86-year-old Emilia Kamvysi is not a politician, activist or lawyer. Her days are simple and slow. Like other Greek retirees on the island of Lesbos off the Turkish coast, she cooks for her children and grandchildren, watches the evening news and sits on the bench with her neighbors gazing at the sea. Kamvysi is not your typical Nobel Peace Prize candidate.

Then her life changed. Along with two neighbors, aged 89 and 85, Kamvysi was sitting on a bench in February, helping out a Syrian refugee mother by feeding her child with a bottle. The photo went viral, and she and the two other grannies in the photo became symbols of Greek generosity toward the migrants who have fled to Europe in recent years.

“I wish that Greece wins this prize, not just me,” Kamvysi said, pledging if she wins to give her share of the $1.2 million prize to the decaying Greek healthcare system.

For the journalists and photographers who have stepped into her home recently, she brews a Greek coffee and brings out a jar of candy. Still, the media attention has often been tiring for the three grannies. They complained they had to dress up every day to greet journalists from as far as Bolivia and Bangladesh, as well as politicians.

In the small island of Lesbos, meanwhile, the three grandmas have become celebrities.

“It’s good for the island and good for the grandmas,” said Roula Kyparisi, a bed and breakfast owner on Lesbos. “We’re all hoping they will win it. It’s so strange that your neighbor is a candidate for a Nobel Prize.”

To read this article in full, please visit: USA Today

At the corner of Psaron and Salaminos streets, in a quiet neighborhood of Piraeus, there’s a place that looks straight out of a 1960s Greek black-and-white movie. Its name, eidikon, means “special,” and it’s the last of its kind: a bakalotaverna, or grocery store and eatery, all in one.

The shop opened in 1920, when the three Papakonstantinou brothers from Gardiki, an impoverished village near Trikala in central Greece, came to Athens in search of better prospects. The building was the tallest in the area. It had large windows, and in good weather, one could even see the sea on the horizon.

The interior, with its dark wooden paneling, was obviously built to last. The shelves and old refrigerator cases are now covered with vintage 60s products, bric-a-brac and numerous photographs of the current owner, Apostolos Papakonstantinou, and his forebears. Large frames display the good times of the past, with the celebrities that were (and still are) among the loyal clientele.

To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets

The UNESCO director announced in 2016 that Athens would be the World Book Capital for 2018. The city of Athens was chosen for the quality of its activities, supported by the entire book industry. The proposed activity program includes meetings with writers, translators and illustrators, concerts, thematic exhibitions, poetry readings and workshops for publishing professionals.

The aim of the program is to make books accessible to the city’s entire population, including migrants and refugees. Members of the Advisory Committee also praised Athens’ cultural infrastructure and its expertise in organizing international events. The programs promoted by Athens range from events for writers, translators, illustrators, concerts, exhibitions as well as promotion of poetry via readings and workshops.

Athens prepares for a great celebration, an experience unlike any other! A whole year full of books, reading, culture and events that promote knowledge.Athens prepares for a great celebration, an experience unlike any other! A whole year full of books, reading, culture and events that promote knowledge.

Whether younger or older, Athenian or visitor; all are welcome to join the festivities.

Our aim? To bring books to every neighbourhood and to every corner of the city. street. This is one of the most solemn experiences one can have during Easter in Greece.

Athens is the 18th city to be named the World Book Capital by UNESCO.

For more information, please visit: Athens WBC 2018

Find your perfect fall getaway in Greece and the best off-season destinations in Europe and explore the Acropolis Museum, one of the world’s best museums!

 

 

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A film about childhood and leaving behind your innocence in order to survive.

Dimitris, a 10 year old boy, is the only child of a rich family. The only person that took care of him, his grandma, is dead. Now his only companion is his pet guinea pig. When Dimitris’ parents decide a cruel future for him, Dimitris in order to survive he “cripples” the most pure side of himself.

Director's Statement

Christos Liakouris (artistic pseudonym is Chris Moraitis) is the Greek film director and producer of the independent short film.

'It is clear that the violence we suffer socially in recent years was the impetus for the creation of Pet. It is a film that focuses on current events. I am committed to this story because it concerns me very strongly how a child can be mentally deformed due to the treatment of his parents. I am also concerned of the consequences of materialism. This film touches on the "race" who demonstrate wealth and power, for the sake of which we are losing ourselves and our children. We lose the moment... and the future.'

 

Participations from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, North & South America and international promotion around the whole world through FOX Sports! The curtain for the special sports tourism event Santorini Experience 2016 fell in the best possible way, giving away unprecedented times and creating great memories for each participant and every visitor who found himself in the magical volcanic island on 7-9 October 2016!

Santorini Experience, at its 2nd consecutive year of materialization exceeded all expectations in the number of participations and the occupancy of hotels in the island by attracting the global interest of athletes, participants and visitors! In particular, 3 Olympic Champions, 2 World Champions, 1 European Champion, 1 Greek Champion and hundreds of professional and amateur athletes of all ages (75 years old was the oldest athlete) took part in the activities of the sports weekend while thousands of visitors swarmed the island to attend this unique event!

The global nature of the event was reflected in the entries recorded from 28 countries and more particularly from USA, Canada, Colombia, Chile, New Zealand, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Ukraine, South Africa, Morocco, Tahiti, Taiwan, Turkey, Albania, Cyprus and of course Greece.

Actually many of the participants didn’t hesitate to even travel 8,286 miles (South Africa) and 11,000 miles (New Zealand) in order to swim in the magical Caldera.

The extroversion of sports tourism was the first and basic target of this year’s event. Santorini Experience will have an outstanding international promotion, as FOX Sports of FOX Networks Group, as the Official Broadcaster of Santorini Experience will display the event’s sports documentary, to millions of homes in Europe, Asia and Africa, creating a unique television product.

Athletes and visitors of the event flew with the official airline partner of Santorini Experience Ryanair, which in response to the huge demand for the sport event, embraced it by adding 5 additional flights (beyond its 2 daily scheduled) in the Athens-Santorini route, carrying out a total of 25 flights in 10 days, with an occupancy reaching 100%, contributing to the overall promotion of the destination.

For the ferry access to the island, Blue Star Ferries took care of the immediate and safe service of participants, the convenience of attendants and Santorini Experience spectators by offering 50% discount on ferry tickets to everyone who visited the island, recording a significant increase in its bookings, within the days of the event.

Santorini Experience 2016 schedule was even richer this year compared to the first year, having for the first time the kind support and auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

More than 1.400 children participated in all children's activities of the event. Specifically on Wednesday, 5th and Thursday, October 6th, 2016, the activity of Kids’ Athletics was presented for the first time in Thira Stadium (Panthiraikos) at Fira by the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis. The activity aimed at getting children acquainted with the track and field sports, as it has been developed and established by a special panel of scientists from IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) and is officially implemented in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

On Friday, October 7, 2016, students ran the 1km running route that was held at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS, at Fira.

Respectively at noon, the twice Silver Olympic Medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis undertook to introduce the secrets of TaeKwonDo martial art to beginners and advanced athletes, at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS, at Fira.

On Friday, a Meet & Greet was held with the great Silver Olympic Medalists Spyros Gianniotis and Alexandros Nikolaidis and top athletes such as the World Champions Kelly Araouzou and Antonis Fokaidis, the European Champion Giorgos Arniakos and the Greek Champion Dimitris Negris, at Alafouzos Sport store (official sponsor of the event) at Fira that supported for the second consecutive year the organization and helped its implementation from the beginning.

On Saturday October 8th 2016, catching the limit of 500 participants (under the safety limit of the paths set by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias who designed and edited the routes) runners of all abilities had the opportunity to run at the exceptional routes of 5km (running and dynamic walking), 10 km and 15 km (total positive altitude: 834 m.) overlooking the unique images of the volcano, the Caldera and the sites Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. All routes had as start and finish point the desalination plant in Oia.

On Saturday night, Municipality of Santorini and the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) honored at a glittering event held at the conference center Petros M. Nomikos in Fira, the silver Olympic medalist and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, Nikos Gemelos, the World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou, the President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Mr. Dimitrios Diathesopoulos and the twice silver Olympic medalist in TaeKwonDo, Alexandros Nikolaidis.

On Sunday, October 9, 2016 participants of the sport of swimming (with the presence of the elite of the Greek national open water swimming team) had the opportunity to swim in the unique swimming route of 1.5 mile (2.4 km) of Santorini Experience, from the volcano to the old port in Fira.

The route was designed by the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, with Olympic and World distinctions in open water swimming and Technical Director of the event in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. The event was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), something that happened for the first time in open water swimming, at a sports tourism event, marking the explosive participation achieved from swimmers and swimming clubs from all over Greece and abroad.

The swimming day was supported and respectively implemented with the safety of Santorini Boatmen Union, Santorini Yachting Club, National Lifeguards of Santorini, Aegean Divers and the Lifeguard Schools from Athens, Piraeus (European Lifeguard School) and Katerini (Lifeguard Patrol). More than 25 vessels and more than 70 people in the water helped in the smooth running and safety of the race.

For the second consecutive year, athletes and organizers moved with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of Santorini Experience. The athletes who took part in the event had also the opportunity to quench their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

Santorini Experience stood alongside Iron Samba!

Part of the Santorini Experience revenues will be given to the Give & Fund created to support Maria Sampanidou or “Iron Samba” rehabilitation race who gives the most crucial fight of her life. Anyone can support Maria Sampanidou through the following page: http://www.giveandfund.com/giveandfund/project/Ironsamba

The event received very significant support by Avance Rent A Car, which covered with its fleet and its exemplary service, the event’s and all visitors’ needs in car rentals.

Accordingly, Saucony company offered beautiful gifts to participants who finished in the top positions in running and swimming.

The event was also supported by Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Arena, Village Cinemas, Demilmar Restaurant Beach Bar and Passagio Santorini Oia.

Santorini Experience could not have been successfully completed without the valuable support of nineteen hospitality sponsors that hosted the people of the event and offered special prices and discounts on their accommodation, raising the total occupancy of accommodation in all parts of the island, the days of the event. Specifically these are: Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Suites of the Gods Spa Hotel Santorini, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas Santorini, Maistros Village Hotel, Sienna Residencies

Respectively the President of D.A.P.P.O.S., Mr. Eleftherios Tzouros noted: “The beautiful, magical, unique and endless journey of Santorini Experience continued in 2016 even more dynamically and reminded us that the original idea to borrow the caldera of Santorini so that the participants will test their limits was and remains unique. Santorini Experience 2016 opened the sails and already showed us from its second year its dynamics fully satisfying the objectives we set in the beginning. The joy, the smile and satisfaction on the face of the participants is the energy that we got so that this sports journey will never end. Activities such as the kids’ athletics, the students running and the TaeKwonDo training of students highly demonstrated how interested we are in the sports education and the progress of children of Santorini. I would like to also say a big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers.”

The event had the honor of the presence of the Greek National Tourism Organization General Secretary, Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos and the President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Mr. Dimitrios Diathesopoulos.

The event was assisted by Diana “exoplizein”, Kassimatis Cycling, Science In Sport, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Grafistes, Aeromotion Aerial Video Photography, Rivios Thanos Photography, Aegean Divers, National Lifeguards of Santorini, University of Peloponnese – Department of Sports Management Implementation and Lifeguard Patrol.

Santorini Experience in cooperation with the MPASS innovated by presenting the Santorini Experience chatbot!

The event served, directly and reliably via Facebook Messenger, all the participants of the event who needed to have all the necessary information for the top sports tourism event!

Through Santorini Experience Chatbot, participants, when writing their bib number in running were able to receive a message with their time, at the time of their finishing, and were informed on offers that were active during the event, and on individual activities which took place.

Santorini Experience was held with the collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Official Sponsors: Alafouzos Sport, Blue Star Ferries, With the Kind Support of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Santorini Boatmen Union
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Saucony, Arena, Village Cinemas, Santorini Yachting Club, Demilmar Restaurant Beach Bar, Passagio Santorini Oia
Hospitality Sponsors: Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Suites of the Gods Spa Hotel Santorini, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas Santorini, Maistros Village Hotel, Sienna Residencies
Assisted by: Diana “exoplizein”, Kassimatis Cycling, Science In Sport, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Grafistes, Aeromotion Aerial Video Photography, Rivios Thanos Photography, Aegean Divers, National Lifeguards of Santorini, University of Peloponnese – Department of Sports Management Implementation, Lifeguard Patrol, European Lifeguard School

With the Kind Support & Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

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Image Credit: Vangelis Patsialos

The submerged town of Pavlopetri is situated in shallow water between the beach of Pouda at Viglafia (near Neapoli) and the islet of Pavlopetri, opposite the island of Elafonisos. The architectural remains of this prehistoric town, visible at a depth of about three meters, were discovered in 1904 by Fokionos Negris.

The site was first occupied in 3500 BC, making it one of the oldest known submerged cities in the world. The buildings, spread over six hectares, were divided into smaller rooms and in some cases had inner courtyards. At least six prehistoric roads were traced.

What was found among the ruins were stone-lined graves, probably from the Meso-Helladic period and in adherence with the practice at the time of burying infants and small children within the settlement. At the edge of the town under two small reefs are two Mycenaean chamber tombs. On the beach at Pouda is an extensive prehistoric cemetery of cist graves dating from the 3rd and 2nd millenia BC. Of particular interest are the ceramic vessels known as pithoi found at the site, in which the prehistoric inhabitants of Pavlopetri stored their wheat, oil and other products such as figs and olives, fish and meat. Other pots found there indicate they had developed close links with Kythera, Crete, the Cyclades and the north-eastern Aegean.

The settlement appears to have been abandoned in about 1100 BC. Pavlopetri occupied a prominent prehistoric place in the southern part of the Maleas promontory and was one of, if not the most important ports in the southern Peloponnese as it monitored shipping from the ports of southern Laconia to the Aegean and the western Mediterranean.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece By A Greek

Image Credit: Protothema

The Clumsies has been named one of the 50 best bars in the world for the 5th year in a row! According to The World's 50 Best Bars, an acclaimed organization in the bar and drinks industry, The Clumsies has been voted the 6th best bar in the world due to its ambiance, hospitality, and excellent cocktails.

"Whether for the high-class cocktails, homely food, open-armed Greek hospitality, or charming ambiance, The Clumsies is a place in which everyone feels at home. Set in a townhouse in downtown Athens, The Clumsies freely flows through the ground floor, from the statement bar at the front to the quieter back room and terrace where you’ll find a wide staircase that climbs to a private bar and billiard table. If the provision of homely hospitality has been fundamental to the success of The Clumsies, its latest menu narrows in on the customer further. The Clumsies Revisited is a compilation of the bar’s greatest hits, with simplified methodologies for guests to recreate the cocktail magic at home. A bar launched on a tight budget in a recession by two aspiring young bartenders – Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis – The Clumsies was a smash from the start with locals and international travellers alike. For the past five years it’s been able to call The World’s 50 Best Bars its home too"

 

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Click Here To Read More About The Clumsies And Other Great Cocktail Bars In Athens

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Greece has over a thousand extra virgin olive oils tested by NMR that meet and exceed the EU criteria for health-promoting phenolic compounds. On the rising tide of astonishing research into the health benefits of olive oil in the daily diet, Greek EVOOs are riding this wave of change in the olive oil industry.

In these three studies reviewed, they look to Greek High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, proving the ancient wisdom of food as medicine.

In 2012 the EU approved a health claim labelling regulation which created the new category of High Phenolic EVOO. It stated that olive oils containing a specified amount of polyphenols (phenolic compounds) could put a health claim on the label as it was well researched and documented that High Phenolic olive oil has a beneficial effect on the blood lipid level. In simple terms it is good for the heart.

In the same year, Dr. Prokopios Magiatis at the University of Athens discovered an accurate way to identify and measure the polyphenols in olive oil using sophisticated Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). His interest was primarily in oleocanthal, the phenolic compound found only in olive oil. Oleocanthal was pulling out front in research for its broad reaching affect on chronic disease like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart attack and stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Type II diabetes and even cancer. Its effectiveness was proving itself in the prevention, treatment and sometimes reversal of symptoms. Tests on over two and a half thousand olive oils has revealed best harvest and production practices for optimum concentration of phenolic compounds.

In the four short years since 2012, testing of olive oils from countries around the globe have revealed that early harvest green olives do indeed yield the highest levels of phenolic compounds and that olive oils high in healthful phenolic compounds stay fresh and vital longer.

The movement amongst olive growers throughout Greece is nothing short of a revival of the ancient Hellenic standard of excellence in olive oil. The wave is surging into the other olive oil producing countries as testing and research exemplifies the health-protective benefits of High Phenolic EVOO and practices and methods of production are refined.

Three companies – a distributor, a family business and an importer are being the change they want to see. Greece is once again reaching out into the world. These three companies not only provide excellent products, are invested in sustainable technology and innovation, but they are each involved in research and consumer awareness for this new category of tested and certified health-promoting High Phenolic EVOO.

To read this article in full, please visit: Huffington Post

Travel Bloggers Greece is a network of travel bloggers who write about their travel experiences in Greece and other countries, as well as their expat life mostly in Greece. Greek TV reporter, Kyriaki Iatropouli met Marissa Tejada, Elena Sergeeva, Chrysoula Manika and Amber Charmei, in Lesvos during one of their trips as a group. These four women have created a network, working together, sharing their experiences, and learning from each other. Iatropouli met them again in Athens at Mana’s Kouzina-Kouzina restaurant and there they talked about their blogs, the network and their travelling experiences. New member Gabi Ancarola was also there.

Marissa came to Greece initially with her first husband. It didn’t work out, but she decided to stay in Greece.

“I was going to stay for the summer and that was six years ago! So, I’m still here, I still love life here, I’m remarried, and I’m Greek!” she says. She started her blog My Greece, My Travels four years ago as an experiment out of her love for travelling and writing. She’s a journalist, corporate writer, travel blogger and novelist. She published her first book “Chasing Athens” two years ago. It’s a romantic comedy novel that takes place in Greece. “I hope to write another book ‘cause Greece inspires me,” she says, while the rest cheer and encourage her!

Elena’s family moved to Athens when she was a child. At first, it was only for a few years, but finally they made Greece their permanent home.

“So basically I’m Greek now!” she says. She started her first blog in 2009, but she discovered the power of blogging and social media in 2011, while writing her dissertation for her master’s degree. She has a few blogs, under the “Passion for” concept. She is a passionate, young, full of energy and ideas woman. I ask her how she came up with this concept. “I was in a flight from New York and in the plane I was watching ‘Steve Jobs’ movie. When he said ‘I don’t wanna work for anybody else’ the idea of ‘Passion for Greece’ was born. I said ‘If the domain is available, then it’s destiny!’ So, I came in Athens, I searched and I bought a couple of domains. I started with Passion for Greece two years ago, my next chapter is ‘Passion for Dubai’ and I have more ‘Passions’ coming out.”

Chrysoula is the only one in the group born and raised in Greece. She studied tourism but she works in the marketing team of a newspaper. She started her blog Travel Passionate because her friends saw her passion and encouraged her.

“Because I love travelling and organizing trips I give advice to my friends on travelling. They encouraged me to have a blog and write about it so I decided to start a blog about Greece, where I give advice to people who want to visit, on where to go, what to do, where to eat and drink, everything…” She hopes to make it her profession in the future.

Gabi is the only one not living in Athens at the moment, but she’s planning to. She lives in Italy, where she used to be a translator for tourism, until she decided to start writing and have her own voice. She now writes on her blog The Tiny Book about her passion, which is travelling with her children. She educates them on the road.

“I try to teach them how the world works by actually seeing the world and not by reading it in books. So I combine a lot of things and I teach the world on a plane, on a bus, on a train to my kids and that’s what I love the most.” She also works on a project about Greece through tourism books and travel guides for the Italian market, trying to promote Greece in Italy.

Amber came to Greece 17 years old in search for the sense of community she missed from New York city, when it became so big.

“Where I grew up in Manhattan I knew the guy who made the mozzarella cheese, I knew the guy who made the bread, I knew the guy who made the sausage, I knew everybody. And I missed that kind of life. I missed that community and that connection. So, when I had the opportunity to move here [in Greece], I came in search of that: something urban but sweeter, something a little more authentic.” She started writing on her blog, Provocolate, mainly about food until she met the other members of TBG. “Now I write a lot more about things that make life real, authentic, special.” It seems that in Greece Amber found what she was looking for. She adds, “Something we all like about Greece very much is that it embodies values, too. I think that’s what drives people here, it’s not just that it’s beautiful, it’s not just that the food is delicious, but that it’s coming from a place very real. So I hope to try to capture that and share it as much as possible.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek TV