XpatAthens

XpatAthens

The British newspaper "The Sun" recently paid homage to a city in Greece that, despite its charms, often flies under the radar. Contrary to popular belief, this city isn't as unknown as they might think. It's quite the opposite.

The article starts by critiquing the bustling tourist scene of the Greek islands, noting how the overcrowding during peak seasons detracts from the overall experience. However, it then sheds light on lesser-known Greek destinations that offer a tranquil escape from the crowds.

Enter Parga, a gem of a town celebrated for its serene beaches, idyllic ambiance, and absence of tourist masses. Described as "photographically perfect" by Lonely Planet, Parga exudes a unique charm that sets it apart from the mainstream tourist hubs. Conveniently accessible from two airports, it presents itself as an appealing option for travelers seeking a more authentic Greek experience.

The tribute highlights Parga's accolades, including its recognition by Salon Prive as a top alternative travel destination. Despite not being a traditional Greek island, Parga encapsulates the essence of island life, as attested by the travel agency Greeka.

The article paints a vivid picture of Parga's allure, focusing on its crown jewel, the 11th-century Venetian castle perched atop a hill overlooking the city. From its vantage point, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas, while below, colorful houses cascade down the hillside, framing the charming harbor. Moreover, Parga boasts a plethora of pristine beaches, with Lychnos, Valtos, and Alonaki Fanariou standing out as local favorites. Notably, Alonaki Fanariou Beach earned TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award last year, underscoring its popularity among visitors.

In essence, Parga stands as a testament to Greece's diverse and captivating landscape, offering a blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and laid-back charm that is truly unparalleled.

Originally published in Greek on: intronews.gr
Transladed by: Codico Lab

“Poor Things,"  the dark comedy film by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, won 4 Oscars at the ceremony of the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10.

Along with protagonist Emma Stone, who won the award for Best Actress, the film also won the Oscars for Makeup and Hairstyling, Production Design, and Costume Design.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis posted on social media a congratulations message to Lanthimos.

“A thousand congratulations to Yorgos Lanthimos for winning four awards at this year’s Oscars with his film ‘Poor Things.’ His unique perspective and narrative skill have not only captivated film enthusiasts but also filled all of us with pride,” Mitsotakis said, among others.

Originally published on: keeptalkingreece.com


Wednesday, 20 March 2024 16:30

Greece's Top Spirits: 7 Among Europe's Best

Greece, a land steeped in history and tradition, boasts a vibrant array of locally crafted spirits, each bearing the distinct essence of its origins. Drawing from an abundant palette of fruits, nuts, aromatic herbs, and seeds, Greek distillers have honed their skills to create an eclectic range of libations that embody the spirit of the land.

In a celebration of Greece's distilling prowess, Taste Atlas recently unveiled the top 100 spirits in Europe, showcasing seven distinguished Greek elixirs that have earned their place among the best. Here's a glimpse into each:
  1. Tsikoudia (12th place): Known as the Cretan "raki," Tsikoudia is a potent grape pomace brandy, revered for its robust flavor and smooth finish.

  2. Masticha Chios (16th place): Hailing from the island of Chios, Masticha is a unique liqueur infused with the resinous sap of the mastic tree, delivering a distinctively herbal and aromatic profile.

  3. Tsipouro (24th place): Tsipouro, a traditional Greek pomace brandy, is cherished for its clarity and versatility, often enjoyed as an aperitif or mixed into cocktails.

  4. Rakomelo (26th place): A delightful fusion of tsipouro, honey, and aromatic spices, Rakomelo offers a warm and comforting embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

  5. Metaxa (54th place): An iconic Greek spirit, Metaxa is a blend of brandy and wine, aged in oak barrels to achieve its signature smoothness and complexity.

  6. Ouzo (78th place): Perhaps Greece's most famous spirit, Ouzo is an anise-flavored liqueur, best enjoyed with a splash of water to unveil its full depth of flavor and louche.

  7. Souma (96th place): Originating from the islands of the Aegean, Souma is a traditional grape spirit, prized for its purity and clarity, offering a refreshing taste of Greek island life.

In a world brimming with spirits, these seven Greek treasures stand as ambassadors of the country's rich cultural heritage and enduring commitment to craftsmanship, inviting enthusiasts to savor the essence of Greece with every sip.
Nestled among the vibrant tapestry of global urban culture lies an unexpected treasure: Troon Street in Athens. In a recent unveiling by Time Out magazine, celebrated for its keen eye for cultural hotspots, Troon Street proudly clinched the 28th spot on the list of the 30 coolest streets in the world for 2024.

But what defines the essence of a 'cool' street? Is it the diverse array of cafes, culinary havens, and inviting bars where time seems to stand still amidst the exploration of tantalizing cuisines and innovative cocktails? Perhaps it's the charming boutiques teeming with one-of-a-kind treasures that entice the curious wanderer. Or could it be the intangible ambiance that envelops a street, an unmistakable aura of community and familiarity?

In crafting its esteemed list, Time Out meticulously weighed various factors, including culinary diversity, libation offerings, cultural vibrancy, nocturnal allure, and the collective spirit of each street's inhabitants. The result is a celebration of streets that have evolved into dynamic hubs, offering sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle.

Leading the charge is Melbourne's High Street, an urban sanctuary renowned for its plethora of gastronomic delights, hidden watering holes, and independent boutiques. Here, locals and visitors alike revel in a palpable sense of camaraderie, epitomizing the inclusive spirit of the community.

And amidst these illustrious thoroughfares lies Troon Street, a beacon of Athenian charm and authenticity. Stretching from the historic neighborhood of Thisios to the heart of Petralona, Troon Street captivates with its fusion of storied landmarks, picturesque vistas, and a thriving local scene. It beckons travelers to immerse themselves in an authentically Athenian experience, where every corner reveals a new facet of the city's rich tapestry.

In an age where streets have transcended their traditional roles as mere conduits of traffic to become vibrant social spaces, Troon Street stands as a testament to the transformative power of community and culture. As the world embraces al fresco dining and champions green initiatives, Troon Street remains a shining example of urban revitalization done right—a place where the echoes of the past converge with the pulse of the present, and every step narrates a tale of resilience and renewal.

Originally published in Greek on: intronews.gr
Greek swimmer Apostolos Christou made history on Thursday by winning the silver medal in the men's 200m backstroke at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Christou’s remarkable performance set a new national record with a time of 1:54.82, securing Greece’s first Olympic medal in pool swimming in 128 years.

Breaking a 128-Year Drought

Christou’s silver marks a monumental achievement for Greece, as the previous seven swimming medals were all earned at the 1896 Athens Olympic Games. The most recent honor before Christou's victory was an open water silver medal by Spyridon Gianniotis at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

A Stellar 2024 for Christou

The 27-year-old swimmer has had an impressive year. His journey began with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the Doha World Championships in February. He continued to shine at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, where he clinched gold in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events and contributed to the Greek men's 4x100m freestyle relay team, which won bronze.

A Historic Day

Christou dedicated his silver medal to his family, calling Thursday the best day of his life. His performance not only brought pride to Greece but also highlighted his remarkable talent and determination.

Greece's Success in Paris

Christou’s achievement follows another significant win for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, July 31st, judoka Thodoris Tselidis secured a bronze medal in the men’s -90kg weight class, earning Greece its first medal of the Games.

Final Standings in the 200m Backstroke

Gold: 
Hubert Kos (Hungary) – 1:54.26
Silver: Apostolos Christou (Greece) – 1:54.82
Bronze: Roman Mityukov (Switzerland) – 1:54.85

Apostolos Christou’s silver medal is a historic milestone for Greek swimming, marking a triumphant return to the Olympic podium after more than a century.
Zoe Fitsiou and Milena Kontou delivered an outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clinching the bronze medal in the women’s lightweight double sculls on Friday. The event, held at Vaires-sur-Marne, saw the Greek duo finish behind Great Britain, who took gold, and Romania, who secured silver.

This achievement marks Fitsiou and Kontou’s debut at the Olympics, contributing to Greece’s medal count and making it the country’s fourth medal in Paris. It also adds to Greece’s legacy in rowing, representing the sixth Olympic rowing medal in the nation’s history.

Earlier in the competition, Petros Gkaidatzis and Antonios Papakonstantinou also won bronze in the men’s lightweight double sculls. The Greek pair finished behind Ireland, who took gold, and Italy, who earned silver.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
A record number of American students are choosing Greece as a study abroad destination, according to the Open Doors 2024 survey findings, published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the number of US students studying in Greece surged by nearly 34% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 6,000 students.

Greece continues to be a top-ten study abroad destination for US students, maintaining its popularity in recent years. In comparison, it ranked 17 in 2018, which shows Greece’s trajectory to become a top destination for U.S. students in recent years.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Greek students chose the United States for their studies.In the 2023-2024 academic year, 2,561 Greek students were enrolled in US academic institutions, reflecting an upward trend from the previous year. 

“The United States is invested in Greece’s future and is proud to see our educational ties continue to expand.  International education strengthens the ties between our countries, strengthens our economies, and deepens the ties between our peoples,” noted US Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Friday, 27 February 2015 15:08

New Book: My Greek Island Home

In My Greek Island Home Claire Lloyd shares the story of how illness brought to an end her fast-paced London life as a very successful magazine art director, film maker, photographer and property developer, before finding renewed purpose in life when fell in love with the Greek island of Lesvos and the people who live there, and made it both her home and her passion.

Featuring evocative images of the beautiful island, the home which she and her partner have lovingly restored, and the many friends - and animals - who have welcomed them into their lives, My Greek Island Home is a celebration of a way of life that Claire and Matthew have embraced with open arms. They have now bought and restored a second home, Ken's Spiti, also featured in the book, which they offer for personally-tailored holidays to people wishing to experience and be part of 'the real Greece'.

My Greek Island Home by Claire Lloyd will be published by Clearview Books on 28th April.

Friday, 27 February 2015 16:05

New Novel “Sunsets in Oia”

A dazzling remote island, delectable food, soulful music, steamy romance and life-changing experiences – this sounds like the making of a remarkable vacation retreat. And it can all be enjoyed within the pages of Sunsets in Oia. Now, readers everywhere can escape their everyday lives and travel along with exciting characters as they explore a real-to-life location.

The debut novel by Canadian writer Sheila Busteed, “Sunsets in Oia” follows Selene Doherty, whose excitement from the successful tour with her band is cut short when she learns that her parents were killed in the Athens riots. After the funeral, she escapes to her bequeathed summer home on the island of Santorini to recover from the tragedy. She is haunted. The loss of her family leaves her with a feeling of disconnectedness that is unshakable.

But a chance reunion with a man from her past brings new romance – and hope. Drawing strength as he helps her get in touch with her roots, Selene begins the journey to redefine her life.

“Sunsets in Oia” offers a snapshot of a summer, blending vibrant characters, enduring culture, vivid scenery and impactful themes – plus a bit of erotica – that will leave readers cheering, “Opa!”

“Sunsets in Oia” is for sale through the FriesenPress Bookstore and will soon be available from other fine retailers, including Chapters Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Google, iTunes, Kindle, Kobo and Nook, among others.

Author Sheila Busteed, 28, is a freelance writer, teacher, journalist, photographer and designer who possesses a deep connection to music. Originally from Tecumseh, Ontario, Busteed is an avid traveler, and the creation of “Sunsets in Oia” took her back to the island of Santorini for a writing retreat. After nearly a decade in Canada’s capital, Busteed moved to South Korea to begin a new career as an English teacher. She spends much of her spare time writing, traveling and learning about her newly adopted home.

By Anastasios Papapostolou

Greek Reporter

Thursday, 18 June 2015 07:00

100 Days Of Solitude - Daphne Kapsali

How far do you need to go to find yourself?
What do you have to give up?

Daphne didn't go very far. After too many years of living as a writer who didn't write, she gave up her life in London to spend 100 days of solitude on the remote Greek island of Sifnos, off season, and find out, once and for all, who she really was. Her challenge: to write every day.

One hundred days and one hundred entries later, her question had been answered in more ways than she could have imagined, and the things she'd given up never mattered in the first place. This book is her story, as personal as it is universal, of the most obvious and most fundamental quest of all: to be happy; to do what you love.
Part memoir, part fiction, part philosophy and part travel writing, 100 days of solitude is a collection of one hundred stories, all of them connected and each one self-contained.

To find out more about this book, please visit Daphne's site at: Daphne Kapsali

Available on Amazon
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