LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
New Garbage Bins Around Athens
All of this is part of a great effort to improve and modernize the way in which the city of Athens is kept clean. Large cleaning operations are conducted daily by the Municipality of Athens throughout the city, while the supply of new equipment ensures everything that is needed is supplied. In this case, the new garbage bins are grey and metal with a built-in lock to prevent someone from either stealing or destroying them. They are designed in such a way to prevent damage, thus increasing their durability and reducing the cost of constantly buying new bins, a cost incurred by the municipality.
It was so common for citizens and visitors to walk around holding their rubbish because there was a lack of bins! "It sounds kinda funny when you're describing to someone that you had to walk many kilometers to dispose of a piece of paper or a soda can but, unfortunately, that was Athens' reality", the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, stated.
The Municipality of Athens follows the same strategy regarding other areas of daily life, such as recycling. Although citizens were repeatedly encouraged to recycle, there were many times that they saw the municipality's garbage trucks collecting the contents of both the blue and the green bins, not separately as they should. Now, however, with the installation of new green, blue, and brown bins in the capital's neighborhoods, as well as the supply of vehicles that collect waste in the right way, this picture has changed.
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.
How To Get Vaccinated For COVID-19 In Greece
If you're a non Greek citizen currently living in Greece, you may not need to return to your home country to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Whether you are a Greek citizen or not, this guide will help you to check your eligibility (based on the current phase of vaccinations in Greece) and plan your appointment.
Important note --> a Greek Social Security Number known as AMKA is required to get vaccinated. Greek authorities advise individuals who don't already have an AMKA number to apply for one immediately. Learn more about how to obtain this social security number here.
How To Check Your Vaccination Eligibility
There are 3 ways to check if you are eligible to be vaccinated during the current phase of vaccinations in Greece.
1.Visit The Online Platform
Visit emvolio.gov.gr and fill in the form using your AMKA number and your Last Name or Greek VAT Number, click submit to instantly check your eligibility. The platform is currently only available in Greek, so we recommend that you download the Google Chrome browser which offers real time translation for web pages. Alternatively, have a friend who speaks Greek help you out with using the website; thankfully the process is straightforward.
2. Send An SMS To 13034
Check if you belong to a priority group by sending a text message to 13034. The body of the message should read as follows: AMKA <space> Surname. You will immediately receive a text message informing you whether you are eligible to be vaccinated based on the prioritization system of the national vaccination program. If you are eligible you can schedule your appointment by visiting emvolio.gov.gr
3. Receive An Automated SMS
If you are already registered to the paperless medical prescription platform you will automatically receive an SMS message on your mobile phone from 13034 to notify you about your eligibility and a pre-booked vaccination appointment. The text message will include your appointment number, the date and time of vaccination, and the recommended vaccination center. Vaccination centers are selected based on your postal code.
How To Schedule Your Vaccination Appointment
If by using the process described above you find that you're eligible for vaccination, you can schedule your appointment in one of the following ways:
1. Online Using Your TAXISnet Credentials
TAXISnet credentials are needed for accessing several Greek Government electronic services. If you are registered on TAXISnet you can use your credentials on the appointment page and log in using your username and password. Keep in mind that you may need to confirm your details (mobile phone number, e-mail, postcode) before accessing the booking system, where you'll be able to schedule both doses of the vaccine. Once the booking is complete you will receive an appointment number and QR Code along with all the appointment details for dose 1 and dose 2. Please note that you will need your appointment number or QR code on the day of your vaccination, so keep the information safe.
2. At A Local Pharmacy Or KEP
If you are unable to use the online platform emvolio.gov.gr you can book your vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy or KEP (Kentro Eksipiretisis Politon - Central Services for Citizens). People with mobility problems can also book their appointment through a representative holding the required documents, namely AMKA, mobile phone number, and a photocopy of the applicant's ID card. Once the booking is complete you will receive an appointment number and QR Code along with all the appointment details.
3. Auto-Scheduled Appointment For Paperless Prescription Users
If you have already registered to the paperles prescription platform (website in Greek only), then you will receive an SMS from 13034, notifying you that your priority/age group is currently being vaccinated along with a pre-booked appointment for your vaccination. The text message will include your appointment number, the date and time of vaccination, and the suggested vaccination center. Vaccination centers are selected based on the postal code you stated on ehealth.gov.gr. For more informtion about paperless prescriptions click here.
How To Confirm Your Appointment
You have the opportunity to confirm your pre-booked appointment within 120 hours. To confirm the pre-booked, you can do one of the following:
a. Send the appointment number via text message (SMS) to 13034.
b. Go to the emvolio.gov.gr/app platform and use your TAXISnet credentials to log in and confirm your appointment.
Note: If you do not confirm your appointment within 120 hours, the pre-booking will be released and you will have to schedule a new appointment later through the emvolio.gov.gr/app platform.
Important Additional Information
1. You will not be able to choose which vaccine you receive.
2. To get information about your scheduled appointment (date and time, vaccination center) you can send an SMS to 13034 with the appointment code or your AMKA and surname (AMKA <space> Surname).
3. In any case, you will receive 3 additional three automated SMS reminders of your appointment – 3 days before your appointment, 1 day before your appointment, and at 7 am on the day of your appointment.
4. Three days before your appointment you will receive an SMS and email with the exact hour and date and a link with information about preparation and guidelines before the vaccination.
5. You can change your appointment once up to 72 hours before your scheduled appointment.
6. Vaccinations are carried out at 1018 centers and designated hospitals around the country.
7. Have your appointment number or QR code and your ID card or passport with you at the vaccination center. Before your vaccination, you have to answer a questionnaire.
8. You will be given a digital vaccination certificate which is intended for personal use.
9. The vaccine is optional, but necessary to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings.
10. Continue to wear a mask and keep a safe distance for as long as necessary.
Sourced and translated from the official Greek website: emvolio.gov.gr
How To Get An AMKA Number In Greece
Please note, everyone’s eligibility and legal status in Greece differs and for this reason we always recommend getting in touch with the state offices/representatives directly in order to confirm your eligibility. We recommend calling your local KEP office ahead of your visit in order to confirm your eligibility, necessary documentation, as well as whether or not you'll require a scheduled appointment.
We are including this here for ease of process, in case it is applicable to you. To apply for a temporary AMKA number, you can visit the official vaccination website here: https://emvolio.gov.gr/pamka. Note, the online portal and process is in Greek but you can use a Greek to English browser translator in order to translate the page in real time.
Where To Get An AMKA Number
To obtain an AMKA number, nationals and non nationals can visit their local KEP office (Kentro Eksipiretisis Politon - Central Services for Citizens). We recommend calling ahead to confirm necessary documentations, as well as whether or not you'll require a scheduled appointment.
The following online portal was recommended by a member of the community. We are including it here for ease of process, in case it is applicable to you. Note, the application process is in Greek: http://www.idika.gr/aitisi_amka/home_en.html
What Documents Are Needed For An AMKA Number
For Foreign Nationals
To obtain an AMKA number as a foreign national, you will need to present an expatriate ID, an ID card equivalent to a Greek ID, or foreign passport.
For underage individuals born in Greece, a birth certificate is required.
Greek Citizens
To obtain an AMKA number as a Greek national, you will need a Greek ID card, or a Greek military ID card.
Underage Individuals
For underage individuals (below 12 years of age), who do not have an ID card, a family status certificate is necessary; it must be presented by the parent or a legal representative.
How To Acquire An AMKA Number Through A Representative
ID card, or passport or family status certificate of the representative and an official statement of Law 1599/1986 declaring that they represent the interested party.
How To Change Or Update Your Details
Individuals who already have an AMKA number can change or update their details such as name, telephone number, postal address, insurance institution at their local KEP or AMKA office.
Why Is An AMKA Necessary?
An AMKA number is mandatory for numerous things related to employment in Greece, as well as some services provided by the state. Having this number aids in basic areas of everyday life such as:
Health care, by acting immediately against wasting the Security Funds’ resources and to improve overall benefits.
The field of work and insurance of employees, by protecting their rights and combating contribution avoidance.
The area of pensions, by significantly reducing the time required for issuing a pension.
Overall citizen services are improved, making transactions easier.
Supporting European Union standards, the insurance, health care, and pensions of citizens working in other European Union countries is made easier.
Sourced and translated from the official Greek website: AMKA.gr
Love Letters From Athens
Whether you’re living in Athens under lockdown – or are reading this from afar - it’s safe to say that we’re all missing the Athens we know and love. Keep the flame burning bright during this month of Cupid by watching some Love Athens video postcards and see just how much she’s feeling missed too.
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Athens Covered In Snow!
5 Interesting Facts About The Greek Language
Here are 5 surprising facts about the Greek language you may have never heard of:
1. The Longest Word In Literature is Greek
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest word ever to appear in literature can be found in Assemblywomen, a comedy written by the Greek playwright Aristophanes.
The word is transliterated as:
lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphiokarabomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossypho
phattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon
or, in the Greek alphabet:
λοπαδοτεμαχοσελαχογαλεοκρανιολειψανοδριμυποτριμματοσιλφιοκαραβομελιτοκατακεχυμενοκιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττοπεριστεραλεκτρυονοπτοκεφαλλιοκιγκλοπελειολαγῳοσιραιοβαφητραγανοπτερύγων
It is the longest Greek word, with 183 letters and 78 syllables.
2. Greek Is The Oldest Recorded Living Language
Greek is the oldest recorded living language with written records in Greek spanning over 34 centuries. Greek derives from Proto-Greek, the first form of spoken Greek which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. The language later evolved into Ancient Greek, which was spoken during the Antiquity, while Modern Greek emerged after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453.
3. Originally, Greek Was Written From Right To Left
Like modern-day Hebrew and Arabic, Ancient Greek was written from right to left. Subsequently, Greek was written boustrophedon, meaning that lines alternated between right-to-left and left-to-right script. During the 5th century BC, the direction of Greek writing was standardized as left to right, and all the letters adopted a fixed right-facing orientation.
4. The Word ‘Alphabet’ Derives From The 2 First Letters Of The Greek Alphabet
The first two letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha (α) and beta (β). And while the English language uses Latin characters, the word ‘alphabet’ actually refers to Greek letters.
5. An Estimated 12% Of The English Vocabulary Has A Greek Origin
Did you know that almost every English word starting with ph such as philosophy, philanthropy, phobia, and phenomenon, comes from Greek? Greek hugely influenced the English language that is why many technical and scientific terms such as astronomy, biology, and mathematics, originate from Greek.
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
Medea Storm Covers Athens In Heavy Snow
Outside the Greek parliament, orange-colored snowplows cleared streets of ice, while presidential guards, dressed in traditional pleated kilts and pompom-tipped shoes, were given blue capes to brave the cold. The slippery floor in front of the monument affected the changing of the guard as it was not carried out in the known way with a march, but with a military vehicle.
All in all, there was an unprecedented amount of snow in Athens this week. It was absolutely beautiful to see, it caused a lot of unexpected disruption, and as we're rounding up our week, the snow has already melted in most parts of the city.
To see some amazing pictures of Athens covered in snow, visit our Facebook page here.
Image Credit: @chromecabrio
Archaeological Finds Discovered During The Covid19-Era In Greece
This list explores 3 of the most significant archaeological finds reported in Greece over the past months.
1. Theopetra Cave, Thessaly
Theopetra Cave in Thessaly is a significant site that was continuously occupied by humans for 130,000 years. The cave is famous for the fossilized footprints of a group of young Neanderthals and a 23,000-year-old wall one of the oldest known human constructions. Excavations at Theopetra have also revealed the well-preserved remains of a young woman, named Avgi who lived in the cave during the Mesolithic period, around 7000 BC.
The results of the analysis of the most recent finds reveal even more clues about the lifestyle and diet of the cave’s later Neolithic inhabitants. In fact, the evidence shows that Stone Age Greeks ate a healthier diet than many modern humans. The inhabitants of the cave ate wheat, barley, olives, and pulses, and a moderate amount of meat from a mix of domesticated and wild animals such as wild boar. Evidence suggests the people in Theopetra Cave kept cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and at least one dog, perhaps as a companion for hunting and herding.
2. Aiolou Street, Athens
A well-preserved head of a statue depicting the god Hermes was discovered lying a mere 1.3 m under street level last November during construction works on the busy Aiolou Street in central Athens. The head is thought to have formed part of a herma (literally meaning ‘heap of stones’), one of many similar statues that functioned as road markers or indicators of important public or private spaces in ancient Athens.
Based on its style, the newly found bust dates to around the end of the 4th or the beginning of the 3rd century BC and resembles the bearded Hermes Propylaios famously sculpted by Alcamenes who is considered by many as one of the finest sculptors in ancient Greece. Its unearthing is a reminder that Athens is still packed with hidden archaeological treasures waiting to be discovered.
3. Akrotiri, Santorini
Santorini’s strategic position on the maritime routes connecting southern Cyclades, Crete, and the copper-rich island of Cyprus was one of the reasons why it became an important trade center during the Middle Bronze Age between 2160 and 1600 BC.
In early 2020, Professor Christos Doumas reported on new archaeological finds discovered during excavations at the famous settlement of Akrotiri. Among the finds in the interior of a building known as the ‘House of Thrania’ (‘House of Benches’) were two large double-headed axes made of finely-crafted bronze plates; artifacts that are typical of Minoan culture and religion in Crete and the southern Aegean. A large number of miniature ceramic vessels, other bronze items, and fragments of jewelry, including a small bead of rock crystal carved in the shape of a figure-of-eight shield were also found.
The most remarkable discovery was an inscription in Linear A, the undeciphered writing system used by the Minoans, on a fragment of what would have been a wooden construction, perhaps a box or chest. These finds gave more insight into the life of the settlers of the Bronze Age town before the Theran eruption in 1628 BC, one of the largest and most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in Mediterranean history.
To read this article in full and discover the full list of significant discoveries, please visit: greece-is.com
How To Celebrate A Quarantine Valentine's Day
“My husband works in the Middle East and it makes no sense to celebrate alone,” one of my clients told me recently.” “Since all this has started, both my partner and I have been working from home and we’re all day in our jumpers. Valentine’s won’t make a difference,” said another. “With three kids at home this will be just another crazy weekend,” added a third one.
- Instead of the classic chocolate cake, how about finding a recipe for chocolate chip cookies and baking them with your partner.
- Find your favorite songs and bring back the memories – the occasion and place you were when you first listened to them together. Geographical distance may separate you but fortunately the internet has the power to unite you. And while online shopping may not be on top of your list, it does help.
- Dance your favorite songs together and even better, include your children if you have any.
- Create your own unique card and surprise him/her.
- Remember where you met first, how you felt, the special circumstances and share your story with your children.
- Write down the characteristics you admire in your partner and recite them to him/her or give them to him/her to read.
- Remember some funny moments you’ve experienced throughout your relationship.
- Cook a meal together or with your kids if they are around – and yes, chips, beer, pizza and juices are all welcomed.
Put your imagination to work and you will find many different, beautiful and funny ways to celebrate. It does not matter what you do but how you do it. And even more how you do it not only this one day but every single day of the year. What really matters is that you recognize and accept and celebrate the person – and with the person – you love every day.
Originally Published on: Itsmylife.gr
Written by Nadia Georgiou.
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!
Great City Routes To Explore On Foot In Athens
Whether you're looking to just stretch your legs while taking in some key sights and gorgeous scenery or want to give your kids the chance to burn off some steam, here are some great walking routes in Athens to cover all the bases.
The Great Athens Walk
A new name for what is effectively a (very) old route. Since the first prehistoric settlers set up camp in the caves around the Hill of the Acropolis, people have continuously inhabited the area we know today as the Historic Centre. And it’s here that you'll find the city's most famous ancient sites: the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora and much more. During Athens' post-war development, many of these sites became isolated from one another; the ancient landscape broken up by the busy roads of the modern metropolis. But that’s now changing, thanks to a major project launched by the City of Athens. Through interventions such as limiting traffic on certain roads, creating bike lanes and green pedestrianized areas and extending pavements, moving around the entire Historic Centre on foot is getting easier and more enjoyable. Key sections of the Great Athens Walk are already in use (such as Vasilissis Olgas from the Arch of Hadrian toward the Panathenaic Stadium, and the lower half of Ermou Street). The end result, by 2022, will be a roughly circular 6.8 km route that links all of Athens' major cultural stops, making them accessible on foot.
Lycabettus Hill
To the northeast of the Acropolis lies Lycabettus Hill, the tallest point in central Athens. A path winds (rather steeply) up the hill through pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees. If you don't fancy an uphill trek in the heat, a funicular train runs up there every half hour from Aristippou Street in the neighbourhood of Kolonaki. It's a great option for those with kids in tow; they'll get a kick out of the train. You can then walk down the path. At the top of the hill there is an interesting church built into a cave, an upscale restaurant and a café, but the primary reason to head up here is for the best view in downtown Athens. There's an open-air amphitheatre near the top which hosts concerts and film screenings in summer. If you get the chance to see a show up here, don't pass it up!
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
A few minutes south of the city-centre, near the Athens waterfront, the SNFCC is a relatively recent addition to the Athenian landscape but one that swiftly became a favourite day out destination. With good reason. Its centrepiece is an inspiring Renzo Piano-designed complex of buildings, home to the Greek National Opera and the National Library. But what makes this a true walker's delight are the well-manicured 50 acre grounds. There’s a 400m long canal, a Dancing Fountain, exercise and play areas, cooling water jets to play in and groomed gardens with indigenous plants. The latter merges with the buildings, becoming part of the roof. Walking up the slope will take you to the “Lighthouse”—a viewing platform with a dramatic city and sea panorama. When the city begins to stifle, the sea views and open horizons are, literally, a breath of fresh air. It's also an ideal stop if you have time to kill before heading to nearby Piraeus to catch a boat. It's worth mentioning that each June, the SNFCC hosts the Summer Nostos Festival with concerts and performances including major international acts. Tickets are free but often must be booked in advance.
Marina Flisvou & The Athenian Riviera
About 1 km from the SNFCC is Flisvos Marina, marking the start of an attractive and walkable strip of the Athens seafront, close to the city-centre. Next to the marina is a tidy park and children's playground, followed by a 4.5 km stretch of seaside promenade. This stretch features another large marina and a number of beaches small and large (some undeveloped, others with umbrellas, bars and restaurants). You can continue along on foot easily at your leisure until you come to the former airport, where a large-scale development is underway, making walking by the sea presently more difficult. In the summer, this is a very enjoyable route for a stroll with all the classic seaside amusements: ogling multimillion-euro yachts, eating ice cream by the water, watching the sunset, chatting with fishermen, or just gazing out at the deep blue thinking deep thoughts. If you fancy a dip, follow the locals and dive in! How long: Walking from Flisvos to the old airport at a steady pace will take about an hour, but in practice you'll dawdle a lot more. Note that all along this route you will be walking alongside the tram line, so you can always hop on for the return trip.
The National Garden
Where's the best place to walk with kids? It's actually right next to busy Syntagma Square in the National Garden. This 38 hectare park, once the Royal Garden, is a wonderful downtown oasis with a number of diversions to delight kids of all ages. Why: With tall trees (of a wide range of species) shading much of the park throughout the day and multiple ponds and streams, the air temperature is noticeably cooler than outside the gates. Kids can spot the fish and frogs in the ponds and there's a central lake with geese and ducks, along with a small zoo with goats and rabbits. They'll also enjoy the well-maintained playground, and the grassy open spaces for picnics and games. A permanent population of bright green parakeets lives in the park – listen for their loud screeching and try to spy them in the treetops!
This content was originally published on This is Athens
Photo Credit: Christos Pastalidis
Whether you’ve just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!