COMMUNITY CORNER
XpatAthens
Thursday, 07 May 2020 07:00
Greece Aims To Open-Up For Tourists By July 1
Greece is undoubtedly one of the most appealing travel destinations, but amidst the Covid-19 crisis, the idea of a summer vacation in Greece sounds like an unlikely scenario! Or maybe not, according to Greek officials.
And that is because Greece appears to be a rare coronavirus success story. The safety measures and a strict lockdown was enforced very early, keeping the death rate extremely low compared to European countries.
This week, some small businesses–such as hairdressers and bookstores–were allowed to re-open for the first time after the long closure. This gradual lifting of the lockdown measures may be a model for welcoming back some travelers this summer, thinks Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
"The tourism experience this summer may be slightly different from what you've had in previous years," Mitsotakis told CNN's, Nic Robertson. "Maybe no bars may be open, or no tight crowds, but you can still get a fantastic experience in Greece – provided that the global epidemic is on a downward path."
However, opening up to tourism unavoidably means opening up to travelers possibly carrying the virus. Currently, every international traveler is screened for Covid-19 upon arriving in Athens; however, the Prime Minister is hoping for something more comprehensive such as global, or at least European standards that set the same travel protocols for all countries. "I would assume that people will be tested before they get on a plane, not after they arrive here. They can only get on the plane with a negative test, or with a positive antibody test," he said.
All going well, Greece will probably be able to start welcoming tourists by July 1.
To read this article in full, please visit: cnn.com
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 06 May 2020 14:37
Welcoming The Digital Citizens' Academy
What is the Digital Citizens' Academy?
It is a cutting edge initiative to gather, on a single platform, educational content aimed to improve the digital skills of citizens. The platform combines content from 29 different thematic units and includes 156 courses, more than 1500 teaching hours, from 23 vendors.
How Can I Use The Academy To Improve My Digital Skills?
Joining is free and does not require a complicated registration. All you need to do is select a category, a thematic unit, and a course that suits your interests and level of knowledge, which you can complete online at your own pace.
How Was The Content Selected? Is It Valid?
The content has been selected by a team of experts from the Ministry of Digital Governance in collaboration with Greek academics and experts in digital education. Greek and International experts warrant a) the quality of the content and structure of the educational platform and, b) the simplicity of use.
Will I Be Able To Find Courses That Meet My Needs?
The Digital Citizens' Academy is a dynamic platform, and the number of topics and courses will continue to grow, covering even broader educational needs. More and more vendors will contribute educational content, enabling citizens to make more extended use of the Digital Citizens' Academy.
Soon, the Digital Citizens' Academy will be offering self-diagnostic tools so that every citizen can assess the level of their digital skills. Depending on the results of the self-diagnostic tools and the personal goals of each trainee citizen, the platform will offer personalized 'educational paths,' combining courses from various providers.
Originally posted in Greek on nationaldigitalacademy.gov.gr
Originally posted in Greek on nationaldigitalacademy.gov.gr
Translated by Codico Lab
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 05 May 2020 16:25
Athens Music Week Goes Phygital
Adapting to the current situation, Athens’ International Music Conference and Festival is reshaping initial activities by combining the physical with the digital world, in order to create the best possible experience for the glocal audiences.
Online activities will be fused with physical events (panel-discussions, webinars, artist showcases, Q&A sessions), as well as live music events, always conforming to the official public health guidelines.
As the Music Industry is confronting the consequences of the global pandemic, #AthensMusicWeek supports the Music sector by investing, this year, all resources and assets to creating a high-quality weekly event, which music professionals, artists and music lovers from all over the world can access completely free of charge.
About Athens Music Week
AMW’s main goal is to promote music as a tool for local development and drive innovation between stakeholders of the CCIs, entertainment, and the music industry, in order to foster curiosity, boost creativity, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion!
AMW is planned as a multifaceted music experience event. With 4 complimentary pillars – Music & the City, Music Convention, Athens Music Walk, Music Innovation Hub – the overall event is designed to motivate the broader public, to widen the music boundaries of music lovers and to enhance the creative process and the sustainable development of creative artists, musicians, and professionals of the music sector.
As a whole, the AMWs program aims to enhance music practice and promote the music scene of Athens through happenings and activities encompassing discussions with artists, presentations of music projects, special events, music showcases, festivals, and many concerts.
For more information please click here.
Published in
Music
Tagged under
Monday, 04 May 2020 22:05
Amazing Greece In 2 Minutes
Despite the recent lockdown, the travel restrictions, and the blow to the Greek economy, it's only a matter of time until our country comes back stronger and even more colorful. Soon we will be able to enjoy Greece's great beauty in real life, united with our loved ones.
Until things settle back to normal, let us virtually travel to Greece with this stunning 2-minute video that showcases some of its most beautiful locations!
Published in
Videos
Tagged under
Sunday, 03 May 2020 23:32
How to Feel Like You’re In Athens In 5 Easy Steps
Affected by lengthy lockdowns, most of us would rather be somewhere else right now! However, until traveling for pleasure becomes a possibility again, thisisathens.org has made a list of activities that will infuse your home with Athenian character.
1. Take A Virtual Tour Of A Museum
Thanks to the Google Arts & Culture platform, you'll get a jump start on your next Athens culture trip with a digital stroll around the city's most captivating museums. Admire Pheidias' Parthenon sculptures in high-definition detail at the Acropolis Museum, and walk around all 4 sites of the Benaki Museum through their exceptional 360-degree virtual tours. Last but not least, immerse yourself into a hypnotic contemporary video sculpture by filmmaker Georgis Grigorakis depicting hyper-real Aegean seascapes, inspired by Cycladic Art.
2. Whip Up A Freddo
If you have an espresso machine, you can whip up Athens' favorite brew in 5 simple steps.
- Put a medium-sized empty metal container such as a bar shaker in the freezer, preferably metal.
- Run 2 short espresso doses into a cup, add sugar as desired, and set aside.
- Pour milk into the cold metal container till it's half full. Add a couple of ice cubes if the milk or the container isn't cold enough.
- Use a small handheld mixer to beat the milk and if you don't have a mixer, use a makeshift shaker and shake till your arm hurts and set aside.
Add about 4 ice cubes to your coffee mix and add more ice. Carefully scoop the frothy milk on top with a spoon. Call a friend to video chat, sit back, and enjoy your Greek-style coffee.
3. Cook A Greek Dish
The Greek culinary scope comprises so many different dishes that even a beginner rookie home cook will manage to prepare a simple Greek meal. Go as simple as a Greek salad or as complicated as gemista if you have more time in your hands. No matter what you cook, don't forget to order feta cheese on your next virtual supermarket run.
4. Soak Up Athens Street Art
Get acquainted with the most passionate mavericks putting their mark on the city with thisisathens.org's Athens Street Art slideshow. And if you are more of a classicist, take a tour of Robert McCabe's beautiful vintage photography collection of Athens in the fifties, set against some pretty mighty ancient monuments.
5. Watch A Greek Cinema Classic
If you want to travel away to happier times mentally, embark on a celluloid journey with Greek national superstar Melina Mercouri across a swinging sixties Athens in Never on Sunday. In this all-time classic feel-good movie, a free-spirited prostitute named Ilya meets an American tourist named Homer. This award-winning movie placed both the port of Piraeus and Melina Mercouri on the world map, and it's also said to have inspired the then First Lady Jackie Kennedy to travel to Athens–as it will you!
For even more ways to feel like you're in Greece, please visit: thisisathens.org
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 April 2020 18:16
Beyond Coronavirus: Greece To Start Lifting Lockdown Measures
To contain the spread of the coronavirus, Greece went into full lockdown on March 22. However, on Tuesday, April 28, the Greek Prime Minister finally revealed the timeline for the gradual loosening of the lockdown measures that will permit locals living in Greece to return to some of their everyday activities and allow the battered economy to begin recovering.
Mitsotakis stressed the importance of keeping sanitary rules and social distancing; he also revealed a new motto, "We Stay Safe," as the sequel of the "We Stay Home" campaign we've seen across the media since the beginning of the outbreak.
In his scheduled speech, the Prime Minister praised Greeks for adhering to the rules and restrictions, adding that Greece "is now ready to proceed to the second phase" of the plan. Below is a timeline of the progressive lifting of safety measures in Greece that will unfold in phases, beginning on Monday May 4 and until mid-June.
Mitsotakis stressed the importance of keeping sanitary rules and social distancing; he also revealed a new motto, "We Stay Safe," as the sequel of the "We Stay Home" campaign we've seen across the media since the beginning of the outbreak.
In his scheduled speech, the Prime Minister praised Greeks for adhering to the rules and restrictions, adding that Greece "is now ready to proceed to the second phase" of the plan. Below is a timeline of the progressive lifting of safety measures in Greece that will unfold in phases, beginning on Monday May 4 and until mid-June.
Monday, May 4
More specifically, small retail shops such as bookstores, sporting goods stores, and hair salons will open on May 4, while the SMS procedure for leaving our house will also be dropped on the same day. People will be allowed to travel freely within their prefecture of residence, but not outside. For example, those living in Athens can travel freely within the Attica region only. Churches will also re-open for individual prayer, abiding, however, to the strict rules regarding how many worshippers will be allowed in the church at the same time. Church services are still banned.
Monday, May 11
On May 11, senior high schoolers will be able to return to school, and all retail stores will re-open for business.
Sunday, May 17
On May 17, churches will be allowed to resume religious services and sacraments, still having to adhere to firm social distancing safety measures.
Monday, May 18
Further relaxation of the measures will come on May 18, when the rest of the high schoolers will be returning to school. On the same day, archaeological sites will re-open for visitors.
Monday, June 1
Malls, cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating areas will be back to business on June 1, following social distancing rules. Finally, year-round hotels will open again, adopring all the required public health measures.
Mid June
Depending on the developments, the rest of the economic activity will resume by mid-June. The Prime Minister also mentioned said that the gradual lifting of the measures is going be to be accessed by a panel of experts every 24 hours.
Depending on the developments, the rest of the economic activity will resume by mid-June. The Prime Minister also mentioned said that the gradual lifting of the measures is going be to be accessed by a panel of experts every 24 hours.
When To Use A Mask
As the Prime Minister stressed, it is crucial to remember and follow safety measures.
The use of a mask is mandatory by customers and workers in hair and beauty salons and in every service that requires physical contact.
Workers in supermarkets and food shops will also be required to wear a mask. It is strongly recommended that commuters and workers in the public transport system also wear masks.
Due to their susceptibility to the virus, elders are also advised to use a mask.
CLICK HERE to learn more about how to protect yourself, symptoms, and when to seek medical treament.
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 21 May 2020 13:55
Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs - Online Info Day
Do you have a great idea but you need help translating it into a successful business? Have you already created a business plan and want to expand it abroad? We present to you, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs – an opportunity to connect with experienced entrepreneurs from all over the world.
On Wednesday May 27 at 15:00 you are invited to attend the Info Day of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, which will be available in Greek, in order to learn more about the program and get information on how you can participate. During the event, you will be able to get acquainted with the Academy of Entrepreneurship and the current educational and research projects in which it is involved, which aim at enhancing the entrepreneurship competences of youths and socially vulnerable groups, as well as to expand your professional network.
About The Program
Εrasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a promising program aiming at equipping aspiring, new or social entrepreneurs with expertise, knowledge, and skills in order to develop their business model. It offers the opportunity for participants to communicate, exchange, and share business ideas with experienced peers, and learn to live, work, and collaborate with people in the environment of a foreign country. The program also addresses existing companies in Greece which are provided with the opportunity to collaborate with foreign entrepreneurs, gain important knowledge that can substantially contribute to the development of their activities, and expand their established business.
On Wednesday May 27 at 15:00 you are invited to attend the Info Day of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, which will be available in Greek, in order to learn more about the program and get information on how you can participate. During the event, you will be able to get acquainted with the Academy of Entrepreneurship and the current educational and research projects in which it is involved, which aim at enhancing the entrepreneurship competences of youths and socially vulnerable groups, as well as to expand your professional network.
About The Program
Εrasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a promising program aiming at equipping aspiring, new or social entrepreneurs with expertise, knowledge, and skills in order to develop their business model. It offers the opportunity for participants to communicate, exchange, and share business ideas with experienced peers, and learn to live, work, and collaborate with people in the environment of a foreign country. The program also addresses existing companies in Greece which are provided with the opportunity to collaborate with foreign entrepreneurs, gain important knowledge that can substantially contribute to the development of their activities, and expand their established business.
To register please click here
Published in
Business
Tagged under
Thursday, 23 April 2020 07:00
How Greece Has Become A Shining Example During The Coronavirus Outbreak
Every day at 6 in the evening, Greeks turn on their TV's to watch a broadcast that at other times they might have missed. It is the health ministry's daily coronavirus briefing then begins with Sotiris Tsiodras, a soft-spoken Harvard-trained professor of infectious diseases, delivering the latest facts and figures with the occasional emotional plea.
Nikos Hardalias, the civil defense minister, invariably follows, straining the seriousness of the situation while urging Greeks to "stay at home." The bookish professor and no-nonsense minister are the faces associated with the government's effort to contain the spread of the virus. Their efforts to keep Greece virus-safe seem to be paying off: in a population of just over 11 million, there were, as of last Monday, 2,145 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 99 fatalities–much fewer than any other European country.
From the outset, the scientific advisory committee pushed for the socially disruptive choice of lockdown, a devastating prospect for a country that had only just begun to show signs of economic revival. Carnival parades were canceled throughout the country, and on 4 March, before most of Europe, schools were closed. Within days, bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, gyms, malls, cinemas, retail stores, museums, and archaeological sites were also closed down. Next, the government shut down beaches and ski resorts, banned gatherings of more than 10 people, prohibited travel to islands to all but permanent residents, and took-on the Greek Orthodox church to give up services and the rite of Holy Communion. At the same time, air links with the most affected countries were suspended.
But the pandemic was also a catalyst for the administration to enact long-overdue digital reforms aimed at both protecting citizens' health and modernizing the state. "When the pandemic broke, the need to simplify government processes became paramount," Greece's minister of digital governance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, told the Guardian. "One of the first things we did to limit the incentives for people to exit their homes was to enable them to receive prescriptions on their phones. That, alone, has saved 250,000 citizens from making visits to the doctor in the space of 20 days. It has dramatically helped reduce the number of people exiting their home, which can only be a good thing." Documents that once required going to government offices and dealing with Greece's complicated bureaucracy were made available online.
During these challenging times, Greece has also managed almost to double the number of ICUs. "If we pull through this, if we show that we are competent and can deliver, the rest will come," said Alex Patelis, the Prime Minister's economics adviser."The faster you deal with a health crisis, the greater the short-term economic costs, but then the greater the long-term benefits too."
From once being the black sheep of Europe, Greece is now a shining example of crisis management and efficient administration!
To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian
From once being the black sheep of Europe, Greece is now a shining example of crisis management and efficient administration!
To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 April 2020 18:02
Homeschooling During Lockdown: Adapting To New Conditions
During the early days of the coronavirus, we were careful but a bit more relaxed. Although we were staying home, our schedules had changed. It was almost like a vacation. We were waking up late, leisurely helping our daughter with her school studying, sleeping late, doing everything late. But that's how it got a bit out of hand. The day would pass, and I would still find myself on a chair trying to assimilate the role of my daughter's teacher as the school was sending new material every day. I know she felt secure being with me, but with all the breaks and delays, studying took way too long. Let alone math was not my forte at school.
It was a challenge to persuade her to study as she did when she was still going to school. "But this is our home, it's not school," she would complain. "It doesn't matter if I go to bed later." She was fighting and negotiating for her rights. "We have to have a program." my husband would argue, and of course, he was right, but his critical tone of voice was not much help. So we did have some "battles" in the beginning.
I remember telling myself that neither my daughter nor I deserved such treatment. I wanted to hold her in my arms more, play, and laugh together more. Instead, I had to play a role that didn't belong to me. It didn't take long before I realized that facts had changed and that nothing was the same as before. We were all facing a new situation, and the best we could do was to accept it and then take time to adapt to it. We started with baby steps, and eventually, we found the way – the way that would work for us. The truth is that creating a daily schedule and finding a new routine helped us all a lot. Now we laugh more, hug more, and make the best of our time together.
If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!
Published in
Parenting
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 April 2020 14:27
Lycabettus Theater To Undergo Major Makeover
The area around the theater on Lycabettus Hill in central Athens is about to undergo a complete makeover. According to Topio7, the architectural and landscape design firm, which won the competition to undertake the project, the redesign will concentrate on highlighting the hill's rugged scenery and the stunning views of the capital that spreads below the hill.
Panita Karamanea, one of the company's 3 partners, stated that "Lycabettus is not just any hill in the capital, it's not just a green space. It is a place with a mythological and cultural dimension, something very important for its identity."
The remodeling will convert the parking lot and its surrounding areas into a space for walks and recreation. At the same time, the redesign of the supporting buildings will accentuate the aesthetic value of the theater.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under