BUSINESS CENTRE
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 17 April 2018 07:00
Taking Passengers Back In Time - The Athens Metro
What started as a discovery of antiquities in the Athens metro rail area, is now an underground exhibition of the Athens metro. The exhibition, which is free to the public, is filled with antiquities, including sculptures of the Parthenon, Athenian amphoras, ancient toys, funeral monuments, and parts of one of the oldest bridges found in Attica. Be sure to get your Ath.ena ticket and visit one of these stations:
Syntagma
At this station, visitors can take a good look at the stratigraphy of Athens that covers a period from early 5th century B.C. until the Ottoman times. Therein, on the first floor also lies a skeleton of a young lady who lived in the 4th century B.C., whose exhibited in a tomb between layers of soil. Visitors will also be able to see ancient pipes that brought water to Athens, as well as the sanitation system of the city.
At this station, visitors can take a good look at the stratigraphy of Athens that covers a period from early 5th century B.C. until the Ottoman times. Therein, on the first floor also lies a skeleton of a young lady who lived in the 4th century B.C., whose exhibited in a tomb between layers of soil. Visitors will also be able to see ancient pipes that brought water to Athens, as well as the sanitation system of the city.
Monastiraki
At this station, visitors can admire a large photograph of an underground tunnel full of pottery fragments, giving a picture of what the Athens metro looked liked during the archaeological dig. Heading towards Kifissia, travelers can see the riverbed of Iridanos, one of the three ancient rivers of Attica.
At this station, visitors can admire a large photograph of an underground tunnel full of pottery fragments, giving a picture of what the Athens metro looked liked during the archaeological dig. Heading towards Kifissia, travelers can see the riverbed of Iridanos, one of the three ancient rivers of Attica.
Elaionas
Here, the oldest bridge located in Attica can be found. The three pillars of the ancient bridge of Kifissos river date as far back as 5th and 6th century B.C.
Here, the oldest bridge located in Attica can be found. The three pillars of the ancient bridge of Kifissos river date as far back as 5th and 6th century B.C.
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 July 2018 08:16
The Pie Shop In Athens
Located in the heart of downtown near Syntagma Square, The Pie Shop opened its doors in October 2017 with the motto, "Bake the world a better place." Dating back to Minoan times and 5th century BC onwards, pies were everywhere in ancient Athens, most notably the cheese pie. Not much has changed today, as pies can still be seen being enjoyed all over Greece.
Amidst this sea of Greek pies, The Pie Shop is looking beyond national borders to the large variety of pies across the globe. The shop is owned by two women, Marina and Nanda, who love food and love to bake. All the pastries are handmade and prepared with only the best ingredients. After having spent most of her adult life working in the food industry, Nanda has learned the simple secret to success: use the finest and freshest ingredients.
During their visit, Culinary Backstreets tasted their way across the globe, from Indian samosas to Argentinian empanadas and British egg and bacon pie – we even tasted a Korean tomato tart that rivaled the Mediterranean version. All of these many different pies looked good and tasted even better.
Address: Voulis 16, Syntagma
Telephone: +30 211 403 7328
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30am-6pm; closed Sunday
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
Published in
Pubs, Bars & Cafes
Tagged under
Monday, 23 March 2020 07:00
4 Recipes To Boost Your Immune System
There's no better time to give your immune system a boost; with vitamin and nutrient-packed food that will help you stay healthy and strong!
These 4 recipes from BBC Good Food are easy, delicious, and super healthy. See below for detailed instuctions.
1. Coconut & Banana Smoothie
Serves: 1
Difficulty: Easy
Ready in: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ready in: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 100g coconut yogurt
- 3 tbsp milk of your choice
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 3cm piece of fresh ginger peeled
- 1 small ripe banana
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp oats
- juice of ½ a lemon
Method
Add the coconut yogurt and milk to a blender then add the turmeric and fresh ginger. Add the remaining ingredients and then blend until smooth. Add some ice if you prefer a colder drink.
2.Curried Squash, Lentil & Coconut Soup
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ready in: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Difficulty: Easy
Ready in: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and diced
- 200g diced carrot
- 1 tbsp curry powder containing turmeric
- 100g red lentils
- 700ml low-sodium vegetable stock
- 1 can reduced-fat coconut milk
- coriander and naan bread, to serve
Method
Heat the olive oil in a large pot, add the squash and carrots, sizzle for 1 minute, then add the curry powder and cook for 1 more minute. Add the lentils, vegetable stock, and coconut milk and stir. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for another 15-18 minutes. Use a rod blender to blitz until smooth and creamy. Season with chopped coriander and serve with naan or fresh bread.
3. Broccoli Lemon Chicken With Cashews
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Ready in: 15-25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- 340g of chicken breast fillet cut into thick strips (goujons)
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 200g tender stem broccoli stems halved if very long
- 200ml chicken stock
- 1 heaped tsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp clear honey or 2 tsp golden caster sugar
- the zest of half a lemon
- juice of a whole lemon
- a large handful of roasted cashews
Method
Heat the oil in a large frying pan; add the chicken and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and add the garlic and broccoli. Stir fry for about a minute, then cover and cook for 2 minutes more, until the broccoli is almost tender.
Mix together the stock, cornflour, and honey or sugar and then pour into the pan stirring until thickened. Add the chicken into the pan, then add the lemon zest and juice, and cashew nuts. Serve straight away with basmati rice or noodles.
4. Zesty Salmon With Roasted Beets & Spinach
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Ready in: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- 4 small fresh beetroots, about 200g
- 1½ tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 tsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed
- 2 skinless salmon or trout fillets
- 2½ small oranges, plus the zest of 1 and juice of half
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 4 handfuls baby spinach leaves
- 1 avocado, thickly sliced
Method
Heat oven to 180C, 160C fan. Trim the stems of the beetroot and reserve the tender leaves for the salad. Cut the beetroots into quarters, toss with 1/2 tbsp oil, the coriander seeds, and some salt and pepper. Place on a large sheet of foil and wrap up like a parcel. Bake for 45 minutes or until the beetroots are tender, then top with the salmon fillets, scatter half the orange zest, and put back into the oven for 15 minutes.
In the meantime, cut the peel and pith from 2 oranges and then cut out the segments with a paring knife. Work over a bowl to catch the juices. Finely grate the garlic and stir into the orange juice and remaining oil and season to make the dressing.
Remove the parcel from the oven and carefully lift off the fish. Place the beetroots into a bowl with the red onion, remaining orange zest, pumpkin seeds, and spinach leaves and toss. Gently add the orange segments, avocado, and beet leaves. Pile onto plates and top with the warm salmon; drizzle with the dressing and serve warm.
To find these and even more immune friendly recipes, please visit: BBC Good Food
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Thursday, 08 October 2020 07:00
AEGEAN Receives Its First Airbus A321neo
The first A321neo, the largest member of the A320neo family, landed late last week at AEGEAN’s base at Athens International Airport.
The new Airbus A321neo is equipped with advanced Pratt & Whitney GTF™ new generation engines that will reduce CO2 emissions per passenger seat by 23% compared to the current Airbus fleet and by 53% compared to AEGEAN’s initial and new at the time Avro RJ100 aircraft 20 years ago. The new aircraft also brings a significant reduction in NOx emissions per flight and passenger flown by 50% and lowers the noise footprint by 75%, making it the most environmentally friendly and efficient aircraft type ever to join AEGEAN’s fleet.
With an increased capacity of 220 passenger seats, reduced fuel consumption, and an additional range of 1 hour of flight, the new Airbus A321neo is expected to be an added competitive advantage for Aegean, post COVID-19.
To read the press release in full, please visit: aegeanair.com
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 17 November 2022 07:00
The Most Influential Greek Philosophers
Every year, the third Thursday of November is World Philosophy Day as proclaimed by UNESCO. Philosophy is an inspiring discipline as well as an everyday practice that can transform societies. By celebrating this day UNESCO underlines the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture, and for each individual.
And, what is the birthplace of philosophy? Greece, of course!
Greeks were among the first people to break free from the tradition of mythological explanations and the overall mysticism that defined ancient history. They went from a narrow, superficial, one-dimensional view of the world to a deep and thorough interpretation largely based on reasoning and evidence. Their abstruse yet eloquent philosophical ideas about politics, science, and the universe set the basis of Western civilization's thinking and earned them the recognition that still lives to this day. Here's a list of the top 5 most influential Greek philosophers!
Thales of Miletus (620 BC–546 BC)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Being a mathematician and astronomer, Thales is often referred to as the "Father of Science", and he is historically recognized as the first individual to engage in scientific philosophy. He tried to explain various natural phenomena without the inclusion of mythology, using only naturalistic theories and hypotheses. According to Aristotle, he investigated a number of basic principles, such as the origin of matter and he proposed water as the basic component of the world. He also excelled in mathematics and geometry, which he used to calculate the heights of the pyramids and he is the first known individual to whom a mathematician discovery has been attributed.
Famous Quote: "All human sufferings, come from ignorance."
Pythagoras of Samos (570 BC–495 BC)
Source: Galilea/Wikimedia Commons
Pythagoras was an ancient Greek mathematician and pre-socratic philosopher, known for founding Pythagoreanism and inventing the Pythagorean Theorem, one of the key computations in geometry. He is associated with the concept of "metempsychosis", meaning the transmigration of souls, according to which every soul is immortal and enters a new body upon its death. He regarded the world as perfectly harmonious and was particularly interested in developing ideas and rules that could lead to a harmonious life. He may also have invented the doctrine of "musica universalis", the hypothesis that planets move according to mathematical equations and produce an inaudible symphony of music.
Famous Quote: "A fool is known by his speech, and a wise man by silence."
Aristotle (384 BC–322 BC)
Source: Lysippos/Wikimedia Commons
Greeks were among the first people to break free from the tradition of mythological explanations and the overall mysticism that defined ancient history. They went from a narrow, superficial, one-dimensional view of the world to a deep and thorough interpretation largely based on reasoning and evidence. Their abstruse yet eloquent philosophical ideas about politics, science, and the universe set the basis of Western civilization's thinking and earned them the recognition that still lives to this day. Here's a list of the top 5 most influential Greek philosophers!
Thales of Miletus (620 BC–546 BC)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Being a mathematician and astronomer, Thales is often referred to as the "Father of Science", and he is historically recognized as the first individual to engage in scientific philosophy. He tried to explain various natural phenomena without the inclusion of mythology, using only naturalistic theories and hypotheses. According to Aristotle, he investigated a number of basic principles, such as the origin of matter and he proposed water as the basic component of the world. He also excelled in mathematics and geometry, which he used to calculate the heights of the pyramids and he is the first known individual to whom a mathematician discovery has been attributed.
Famous Quote: "All human sufferings, come from ignorance."
Pythagoras of Samos (570 BC–495 BC)
Source: Galilea/Wikimedia Commons
Pythagoras was an ancient Greek mathematician and pre-socratic philosopher, known for founding Pythagoreanism and inventing the Pythagorean Theorem, one of the key computations in geometry. He is associated with the concept of "metempsychosis", meaning the transmigration of souls, according to which every soul is immortal and enters a new body upon its death. He regarded the world as perfectly harmonious and was particularly interested in developing ideas and rules that could lead to a harmonious life. He may also have invented the doctrine of "musica universalis", the hypothesis that planets move according to mathematical equations and produce an inaudible symphony of music.
Famous Quote: "A fool is known by his speech, and a wise man by silence."
Aristotle (384 BC–322 BC)
Source: Lysippos/Wikimedia Commons
A student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, justifiably considered one of the world’s most influential ancient philosophers. He was an imaginative and prolific writer whose writings cover numerous subjects including physics, biology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, economics, politics, and much more. At a time when most philosophers preferred a more theoretical perception of the world, one that was beyond the accessibility of the physical senses, Aristotle was one of the first to propose an interpretation of the world mainly based on facts learned from the experience.
Famous Quote: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
Plato (427 BC–347 BC)
Source: Mary Harrsch/Wikimedia Commons
A student of Socrates, Plato is regarded as the founder of one of the world's first known institutions of higher learning, the Academy of Athens. Plato's philosophy is based on a threefold approach: dialects, ethics, and physics. His most famous theory is the theory of the forms, the fundamental doctrine of Platonic idealism, according to which only ideas encapsulate the true and essential nature of things, in a way that the physical form can't. In other words, Plato believed that the substantive reality around us is only a reflection of a higher truth, the abstraction. Thanks to his famous dialog "The Republic", where he described a city-state defined by justice, he became known as the "Father of Political Science", with his political ideas, although somewhat utopian, still being praised today.
Famous Quote: "Reality is created by the mind, we can change our reality by changing our mind."
Socrates (469 BC–399 BC)
Source: Norto Mendez/Wikimedia Commons
Widely regarded as a founder of Western philosophy and the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought, Socrates was an enigmatic and perplexing character who didn't write any books and most of his philosophical contributions come from his students, mainly Plato and Xenophon. He became famous for encouraging people to critically question everything and attempting to construct an ethical framework based on human reasoning instead of various contentious theological ideas. His greatest contribution to philosophy was the Socratic Method, an argumentative dialog between individuals, based on asking and answering thought-provoking questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying presumptions. His radical beliefs led to him being tried and convicted for corrupting the youth and his legendary trial and death at the altar of the ancient Greek democratic system will forever remain in history.
Famous Quote: "The only true wisdom is in knowing, that you know nothing".
Plato (427 BC–347 BC)
Source: Mary Harrsch/Wikimedia Commons
A student of Socrates, Plato is regarded as the founder of one of the world's first known institutions of higher learning, the Academy of Athens. Plato's philosophy is based on a threefold approach: dialects, ethics, and physics. His most famous theory is the theory of the forms, the fundamental doctrine of Platonic idealism, according to which only ideas encapsulate the true and essential nature of things, in a way that the physical form can't. In other words, Plato believed that the substantive reality around us is only a reflection of a higher truth, the abstraction. Thanks to his famous dialog "The Republic", where he described a city-state defined by justice, he became known as the "Father of Political Science", with his political ideas, although somewhat utopian, still being praised today.
Famous Quote: "Reality is created by the mind, we can change our reality by changing our mind."
Socrates (469 BC–399 BC)
Source: Norto Mendez/Wikimedia Commons
Widely regarded as a founder of Western philosophy and the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought, Socrates was an enigmatic and perplexing character who didn't write any books and most of his philosophical contributions come from his students, mainly Plato and Xenophon. He became famous for encouraging people to critically question everything and attempting to construct an ethical framework based on human reasoning instead of various contentious theological ideas. His greatest contribution to philosophy was the Socratic Method, an argumentative dialog between individuals, based on asking and answering thought-provoking questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying presumptions. His radical beliefs led to him being tried and convicted for corrupting the youth and his legendary trial and death at the altar of the ancient Greek democratic system will forever remain in history.
Famous Quote: "The only true wisdom is in knowing, that you know nothing".
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Saturday, 09 July 2022 20:55
U.S. Embassy & Consulate In Greece
The mission of the United States Embassy is to advance the interests of the United States, and to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Greece.
The embassy is charged with diplomacy and Greece–United States relations. The United States Ambassador to Greece is the head of mission of the United States to Greece.
Published in
Embassies
Tagged under
Monday, 12 December 2022 18:28
Maria Callas' Home To House Academy Of Lyric Art
The former Athens home of one of the world’s greatest opera performers, Maria Callas, will be refurbished and once completed house the Academy of Lyric Art Maria Callas, announced Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis recently.
The Municipality of Athens is set at the beginning of next year to announce a tender for the restoration and renovation of the historic neoclassical home of the world-renowned Greek prima donna located on central Patission St.The great soprano lived in the house on Patission St from 1937 to 1945.
The project, scheduled to be completed in two years’ time, includes the restoration of the building’s facade, roof and interiors and will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.
The Academy of Lyric Art Maria Callas is a non-profit organization that will offer university-level music education in lyric opera.
Additionally, the municipality aims through the refurbished building, the new museum dedicated to the great Greek soprano – the Maria Callas Museum – to open in the summer of 2023 coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the universal artist’s birth, and the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas, to establish Athens as a cultural hub and attract travelers seeking unique culture and arts experiences.
Last week, on the occasion of the prima donna’s birthday, the Greek Culture Ministry announced that Maria Callas’ centennial birthday next year will be included on UNESCO’s list of anniversaries for 2023.
Callas was born in 1923 in Manhattan to Greek parents who had emigrated to New York City. She later moved with her family to Athens and from there took the world by storm emerging as one of the greatest opera singers and best-selling performers of all time. She died in 1977.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
The Municipality of Athens is set at the beginning of next year to announce a tender for the restoration and renovation of the historic neoclassical home of the world-renowned Greek prima donna located on central Patission St.The great soprano lived in the house on Patission St from 1937 to 1945.
The project, scheduled to be completed in two years’ time, includes the restoration of the building’s facade, roof and interiors and will be fully accessible to people with disabilities.
The Academy of Lyric Art Maria Callas is a non-profit organization that will offer university-level music education in lyric opera.
Additionally, the municipality aims through the refurbished building, the new museum dedicated to the great Greek soprano – the Maria Callas Museum – to open in the summer of 2023 coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the universal artist’s birth, and the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas, to establish Athens as a cultural hub and attract travelers seeking unique culture and arts experiences.
Last week, on the occasion of the prima donna’s birthday, the Greek Culture Ministry announced that Maria Callas’ centennial birthday next year will be included on UNESCO’s list of anniversaries for 2023.
Callas was born in 1923 in Manhattan to Greek parents who had emigrated to New York City. She later moved with her family to Athens and from there took the world by storm emerging as one of the greatest opera singers and best-selling performers of all time. She died in 1977.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 31 January 2024 13:49
Empowering Hearts: A Guide to Cultivating Children's Emotional Intelligence
Envision a world where our children not only excel academically but also possess the invaluable ability to comprehend, manage, and connect with their emotions and those of others. This is not an unattainable dream; it rests within our grasp. In our rapidly evolving society, emotional intelligence has emerged as a pivotal skill for personal and professional success. The question then becomes: How do we instill and nurture emotional intelligence in our children?
Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Psychologist Daniel Goleman defines emotional intelligence through four basic skills:
- Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding one's emotions and their impact on thoughts and behaviors.
- Self-regulation: Managing and controlling emotional reactions, including anger, frustration, and anxiety.
- Empathy: Understanding the feelings of others, encompassing both recognition and responsive engagement.
- Social skills: Facilitating effective communication, cooperation, and the establishment of healthy relationships.
Cultivating Self-awareness:
- Encourage emotional expression: Foster an environment where a child can express feelings without fear, demonstrating that it's acceptable to experience a range of emotions.
- Label feelings: Teach the child to articulate their emotions, aiding in a better understanding of their emotional state.
- Encourage introspection: Prompt the child to reflect on their feelings and triggers, fostering an association between emotions and specific situations.
Promoting Self-regulation:
- Relaxation Techniques: Introduce simple techniques like deep breathing and counting to ten to empower the child to manage emotions effectively.
- Self-Regulatory Model: Lead by example, demonstrating self-control in your emotional reactions to provide a tangible model for the child.
- Set limits: Establish clear rules and emphasize consequences, highlighting the significance of self-regulation.
Cultivating Empathy:
- Active Listening: Teach the child to actively listen, show interest in others' feelings, and ask questions to comprehend their emotional state.
- Embrace diversity: Encourage participation in activities that expose the child to diverse backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Read and discuss books: Select literature that explores different characters and emotions, using stories as a platform to discuss empathy.
Building Social Skills:
- Encourage cooperation: Promote teamwork to teach children cooperation and conflict resolution.
- Role play: Facilitate social interaction practice through role-playing scenarios.
- Offer guidance: Provide advice on appropriate social behaviors such as sharing feelings, taking turns, and resolving conflicts peacefully.
Cultivating emotional intelligence in children is a crucial responsibility for parents and caregivers. By comprehending the psychological components of emotional intelligence and implementing these practical strategies, we empower our children to navigate the complexities of their emotional worlds. As they mature, these skills become assets not only in personal realms but also in education, careers, and relationships.
In a world where emotional intelligence is as highly valued as academic achievement, our children are positioned to thrive and make a positive impact. As parents and caregivers, we play a fundamental role in shaping their emotional landscapes and preparing them for future challenges and opportunities. The journey of cultivating emotional intelligence is not only exciting but also deeply rewarding, endowing our children with a lifelong skill that fosters empathy, resilience, and prosperity.
Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com
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!
Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com
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!
Published in
Mindful Reads & News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 12:48
The Benefits Of Slow Living: A Journey To Mindfulness & Inner Peace
Slow living is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in ancient cultures, particularly in Greece, where the concept of living in the moment has been part of daily life for centuries. From the unhurried conversations at a local kafeneio (café) to the slow, deliberate preparation of food, Greeks have long embraced the art of taking their time. This cultural tradition of slowing down has not only fostered stronger communities but has also been a path to a more fulfilling and conscious life.
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us feel overwhelmed by the demands of modern living. The pressures of work, constant connectivity, and the need to “do more” have disconnected us from our inner selves and the world around us. Slow living, however, offers a refreshing alternative—a return to mindfulness, intentionality, and deeper connections.
What is Slow Living?
At its core, slow living is about living intentionally, focusing on what truly matters, and being fully present in each moment. It’s about slowing down your pace to savor life’s simple pleasures—whether that’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a walk in nature, or having meaningful conversations. Unlike the rush of modern life, slow living encourages you to reduce distractions and create a life that aligns with your values, desires, and inner peace.
The Benefits of Slow Living
- Mindful Presence and Inner Peace One of the most profound benefits of slow living is cultivating mindfulness. By consciously slowing down, you begin to experience the world in a deeper, more present way. This helps quiet the mental chatter that often accompanies a busy lifestyle, reducing anxiety and promoting inner calm. Practices like mindful eating, where you savor each bite and appreciate the food in front of you, can transform mundane activities into moments of gratitude and joy.
- Enhanced Emotional Well-Being The constant pressure to keep up with societal expectations can take a toll on mental health. Slow living invites you to step off that treadmill, reducing the strain of perfectionism and competition. By embracing a slower, more deliberate pace, you’ll find more space for emotional self-care, reflection, and self-compassion. This lifestyle fosters emotional resilience, allowing you to handle life’s challenges with greater ease and a balanced mind.
- Stronger Connections with Others In Greek culture, slow living often manifests in the form of long meals shared with family and friends. These moments of connection, away from distractions, are central to well-being. Slow living encourages deeper relationships by creating space for more meaningful interactions. Instead of rushing through conversations, you take time to listen, to engage, and to be truly present with loved ones—fostering stronger emotional bonds.
- A Deeper Connection with Nature Nature has always been a source of spiritual nourishment, and slow living encourages us to reconnect with the natural world. By taking the time to walk in nature, garden, or simply sit outside and enjoy the breeze, we not only reduce stress but also realign ourselves with the rhythms of the earth. This connection to nature offers a grounding experience, helping us to feel more centered and at peace with the world around us.
- Increased Creativity and Productivity Contrary to what some might think, slowing down doesn’t mean being unproductive. In fact, taking a step back often allows for greater creativity and more focused work. By eliminating distractions and giving yourself the time to think, reflect, and create, you become more attuned to your inner thoughts and inspirations. The space slow living creates can lead to bursts of creativity and more intentional, high-quality work.
- Simplicity and Minimalism Slow living naturally leads to a more minimalist approach to life. By focusing on what truly brings joy and value, you’ll find yourself drawn to simplicity. This might mean decluttering your home, simplifying your schedule, or cutting back on unnecessary commitments. The result is more freedom, less stress, and a life that feels lighter and more aligned with your true self.
How to Embrace Slow Living in Your Own Life
- Set Boundaries with Technology Technology is one of the biggest contributors to the frantic pace of modern life. To embrace slow living, consider setting boundaries around your use of devices. This could mean designating certain hours as screen-free or creating tech-free zones in your home. By reducing digital distractions, you’ll create more space for mindfulness and meaningful experiences.
- Prioritize What Matters Slow living is about aligning your life with your values. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you—whether it’s spending more time with family, nurturing a hobby, or simply having time to rest. Prioritize these things, and let go of the rest. When you focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment, the quality of your life improves dramatically.
- Practice Mindful Routines Even on the busiest of days, there are opportunities to slow down. Whether it’s preparing a meal with care, enjoying a mindful walk, or setting aside time for meditation, these small acts of mindfulness can make a big difference. Integrating these practices into your routine helps cultivate a sense of peace and presence, no matter how hectic life gets.
- Embrace Imperfection Slow living isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being kind to yourself and accepting that life doesn’t have to be rushed or flawless. Embrace the imperfections, the slower pace, and allow yourself the space to breathe, grow, and evolve.
In a world that often demands more, slow living offers a much-needed pause—a way to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you. Rooted in Greek tradition and embraced by people seeking mindfulness today, this lifestyle nurtures emotional well-being, fosters creativity, and leads to a deeper sense of fulfillment. By slowing down, you’ll discover that life’s richest moments are often found in its simplest pleasures.
Published in
Mindful Reads & News
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:07
Athens' Rooftops
The best place to be on an evening with a lazy sunset and warm breeze – is on a rooftop patio. There are lots of rooftop patios in Athens – for eating, for coffee, for drinking. And for showing off the city in all its Instagram-worthy glory. This past weekend I managed to go to no less than 3 rooftop patios.
Filistron is a taverna on the Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian path – access the rooftop via the stairway to the side of the main entrance. The night I was there, the rooftop was packed, and they only just managed to fit three of us at a small table for two. We did not mind at all, as the view was worth it. I must say, even minus the view, Filistron has a delicious ‘higher end’ taverna menu. It’s not the cheapest taverna around, but I would go back for the octopus alone. Definitely book ahead here.
Lazy as I am, I then took my friends about 10 metres away from Filistron for a drink at Chocolat Royal. This one is a lounge/café/restaurant, with a labyrinthine interior, that takes you up elevators and stairs and even past the kitchen, until you emerge onto the rooftop. The night we were there it wasn’t busy at all – friendly service, restaurant menu. I wouldn’t hurry back, but it was certainly a place to keep on the list for a quiet evening with a glass of wine.
Sunday afternoon with foreign visitors in town means one thing: a visit to A For Athens. By now this has become Athens most famous rooftop, and the place is worth a visit for the view alone. Which, given its popularity, is all we managed on Sunday. No available tables, but worth the effort for the Instagram shots.
I’ve listed a few great rooftops below – most are quite well known. Some are always busy (A For Athens), others are less so (Central Hotel), and some are must-dos for every visitor and resident of Athens (Lycabettus Hill at sunset). All have great views, and are great spots to take visitors – and even pass muster for most of us locals…
Some say Athens looks better from 20 meters up. I’m starting to believe it.
Filistron (reservation recommended)
23 Apostolou Pavlou
+30 2103422897
www.filistron.com
Chocolat Royal
27 Apostolou Pavlou
+30 210 346 9077
www.chocolatroyal.gr
Thissio View
25 Apostolou Pavlou
+30 2103476754
http://www.thissioview.gr
A For Athens
2-4 Miaouli Str., Monastiraki Square
+30 210 32 44 244
www.aforathens.com
360
2 Ifaistou Str., Monastiraki Square
+30 210 321 0006
www.three-sixty.gr
Central Hotel
Apollonos 21, Plaka
+30 210 3234357
www.centralhotel.gr
Lycabettus Café
Head to Lycabettus Hill, and go up :)
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…
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under