israel and Egypt – has slightly improved over the last 12 months.

An excellent debut for the Greek rugby team as they will be making their debut appearance at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England after defeating Serbia 82-6 in Belgrade.

"We hope it's the step forward needed and everyone back home will be proud of us." said head coach Steve Georgallis. Greece's win comes against a backdrop of turmoil in their home country.

The 16th and final qualifier for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be decided in Florida on November 16, when the Cook Islands Kukis play against the USA Hawks.

Surprisingly enough, the Greek team is not currently allowed to play matches in their home country as the Greek administration and the Hellenic Modern Pentathlon Federation do not recognize the Greek Rugby League Association. Consequently, it is challenging to acquire facilities, while the police have been called to matches on various occasions.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances in Greek rugby, this historic Greek qualification has not been celebrated appropriately.


To read this article in full, please visit: bbc.com
Photo: Greek Rugby League Association

There are people among us who maintain their optimism even though they may be going through challenging times. People who continue to offer their care to others, although their situation may not be rosy. People who look you in the eye, smile at you and ask if they may be of help. Some people are successful - not necessarily because they are at ease financially or because they have everything in life - but because they live in the now and are grateful and happy with what they have. These are the people who know what their priorities are; who wake up in the morning and are thankful simply because they are healthy. They are grateful to have a roof over their head. They are grateful to have even one friend. They are grateful to see each day as a new beginning.

Here's a question for you: How do you start your day? Do you tend to think about what you have or about what you don't have? It's a good test to take for yourself. Do the test for a week and then add your pluses and minuses. Even if the scale tilts towards what you have (although it usually tilts towards what you don't have), start making your own 'List of Abundance.' Record everything you own; however big or small, material or non-material. Keep adding and watch your list grow day by day. Read your 'List of Abundance' every night before going to bed; every morning when you wake up, even during the day, if you want. Keep adding to it–there's so much more–and watch your life transform step by step. ❤️