XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Thursday, 09 August 2018 17:19

August 28th - News & Updates

Summer may be coming to an end but news is still hot! What's around the corner for Greece after the Bailout? How can you help EU's plastic reduction campaign? Which neighbourhood of Athens was named ''The Coolest in the World''? Discover all the answers in this week's newsletter!




Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletterFacebook, and Twitter!
The Egnatia Odos is part of the European E90 highway that runs from Istanbul to Italy and as BBC writes, "one of the most fascinating (and fastest) drives across Greece." Completed in 2009, it starts from the Turkish border crossing of Kipi in Thrace and goes to the Ionian Sea at Igoumenitsa.

From BBC Travel, "While (not only) Greek drivers get a thrill out of shooting for 200km/hour speeds on the highway's long, flat expanses, for travellers the major reward lies in the close access the Egnatia Odos provides to many towns of historic and culinary interest, all complemented by an ever-changing scenery quite different from elsewhere in Greece."

"When approaching from Turkey the earthy eastern plains of Thrace are first to emerge, with their vivid patches of sunflowers, rolling fields of wheat and storks' nests dotting the telephone poles. The first major settlement, Alexandroupoli, is a pretty port town with good seafood restaurants, and just west of the Evros Delta, an important migratory route perfect for bird-watchers. Alexandroupoli is also the jumping-off point for ferries to Samothraki island."

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC
Love Greece? Portes Magazine Limited Edition Prints Debut

The world of print welcomes a gem, one that celebrates the unique aura of Greece, a perfect addition to the coffee table of those individuals seeking to discover the lesser known details of a legendary land steeped in magic.

Printed in Greece on quality matte paper that teases the touch and perfectly matches the publication’s dreamy pastel tones, Portes Magazine’s 100+ pages journey readers, perfectly weaving the present with the past through curated stories and select images highlighting the interesting, innovative and inspirational.

The publication’s minimal, yet sophisticated design pays tribute to the beauty of ancient and modern Greece through articles, photography, poetry, recipes and crafts.

Numbered, limited edition print copies are available on the Portes Shop and at various locations in Athens. 

Discover more at: portesmagazine.com

 


In Athens In August? Join Portes Magazine Editors For Their Book Launch At Free Thinking Zone


 

 

Tuesday, 11 September 2018 03:23

Athens Flying Week 2018

The greatest air show of Greece, Athens Flying Week (AFW) Tanagra International Air Show 2018, with more than 350,000 loyal fans from around the world, returns for the 7th year in a row, and takes off for the third time from the Tanagra Air Base, on 22 and 23 September 2018!

Are you ready to take off with us?

At the Tanagra airport, you will experience an exciting and unique experience, having the chance to:

Enjoy easy and quick access to the main area of the show from the FREE parking located INSIDE the airport, RIGHT NEXT TO the spectators’ area.

You will experience take-offs and landings by the most popular jet and turbo prop aircraft, just a stone’s throw away.

  • Enjoy a spectacular Air Show
  • Take a picture of yourself next to the planes, with the fighter jet pilots as well as the world-famous aerobatic pilots, at the largest static aircraft display in recent years.
  • Browse and make your purchases at the trade fair, but also learn about every type of aviation training from the competent air schools, Αero clubs, and the Hellenic Aeronautical and Air Sports Federation (ELAO).
  • Our young friends can spend carefree moments at the exceptionally safe playground
  • Take a short break & dine in the fully-equipped restaurants with shaded areas
  • Enjoy full visual access to giant screens which will be installed in various parts of the airport
  • Enjoy aeromodelling demonstrations
  • Have fun at the numerous unique happenings and events
At last, after years Bolshoi legend Yuri Grigorovic returns to Odeon of Herodes Atticus! With all the actors of Grigorovich Ballet (150 people: ballet, orchestra, choir) and with top soloists of the Bolshoi Theater he presents Spartacus by Aram Chatasurian.

This is the world tour of celebrating 50 years since the first premiere in Bolshoi. Yuri Grigorowicz's wish is this tour to be hosted on the Odeon of Herodes Atticus which is the natural setting of the show.

As Grigorovich himself says in his memo:

When I first introduced Spartacus to Odeon of Herodes Atticus of Bolshoi, it was such an emotion that I promised to come back every time I was given this opportunity. I consider it the ideal backdrop for? this show. Every time I prepare the show again from the beginning based on this theater. Every time I walk through the theater and see the Acropolis above, I remember that Greece was and will be our great inspiration.
Monday, 10 September 2018 12:04

Burger Fest 2018

The first and largest food festival in Athens returns from September 14th to September 16th at the old Amaxostasio of OSY for a delightful 3 day burgers extravaganza!

Some of the best restaurants and burger houses of Athens will be attending the festival, ready to serves visitors with their own unique taste suggestions. 

The festival will also be featuring parallel actions that will provide guests with the ultimate gastronomic experience, allowing them to indugle in unpretentious burger flavors!
The registration period for those wishing to take part in “Navarino Challenge” comes to an end September 14th ; The award winning sports tourism event will be held for the 6 th consecutive time in Messinia and in Costa Navarino, October 12 th to 14 th 2018.
The open water swimming race of “Navarino Challenge” will be held for the first time with timing at Navarino bay, the place where the historic naval battle that changed the history of Greece was held. The Olympic sport of swimming will be organized with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the supervision of the Greek federal coach Nikos Gemelos.

Nikos Gemelos highlighted on the event: “A few days before Navarinia, we celebrate the opening of the events with the activity of swimming at the splendid landscape of the bay, at the very beautiful port of Pylos with the valuable assistance of the Mayor of Pylos-Nestor and the local businesses that really stand as helpers and support Navarino Challenge for the 6th year. The race is held with complete safety thanks to the efforts of the Port Authority of Pylos and the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, the lifeguards of the credible Lifeguard Patrol School, the stunning Explore Messinia team, Surf Salad and the conditions and regulations set by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and FINA.

The second day of Navarino Challenge with sport activities such as sup, swim and sailing with optimist & laser boats gives the motto of this year's event, which is that Sports Unite People (#sportsunitepeople)! Come and swim this year and experience the magic of Navarino Challenge!”.

Registrations continue for a few more days and can be completed through the special form available HERE!

The pre-sale is available also via www.viva.gr , by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre-sale points of the Viva network

One of the biggest online gaming companies worldwide, Bwin, consistent with its efforts to enhance Greek sports, supports the event as the Grand Sponsor of this year's Navarino Challenge. By promoting actions of public good, Bwin recognizes the goal of Navarino Challenge, which is to raise awareness of the issue of childhood obesity and to promote physical and mental well-being through the message “sports unite people”. Bwin will be
there to welcome the participants of Navarino Challenge by organizing the Bwin Welcome Party with the voice of Penny Baltatzi, in retro swing and jazz music rhythms (#sportsunitepeople #bwincares).
For the second consecutive year “Navarino Challenge” innovates with Samsung the event’s official technology partner. Samsung will enrich the experience of those participating and attending the event with the innovative Samsung Galaxy ecosystem services such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ coupled with the Gear 360 and Gear VR with unique content at 360 degrees, as well as the QLED TVs with their outstanding picture quality and stylish design. For the days of the event, Samsung will create a special Samsung Business Lounge and a Samsung Gaming Corner and offer endless fun, information and entertainment to the Navarino Challenge participants. At the same time, it will sponsor the Samsung King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena that will be held at Costa Navarino.

Everything you know and love on the Ford Focus. Add a brand new level of smart design, a modern style and more space than ever before. Combine them now with the highly advanced connectivity and a range of impressive technological driver assistance systems that you will truly appreciate. This is the new Focus. At Costa Navarino you can discover them all... driving it!

At Navarino Challenge, we believe in the ancient saying of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and this year, with the support of the Hippophae of Meteora, Hippocrates Farm, we realize it.

The Greek Hippophae of Rezos Brands is grown on the model multifunctional farm Hippocrates Farm in Meteora and aims to promote the hippophae as a top Greek super food with unique beneficial quality for the human body. An excellent food, a fruit with 190 beneficial elements!

Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge, including:Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids’ athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.

More information about the accommodation packages may be found HERE!

Official sponsors of the event are for another year the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford Motor Hellas. Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for the first time.

Official supporters are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.

Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia. Navarino Challenge will take place with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

Grand Sponsor: Bwin
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas
Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Hippocrates Farm, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor
Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy, Fysiotek Sports Lab
Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers, Anazoe Spa, Kayak, Collective Resort, Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell

Photo credit: Elias Lefas
FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The apartment has been transformed into an open space that encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris

Aikaterini Koutroubi hails from Nauplio, and studied art conservation and restoration, painting and icon painting, as well as jewelry-making and weaving. Much of her work is inspired by Greek traditions, particularly the folk art involved in the making of the dowry chest. Her jewelry, the installation of which can be seen as a singular work itself, blends painting, weaving and embroidery into beautiful pieces.

Likewise, Sofia Archangelou’s work mixes drawing, painting, weaving and wet-felting in a series she completed in the last few years while in residence in London and Avanton, France. An Athenian artist and musician, she studied piano at the National Conservatory and participates regularly in various musical programs.

Schedule: Wednesday to Saturday | 17:00 - 20:00

Workshops: “Thread and Color”, with Aikaterina Koutroubi, Saturday, 15 September, 15.00 and “Felting”, with Sofia Archangelou, Saturday, 29 September, 15.00.






After traveling to Greece with family in the spring of 2017, Ontario-based artist Lynn Pinchin became inspired to create. Her new work is titled 'Glorious Greece' and is now on display at the Art With Panache in London, ON.

Pinchin said to the London Free Press, “I attempted to capture in these paintings the feeling of joy that is everywhere in Greece by choosing dancing colours and recreating fun in the movement of windswept brush strokes inspired by the spectacular views of dazzling white houses and hills, along with the amazing Blue Domes of Santorini."

Her work is popular at the art gallery and is a regular contributor of beach scenes. If you find yourself in London from now until September 29, 2018, head to the Art With Panache gallery.

Article source: The London Free Press
This summer, the Municipality of Athens launched a new smartphone app called "myAthensPass" that will help connect drivers with available parking spaces in the center of Athens. With only 10,500 open parking spots, Athens is making use of everyday technology to make parking easy and reliable.

Smartphone users can download the “myAthensPass” application through the Google Playstore or Apple’s Appstore; charge their credit, debit or prepaid card with the desired sum starting from 50 cents and up to 20 euros; choose a parking space on the digital map, the parking duration and type in their licence plate number.

The "myAthensPass" app only covers Athens' controlled parking zones and has replaced the scratch card parking system. The app is part of Athens' ongoing effort to provide better digital services to residents and visitors.

Article source: Greek Travel Pages
Page 216 of 437