A new and relatively unknown company from Karditsa in northern Greece is claiming all the quality and taste awards at international water competitions.

Seven hundred waters from all over the world competed in the 26th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting in West Virginia, and the first prize for the best bottled water category for 2016 was awarded to the natural mineral water 'Theony' from Karditsa.

According to Giannis Lelis, the General Manager of AHB Group — the company that bottles the water — 'Theony' is the most recent water that has made it in five international competitions.

To read more, visit: GreekReporter

Τo learn more about Theoni visit, http://www.theoni-water.gr/

The hip central Athens district of Koukaki was recently voted among the top 10 must-visit up-and-coming global neighbourhoods, and for good reason! Not only is this area located just steps from the enchanting historic centre of Athens, it sits in the shadow of the magnificant Acropolis.

Koukaki has always been a popular neighbourhood in Athens, but recent additions to the area have made it that much more attractive to locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the area's best picks for food and coffee that will surely have you returning for more!

The Fabrica Of Euphrosinos
Address: An. Zini 34, 117 41 

Price per person: € 20-25
Hours: Weekdays: 11.00-23.00, Friday-Saturday: 11.00-1.00 

This new hot spot is a real food factory by George Gatsos who studied theology in Belgrade and passed through the kitchens of Mount Athos as a student. Gatsos' love for the authentic comes through in atmosphere and flavors. The decor is simple, by Serbian artist Gora, the food is delicious the wine selection unique from various small producers. The name of the restaurant is a dedication to Saint Euphrosinos, the patron saint of cooks. Euphrosinos is a busy spot so don't be suprised if it's full even if you visit mid week.

 

Garyfallo-Kanella
Address: Zan Moreas 28 & Falirou 84, 117 41
Price per person: € 10
Hours: Weekdays: 11.00-18.00, Friday - Saturday until late.

In the kitchen at Garyfallo-Kanella you'll find Dimos and his mother. The menu consists of homemade traditional Greek mezedes dishes and the bread is also made in-house. On Fridays and Saturdays they're open late and serve traditional dishes from Asia Minor. Prices are great and they offer a delivery service within central Athens.

ManiMani
Address: Makriyianni 10 & Falirou, 117 42 
Price per person: € 22 - 25
Hours: Open daily and on weekends - closed on Sunday night.

This restaurant made Mani sausage with 'siglino' (celery) fashionable and with a 10 year history, its cuisine honors the traditions of its southern Greek origin. Fava, village hot dogs, giouvetsi (beef in tomato sauce) and pork with spinach all have an interesting twist from chef Alexandros Foroulis. It's location is perfect and offers a quiet oasis from the bustle of the city. Prices are at mid-range restaurant level and they also offer half portions at half the price too!

Valparaiso
Address: G. Olympiou 7, 117 41
Price per person: € 10
Hours: Daily from 10.00-3.00

Located on the pedestrian walkway of Olympiou, this local gathers many people! Port Valparaiso in Chile was the inspiration for the name. The excellent design, great cocktails and amazing coffees of rare varieties all come together perfectly. 

Pagaki
Address: Olympou 17, 117 41
Price per person: 10€
Hours: Daily from 11.00-00.00

Pagaki, meaning bench in English, is a collective-urban partnership where everyone works for everyone. The food options are few and excellent, including anchovies, beans, lemon flavored pork lemon and are all € 4 or less. Wi-fi is free and Pagaki is one of the few spots with excellent access for the disabled.

Lotte
Address: Tsami Karatasou 2, 117 42
Price per person: 10€
Hours: Daily from early in the morning

Lotte reminds you of a cfe that you'd find in Monmarte. It's small, vintage, and if you close your eyes you get the feeling that you're in mum's living room; the tiles are from the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus before it was remodelled. It's the perfect spot for a cup of tea and some hand made cakes!

Guarantee
Address: Veikou 41, 117 42
Price per person: 10€
Hours: Daily from 10.00-17.00

A gourmet sandwich spot that made sandwiches fashionable, Guarantee is celebrating 27 years of service. After this many years its inevitable to have a number of fans who love their famous cold cuts, roast beef and fluffy buns. Make a sandwich of your choice and combine it with a yummy fresh juice.

Originally posted in Greek on: AthensWiz

Clean Monday (or, in Greek, Kathara Deftera) is the first day of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church. It is a feast that occurs at the beginning of the 7th week before Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Clean Monday also brings preceding Carnival celebrations to an end, inviting everyone to leave behind the'sinful' attitudes associated with Carnival festivities and non-fasting foods, which were largely consumed during the three weeks of the Carnival.

Date of Clean Monday in Greece This Year:
Monday, March 3

Clean Monday Traditions Around Greece

The feast day of Clean Monday is a public holiday in Greece and is celebrated with outdoor excursions, delicious fasting foods, as well as the widespread custom of flying kites.

The second most common tradition that takes place on Clean Monday in Greece is kite flying! Although nobody is quite sure where the kite-flying tradition came from - some say that the ancient Greek mathematician Archytas of Tarentum designed and flew the first kite to test aerodynamics, while others believe it started when people would write wishes on the kites and fly them as high as possible for the gods to answer - it is now such a firmly established tradition around Greece that the weather forecast for Clean Monday is closely followed in the preceding days.

The first and most common tradition of Clean Monday in Greece, of course, involves food! Although what is served on Clean Monday does depend on a family's or individual's favorites, below are some of the most popular traditional delights included at a Greek table on Clean Monday:

Lagana is a lightly unleavened flatbread made especially for and eaten only on Clean Monday.

Taramosalata, made from tarama (cod or carp roe), sometimes called 'the common man's caviar', is one of the tastiest and most famous of all Greek dips.

Octopus, shrimp, and kalamari—seafood is a signature dish on Clean Monday!

Halva is eaten as a dessert. There are various methods of making halva, but arguably the most common is made with tahini, a sesame paste, and sugar, often combined with nuts or chocolate and baked in a square.

Wine or tsipouro—because a traditional Greek meal is not complete without a glass of delicious wine or traditional tsipouro.

Google is aiming this year to educate over 30,000 Greek tourism professionals on the sales potential of the Internet through its ambitious Grow Greek Tourism Online initiative

In its third year, the Google training project, aims to boost the online presence of Greek tourism professionals and their businesses through ongoing training in the use of online technology and help attract visitors all year round.

In 2014 and 2015, over 10,000 Greek SMEs developed their digital skills through Google’s special seminars and online training sessions.

Google’s Grow Greek Tourism Online initiative runs in cooperation with the Tourism Ministry, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

To read more and to learn how you can benefit, please visit: GreekTravelPages

Europe is rich in geography and history which means that there are so many options for excellent travel experiences on the continent. Considering its small size, fortunately Greece is a country full of incredible places to explore and enjoy.

This article from the Telegraph tells us that 8 Greek cities are among Europe's oldest cities! Pull out your trusty maps (or plan your Google map route) and head to some of the oldest cities in Europe ~ they're right at your doorstep!

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? 5,000 BC

Árgos, in the north-eastern Peloponnese, 12km from Nafplio, has been inhabited, at least as a village, for some 7,000 years, and was a significant centre during the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC), although became most prominent during the reign of the tyrant king Pheidon, in the 7th century BC. In the Greek myths, the city was named after the son of Zeus and Niobe, and Homer's Iliad describes it as a renowned horse-breeding centre. Hera, the goddess of women and marriage, was particularly revered, and the Argives honoured her with a temple and an annual festival. Mycenaean tombs, the sanctuary of Aphrodite and a theatre with capacity for 20,000 people can be seen today.

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? 5,000 BC

The Acropolis has been inhabited since at least 5,000 BC, and Greek legend says that the city of Athens won its name after Athena planted an olive seed in a contest with Poseidon. With the resulting tree seen as more valuable than the water that Poseidon released from a rock with his trident, the goddess of wisdom, war and the crafts was named as the city's patron. The birthplace of democracy, the city has been held in such esteem that invaders have historically conquered the city, but not ransacked it, or enslaved its citizens. The Athenians defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, after which the city entered its golden age, under the rule of Pericles. Socrates, Hippocrates and Sophocles all worked in its bounds, to be followed by Aristotle and Plato. Today, visitors can admire the Acropolis as well as Plaka, the city's oldest residential quarter, and Mt Lycabettus, the highest vantage point and a world away from any financial worries.

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? 4,000 BC

Excavations of the ancient city of Kydonia are taking place on Kastelli hill above the harbour at Chania on Crete. The ruins are thought to date from the Minoan period (2,100-1,100BC) and Kydonia probably came into its own around then, but traces of inhabitation at the site date back to the Neolithic period. Homer said that the city was one of the most important of the time, and frescoes, pottery and coins have all been unearthed on the site, which is open to view today. It is thought that the Saracens destroyed Kyronia in around 828, and the Venetians later built on it the settlement that would become modern-day Chania. The city is arguably Crete's most attractive, with its walls, beaches, museums, boats and all important tavernas creating an amiable atmosphere.

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? c. 3,500 BC

Excavations show that the area that is now the city of Patra has been inhabited since the Early Helladic period in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. Like many other cities in Greece, it was later occupied by the Turks, while it was then set on fire by Muslim Albanians in 1779. After an earthquake in the 6th century, a castle was built on the side of Mount Panachaico, and to this day the city is divided into Lower and Upper districts. The modern city, on the coast in western Greece, has around 200,000 inhabitants.

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? 3,000 BC

The ancient city of Trikka, founded around the 3rd millennium BC, lies underneath the modern conurbation, and was named after the nymph Trikke, daughter of Penaeus. The riverside location in central mainland Greece led to prosperity, although it fell to the Achaemenid Persians in 480 BC and later to the Romans. The Asklepieion - a healing temple - is one of the most ancient ruins of its kind, while the 17th century Koursoum Mosque is a more modern attraction.

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? 3,000 BC

Evidence of buildings with rock-cut foundations, drains and mud brick walls shows Thebes has been inhabited for some 5,000 years, although the placement of the modern town on top of the ruins has made piecing together the history of the ancient settlement difficult. Found in central Greece, the city is important in Greek mythology, supposedly as the birthplace of Hercules and the terrorising ground of the Sphinx before her riddle was solved. Today, Thebes is a market city, and although some tourists come to see ruins, other bigger draws nearby such as Athens keep visitor numbers relatively low.

When did the earliest inhabitants settle? At least 1,300 BC

Homer refers to Chalcis in the Iliad, written in about 762 BC, meaning that the city is at least 2,800 years old. Indeed, academic records say that the city was founded before the Trojan War, typically thought to have been between the 12th and 13th centuries BC, by an Ionic colony from Athens. It is the main settlement on the island of Euboea, where it sits on the Europis strait, a channel of water separating the island from mainland Greece. Although it was significant during the Roman era, nothing remains of the old city today, and the town is best known as a holiday resort for Greeks, for its agriculture, and its neighbouring cement factory.

To learn about all 16 European cities, please visit: Telegraph

In September 2012 two friends meet up on the rooftop of a building in New York. Panagiotis Madamopoulos-Moraris is in town for business and Nikos Koumettis is an already successful senior executive at The Coca-Cola Company. They are discussing the difficult circumstances in Greece and the high number of Greek scientists looking for work in the US. The two friends decide to do something to stop the brain drain in Greece. This is how ReGeneration was born – an initiative that aims to become the catalyst of internship culture in Greece.

ReGeneration is an initiative of the Global Shapers Athens Hub, a program of the World Economic Forum. As Spiros Milonas, ReGeneration’s project manager, explained, “Our aim is to give high-caliber young graduates with little or no work experience the opportunity to kick-start their career at a company in Greece, and in a job relevant to their studies and in a position that fits their personality.”

Designed by experts in human resources management, the program assists participants in discovering their capabilities and career path by combining academic background and talent through five stages. “This is how companies that participate in the program recruit the best minds and those who will evolve into the ideal business partner,” said Madamopoulos-Moraris, first curator of the Global Shapers Athens Hub.

ReGeneration is funded by The Hellenic Initiative (THI) and The Coca-Cola Company. The program’s success after just two years validates the “experiment,” Michael Printzos, program director at THI, told Kathimerini. He said that during 2014, the program’s first year, some 3,000 applications were received for positions at 21 participating companies, both Greek and multinational. A total of 55 paid internship positions were created and filled thanks to the program, and, at the end of the internship period, 80 percent of the interns renewed their contracts.

To read more, please visit: eKathimerini

Navigating the Greek healthcare system can sometimes challenge even the most 'zen' personalities. Finding, booking, communicating with and paying for specialized practitioners does not always happen in one smooth straight line...

In the past few days I've had appointments for a couple 'standard check-ups' - one to check my failing eyesight and the other a visit the dreaded dentist. I asked around for suggestions on 'good' clinics in the city centre, and was pleasantly surprised at the high level of care and service.

The dental office of Dr. Laghios looks more like a private airport lounge than a medical office - gorgeous design, flatscreen TVs, relaxing music and wifi. Equipment as modern as any I've seen before, and great friendly staff. And an Easy location 30m away from the Megaro Mousikis metro stop. They even called me the next day to ask if I was ok after my treatment - that's a first! All my 'boxes' were 'checked'.

The ‘Eye Clinic’ is also just outside the Megaro Mousikis station. This is a larger clinic that has a number of ophthalmologists on staff. Modern spaces, quick checkup, pay by credit card, everything in English – very pleasant.

In my view, an important part of medical treatment is trust - trust in the doctor, trust in the facilities and equipment, trust that you are receiving the best available care. The clinics I visited did just that. Modern facilities, pleasant (and English-speaking) staff, and overall a very 'civilized' experience.

If you’re looking for medical services and you’re not sure where to start, there are a number of websites and apps out there that can help. These sites allow you to quickly search for doctors based on medical specialty, your location and your insurance coverage. You can then read the 'profiles' of the relevant doctors and make an appointment directly through the sites. Simple.

Here are a few of the better-known sites to find an English speaking doctor in Greece:

DoctorAnytime

DOC

Find Your Doctor

With doctors just a click away, maybe now is a great time for a spring check-up?

Until next week,

Jack

 

Papadiamantopoulou 4

+30 210 72 13 598

info@endodontic.org

 

Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 64

+30 210 361 4700

Athens is a vibrant and multifaceted city with over 3.000 years of history. There are truly many things to do and see, and many things can be experienced on a budget. Some can even be enjoyed for free! Below, TravelPassionate shares some great ideas for discovering Athens for free.

This Is Athens has a great program where you get in touch with locals, and depending on your needs and interests you can arrange a free tour with them. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a shopping enthusiast or an outdoor enthusiast you are bound to find a tour that suits you. Discover the great city of Athens through the eyes of a local.

One of the most popular and interesting things to do while in Athens is to watch the changing of the guards. This takes place every hour in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square. There you will see the guards called 'Evzones' wearing traditional uniform and standing guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. there is a big group of Evzones, accompanied by a small band that marches down Vassilis Sofias Avenue to parliament. It is a ceremony worth seeing if you are in central Athens on a Sunday.

Located just beside the Parliament building is the National Gardens - an oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens were designed by Queen Amalia and completed in 1840. It is home to many plants and animals. Inside the garden you will also find a small lake with ducks, ponds with fish, a playground for the children, the botanical museum, a small zoo, a children’s library and a coffee shop. Also spread inside the park are monuments of antiquity and the busts of important Greek personalities like poets and politicians. So grab a snack or prepare a picnic and relax at the National Gardens in Athens.

There are some days that some of the most important archaeological sites and museums of the city, like the Acropolis, have free admission. These days include, the first Sunday of each month from November to the 6th of March, the 18th of April, the 18th of May, the 5th of June, the last weekend of September, and the 28th of October. Also, ask about free admission to young people, typically for people under the age of 18.

For the most astounding views of the city, head to one of the two hills in the center of Athens. Filopappou Hill, also called the hill of Muses has an incredible view of the whole city that stretches until the Saronic Gulf. The view of the Acropolis is pretty spectacular from there too. At the top of the hill you will find the Filopappos monument built in 115 AD in honour of Julius Antiochus Filopappos. As you climb up don’t forget to stop at the beautiful church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbadiaris with its incredible frescoes. Another hill that offers great views of the city is Lycabettus Hill. You can reach it by taking the foot path from Loukianou street or by taking the funicular. At the top of the hill you will find the chapel of Agios Georgios and a cafe, as well as, of course, an incredible view of the entire city.

For more ideas, please visit: TravelPassionate

The preselection meeting, during which the Greek cities bidding for the title of European Capital of Culture in Greece for the year 2021 presented their candidacy, concluded at the end of February 2016.

The following Greek cities presented their bid-books in front of a twelve-member panel of experts (10 members nominated by E.U. institutions, and 2 national experts): Corfu, Delphi, Eleusis, Ioannina, Kalamata, Larissa, Lesvos, Messolonghi, Piraeus, Rhodes, Salamis, Samos, Tripolis and Volos.

The cities that were shortlisted are:

• Eleusis (Elefsina)

• Kalamata

• Rhodes

Having received the relevant recommendations and feedback from the experts, these cities must now submit their amended bid-books in order to participate in the final selection meeting for the designation of a Greek city as a European Capital of Culture in 2021, which will be held in November 2016.

Originally posted on: Protothema

One of the things I learned from my upbringing was to never question when someone less-fortunate needed help.

“Help first, then ask questions,” my dad would tell me when I worked shifts at the Chateau Restaurant and Lounge on Pittsburgh’s North Side as a kid.

The restaurant was in a bit of a rough neighborhood and I was always perplexed at my dad’s willingness to offer free food— often to random people or groups. The Pittsburgh Steelers football players always got free lunches at my dad’s place. Their training facility was nearby and they often came for some good old diner food after a tough practice session.

And the police too.

“Celebrities and cops are always free,” my dad explained. The celebrities because they bring more people and the police because they protect us.

And then there were the homeless and the poor— from the surrounding neighborhood of Manchester, a run-down neighborhood that had seen its share of problems.

You always give first and ask questions later— if someone needs food, you help them.

I often questioned my dad’s business acumen as I grew older, asking him about cost of goods and food, the profit and loss margin on the free food we were giving and whether or not he could really afford to give away all this free food.

“Shame on you,” he responded, asking me if I’ve ever been deprived of anything at home. He reminded me that despite his regular giving, I always had clothes on my back, food on my table and everything I asked for, so obviously… the restaurant was doing well.

A Facebook post on my newsfeed reminded me of my long-departed dad today, because I think it’s what he would have done.

Liana Denezaki shared a few pictures that were shot by Odysseas Galanakis in central Victorias Square in Athens, showing a 92 year old woman unloading and distributing bags and bags of sandwiches and cakes that she, herself, prepared.

By
Gregory Pappas

To read more, please visit: Pappas Post