LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Wednesday, 03 February 2021 11:48
Operation Clean-Up: Changing The Face Of Athens
For many years, Athens has been facing complaints from residents, professionals, and visitors alike about cleanliness. As in any capital around the world, cleanliness is essential, and the objective of every municipality is to design practices that are both substantial and effective.
For the first time, the City of Athens is moving towards a strategy of total cleaning interventions that have shown significant results. For the last 12 months, 37 cleaning operations in 37 different areas have been changing the image of dozens of Athenian neighborhoods.
How Things Are Changing
Every Sunday, entire city areas are sanitized. To achieve the required cleansing result, dozens of cleaning staff gather in a specific area to wash sidewalks, streets, and public spaces with hot water. Due to the current circumstances, they also carry out the required disinfection.
These operations are the pinnacle of everyday cleaning and combined with smaller-scale but equally significant actions, they are changing the city for the better. For example, the group interventions that take place in the squares. During those interventions, a large group of staff take care of the green and wash and repair the equipment within a few hours. The cleaning staff is also in charge of washing-out the bins–that are gradually being replaced by new ones throughout Athens–and organized recycling.
Street cleanings have been happening every Sunday for about the last year, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and not just for hygienic reasons during Covid. The Mayor would say 'it’s about returning to the basics of quality of life,' and it’s starting to have a noticeable effect. Attention to neighborhoods outside the touristic center – focusing on the neighborhoods where people actually live – is part of telling people that they are wanted and belong in Athens.
Equipment
Today, Athens is renewing its old cleaning equipment, but it has also obtained new, modern machinery to make cleaning even more efficient. The cleaning operations rely on modern equipment such as large vacuum cleaners, 20 high-pressure cleaners, water trucks, sweepers, and other equipment for washing and sweeping sidewalks, squares, and pedestrian streets. In other words, the municipality is moving away from superficial cleaning, which may have temporarily given the feeling of cleanliness but did not offer the desired result.
How Often Do Cleaning Operations Take Place?
Every Sunday and in a different area. In every Municipal Community, non-stop. The Municipality of Athens now follows a cleanliness cycle where one cycle closes a new one opens up. The cleaning cycle is supported by daily actions in every corner of the city. "This couldn't go any further, and we all saw it for so many years," explains Mayor of Athens Costas Bakogiannis. "We have the human resources and we are renewing the equipment. We had to, at all costs, find another way to clean Athens. We had to design the cleanliness plan from scratch, avoiding one mistake: Clean it in fragments, without planning, phobically. We've reached a threshold and applied dynamic interventions in the whole city, in entire neighborhoods. And as it turns out, we are winning the bet. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but now we know how to deliver the results that all Athenians want", he adds, talking about the citiy's new cleaning strategy.
Operations By Date
Votanikos- Kato Petralona 19/01/20, Kypseli 26/01/20, Kolonaki - Exarchia 02/02/20, Gyzi- Goudi 09/02/20, Pagrati 16/02/20, Pagrati- Neos Kosmos 23/02/20, Patissia 08/03/20, Omonia 10/05/20, Akadimia Platonos 17/05/20, Neapoli Exarcheion 24/05/20, Probonas 31/05/20, Neos Kosmos 07/06/20, Plateia Amerikis (Filis Street) 14/06/20, Kolonos 21/06/20, Ampelokipi 28/06/20, Metaxourgio 5/7/20, Sepolia 12/7/20, Kolonaki 19/7/20, Plaka 26/7/20, Agios Panteleimon 6/9/20, Exarcheia 13/9/20, Kato Patissia 20/9/20, Kato Patissia 28/9/20, Sepolia 4/10/20, Ano Petralona and Thiseio 11/10/20, Neos Kosmos 18/10/20, Ellinorosson 25/10/20, Votanikos 01/11/20, Agios Pavlos 8/11/20, Lambrini 15/11/20, Omonia 22/11/20, Metaxourgio 29/11/20, Koukaki 6/12/20, Commercial Triangle 13/12/20, Kypseli 10/01/2021, Kypriadou, Ano Patisia 17/01/21, Gyzi, 24/1/21, Kato Petralona, 31/1/21
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing with us news and inspiring stories about how Athens is constantly becoming a cleaner, friendlier, and more welcoming city to live in.
For the first time, the City of Athens is moving towards a strategy of total cleaning interventions that have shown significant results. For the last 12 months, 37 cleaning operations in 37 different areas have been changing the image of dozens of Athenian neighborhoods.
How Things Are Changing
Every Sunday, entire city areas are sanitized. To achieve the required cleansing result, dozens of cleaning staff gather in a specific area to wash sidewalks, streets, and public spaces with hot water. Due to the current circumstances, they also carry out the required disinfection.
These operations are the pinnacle of everyday cleaning and combined with smaller-scale but equally significant actions, they are changing the city for the better. For example, the group interventions that take place in the squares. During those interventions, a large group of staff take care of the green and wash and repair the equipment within a few hours. The cleaning staff is also in charge of washing-out the bins–that are gradually being replaced by new ones throughout Athens–and organized recycling.
Street cleanings have been happening every Sunday for about the last year, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and not just for hygienic reasons during Covid. The Mayor would say 'it’s about returning to the basics of quality of life,' and it’s starting to have a noticeable effect. Attention to neighborhoods outside the touristic center – focusing on the neighborhoods where people actually live – is part of telling people that they are wanted and belong in Athens.
Equipment
Today, Athens is renewing its old cleaning equipment, but it has also obtained new, modern machinery to make cleaning even more efficient. The cleaning operations rely on modern equipment such as large vacuum cleaners, 20 high-pressure cleaners, water trucks, sweepers, and other equipment for washing and sweeping sidewalks, squares, and pedestrian streets. In other words, the municipality is moving away from superficial cleaning, which may have temporarily given the feeling of cleanliness but did not offer the desired result.
How Often Do Cleaning Operations Take Place?
Every Sunday and in a different area. In every Municipal Community, non-stop. The Municipality of Athens now follows a cleanliness cycle where one cycle closes a new one opens up. The cleaning cycle is supported by daily actions in every corner of the city. "This couldn't go any further, and we all saw it for so many years," explains Mayor of Athens Costas Bakogiannis. "We have the human resources and we are renewing the equipment. We had to, at all costs, find another way to clean Athens. We had to design the cleanliness plan from scratch, avoiding one mistake: Clean it in fragments, without planning, phobically. We've reached a threshold and applied dynamic interventions in the whole city, in entire neighborhoods. And as it turns out, we are winning the bet. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but now we know how to deliver the results that all Athenians want", he adds, talking about the citiy's new cleaning strategy.
Operations By Date
Votanikos- Kato Petralona 19/01/20, Kypseli 26/01/20, Kolonaki - Exarchia 02/02/20, Gyzi- Goudi 09/02/20, Pagrati 16/02/20, Pagrati- Neos Kosmos 23/02/20, Patissia 08/03/20, Omonia 10/05/20, Akadimia Platonos 17/05/20, Neapoli Exarcheion 24/05/20, Probonas 31/05/20, Neos Kosmos 07/06/20, Plateia Amerikis (Filis Street) 14/06/20, Kolonos 21/06/20, Ampelokipi 28/06/20, Metaxourgio 5/7/20, Sepolia 12/7/20, Kolonaki 19/7/20, Plaka 26/7/20, Agios Panteleimon 6/9/20, Exarcheia 13/9/20, Kato Patissia 20/9/20, Kato Patissia 28/9/20, Sepolia 4/10/20, Ano Petralona and Thiseio 11/10/20, Neos Kosmos 18/10/20, Ellinorosson 25/10/20, Votanikos 01/11/20, Agios Pavlos 8/11/20, Lambrini 15/11/20, Omonia 22/11/20, Metaxourgio 29/11/20, Koukaki 6/12/20, Commercial Triangle 13/12/20, Kypseli 10/01/2021, Kypriadou, Ano Patisia 17/01/21, Gyzi, 24/1/21, Kato Petralona, 31/1/21
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing with us news and inspiring stories about how Athens is constantly becoming a cleaner, friendlier, and more welcoming city to live in.
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Local News
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Tuesday, 02 February 2021 11:28
A Funny, Upbeat Greek Song About Staying Home!
From March till May 2020, and from November 2020 until now, we have been spending lots of time indoors due to the COVID 19-related lockdowns in Greece.
Staying at home is very important given the current circumstances, but it doesn’t have to feel dull. We would like to introduce you to a funny and upbeat Greek song about – what else? – staying home and relaxing!
Even though the song Θα Κάτσω Σπίτι (Tha Katso Spiti – I'll Stay At Home) dates back to 1986, nowadays it feels more relevant than ever. The song was originally written and performed by Greek singer-songwriter Loukianos Kilaidonis, while the version you will listen to here is a remake sung by numerous contemporary Greek singers (order of appearance): Violeta Ikari, Giorgia Kefala, Maria Kilaidoni, Christos Mastoras, Panos Mouzourakis, Dimitris Basis, Miltos Pashalidis, Nikos Portokaloglou, and Mariza Rizou.
It’s a well-meaning initiative to spread the message that people need to stay home (#menoumespiti) whilst looking at the bright side: staying safe and healthy, maintaining a positive attitude, and making the most of these days spent indoors.
Click here to listen to the new cover of Θα Κάτσω Σπίτι (I Will Stay home) and sing along!
To read the lyrics in Greek, as well as the English translation, click here.
About OMILO
Omilo Greek Language and Culture inspires people from all over the world to learn Greek, while exploring Greece. They offer 1- and 2-week courses for adults that combine beautiful course locations, experienced teachers, and a balanced combination of Greek classes with cultural activities. All these make Omilo a place where people enjoy learning modern Greek and have fun.
Besides the courses, Omilo also creates online publications to help adults expand their language skills through Language Books and eBooks for different language levels.
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Videos
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Thursday, 25 February 2021 14:15
Adopt Your City: A Program To Heal Athens
Like most large urban cities, Athens faces many challenges. Illegal tagging and graffiti, run-down schools, and the lack of public green areas are just a few of the effects of the recent crisis in Greece.
The City of Athens aims to deal with these problems by finding straightforward, practical solutions to help Athens recover from the recent economic crisis, as well as the current pandemic. To make Athens a cleaner, more accessible, and more sustainable city, it is essential to build collaborations between citizens and the public and private sectors.
It is this exactly that spurred the launch of the "Adopt Your City" program. The City of Athens is calling for our support to protect, upgrade, and maintain the city's public spaces; urging residents, enterprises, foundations, and organizations to "adopt" a street, a park, a square, a playground, a sports facility, a neighborhood, or even a tree to make Athens a brighter, greener, and friendlier place to live in.
The program includes big and small projects in every part of the city - including the redevelopment of Omonia Square and this pocket park in Pagrati. All interested parties are welcome to contribute ideas, in-kind offers, or donations. The "Adopt Your City" program focuses on areas such as sanitation, lighting, greenery, sustainable development, homeless issues, culture, social welfare, sports, education, and new technologies.
Learn more about this program here. You may also be interested to read about how Novoville is helping facilitate citizen to government communication.
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 and visit.
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 and visit.
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Local News
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Monday, 01 February 2021 13:09
ERGOSE Saves Hundreds Of Centuries-Old Olive Trees
More than 500 olive trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, have been saved so far by the under-the-radar efforts of ERGOSE.
ERGOSE, a subsidiary of the Greek Railway Operator constructs and maintains the railway network of the country.
During railway works, a large number of trees that would have otherwise been destroyed have been unrooted, carefully transferred, and re-planted in other areas of the country.
Recently, the company managed to save a 4-centuries old olive tree from a construction site in Patras, Peloponesse. The tree was carefully transferred and planted somewhere else in Greece.
The devastating wildfires in Eastern Attica in July 2018 not only claimed numerous human lives but were an environmental disaster that ruined the landscape in Marathon. A year later, more than 60 olive trees were planted in the cities of Marathon and Rafina, the places most affected by the 2018 wildfires.
ERGOSE, a subsidiary of the Greek Railway Operator constructs and maintains the railway network of the country.
During railway works, a large number of trees that would have otherwise been destroyed have been unrooted, carefully transferred, and re-planted in other areas of the country.
Recently, the company managed to save a 4-centuries old olive tree from a construction site in Patras, Peloponesse. The tree was carefully transferred and planted somewhere else in Greece.
The devastating wildfires in Eastern Attica in July 2018 not only claimed numerous human lives but were an environmental disaster that ruined the landscape in Marathon. A year later, more than 60 olive trees were planted in the cities of Marathon and Rafina, the places most affected by the 2018 wildfires.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
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Local Environment
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Monday, 01 February 2021 10:24
Parenting: The Importance Of Keeping Your Word
Do you always do what you say you will? Do you keep your word or do you change your mind? When you make an agreement about something, do you stick with it? How often? Sometimes, always or rarely? When dealing with an adult we tend to keep our word. But what happens when there’s a child on the other side?
How about the times you’ve been angry with your child and you’ve said something like "I will never give you my cell phone again," or "We will never go on a playdate with your friend again," or "Computer games are off," or even "I will never take you anywhere with me." Remember, did you do what you’ve said you were going to do? Did you stop going to their friend's house to play? Did you not give them your cell phone?
As parents it is very important to mean and do what we say we’re going to do; to not make promises that we do not keep. This does not mean we should always have the same behavior as we are human beings and our emotions as well as our moods change. I'm not talking about that kind of consistency. I am referring to how you can put into practice what you say as well as to the content of what you say.
In raising children, it is of outmost importance to keep your word. But first you need to be careful with what you say. Will you really walk the talk? Will you really take your child and leave their friend’s house while you are having a good time with their friend's mom? If the answer is yes, I’m all for it. You will give a much needed and at the same time excellent lesson to your child. But if you said something just because you were angry, remember that at that moment you're giving your child a confusing double message.
How about the times you’ve been angry with your child and you’ve said something like "I will never give you my cell phone again," or "We will never go on a playdate with your friend again," or "Computer games are off," or even "I will never take you anywhere with me." Remember, did you do what you’ve said you were going to do? Did you stop going to their friend's house to play? Did you not give them your cell phone?
As parents it is very important to mean and do what we say we’re going to do; to not make promises that we do not keep. This does not mean we should always have the same behavior as we are human beings and our emotions as well as our moods change. I'm not talking about that kind of consistency. I am referring to how you can put into practice what you say as well as to the content of what you say.
In raising children, it is of outmost importance to keep your word. But first you need to be careful with what you say. Will you really walk the talk? Will you really take your child and leave their friend’s house while you are having a good time with their friend's mom? If the answer is yes, I’m all for it. You will give a much needed and at the same time excellent lesson to your child. But if you said something just because you were angry, remember that at that moment you're giving your child a confusing double message.
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!
Published in
Parenting
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Thursday, 28 January 2021 12:52
American Airlines To Launch Direct Flights From New York To Athens This Summer
As of June 3, American Airlines will launch a new service between Athens and New York, JFK airport, for the 2021 summer season.
Flights will be conducted on a Boeing 777-200, and tickets have been available for purchase since January 25.
“We are looking forward to launching our new route between New York and Athens, which will offer enhanced connectivity between these two great cities,” said Tom Lattig, vice president EMEA sales and distribution, American Airlines.
The new route to Athens is a significant milestone of the new strategic alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines. The alliance offers travelers improved connectivity and access to the biggest network in the Northeast.
To read this article in full, please visit: gtp.gr
Flights will be conducted on a Boeing 777-200, and tickets have been available for purchase since January 25.
“We are looking forward to launching our new route between New York and Athens, which will offer enhanced connectivity between these two great cities,” said Tom Lattig, vice president EMEA sales and distribution, American Airlines.
The new route to Athens is a significant milestone of the new strategic alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines. The alliance offers travelers improved connectivity and access to the biggest network in the Northeast.
To read this article in full, please visit: gtp.gr
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International Travel
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Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:55
Urban Culture Enthusiast – Athens Corona Nomads Series
Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
Chasing A Bright Urban Culture
Letizia Sebregondi, 36, Italian
Digital Wine Consultant
I was in Athens for two months last summer, staying in Mets, near the Kallimarmaro Stadium, and loved it so much. I went back to Milan a bit sad and spent the next month or so wondering, “Should I go back?”. One day, I woke up and said, “I’m going!”. I returned in late October, two weeks before the second lockdown, and plan to stay until July. Then I’ll travel around the Peloponnese and the islands.
I’ve lived abroad a lot: Brazil, the United States, France. What I find amazing about Athens is that it’s an urban city but you can still feel a human touch. Even if it’s not always an easy city, it has a really strong identity that connects you with Greek culture. But on the other hand, there are many young people relocating from Europe, even more so now because of Covid, so there’s this feeling that things are changing. People are coming to Athens to enjoy the exciting energy here.
I come from Florence, but was based in Milan, doing digital marketing for Italian and French wines; helping to create wine clubs and collectives. I still have a lot to learn about the Greek wine scene but I do see great potential in terms of the quality of the production and opportunities for local wineries to develop their sales. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how good Greek wines are. I’ve discovered a wonderful wine bar in the city centre that focuses exclusively on Greek wines - Heteroclito – and I tried some really good value wines from the north of Greece there, including a well-balanced Assyrtiko from Ktima Voyatsi. I can’t wait to go back there when quarantine is over.
Milan is probably the most European city in Italy, but it’s somehow too classic; a little too buttoned up, compared to Athens. Athens to me has a young and vibrant spirit, with a laid back quality of life - like maybe Lisbon ten years ago. I’m not saying that everyone here can afford everything, but compared to many other cities in Europe, the urban culture feels fresh and the quality of life is amazing.
So far, the experience of remote-working in Athens has been easy. Athens is an open-hearted city. I made some good friends during the summer: foreign girls like me who all share the same love and appetite for the city. This has helped me feel at home. Every Friday, I go to the farmer’s markets in Koukaki, next to my favourite bakery ever, Mama Psomi in Zaharitsa Street, for their amazing hand-made pies. At the markets, I pick up delicious local honey and have become friends with the fishmongers and the ladies who sell the lovely lemons and capers that I like to cook with. I’ve even managed to get to the seaside a few times during lockdown by walking up through Neos Kosmos to Paleo Faliro.
There’s so much more light in my working day here than in Milan. My apartment in Koukaki has a small balcony with a spectacular view of the Acropolis and gets the sun most of the day. I take my laptop out there to work and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city and the seaside. It’s a luxury that makes me feel so happy every day.
To read more, please visit This is Athens
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
Chasing A Bright Urban Culture
Letizia Sebregondi, 36, Italian
Digital Wine Consultant
I was in Athens for two months last summer, staying in Mets, near the Kallimarmaro Stadium, and loved it so much. I went back to Milan a bit sad and spent the next month or so wondering, “Should I go back?”. One day, I woke up and said, “I’m going!”. I returned in late October, two weeks before the second lockdown, and plan to stay until July. Then I’ll travel around the Peloponnese and the islands.
I’ve lived abroad a lot: Brazil, the United States, France. What I find amazing about Athens is that it’s an urban city but you can still feel a human touch. Even if it’s not always an easy city, it has a really strong identity that connects you with Greek culture. But on the other hand, there are many young people relocating from Europe, even more so now because of Covid, so there’s this feeling that things are changing. People are coming to Athens to enjoy the exciting energy here.
I come from Florence, but was based in Milan, doing digital marketing for Italian and French wines; helping to create wine clubs and collectives. I still have a lot to learn about the Greek wine scene but I do see great potential in terms of the quality of the production and opportunities for local wineries to develop their sales. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how good Greek wines are. I’ve discovered a wonderful wine bar in the city centre that focuses exclusively on Greek wines - Heteroclito – and I tried some really good value wines from the north of Greece there, including a well-balanced Assyrtiko from Ktima Voyatsi. I can’t wait to go back there when quarantine is over.
Milan is probably the most European city in Italy, but it’s somehow too classic; a little too buttoned up, compared to Athens. Athens to me has a young and vibrant spirit, with a laid back quality of life - like maybe Lisbon ten years ago. I’m not saying that everyone here can afford everything, but compared to many other cities in Europe, the urban culture feels fresh and the quality of life is amazing.
So far, the experience of remote-working in Athens has been easy. Athens is an open-hearted city. I made some good friends during the summer: foreign girls like me who all share the same love and appetite for the city. This has helped me feel at home. Every Friday, I go to the farmer’s markets in Koukaki, next to my favourite bakery ever, Mama Psomi in Zaharitsa Street, for their amazing hand-made pies. At the markets, I pick up delicious local honey and have become friends with the fishmongers and the ladies who sell the lovely lemons and capers that I like to cook with. I’ve even managed to get to the seaside a few times during lockdown by walking up through Neos Kosmos to Paleo Faliro.
There’s so much more light in my working day here than in Milan. My apartment in Koukaki has a small balcony with a spectacular view of the Acropolis and gets the sun most of the day. I take my laptop out there to work and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city and the seaside. It’s a luxury that makes me feel so happy every day.
To read more, please visit This is Athens
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
Published in
People
Tagged under
Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:22
Sun Seeker – Athens Corona Nomads Series
Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
The Sun Seeker
Safiya Mary Rose, 35, British-Indian
Conscious Copywriter & Creatress
One of the main reasons we wanted to get out of the UK was the low light levels. I’m a sun worshipper, so Athens is perfect for me. There are so many days like today with flawless blue skies. It opens up something inside me creatively and makes me want to go for nature walks and gaze at ancient temples and buildings. London can make you want to huddle indoors; Athens inspires you to go out and become more expansive.
In London, I was working in ethical finance in a very corporate setting and felt very removed from the real world so I decided to go freelance about 2 years ago. Now I do copywriting and editing and my focus is on ethical organisations and individuals working to make a difference in the world. I also have a textiles practice, do embroidery, make clothes and paint. My partner is Indian and works with medicinal spices from India, so he can do that remotely from anywhere.
Even though we had never stepped foot in Athens before, when we saw a short window between lockdowns in the UK and Greece, we decided to jump through it. We’d wanted to relocate to Europe for a while, and while we visited many places in France, Italy and Spain, we never really found ‘our place’. Athens felt a bit below radar, but we’d heard some great things about it from people who’ve been. So in late October—simply guided by an inner intuition that Athens might just be the city for us—we packed up our stuff and drove all the way here to escape the London winter.
We are renting a gorgeous neoclassical flat in Thissio near the Acropolis Museum, with two big bedrooms and a banana tree outside our window, for half of what we were paying in Crystal Palace in London. Our place is so nice and spacious, we don’t need to go hunting down cafes or co-working spaces. I do think we have the lockdown to thank for that. Otherwise it would have been full of air bnb guests.
Photos: Thomas Gravanis
I love wandering around Athens during lockdown. You can somehow feel the architecture more and connect with the monuments on a deeper level. Athens is full of light and colour—even in the winter, even in quarantine! The creative energy is palpable: from the street art to the cafe culture and galleries. It’s an inspiring and highly multicultural place: with all the modernity of a capital city, yet there are ancient temples literally peppered all over the place. There’s also this deep sense of history, culture and spirituality. I love seeing people sitting together, drinking coffee, playing music or chess. For me, the sun, blue skies and all those olive trees provide endless creative inspiration. The lower cost of living also means there’s more time and space to breathe.
It’s brilliant to have the central food markets of Athens so close to us with all their wonderful flavours, textures and spices. We cook every day. My morning walk right up to the top of Philopappou Hill with my coffee to receive the light of the sun also makes me feel like a proper Athenian. Being able to see the wide horizon and the sea eases that feeling of enclosure that lockdown gives us all. I go up there on the full moon and new moon as well to get a sense of time passing. Summer will return and when it does, we’ll be in a really beautiful place.
My parents and sister are still back in the UK. It can be quite overwhelming at times to know how much more difficult things are back home. But we both just got our residency permits last week so we’re planning to stay in Athens until at least the spring. Then we might check out some parts of the mainland; buy a place and settle down.
To read more, please visit This is Athens
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
The Sun Seeker
Safiya Mary Rose, 35, British-Indian
Conscious Copywriter & Creatress
One of the main reasons we wanted to get out of the UK was the low light levels. I’m a sun worshipper, so Athens is perfect for me. There are so many days like today with flawless blue skies. It opens up something inside me creatively and makes me want to go for nature walks and gaze at ancient temples and buildings. London can make you want to huddle indoors; Athens inspires you to go out and become more expansive.
In London, I was working in ethical finance in a very corporate setting and felt very removed from the real world so I decided to go freelance about 2 years ago. Now I do copywriting and editing and my focus is on ethical organisations and individuals working to make a difference in the world. I also have a textiles practice, do embroidery, make clothes and paint. My partner is Indian and works with medicinal spices from India, so he can do that remotely from anywhere.
Even though we had never stepped foot in Athens before, when we saw a short window between lockdowns in the UK and Greece, we decided to jump through it. We’d wanted to relocate to Europe for a while, and while we visited many places in France, Italy and Spain, we never really found ‘our place’. Athens felt a bit below radar, but we’d heard some great things about it from people who’ve been. So in late October—simply guided by an inner intuition that Athens might just be the city for us—we packed up our stuff and drove all the way here to escape the London winter.
We are renting a gorgeous neoclassical flat in Thissio near the Acropolis Museum, with two big bedrooms and a banana tree outside our window, for half of what we were paying in Crystal Palace in London. Our place is so nice and spacious, we don’t need to go hunting down cafes or co-working spaces. I do think we have the lockdown to thank for that. Otherwise it would have been full of air bnb guests.
Photos: Thomas Gravanis
I love wandering around Athens during lockdown. You can somehow feel the architecture more and connect with the monuments on a deeper level. Athens is full of light and colour—even in the winter, even in quarantine! The creative energy is palpable: from the street art to the cafe culture and galleries. It’s an inspiring and highly multicultural place: with all the modernity of a capital city, yet there are ancient temples literally peppered all over the place. There’s also this deep sense of history, culture and spirituality. I love seeing people sitting together, drinking coffee, playing music or chess. For me, the sun, blue skies and all those olive trees provide endless creative inspiration. The lower cost of living also means there’s more time and space to breathe.
It’s brilliant to have the central food markets of Athens so close to us with all their wonderful flavours, textures and spices. We cook every day. My morning walk right up to the top of Philopappou Hill with my coffee to receive the light of the sun also makes me feel like a proper Athenian. Being able to see the wide horizon and the sea eases that feeling of enclosure that lockdown gives us all. I go up there on the full moon and new moon as well to get a sense of time passing. Summer will return and when it does, we’ll be in a really beautiful place.
My parents and sister are still back in the UK. It can be quite overwhelming at times to know how much more difficult things are back home. But we both just got our residency permits last week so we’re planning to stay in Athens until at least the spring. Then we might check out some parts of the mainland; buy a place and settle down.
To read more, please visit This is Athens
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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Wednesday, 27 January 2021 10:37
Family Driven Professional – Athens Corona Nomads Series
Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
A Family Affair
Keita Yamada, 33, Japanese
Customer Support At Global Remote Work Facilitator Doist
One day last year, while I was working in Costa Rica, an overseas colleague and I started talking about which one place we could both move to where we could work together and enjoy a better lifestyle during the pandemic. She’s Italian but her boyfriend is Greek. They chose Athens and relocated in July. My ex-wife and daughter are also Greek, so we agreed that with Covid, it would be better for us all to be in Athens too, near her parents, to have the extra family support. We bought a one-way ticket and moved in September. I’m renting an air bnb in Piraeus within walking distance of Marina Zea, with a typically Athenian view of rooftops—and a bit of the sea too. I have no plans to leave Athens anytime soon. Working for a company that promotes more fulfilling ways to work and live, I’m very grateful for my job, because it really doesn’t matter where I am—or which hours I work.
In Costa Rica, we lived with similar restrictions to Greece, but when we first arrived in Athens, things felt freer and more normal. Our daughter was able to go to daycare again and I went to work each day at Impact Hub (a popular co-working space in Psirri). Compared to Costa Rica, Athens has a good bus and train system. That has really helped me to move around and see the city, and travel to work.
Before the lockdown, one of the things I enjoyed most about my new Athens life was walking around the different neighbourhoods after work and trying out restaurants and bars that I liked the look of. I must have been to the Strange Brew Taproom in Koukaki about 4 times, sampling all their local craft beers! Now, during lockdown, I am working from home, but I can still enjoy a walk around the sea and visit open places like Marina Zea and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre parklands.
Photos: Thomas Gravanis
Going to my local laiki down the street to get fresh fish, fruit and vegetables—and pick up a few new Greek words with locals while I’m there—has become my new routine; and I can still get easy access to take-away souvlaki! I also enjoy watching my daughter engage with her Greek identity and the language, and spend quality time with her grandparents.
When lockdown is over, I want to get back to walking around the city; checking out all the great street art, and exploring the ruins. I’m originally from Miyazaki, in south Japan, and also lived in Tokyo for 3 years where it’s far more crowded and busy than Athens. Tourism is much more advanced here than Tokyo. Everything is available in English: signs, menus in restaurants. That’s an important advantage for the Japanese.
Because so many people speak English, compared to other European cities, getting around Athens and getting to know the city is easy. I have found the locals friendly and happy to help, once you ask questions. Any place you go in Athens they take pride in what they do, and explain things in detail. When I went to get my haircut recently, for example, the barber really threw himself into it. I can see that passion in every aspect of Athenian life.
To read more, please visit This is Athens
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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Wednesday, 27 January 2021 09:46
Beach-Loving Fashion Expert – Athens Corona Nomads Series
Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
A Fashionable Life On The Athens Riviera
Burak Cakmak, 46, Turkish
Global Fashion Executive for Kering (Gucci Group), Swarovski, Gap Inc.
I’d been living between London and New York when I came to stay with a Greek friend in Varkiza one summer. That’s how I discovered the Athens Riviera. I decided it would be a great spot to have a place along the Mediterranean coast. When I factored in the affordability, culture and hospitality I’d enjoyed in Athens, it struck me as a smart city to invest in. The minute travel started opening up again last June, Greece felt like the best place to be. I was able to return to finalise the purchase of an apartment right near the Varkiza esplanade, about half a block from Yabanaki beach.
London wasn’t doing very well with Covid, and with my tenure as Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York officially finishing, there was no reason to be back in NY. I was building mini-businesses and already doing everything remotely so it made sense to stay and enjoy the extended summer here. I convinced my London business partner to come over too and she’s now renting nearby in Vouliagmeni. My life partner is originally from Crete so it’s wonderful to have a place together in Athens now. Over summer, the restrictions weren’t too tough and it was an exciting time. On weekends, the place was abuzz with Athenians coming down to enjoy the beaches and hardly any tourists.
Photos: Thomas Gravanis
I would wake up every day and put on my swimsuit. I wouldn’t even take a towel with me. I would just walk across the street, jump in the water for half an hour and then drip dry on my way back home, before starting work. It was perfect. To be able to do that in a big city is incredible to me. And when I want to feel the “real Athens” atmosphere, the city is just a 25-minute drive away. I was able to attend events like the Athens Democracy Forum in late September, and reach out to creative local fashion brands. Athens is a great city for being able to mix business and pleasure.
It’s unbelievable what you can do sitting in your own house around the world now. Currently I’m building a digital fashion education platform with two partners whom I’ve never met in person—both British nomads—one lives in Portugal, the other in Brussels. I’ve turned one of our bedrooms into my study and ordered new equipment for digital recordings. It’s easier to be in your own place rather than a co-working space or office. You have more control over your environment and don’t have to worry about masks.
The Athens Riviera is incredible because the weather is around 15-18 degrees in winter and most days it’s sunny. It’s not that crowded, so you can find peace within yourself.
The crazy thing is I never planned to be in Athens full-time. I just wanted to spend the summer here because everything everywhere else was shut down. But when I returned to London briefly, I soon realised that the lifestyle here was so much better during a pandemic. I don’t see any reason to leave now. Is lockdown better in Athens? One hundred percent.
This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.
A Fashionable Life On The Athens Riviera
Burak Cakmak, 46, Turkish
Global Fashion Executive for Kering (Gucci Group), Swarovski, Gap Inc.
I’d been living between London and New York when I came to stay with a Greek friend in Varkiza one summer. That’s how I discovered the Athens Riviera. I decided it would be a great spot to have a place along the Mediterranean coast. When I factored in the affordability, culture and hospitality I’d enjoyed in Athens, it struck me as a smart city to invest in. The minute travel started opening up again last June, Greece felt like the best place to be. I was able to return to finalise the purchase of an apartment right near the Varkiza esplanade, about half a block from Yabanaki beach.
London wasn’t doing very well with Covid, and with my tenure as Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York officially finishing, there was no reason to be back in NY. I was building mini-businesses and already doing everything remotely so it made sense to stay and enjoy the extended summer here. I convinced my London business partner to come over too and she’s now renting nearby in Vouliagmeni. My life partner is originally from Crete so it’s wonderful to have a place together in Athens now. Over summer, the restrictions weren’t too tough and it was an exciting time. On weekends, the place was abuzz with Athenians coming down to enjoy the beaches and hardly any tourists.
Photos: Thomas Gravanis
I would wake up every day and put on my swimsuit. I wouldn’t even take a towel with me. I would just walk across the street, jump in the water for half an hour and then drip dry on my way back home, before starting work. It was perfect. To be able to do that in a big city is incredible to me. And when I want to feel the “real Athens” atmosphere, the city is just a 25-minute drive away. I was able to attend events like the Athens Democracy Forum in late September, and reach out to creative local fashion brands. Athens is a great city for being able to mix business and pleasure.
It’s unbelievable what you can do sitting in your own house around the world now. Currently I’m building a digital fashion education platform with two partners whom I’ve never met in person—both British nomads—one lives in Portugal, the other in Brussels. I’ve turned one of our bedrooms into my study and ordered new equipment for digital recordings. It’s easier to be in your own place rather than a co-working space or office. You have more control over your environment and don’t have to worry about masks.
The Athens Riviera is incredible because the weather is around 15-18 degrees in winter and most days it’s sunny. It’s not that crowded, so you can find peace within yourself.
The crazy thing is I never planned to be in Athens full-time. I just wanted to spend the summer here because everything everywhere else was shut down. But when I returned to London briefly, I soon realised that the lifestyle here was so much better during a pandemic. I don’t see any reason to leave now. Is lockdown better in Athens? One hundred percent.
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
Published in
People
Tagged under