The calls of great tits, coal tits and chaffinches are the only sounds that break the silence at the Arcturos Sanctuary, in a forest in Nymfaio, Western Macedonia.

Drops from last night’s rain are still dripping from the beech trees as the morning chill turns jackets into valuable allies for the caretakers of the forest’s 12 ursine residents. And now it’s breakfast time.

“We feed the bears in three different locations. Today’s menu includes apples, cherries, peaches and watermelons,” explains 25-year-old Vasilis Fourkiotis, tour guide and Arcturos caretaker with a degree in environmental sociology. Hailing from a family of stock breeders, Fourkiotis already has four years of experience in the field.

“The animals don’t all live together. They are separated so they can coexist in harmony, as they are naturally anti-social creatures,” says Fourkiotis.

“Moreover, in order for us to lessen the chances of the animals suffering anxiety due to the fact that they are to a certain degree confined, we religiously apply international protocol in respect to large predator management, which suggests that we enforce the animal husbandry principle of behavioral enrichment, providing the bears with environmental stimuli for their optimal psychological and physiological well-being,” he adds.

“In other words, we disperse the food all around the area the bears have access to encourage them to be active. Don’t forget that a bear can walk up to 40 kilometers in search of food,” says Fourkiotis.

Having eaten his watermelon, 15-year-old Manolis stands up on both feet and appears to wave. His brother, Kyrgiakos, continues to munch away at his own watermelon a few meters away, indifferent to our presence. When they were cubs, the two brothers were found by a person who took them in as pets. But when they tipped the scales at 250 kilograms and grew to 2 meters in height, they simply became unmanageable. When Arcturos was called in to help, the two bears were completely used to living with people. It would be impossible for them to live in their natural habitat now, which means they will have to live their whole lives in captivity. However, they could do far worse than the Arcturos Sanctuary, an area of some 50 acres offering food, guaranteed care and optimal living conditions.

“We keep the animals here in order to provide them with the best possible living conditions. However, a bear, just like any other wild animal, needs to live and die free in its natural environment,” explains Vangelis Despotakis, Fourkiotis’s co-worker.

“Here at the sanctuary we have three bears from circuses, five from a zoo, three orphans and one blind bear. Unfortunately, it is now impossible for these animals to live freely in nature. They think that humans are their source of food; that’s why they try to get close to us every chance they get. All the animals are neutered given that we do not want more bears living in captivity. In the wild, cubs stay with their mother and learn from her for a period of two to three years. Under the conditions of a shelter, however, this obviously doesn’t happen,” he adds.

The public seems to have a somewhat distorted view of the Arcturos organization’s role. For example, the NGO’s staff often receive calls from animal breeders, demanding that the organization get rid of bears in the mountains.

“The bears are not our property,” says Despotakis. “We exclusively support bears that can’t survive on their own. We do not interfere with those that live freely, nor do we breed bears in order to release them at a later date.”

The situation in regard to how people treat animals has without doubt improved in recent years. However, as a guide, Despotakis believes that his role is not limited to unlocking gates, showing people the animals and providing information.

“I believe that I am here for a purpose. That is to instill in the public a different philosophy on how we treat nature and animals. We should stop feeling sorry for creatures which have have suffered from a position of power. The protection of wildlife, despite its obvious benefits, should serve as a medium through which we can improve human life as well, by reorienting the meaning of animals for humanity. People should not have the kind of relationship with nature that sees them caring for the environment so long as they can benefit from it, and realize that animals and the natural environment have an innate importance to us as human beings,” he says.

To read more, please visit: Ekathimerini

by

Vassiliki Chrysostomidou

"I think this is something that should have happened years ago," the museum’s director said.

Legislation establishing the museum, known as EMST, was passed 19 years ago. The museum is built in the refurbished Fix brewery in central Athens.

Introducing modern art to a culture brought up on marble columns and the galloping friezes of the Parthenon would appear to be a daunting and thankless task, but Katerina Koskinas, the director of Greece's first National Museum of Contemporary Art, was giddy with excitement and lack of sleep on the eve of the museum's opening.

EMST may not fire up the art market directly, since it is not an art broker, but it will make Greek artists more visible.

EMST was conceived in a period of optimism. In the late 1990s, Greece planned its new Acropolis Museum, now the country's most popular attraction after the Acropolis itself. The shift to culture could emerge as Greece's next national project.

To read this article in full, please visit: Al Jazeera

While the islands and villages of Greece are known for their religious festivals during the period of resurrection, spending Greek Orthodox Easter in Athens is as memorable as it is spiritual. Athens is home to some of the most beautiful and historical churches in Greece and the city has its finest moments under candlelight for the traditional services during holy week.

On Easter Saturday, in a ritual conducted for over 1,200 years, the ‘Holy Fire’ is lit at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. The light is then flown into Athens on a specially chartered flight and received by the “Metohi tou Panagiou Tafou” church in Plaka where candles are lit and then dispersed to churches throughout the Attica region in time for the start of resurrection services.

How to spend Greek Orthodox Easter in Athens? Hearing the haunting ‘Hymn of Kassiani’ on Holy Tuesday, take communion at a 1,000 year-old church on Holy Wednesday, or hear a Byzantine Choir and follow and a candlelit procession through the streets!

To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens

 

Photo Credit: Why Athens

Greece boasts over 250 days of sunshine, which is the perfect kind of weather to enjoy a rooftop bar and restaurant. Below are some of the best rooftop bars in Athens, with stunning views, tasty eats, and drinks to satisfy your thirst!

One of the best Roof Top Restaurants in the city, “ABOVE” is located on the 9th floor of Wyndham Grand Athens and certainly offers the most breathtaking views of Athens! 

The perfect spot in the city center for getting a mouthful of delicious food and an eyeful of amazing scenery, from the Acropolis to Lycabettus hill and all the way down to the Saronic Gulf! Lay back comfortably in your deck chair and sip on refreshing cocktails or cool off under the impressive waterfall in the most stylish designed roof top pool bar of Athens! 

Address: Wyndham Grand Athens – 2, Megalou Alexandrou Street 
Telephone: 21 6800 9900

 

The GB Roof Garden offers unobstucted views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the Parliament in a magnificent setting. For breakfast or lunch, the elegant environment of the GB Roof Garden Restaurant creates a tranquil atmosphere, while dinner is perfect when the city lights come on. For three years in a row the restaurant has been awarded by the Wine Spectator Magazine.

Address: Syntagma Square
Telephone: 210 3330766

The Metropolis Roof Garden with views of the Acropolis is on the tenth floor of Electra Metropolis Athens and is the ultimate dining experience in Athens. It offers a unique opportunity to enjoy today’s creative Greek cuisine and is one of the newest gourmet restaurants in Athens. 

The driving force behind the restaurant is the executive chef, who creates unique dishes with an emphasis on fish or meat. He works to find the perfect balance between Earth and Sea so that his guests can savour truly exquisite results. And you can enjoy all of this while feasting your eyes on the Acropolis, lit either by the famous Greek sun during the day or by impressive flood-lighting at night.

Location: Electra Metropolis Hotel, 15 Mitropoleos, Athens
Telephone: 21 4100 6290

A for Athens with its magnificent rooftop terrace, located on the sixth floor of the homonymous hotel, offers one of the most spectacular views in Athens. Enjoy cocktails in unbelievable combinations, as well as a menu created with special care, with emphasis on local and healthy products!

Location: 2-4 Miaouli, Athens
Telephone: 210 3244244

Art Lounge, rooftop lounge (7th floor) with a panoramic Athens view serving your favorite food & drinks. Designed to be the ultimate penthouse, Art Lounge features a unique Art library with more than 2000 art book titles. The comfort and scenery of the space is reason enough to visit.

Address: New Hotel, 16 Filellinon, Syntagma
Telephone: 694 637 9500

Once you find yourself on the top flor of the Zillers Boutique Hotel and their Roof Garden, you instantly find yourself intergrate in a multifaceted world; an urban roof garden with industrial details and emerald green marbles creates a regreshing atmosphere where you will enjoy your breakfast,luch or dinnner, a coffee or drink an you will feel the ambience of the old merging with the new to create the perfect Athens experience; especially when you have the view of the Acropolis right in front of you!

Address: 54 Mitropoleos, Athens
Telephone: 210 3222277

Air Lounge Bar


Credit: Fresh Hotel

It’s not only the view that is breathtaking. It’s the whole environment in every detail from the bright colours, right down to the Charles Eames chairs… and, of course, its menu! Their Executive chef is the head creator of their sophisticated Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, transforming sheer inspiration to pure culinary enjoyment.

Located in rooftop terrace of Fresh Hotel Athens, the Air Lounge Bar & restaurant is offering panoramic views of the Parthenon, the Acropolis and Athens skyline, all day long!

Location: Fresh Hotel Athens,  26 Sofokleous, Athens
Telephone: 21 0524 8511

Main Photo Credit: GB Roof garden

A photo of the full moon over the Parthenon and the Propylaea in Athens that was recently posted on Instagram by National Geographic has gone viral, attracting more than 1.2 million likes.

 

The photograph capturing the last full moon of 2018 was taken by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Muhammed Muheisen on December 22. This stunning photo of the Parthenon under the moonlight is one of the most popular photos on National Geographic’s Instagram feed.

XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media houses in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content.

We are always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors. If you believe that your content would be a positive addition to XpatAthens, click here to learn more about working with us!

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Who Is Nadia Georgiou?
 

Nadia Georgiou is an international life coach and writer devoted to leading you to a life-changing journey by unveiling your infinite power and unlimited potential.

As a strong believer in "taking my responsibility in order to bring results" she founded "It's my life" life coaching services after more than 25 years in international corporate communications and while on top of her career. The creator of the seminars "Become Who You Really Are" for women and "We Are Not Born Parents. We Become Parents" for parents, she works with women who dare to live life on their terms, with parents who dare to try new approaches and with children of all ages, especially teenagers, who dare to take charge of their life early on - from all over the world.

Working together, like a coach and an athlete, she will be your avid supporter, your close and trusted partner, who listens to you while gently pushing you with care to discover your personal strength, break your fears and move from your "comfort zone" to the area of unlimited possibilities that exist within you. Nadia will give you the tools, know-how, and confidence to conquer your every new goal.

Nadia is also certified in Yoga Laughter, Pranic Healing and Body Mirror System of Healing and Self Knowledge. A Greek-American based in Athens, she's conversant in French and Italian. Trained at the Robbins Madanes Training Center and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management and a Master's in Communications and Public Relations. Nadia is married and has a daughter; she loves traveling, the arts, children's laughter and red wine.

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Read Nadia's first article, here
Visit Nadia's website, here

 

 

On Friday, May 14th, Greece lifted most restrictions on movement and launched its tourist season. With the country now open to travelers, the Greek version of the “green certificate” regarding travel to the islands came into force. 

Greece is among the first countries that will participate in the trials for issuing “green” digital certificates confirming that travelers have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to a senior European Union official, countries were divided into three groups based on how technically ready they are to issue certificates. Apart from Greece, countries belonging to the first group include Spain, Italy, Malta, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Luxembourg. Cyprus is in the second group and will carry out tests a little later.

The green digital certificate will be technically ready on June 1 and will operate fully on June 30.

Originally published on ekathimerini.com.

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To learn more about Digital Green Certificates, please click here. 

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Kalamata olives are only found on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece and have played a part in the human diet for thousands of years. Growing under the amazing Greek sun, the olive trees here have much larger leaves than other types of olive trees around the nation and the world and absorb more sunshine.

This dark cherry-sized fruit — yes, the olive is a fruit — that has been used by Greeks for thousands of years not only tastes great, but it also serves up a host of nutritional benefits.

It’s no secret that doctors and dieticians call it one of the healthiest foods on earth and that’s because they are high in sodium, rich in healthy fats, and contain a natural antioxidant.

Kalamata olives contain a range of health-promoting vitamins and minerals and are particularly high in iron and vitamin A. It is said that regular consumption may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and various cancers.

History of Kalamata olives

The earliest cultivation of olive trees was probably over five thousand years ago, since Ancient Greek times. Despite being known as ‘Greek black olives,’ they are in fact deep purple in color and compared to green and black olives, they are bigger in size and have plumper, oblong shape.

Growers pick these Kalamata olives by hand to avoid bruising the fruit. Following the harvesting of the olives, workers either process them into olive oil or prepare them to be table olives.

Kalamata olives contain a stone in the middle, and generally, they are not pitted before being sold. However, when fresh the olives are incredibly bitter, and so they enter a process of ‘debittering.’

General Nutrition of Kalamata Olives

Kalamata olives are a good source of fiber, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K. They also provide some magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium per serving as well as B vitamins.

While Kalamata olives are high in fat considering their serving size, the majority of their fat is monounsaturated, also known as a “healthy” fat. It is said a 4-tablespoon serving of Kalamata olives has 2.7 grams of monounsaturated fats and 0.3 grams of polyunsaturated fats.

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