It is sometimes impossible not to love Greece and a couple from abroad proved it by moving to Lesvos and creating TrustedHousesitters.com, in order to look after pets while their owners are away. Anthony Bourdain explains his love about a particular Aegean island and a handy Greek phrase book will make your trip to Greece much easier!

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The Central Council of Contemporary Monuments decided last month to approve plans for the renovation of the historic Modiano Market in the Greek city of Thessaloniki.

 

The Modiano Market was built by renowned architect Eli Modiano in the 1920’s and has always remained a vibrant spot of the city, a meeting point, and one of the most popular marketplaces in Thessaloniki.

 

According to the architectural firm, the plan is to combine the retro elements of the building with contemporary architectural styles. Restoration works will last approximately one year, giving the Modiano Market its new face around June 2020.

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

Built in 2002 on a hillside, the property offers a breathtaking view of the entire town, the Venetian castle, and the picturesque island of the Virgin Mary.

Nanos Studios is comprised of 14 studios, 3 apartments for 4 or 5 persons, and 1 smaller apartment guest up to 4 persons.

Operating period: May - October

As we go through an unprecedented crisis, with profound consequences for both our fellow citizens and the economy, it has become more critical than ever to protect public health. The Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and all tourism bodies stand by the Greek government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, advocating that the only responsible choice is to "stay home."

 

Alongside the state's measures to support the travel industry, the Ministry of Tourism, GNTO, and Marketing Greece created the online platform GreeceFromHome, an initiative to enhance the image of our country during the pandemic.

The platform's primary objectives are to help people around the world stay in touch with Greek culture, to discover and be inspired by Greece's beauty, and to enhance their digital skills–all while staying at home.

















The #greecefromhome initiative consists of 3 pillars:

Watch

People are encouraged not just to stay home, but to stay connected to Greek culture through the GNTO Greek Creators channel Visit Greece on YouTube. The channel will offer new and curated content by Greek artists and personalities from around the world. It will include Greek-inspired music, gastronomy, theater, dance, sports, and fashion as well as videos of destinations and experiences from all over Greece.

Visit

Being at home doesn't mean you can't "visit" Greece. Through www.discovergreece.com, visitors can enjoy rich content and inspiring digital experiences. Archaeological sites and museums, villages and traditions, gastronomy, sightseeing, enjoying nature and of course the sea ... all from the safety of your home.

Learn

This time presents unique challenges for businesses and professionals. Digital skills are more important than ever – whether one is working from home, connecting with customers, or distance learning – so we want to help you with the free online training courses provided by Grow with Google. The courses are flexible and personalized, designed to build your confidence and skills. Learn about creating a digital marketing plan, using social media effectively, the art of storytelling, and much more. Staying at home can also mean staying ahead.

 

Wherever you are, while we're apart at home, let's stay together!

To discover #greecefromhome, please click here

Greek Maritime Golf Event, the top golf tournament for the maritime community returns for the 8th year renewing its annual appointment with the Greek and world maritime industry, on September 8-11, 2022, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.

 

The best golf event in Greece and Cyprus, as distinguished at the Sports Marketing Awards 2020, is expected to bring together more than 80 leading executives from the maritime industry forming 20 teams of four. Golfers will have the opportunity to play in the two new 18-hole signature golf courses, designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal at Navarino Hills. The action will take place in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos.

 

Participants will compete on a team level on Friday, September 9, in the two (2) ball better ball (3/4 hcp) at The Hills Course. Respectively, on Saturday, September 10, they will take part in a shotgun scramble that will take place at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.

Watch the tournament’s teaser video HERE

 

Participating teams will claim the significant prizes for the top three positions in the overall standings; while special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories.

 

IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Mainline Shipping Company and Jotun Hellas are Golden Sponsors. 

DNV is the Silver Sponsor. 

Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.

 

Greek Maritime Golf Event, is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.

 

The tournament will bring together representatives of the Greek and world shipping industry, who will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport, golf, in a completely safe destination, with the necessary approvals of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, taking into account the strict specifications set by the Hellenic Golf Federation and the health & safety conditions that will be valid at that time.

 

More information about the schedule of this year’s event and the unique moments that golfers will experience during the tournament, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event by Mike Tsolis

Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino #navarinohills

A vibrant carnival extravaganza sweeps through the city's neighborhoods, igniting joy and festivity at every turn.

With 80 lively events spread across 55 diverse locations, the pulse of the carnival resonates throughout the Municipality of Athens. From lively Tsiknopempti festivities to spirited carnival celebrations, the city comes alive with traditions and merrymaking. For 23 days, every corner of the city becomes a stage for music, dance, and cultural revelry, creating memories to cherish for years to come.

On Thursday, March 7th, the melodies of carnival tradition will reverberate through Varvakeio Agora, Monastiraki Square, and the surrounding streets. At 11:30, join the public in Varvakeio Agora to welcome the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens. Meanwhile, at 12:00, the "Vakhes” Greek Dancing Group will kick off its carnival procession from Syntagma Square. Their carnival route includes a stop at Kotzia Square to showcase the custom of the Ribbons of Naxos, before culminating in the lively ambiance of Monastiraki Square. There, the enchanting tunes of the bands Charisma and Isidoros Pateros will captivate audiences with their music and songs, ensuring an unforgettable celebration.

Witness the enchanting spectacle as young revelers embrace the carnival festivities.

Children, the heart of the carnival, dress themselves in colorful costumes and swarm the squares and cultural venues of Athens, eager to partake in the joyous celebrations and engage in playful enactments that bring them closer to the carnival tradition. The National Gallery, the Museum of Folk Art and Tradition "Angeliki Hatzimichali", the Plato Academy Digital Museum, libraries, creative learning centers, and the Hellenic Children's Museum extend a warm invitation to families, offering a plethora of educational and museum-pedagogical programs. From workshops exploring visual arts and constructions to musical movement and fairy tale dramatizations, along with theatrical games and captivating music and dance events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Carnival activities unfold across various squares, including Gyzi, Plyta, Agios Georgios, Agios Dimitrios (Panormos), and the Kolokynthou Municipal indoor swimming pool, as well as Mayor Dimitris Beis Park. Meanwhile, Thymarakion Square and the pedestrian street at the junction of Gennaios Kolokotronis and Matrozos undergo a magical transformation into vibrant party hubs, igniting the spirits of both young and old alike.

Apokria, a cherished Greek celebration steeped in ancient roots, exudes a timeless charm and a distinct regional flair across Greece. The Municipality of Athens proudly shines a spotlight on tradition and carnival customs, infusing Athenian neighborhoods with their essence. Throughout the carnival season, cultural clubs grace the city streets, presenting traditional dances and reviving local carnival customs, thus immersing us in the true spirit of the Carnival and spreading jubilant merriment.

The festivities kick off on Tsiknopempti, March 7th, with the "Vakhes” Greek Dancing Group leading the way. During their carnival route, they'll pause at Kotzia Square to honor the custom of the Ribbons of Naxos. The revelry continues on Sunday, March 10th, with the Zakynthian Union of Athens hosting the carnival sergiani in Plaka, featuring chants and traditional dances of Zakynthos. Meanwhile, Platonos Square comes alive with a carnival event showcasing pranks from across Greece, accompanied by live traditional music from regional cultural organizations and the delightful wanderings of Horostasi through the streets of Plaka, complete with merry-go-rounds, events, carnival dances, and songs.

On Saturday, March 16th, the Lesvos Farmers' Union "Agios Dimitrios" and the Cultural Association of Traditional Dances and Cultural Activities "O Molyvos" promise to whisk us away on another journey into the carnival tradition with a revival of "Patinada," a cherished local custom of Lesvos. Finally, on Sunday, March 17th, we bid farewell to the Athenian Carnival with a grand procession in the city center, presented by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry with support from OPANDA, featuring animators, jugglers, Brazilian percussionists, and other entertainers.

The neighborhoods of Athens will be pulsating with excitement as carnival routes flood the streets with joyous rhythms. On Sunday, March 10th, a carnival route of percussion will traverse from Attica Square to Victoria Square, while Morfes Ekfrasis will transport us to Votanikos for a carnival reminiscent of days past. Then, on Saturday, March 16th, the percussion ensemble Bloco Swingueira will electrify the city with the irresistible beats of Brazilian rhythm and dance.

Discover a symphony of cultural delights with a lineup of concerts, music, dance events, and theatrical performances.

The Music Ensembles of the Municipality of Athens will enchant audiences throughout the carnival season with their melodic offerings, filling various corners of Athens with their harmonious tunes. The Philharmonic Orchestra will grace neighborhoods with their musical presence, while Martha Moreleon and the Big Band inject a jazzy flair into the carnival celebrations. Additionally, the Greek Music Workshop, led by Dora Loizou and Manolis Skoulas, promises to elevate the Halloween festivities with their captivating melodies.

Moreover, this year's eclectic carnival program, curated by the Municipality of Athens, boasts an array of entertainment options. Concerts, music, and dance events, as well as theatrical performances, will unfold in cultural venues across the city. From the Arts Centre hosting a concert on March 9th to the Polychoros Municipality of Athens Anna & Maria Kalouta featuring theatrical performances on March 9th and 10th, there's something to entice every artistic palate. The Melina Cultural Centre will come alive with a dynamic music and dance event on March 10th, while the Olympia Municipal Music Theatre "Maria Callas" presents a music theater performance directed by Giorgos Vassiliadis on March 10th. Additionally, the Municipal Market of Kypseliwill host a vibrant music and dance event on March 13th, rounding out the cultural festivities with flair and finesse.

Experience the grand finale of the carnival season on Clean Monday atop the iconic Filopappos Hill.

This cherished tradition brings together families and friends to celebrate the beginning of Lent in a joyous atmosphere filled with kite flying and the beloved custom of Kouloumas. Joining in this jubilant occasion are the illustrious Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens and the captivating sounds of the Charisma band, creating an unforgettable ambiance of harmony and merriment against the backdrop of the Athenian skyline.

Reaching your full potential isn’t about overnight success; it’s about steadily building habits, and exploring new ways to grow. Each of us has a unique mix of talents and strengths, and discovering how to leverage them can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment. Here are key steps to help you unlock your potential and thrive.

Unlocking your potential starts with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Setting purposeful goals gives you direction and helps you prioritize your efforts. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This way, you’re working toward objectives that are both inspiring and practical.

Once you set your goals, break them into smaller steps. For example, if your goal is to become proficient in a new skill, map out weekly or monthly milestones to make progress feel more attainable and motivating.

Understanding your strengths is key to tapping into your full potential. Reflect on the areas where you excel, what activities you enjoy, and where you’ve received positive feedback. Tools like StrengthsFinder or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can offer insights into your unique strengths and personality traits.

Once you identify your strengths, look for ways to incorporate them into your goals and daily tasks. Leveraging strengths creates a sense of flow and fulfillment, making your work feel less like a struggle and more like an opportunity to thrive.

The road to achieving your potential requires self-discipline and consistency. This means committing to regular, focused practice and not relying solely on motivation. Even on days when motivation wanes, sticking to routines can keep you moving forward.

Practical ways to build self-discipline include:

• Setting up a daily or weekly schedule with specific times for productive activities.
• Minimizing distractions by designating focused workspaces or using tools like “do not disturb” modes on devices.
• Holding yourself accountable by tracking progress and celebrating small wins.

Consistency doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it means showing up and putting in the effort, day by day.

Personal and professional growth comes from continuous learning. Stay curious and open to acquiring new knowledge and skills, as learning feeds creativity, keeps you adaptable, and pushes you toward your potential.

To invest in growth:

• Take courses in areas that interest or challenge you.
• Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend seminars or workshops.
• Seek out mentors or join communities where you can learn from others’ experiences and insights.

The more you learn, the better equipped you are to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and expanded skill set.

Feedback, especially when constructive, is one of the most powerful tools for growth. Rather than seeing criticism as a setback, view it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Ask for feedback from people you respect, and don’t shy away from constructive advice.

When receiving feedback:

• Listen openly, without reacting defensively.
• Reflect on the feedback and assess how it aligns with your goals.
• Identify actionable steps to implement improvements.

Embracing feedback and adjusting accordingly helps you continuously evolve and refine your strengths.

Taking advantage of your potential requires balance. Burning out from overworking or neglecting self-care can hinder your progress and keep you from achieving sustainable growth. Make time for physical, mental, and emotional well-being to keep yourself energized and motivated.

Some ways to prioritize well-being include:

• Practicing regular physical activity, like exercise or yoga, to relieve stress and boost energy.
• Setting aside time for mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling to clear your mind.
• Ensuring you get adequate rest and relaxation to recharge.

A well-balanced approach gives you the resilience to handle challenges and the energy to pursue your goals wholeheartedly.

Reaching your full potential is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and continual growth. By setting clear goals, cultivating a growth mindset, building supportive networks, and maintaining balance, you can tap into your unique strengths and create lasting, fulfilling progress. With each small step, you’ll find yourself closer to becoming the best version of yourself.       

With the combination of Greek Easter and 20+ degree spring weather, the long weekend called for a road trip. So we packed up a car with a few friends and headed out on Friday towards Pelio. It was my first time in Pelio since I was a kid – and it won’t be my last.

Pelio is actually the mountain range in the southeastern part of Greece’s Thessalia region, easily reachable by car, a few hours drive from Athens via Volos. This is an area of beautiful mountain drives, hiking trails, springs and waterfalls, beaches and even ski hills in winter. Google tells me there are 24 villages nestled across the region, with beautiful traditional homes and mansions, many of which have been turned into hotels and inns. This is the place to go for long mountain drives, dramatic scenery and lovely beaches.

We stayed in the village of Milies, in a stone-built inn overlooking a deep valley – more or less centrally located for easy driving access to the region. For Easter we had booked lunch at a place called Lagou Raxi. This is a very nice ‘country hotel’, newly built on a mountain-top in the village of Lafkos in South Pelio, with seriously stunning views down to the sea. Lagou Raxi is a beautiful spacious property, with a fantastic swimming pool, nicely decorated and delicious food in the restaurant. The owners, Sue and Christian, are fellow expats who have made Lafkos their home and have clearly poured their hearts into this unique property. In fact, Sue and Christian become your hosts during your stay here, and make you feel right at home. But this is much more than just a hotel – they also offer scheduled activities throughout the year, from yoga to painting to hiking. Not hard to get used to this…

One thing is for sure – I will add Pelio to my ever-growing list of must-see places in Greece.

Until next week,

Jack


Lagou Raxi
Lafkos, South Pelio
+30 24230 65144
Find them HERE!