XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Thursday, 05 November 2015 07:00

Political Exile Museum In Athens

On discovering that there was a political exhile museum in Athens, Dave from Dave's Travel Pages immediately wanted to find out more.  

Political exhiles?  What was this all about? As he researched, Dave learned that there is a little known part of modern Greek history that even many Greeks do not know about. Keep reading...

Dave's ongoing project to visit all the museums in Athens has led him to some interesting places.  Some have been essential to visit, like the National Archeological Museum. Others have been educational on a much deeper level, like the Tactual Museum of Athens.  Some are shocking, such as the Political Exile Museum. Let's start with some context:

Modern Greece as we know it has existed for less than 200 years.  During this period, it has endured Balkan War, two World Wars, civil war and a dictatorship.  As one can imagine, whoever was in charge at the time used a variety of methods to keep in power.  One of these was by internal political exile to the Greek islands.

From 1926 to 1967, many of the Greek islands were used to house political prisoners. They would generally be people that had opposing political views to those in power. They might include politicians, military figures, and activists, but also poets and artists. The most significant numbers of people exiled, occurred during and directly after the civil war period of 1946 to 1949.

There is a strange absence of information available to the public about the civil war period. Certainly, there is no specific museum dedicated to this. So, when I discovered that there was not one, but two political exile museums in Athens, I knew I had to visit. The museums are actually next door to each other at 31, Agion Asomaton Street 10553 Keramikos, Athens. They have really short opening hours, which are between 11.00 and 14.30 so it might be worth calling ahead to make sure they are open.

To read more, please visit: Dave's Travel Pages




Travel Bloggers Greece (TBG) participated in the first Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) Asia 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand held October 15-17, almost a year after the TBEX Europe 2014 event was held in Athens.

The first Greece-based travel blogger network joined over 600 travel bloggers and online writers worldwide from 50 countries to exchange knowledge and ideas, and learned about Thailand — discovering Thainess.

“TBG’s members are committed to improving their blogs and helping to promote a positive image of Greece”, said Elena Sergeeva, co-founder of TBG and publisher of travel blogs Passion for Greece and PassionforHospitality.

“Events such as TBEX are a great opportunity to gain new insights on the latest travel blogging trends, learn new practices and to connect with professionals from around the world.”

To read more, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
A joint Greek-American expedition announced that they have just discovered 22 shipwrecks around the Fourni archipelago, one of the largest collections of shipwrecks in one single place. A find that is being described as one of the biggest discoveries of 2015!

The newfound wrecks include cargo that dates from the Archaic Period (700 to 480 B.C.) up to the 16th century. The expedition team says the finds could change the way historians think about ancient Greek trade. For example, some of the amphorae styles found around the wrecks have never been seen before on the seafloor.

The Fourni archipelago is a small group of islands, islets and reefs that lies in the northeastern Aegean Sea, in the triangle formed by the islands of Ikaria, Samos and Patmos. The region sits in the middle of a shipping channel that is believed to have been an important maritime corridor during antiquity. Though the archipelago itself wasn’t a destination for traders, it did become the final resting place for plenty of ships buffeted by sudden southern storms as they made their way from Greece to Cyprus and Egypt.

This is the first time that an underwater archaeological expedition was organized around these islands. Archaeologists from the Greek Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities and RPM Nautical Foundation worked together with local sponge divers, fishermen, and free divers. Funding for the expedition was provided by the Honor Frost Foundation, a UK charity that supports research in the eastern Mediterranean through an endowment from pioneer maritime archaeologist Honor Frost.

 
Qatar Airways has announced its highly anticipated daily direct services from Doha to Sydney starting from 1st March 2016, the third Australian city in the Qatar Airways network. Currently, the Doha-based carrier operates daily non-stop flights to Melbourne and Perth with a total of 14 services each week. It also unveiled yet another exciting Australian destination, with daily non-stop scheduled flights between Doha and Adelaide due to commence on May 2, 2016.

Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world to more than 150 destinations spread across six continents. Since the beginning of the year, Qatar Airways has begun services to Amsterdam (The Netherlands); Zanzibar (Tanzania); Faisalabad, Sialkot and Multan in Pakistan, and Abha (Saudi Arabia). In the pipeline before the end of this year is Durban (South Africa) and Nagpur (India). In 2016, the airline is also launching flights to three new US destinations – Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta.

Daily flights between Doha and Sydney from 1 March 2016 (all times local)
Depart Doha QR908 at 20:10, arrive Sydney at 18:05 (next day)

Depart Sydney QR909 at 22:20, arrive Doha at 05:05 (next day)

Daily flights between Doha and Adelaide from May 2, 2016 (all times local)
Depart Doha QR914 at 20:55, arrive Adelaide at 16:25 (next day)

Depart Adelaide QR915 at 21:30, arrive Doha at 04:50 (next day)
 
 
Monday, 02 November 2015 12:08

Athens' Lastest Sushi Spot

With cooler weather on the approach, and a decidedly ‘autumn’ vibe in the air (yes, some people are already wearing hats and gloves), dining out starts to move more and more towards the ‘indoors’. Of course, the heaters are turned up high on most patios, so there is no actual need to be inside, but there is something comfy and warm about sitting indoors on a crisp autumn night.
 
I am a great fan of sushi. Somehow, a meal of ‘chunks of raw fish with a side of white rice’ really makes me happy. There are more and more options in Athens for sushi – some better than others. Always on the hunt for new sushi, I was thrilled to notice Sushimou, a tiny little sushi bar on Skoufou, in Plaka towards Syntagma.
 
This is a tiny space, with exactly 11 chairs lining a tall bar. The design is deliberately simple, elegant, with origami-style birds dotting the walls, potted lilies, and even a Japanese-Greek dictionary on the shelf behind the bar. The opera playing in the background adds an elegant touch to an already elegant experience...
 
Owner/chef Antonis has poured his heart and soul into this tiny treasure, a fact which is evident the moment you walk in the door. This is Japanese simplicity at its best. Antonis is a qualified chef who spent several months training in Tokyo on traditional sushi techniques. He returned to Athens with the dream of opening an authentic sushi bar, where he could create elegant maki and perfect sashimi in front of your eyes.
 
Anyone who has visited Japan can confirm that Sushimou is decidedly authentic, both in style and substance. This is not a see-and-be-seen spot; it is, rather, a place to escape Athens and enjoy a taste of Japanese simplicity. This is fresh, delicious, impeccable sushi. Nothing more and definitely nothing less. It’s the kind of place where you are encouraged to eat your nigiri with your fingers, in one gulp. A place where the friendly Greek server is also perfectly fluent in Japanese. The emphasis here is on quality and authenticity vs. trend and self-promotion.
 
Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner, the 11 chairs means that reservations are difficult, so waiting for a spot on the weekend might be required.
 
A must-visit for all serious fans of real sushi.
 
Until next week,

Jack
 
Sushimou
Skoufou 6, Plaka
+30 211 407 8457
 
Wednesday, 19 October 2016 15:00

Laiki Agora: Local Greek Farmer's Market

Greece is famous for its fresh fruit and vegetables and whether you live here or are just visiting, it is well worth your time (and pocket) to visit a market in your area.

The farmers markets or as it is locally known, ‘laiki agora’ (λαϊκή αγορά), which literally means the people's market. These markets are very common all over Greece, including Athens and its suburbs!

Laiki markets happen weekly in most neighbourhoods and sell mostly fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers and plants, as well as some household items and prepared foods. The laiki agora is considered an important social custom and tradition throughout Greece.

The products sold in the people's market are typically those comprising a Mediterranean diet, known for its healthy qualities, and are key ingredients in Greek cuisine. The produce sold is almost always local, or in Greek known as ‘dopio’ (ντόπιο), such as fresh fruits (depending on the season, oranges, apples, watermelons, melons, strawberries, and others), vegetables and leaf vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and lettuce), chicken, eggs from suburban farms, and fish.   

Here are some tips for shopping at laiki:

1. You'll only find in season fruits and vegetables, so plan accordingly!

2. Take small euro notes and change with you.

3. It’s said that producers change their prices frequently within the same day, especially for sensitive products such as fish. The price is usually higher early in the morning (8-9h00) and is lowered later in the day, especially if the product does not sell well that particular day. Prices are always written on paper cards and said verbally. The lowest possible prices can be found after midday (particularly by 1-2pm); in many cases less than half the original starting price!

Below we've compiled a list of all the farmer's markets accordingly to the day of the week. Laiki markets usually start first thing in the morning by 8 am and run until products run out (typically until 2 pm). 

Weve done our best to provide accurate information, but this information can change every few months. However, you should be able to spot the farmer's market on the designated day by driving around the area and spotting the traffic!
 
If you'd like to tell us about a market not on the list below or an update
please send an email to ideas@xpatathens.com
 
MONDAY
 
Cholargos Syrou Street (From 14/9/2015) 
Glyka Nera Bouboulinas Street
Kifissia 1st May Street
Nea Erithraia Kanari & Iroon Politechniou Street
Rafina Panousis Street
Saronida Lefkadas & Chlois Street
Neo Psichiko Sofouli Street (From 21/9/2015)
Gerakas Iroon Politechniou Street
Zografou Permanent: Giourgou Papandreou Street
From 26/11: Agias Lavras Street

 
TUESDAY
 
Alimos Lisikratous Str. (From 9/1/2015 to 31/12/2015)

Chimaras & Artemidos Str. (From 2/3/2015 to 30/9/2015)
Anthousa Ksanthis Street
Galatsi Karaiskaki Street (From 08/09/2015)
Kato Ilioupoli Farmakidou Street (From 7/7/2015)
Kipseli Sikinou Street (From 3/3/2015)
Koropi November to February: G. Anagnostou Str.
March to June: N. Konsta str
July to October: Ag. Anargiron str
Malakassa Kolokotroni Street
Melissia Switches every 6 months between K. Tsimbriki str & Tritis (3rd) Septemvriou
Moschato Argostoli Street (From 5/12/2015)
Nea Filadelfia  Fleming Street (From 7/7/2015 to 31/12/2015)
Paiania Othonos Xounta Street 
Pagkrati Laertou & Timotheos Street 
Porto Rafti Leoforos Gregou
Ano Glyfada Antheon Streer


WEDNESDAY

Anavissos November to March: Dimosthenous Str
April to October Kiprianou Str
Dafni Eleftheriou Venizelou Street (From 14/10/2015)
Kifissia Bakogianni Street (Permanent)
Nea Smirni Ano Nea Smirni: Ellinospontou Street
Nea Smirni: Arkadioupoleos Street
Nea Smirni: Megalou Aleksandou Stree
Vari Dilofo Kalimnou Str. (from Panos str to Vari-Koropi Avenue)









 
 
 
 
 

THURSDAY

Elliniko Amazonon Street (From 9/3/2015)
Galatsi Platonos Street (From 9/9/2015)
Glyfada Agiou Gerasimou Street 
Grammatiko Agiou Athanasiou
Kipseli Tinou & Sporadon Street (From 2/7/2015)
Nea Makri Dimitriadi Street
Papagou Pindou Street (From 1/10/2015 to 31/12/2015)
Voula Metaxa Street (From 13/8/2015)
Pallini Eleftheriou Venizelou Street 















 
 
 
 
 
FRIDAY

Agia Paraskeui Eptanisou Street (From 17/7/2015)
Kolonaki Ksenokratous Street (Permanent)
Palaio Faliro Chronopoulou Street (Permanent)
K. Palaiologou Street (Permanent)
Ivis Street (From 23/10/2015)
Vari Moutousi & Anapafseos Street
Neo Irakleio Kountouriotou Street








 
 
 
 
 
 
SATURDAY

Agia Paraskeui Ellinikou Kalidromiou Street
Maroussi Gounari Street (From 7/6/2015)

Polidrossos Rododafnis Street (From 3/10/2015)
Vouliagmeni Thiseos Street






 
 
 
 
 
Athens Central Market

Located on Athinas street between Monastiraki and Omonia, Athens’ central market is open daily, except Sunday.  

Organic Food Markets

There are a growing number of markets where organic producers can sell their certified produce. Organic certification is regulated by the relevant law in force. At these markets, consumers can purchase fresh and manufactured organic products such as fruits, vegetables, edible olives, olive oil, wine, etc. Below is a list of organice markets around Athens.

Monday Kifissia (Char. Trikoupi) 16:30 to 19:30
Tuesday Palio Psychiko (Plateia Arsakeiou) 16:30 to 19:30 
Wednesday Glyfada (Plateia Xenofondos) 16:30 to 19:30 
Halandri/Chalandri (Timfristou) 16:30 to 19:30 
Ilioupoli (Alexandrou Papanastasiou) 16:00-19:30
Thursday Gerakas (Ethniki Antistaseos) 16:30 to 19:30
Friday Kolonaki (Dexamenis Square) 09:00- 13:00 
Cholargos (Sirou Str) 16:30 to 19:30 
Saturday Kipseli (public Market) 09:00- 14:00 
Voula (Sokratous Str) 09:00- 14:00





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you'd like to give us an update or tell us about a market not on the list above, please send an email to ideas@xpatathens.com
In October some of the most promising entrepreneurs in Greece, finalists from Industry Disruptor's 4 cross sectoral competitions (Future Agro Challenge, Get In The Ring, Creative Business Cup and CleanTech Open Global Ideas), impressed the entrepreneurial ecosystem at The Pitching Battle by pitching in front of investors, foreign startups and other local startup industry experts.

The event opened with the Athens Founder Institute Graduates’ Showcase, where the world’s largest tech entrepreneur training and startup launch program, introduced its Athens Graduates to the Greek entrepreneurial scene.

Then the “battle” began and the ring was on fire! The pitches were breathtaking, the rounds were dazzling, the judges’ job was really challenging. And The Winners are…

Ava’s Farm for The Future Agro Challenge Competition. Ava’s Farm will represent Greece to the International Finals that will be held in Colombia during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress. Ava’s Farm is a business-to-peer (B2P) e-commerce website, focused on small-scale productions of food products. Visit their website here.

Giaola@home for Get In The Ring. Giaola@home will proceed to participate in the Regional Finals and claim a spot at the International Finals for a chance to compete in front of a jury panel, international investors and a live audience to claim an investment of up to €1,000,000. Giaola@home “gets in the ring” with a one-two punch combo comprising of a) a do-it-yourself (DIY) TV show offering advice for everyday problems and b) a complementing two-sided services marketplace. Visit their website here. (In Greek)

Spark Inspirations for the Creative Business Cup, the world championship for creative entrepreneurs. Spark Inspirations will compete in the International Creative Business Cup Finals and pitch in front of 400 investors from the European Business Angel Network that will attend the event this year on November 17th-19th, 2015, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Spark Inspirations is a cloud-based multiplatform game engine that allows anyone to make any type of game they want, with or without coding. For more information, click here.

BIO2CHP, for the CleanTech Open Global Ideas Competition. BIO2CHP will progress to the Global Finals that will take place in San Francisco during the Cleantech Open Global Forum in November. They will present their idea in front of a crowd of 1,000 investors, entrepreneurs, sponsoring companies, corporations and press and will participate in additional activities designed to connect them to customers and investors from Silicon Valley and around the world. BIO2CHP offers to industries with organic waste, who face high energy and waste disposal costs, a stand-alone and modular energy production unit that provides the means for an integrated use of raw material throughout the production process cycle, utilizing the generated by-products for on-site heat and power production. Visit their website here.

For the Social Media Award that was running on the ID-GC’s Facebook Page, the online audience voted for Glonatech. Glonatech is a nanotechnology company that specializes in raw & intermediate nanomaterial production, best nanotech products and applications. Visit their website here.
 
Stay tuned, because pitches and entrepreneurial battles never end!

Andrew woke up on a recent Friday morning, had a quick breakfast and headed to the Church of Aghia Varvara. Once there, he uncovered the baskets of bread and started slicing the loaves. He had to be ready on time because a large crowd was expected to gather soon in the courtyard for the daily food handout, one of the biggest in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

The American College of Thessaloniki, a postgraduate, nonprofit institution run by Anatolia College, offers high-caliber education, but for 18-year-old Andrew it is the experience of giving food to the needy every Friday morning that he finds riveting – a real lesson, in every sense of the word.

“I have worked as a volunteer back home – but nothing as enlightening as this. For a lot of us who come from privileged backgrounds, this really puts everything into perspective. It is one thing to watch it on the news and entirely another to see people in front you who can’t afford food. The refugee crisis is different on the screen than it is when you see huge groups of people,” he says.

Andrew Croy from Massachusetts is one of 300 students who made the trip in September to Thessaloniki to attend the fall semester at ACT as part of the study abroad program. The students come from some of the finest educational institutions in the US, such as Brown, Rutgers and the universities of Illinois and Mississippi. Volunteer work is part of the curriculum and they will be completing a total of 7,000 hours at places such as the Aghios Dimitrios Physical Rehabilitation Center for Children, the Arsis center and hostel for homeless minors, the Smile of the Child charity, various churches, and the Friends of People with Disabilities, among others.

Theoretically, the volunteers could also work on large group campaigns but ACT decided to individualize the program by splitting the students into small groups so they could gain a more in-depth knowledge of what they are doing and the society they have become a part of.

The cost of managing the program is high, but so are the rewards.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini
Thursday, 29 October 2015 07:00

Athens Restaurant Ranks In World's Top 25

The people have spoken. Well, at least the millions of users of Tripadvisor have, whose restaurant ratings were analyzed for the 2015 Travelers' Choice Awards.

According to the rankings produced by the site drawing on millions of user reviews the Athens based restaurant Funky Gourmet is the 21st best on the planet.

In the Europe-wide rankings Funky Gourmet came in 13th place.

It is not the first time that the restaurant co-owned by the chefs Argyro Hiladaki, Georgianna Hiladaki and Nick Roussos has been singled out by Tripadvisor for excellence, having been named best restaurant in Athens every year since 2011.

The restaurant was also awarded its second Michelin star this year.

Funky Gourmet topped the top Greek resaurant list, traced by Eleas Gi (Kifissia), Tamam (Rhodes), Lotus Eaters (Elounda, Crete), Sea Side by Notos (Perivolos, Santorini), Manimani (Athens), Prima Plora (Rethymno, Crete), To Psaraki (Vlychada, Santorini), Kerasma (Rhodes) and Melenos Lindos Restaurant (Lindon, Rhodes).

Sources: The TOC and eKathimerini
Thursday, 29 October 2015 07:00

Prehistoric Funerary Items Found On Mainland

Archaeologists in southern Greece have discovered gold signet rings and a chain, gold and silver goblets, a sword and over 1,000 fragments of semi-precious stones in a tomb believed to date back to 1,500 B.C., the Greek Culture Ministry said.

“It is the most impressive display of prehistoric funerary wealth in mainland Greece which has come to light in the past 65 years,” the Ministry stated.

The discovery was made by American archaeologists working in the Pylos region in the southwest Peloponnese this summer.

The jewellery and weapons are thought to have been used to surround the shroud, placed in a wooden casket, of a warrior aged 30 to 35, likely a prominent figure of his time in the early Mycenaean period, the ministry said.

To read more, please visit: Euronews
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