Human rights are universal and non-negotiable.
As individuals we are all born free, without distinction.
We have the right to free speech, to education, to marriage, to have a family, to work and to be safe.

Of course, none of the above applies in practice when our sexual orientation, characteristics, expression and gender identity come under the microscope. Arbitrary restrictions based on non-existent considerations suddenly appear, which intensify the insecurity and discrimination that we constantly experience.

We can form a civil partnership but we cannot get married.
We can have children of our own but only as individuals.
We can foster children but not adopt them.
We can be free but only in our beds.
We can feel safe but only if we hide.

However, our identities, our bodies and how we look involve our entire life. We deserve a life of enjoying the rights and fulfilling the obligations we share with the rest of the world. We and our families demand true equality without hearing “yes, but”, safely, without conditions and asterisks. This is unconditional.

At this year’s Athens Pride we demand an UNCONDITIONAL celebration.
For Unconditional education
For Unconditional equality to marriage and family
For Unconditional safety
For an Unconditional life

Join us again this year to claim the UNCONDITIONAL acceptance, visibility and equality we are entitled to in the Athens Pride Parade on Saturday, June 18 at 7:00 PM. Starting point: Hellenic Parliament.

Events: June 10-18 throughout the city
Main full-day event, Parade, Concert: June 18, 2022: SYNTAGMA SQUARE

Preparations for the most historic swimming route continue as the Authentic Marathon Swim is expected to welcome amateur and professional swimmers from around the world for the 3rd consecutive year, on July 1-3, 2022, at Artemision. The participants will enjoy unique open water swimming routes at Pefki of Evia in the Municipality of Istiea - Edipsos.

World-class names with Olympic distinctions and unique records will visit Pefki, Evia to participate in this historic event. Two years after his first participation, the Bulgarian Olympian Petar Stoychev with 4 participations in Olympics, 11 consecutive titles in major international open water marathon swimming FINA series and his impressive position at the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame returns once again to Greece.

For the first time, the German world champion and marathon swimming Hall of Famer Christof Wandratsch, who holds the speed record in the English Channel with 7:02 hours as well as many world championships, cups and records will also take part in the event. 

Moreover, the English Hall of Famer Kate Steels, will visit Greece for the first time. She was named the Woman of the Year 2021 at the WOWSA Awards of the World Open Water Swimming Association.

 

From Greece, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos will swim in the event along with Greek champions such as Stellina Aplanti, Ilectra Lebl, Dimitris Negris, Panagiotis Bolanos, George Skotadis who competes with the colors of the Dutch national team, while Olga Ntalla also returns to the event.

On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 08:15am the authentic 14.5km route “Skylias & Hydna” will be held allowing swimmers from around the world to swim over the shipwrecks of the naval battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C., for the first time. Athletes will follow the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to the Father of History Herodotus (8.8) and other historians, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The swimmers will cover 80 stadia, the equivalent of 14.5km. On the same day, the 5km route and the 3km route, will also be carried out at 10:00am and 16:00pm respectively. On Sunday, July 3, 2022, the 10km marathon at 08:15am, the 1.5km race at 09:00am, as well as the children’s 500m race at 09:00am will take place. The routes of 5km, 3km, 1.5km and 500m. have Pefki beach as their starting and finishing point. Check the event's races & parallel actions schedule HERE!

 

Participants can now register and take part in the impressive open water swimming routes of 14.5km, 10km, 5km, 3km, 1.5km. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos and people with disabilities can take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes, completely free of charge. Registrations for the 500m children’s race are also free. Register now here: https://bit.ly/3jRw20t 

 

The certified and experienced South Evian Gulf team that was founded in the Southern Gulf of Evia from its deep love for the sea and nautical travel, will not only accompany swimmers in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km races, but will also offer lessons on the basic techniques of open water sea kayaking, while getting participants acquainted with the boats on land and then allowing them to puddle at the straits of Artemision. You may register here now, as there is a limited number of entries.

Local products festival

As part of the Authentic Marathon Swim, an exhibition of local food products and tasting will also be held in collaboration with Evia’s Federation of Trade and Entrepreneurship “Evia Epichirin”.

 

Music Concert by the Hellenic Navy Music Band

Moreover, on Saturday July 2, activities will include the presence of a Music Convention with the participation of the Hellenic Navy Music Band, connecting the historic naval battle of Artemision with the present and honoring the naval feat. The Hellenic Navy’s Music Department will hold a music concert in honor of the Artemision naval battle and the Authentic Marathon Swim.  

Book you room at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos

The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing North Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Altamar Hotel, Maria Louiza Apartments, Island, Mirtia Hotel, Hydna Studios, Villa Anastasia, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Prigkipessa Studios, Sunset Pefki, Viki Studios, Galini Hotel Pefki, Apolonio, Lito Hotel, Kerasiotis Apartments, Asimina Rooms. 

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.

Visit the event’s specially designed page and discover the hospitality options and the special offers that apply to the participants.

 

Just an hour and a half from Athens, participants can take a ferry boat with itineraries that serve from 07:00 am to 23:00 pm. The itineraries Arkitsa-Edipsos better serve visitors coming from Southern Greece, while the itineraries Glyfa-Agiokampos serve participants traveling from Northern and Central Greece. Learn how to get directly and quickly to Pefki and take advantage of the ferry boat offers that will be valid during the races. 

 

For the safety of all races, the event will be held in accordance with FINA regulations, in order to ensure the health of all athletes and attendees. The event will provide once again everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes is mandatory. For each participant in the 14.5km and 10km routes there will be an escort-boat and its cost is included in the registration price.

                                                                                        

NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s Official Sponsors.

Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.

South Evian Gulf Team is the event’s Athletic Partner. 

The event is assisted by Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos and the entire Local Government with the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism. 

 

Use the event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim and upload on social media the unique images and exciting moments you experienced in the previous years in the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos as you prepare for the 3rd and most exciting year.

An increasing number of places in Greece are becoming locations for international film shoots. Among them is the southern town of Argos, where traffic restrictions were enforced on June 3rd for the filming of the German action series “Autobahn,” made by Avaton Films.

Shooting for “Autobahn” in Nafplio and Argos started several days ago, but it will be extended to other Greek cities too.

Meanwhile, Thessaloniki in northern Greece is the location of the new action film “Tin Soldier” starring Robert De Niro and Jamie Foxx. Filming is expected to last until July 30.

The film also includes scenes in the town of Drama.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

The first smoke-free beach in Attica is getting ready to welcome swimmers and sunbathers, the mayor of Rafina-Pikermi and the CEO of the Rafina Port Authority announced.

The smoke-free beach is part of an environmental program “Small acts, Big Crimes” that authorities implement in the area of eastern Attica, some 50 km away from Athens. Preparations for the smoke-free beach Marikes will start as soon the Port Authority passes over beach jurisdiction to Rafina Municipality, mayor Evangelos Bournous said.

Marikes will be the second smoke-free beach in Greece after the one on the island of Serifos, where smoking is allowed in a specific zone only.

The smoke-free beach is just one of the environment-friendly projects of the program.

Good six months ago, a pilot program regarding cigarette butts started in the port and the beaches of Rafina. The program started in October 2021 by the Aegean Rebreath organization in cooperation with Rafina local authorities and was funded by a private company.

Special bins have been placed in the areas where cigarette butts can be disposed. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence algorithm uses images from the Copernicus satellite and tracks problem areas.

Studies have shown that cigarette butts make 30%-40% of the trash landing at Greek beaches and that with the right information campaign and infrastructure, such rubbish can be reduced by up to 60 percent.

To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com

The City of Athens recently proceeded with the complete reconstruction of Athens’ largest food market, the historical “Varvakeios Market”. As the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, stated: “The heart of Athens is beating here, in Varvakeios; it is beating loudly and we all have great joy and enthusiasm because, today, the Market is turning the page”.

The Varvakeios Market’s history

With a history of over 130 years, Varvakeios Agora is Athens’ Municipal Market located centrally on Athinas Street, which connects Monastiraki and Omonoia squares. It includes a meat market, a fish market, as well as an open-air fruit and vegetable market. The meat, poultry, and fish stalls are housed in a building that was constructed by architect and professor at the National Technical University of Athens, Ioannis Koumelis. The idea was to consolidate the shopping booths that, until then, had been scattered around the Ancient Agora. The Market was named after one of Greece’s national benefactors, Ioannis Varvakis (1745-1825). 

A foodie’s paradise

If you are a foodie looking for an authentic gastronomic experience in the heart of Athens, you will certainly love a visit to Varvakeios Market. In business nonstop since 1886 and open every day except Sunday, from early in the morning until late afternoon, the Market is a vibrant hub of authentic city life. In fact, experiencing its colors, sounds and aromas is like being catapulted into another era! The liveliest area is perhaps the fish market, where one can find around 100 professional fishmongers and get to know the “fishing geography” of the Aegean, while there are also many shops inside and around the market selling olives, herbs, spices, nuts and dried fruit, impressive varieties of Greek cheese, as well as traditional Greek sausages like soutzouki and pastourmas.

A must-meeting point for Athenians, especially on festive days of the year, the Market is literally the Grand Central Station of food, where people from all walks of life and lifestyles converge to discover the freshest and most delicious ways to satiate their hunger. Make no mistake; everyone shops here, from celebrity chefs to neighborhood grocery store owners. The Varvakeios Market is, thus, a tribute to the everyman as it knows no class divides, while it is also home to old cookhouses, such as the famed “Epirus” tavern, where one can enjoy some of the most traditional Greek dishes that are hard to find anywhere else. Whether a visitor to Athens or a local interested in culinary heritage, the Varvakeios Market is, thus, a definite place to visit!

To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.gr

There is a popular perception that words derived from Greek are long, exotic-sounding, and mostly only used in discussions of science and philosophy. It’s true that there are a lot of Greek words that fit this description. For instance, very few people would use words like otorhinolaryngology, homoousian, ataraxia, or peripeteia in casual conversation.

There are, however, a lot of really simple Greek words that people use nearly every day. Some of these words don’t sound Greek at all because they have passed through so many languages that they no longer bear any of the distinctive sounds or spellings that we normally associate with Greek words, but they are still of Greek origin.

Here is a list of commonly-used words in English that don’t sound Greek, but are ultimately of Greek origin:

• The word box comes from Late Latin buxis, which comes from earlier Latin pyxis, which comes from the Greek feminine noun πυξίς (pyxís), meaning “box.”
• The word church comes from the Old English word cirice, which comes from Proto-West Germanic *kirikā, which comes directly from the Greek adjective κυριακόν (kyriakón), meaning “belonging to the Lord.” This word, in turn, comes from the masculine noun κύριος (kýrios), meaning “Lord.”
• The word idea is derived from the Latin word idea, which is derived from the Greek feminine noun ἰδέα (idéa), meaning “form,” “shape,” “appearance,” “sort,” or “idea.” This word is, in turn, derived from the verb εἴδομαι (eídomai), meaning “to be seen” or “to appear.”
• The word lamp comes from Middle English lampe, which comes from Old French lampe, which comes from the Latin word lampas, which comes from the Greek feminine noun λαμπάς (lampás), meaning “torch.”
• The word machine comes from the Latin word machina, which comes from the word μαχανά (machaná), which is the Doric Greek form of the feminine noun better known by its Attic Greek form μηχανή (mēchanḗ), meaning “machine,” “contrivance,” or “device.”
• The word paper comes from Old French papier, which comes from Latin papyrus, which comes from the Greek masculine noun πάπυρος (pápyros), meaning “papyrus.”
• The word place comes from Old English plæce, which comes from Latin platea, which comes from πλατεῖα (plateîa), the singular feminine form of the Greek adjective πλατύς (platýs), meaning “flat and wide.”
• The word plate comes from Old French plate, which comes from Medieval Latin plata, which comes from Vulgar Latin *platus, which comes from the Greek adjective πλατύς (platýs), meaning “flat and wide.”
• The word problem is derived from Middle French probleme, which is derived from Latin problema, which is derived from the Greek neuter noun πρόβλημα (próblēma), meaning “hindrance,” “obstacle,” or “matter for discussion.”
• The word sock comes from the Old English word socc, which comes from the Latin word soccus, which comes from the Greek masculine noun σύκχος (sýkchos), which referred to a kind of buskin shoe worn by comic actors.

To read this article in full, please visit: talesoftimesforgotten.com

Amateur and professional athletes of all ages and abilities from Greece and abroad will participate in the top sports tourism event Navarino Challenge and celebrate its 10 years, on October 21-23, 2022, at Costa Navarino and Pylos.

 

With the recent addition of 3 more awards, Navarino Challenge reached 45 awards in total in its history. The event, in collaboration with Costa Navarino and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, won 3 Gold Awards at the leading institution in Greece which highlights the best and most innovative practices in tourism, the Tourism Awards 2022. At the same time, it remained as the only event that continues to be distinguished in this institution from its very first year. Navarino Challenge won the Gold Award in the “Health & Wellness Tourism” category for the implementation of top wellness activities in its program, the “Pet-friendly Environment” category for the pet-friendly strategy followed and implemented throughout last year’s event, enabling all people to take part with their pets in all activities and the “Storytelling Excellence” category for the successful dissemination of the event’s message “Sports Unites People” and the promotion of the region’s sports tourism around the world.

Watch here the video with the best highlights from last year and come this year to celebrate with us the 10 years of Navarino Challenge.

The most famous beach of Messinia -with its unique shape outlining the Greek letter omega (Ω)- and one of the most beautiful in the world, Voidokilia is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to test his strength in running. Navarino Challenge gives participants the opportunity to run in the top Greek Half-Marathon 21.1km, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Konstantinos Dean Karnazes and cross the beautiful beach of Voidokilia. This is the only trail run that combines soil, sand and asphalt. At the same time, they can run the 10km route, or the fun 5km route Powered by Samsung, which can even be completed with dynamic walking.  On the same day, the 1km children’s route will be held in two groups, for children 10-14 years old and kids up to 9 years of age.   

Runners can take advantage of the early bird offers, which are valid until July 31st, featuring discounts higher than 50% on registrations. The children’s race is held with free participation. Register now by completing the available form through the following link.

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package which is full of sports activities and includes half board. Live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here. 

 

Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for a 6th consecutive year as its Official Technology Partner. 

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Poseidonia Restaurant and Karalis Beach Hotel are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Pilia Express is the event’s Partner.

The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak. 

Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

 

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, whose mission is the formulation of the tourism policy and the executive planning of the tourist development of Greece. The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

Photo credit: Angelos Zymaras

Once upon a time, there was a new discovery called the internet. It was a strange but magical thing. It was difficult to learn but it could do wonders. At the beginning, only few could have access to it as it was quite expensive and not widely available. As time went by technology developed WiFi so that the internet became an everyday tool. Anyone could have access to it even in remote places.

Today our lives are built around the internet. I’m not only referring to our children’s interest – even addiction sometimes – in gaming. We, adults, use it even more: for work, for social connections, for personal and business transactions, for shopping, for play… As a matter of fact, the way we communicate has changed because we spend so much time on the internet. So what happens when your household WiFi doesn’t work?

I’ll tell you all about it as I came face-to-face with this exact situation a couple of weeks ago. At first, our provider told us the problem would be fixed in a day or two. Then they assured us everything would be up and running in three days. We ended up with no WiFi for two weeks. Apparently, there was a technical problem in the greater area and it took some time.

My initial emotion was frustration. Two whole weeks! Can you imagine? Of course, it was a great opportunity for our daughter to stay out of screens and engage in various other fun activities. But how about my husband and myself? We very often work remotely. During that particular period, we also had to do lots of tax-related work online. Eventually, we prioritized our projects, our needs, and our wants and this meant that some activities – my online yoga classes for example – were put on hold. We used sim cards to create Hotspots but we also discovered nice cafes to work from. Not only did we cope with the situation, but we also enjoyed the time that was “freed up” with boarding games, walks, and interesting talks.

Yes, we did find solutions and no, it was not the end of the world. But this got me thinking. Amazing how excessively dependent on technology we are today. And I’m definitely not saying technology is bad or that we should avoid it. I’m just questioning this dependency and wondering about possible alternatives. It’s always good to have a plan B and even a plan C as it’s always helpful to find the good – however well hidden – in any adversity.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

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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!

 

The Athens Avant Garde Film Festival, the Film Archive’s favourite annual event has returned once again, this time in hybrid form. The festival has been organised with the funding of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the NSRF Operational Programme, in collaboration with the Embassy of Portugal and the Instituto Camões, the Embassy of France and the Institut Français, the Embassy of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Culture Institute, the Embassy of Italy and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Atene, the Department of Communication and Media Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens and finally, the digital platform of ERT, ERTFLIX.