LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 26 June 2018 21:35
June 26th - Athens City Vibes
Read about the fascinating story and memories of an American girl visiting her beloved Athens after12 years, pay a visit to some of the city's many outdoor cinemas and discover the reasons behind the first Greek cultural center in Shanghai, China!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Tuesday, 19 June 2018 21:19
June 19 - For The Love Of Culture
It is sometimes impossible not to love Greece and a couple from abroad proved it by moving to Lesvos and creating TrustedHousesitters.com, in order to look after pets while their owners are away. Anthony Bourdain explains his love about a particular Aegean island and a handy Greek phrase book will make your trip to Greece much easier!
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Tuesday, 12 June 2018 21:07
June 12 - Good Things Happening
How delightful is it that things in Athens appear to be changing for the better? Athenians may now take advantage of the Mobile Library, which visits neighborhoods in the city and offers free books in different languages, but also the Mobile Laundry service aiming to help people in need with their clothing. So stay tuned for upcoming good news in our future newsletters!
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Monday, 16 July 2018 07:00
Oldest Known Excerpt of Homer's Odyssey Discovered In Ancient Olympia
Archaeologists in Greece have discovered what they believe to be the oldest known excerpt of Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey.”
After three years of surface excavations in ancient Olympia, archaeologists from the Greek Archaeological Services and the German Institute of Archaeology, unearthed a clay slab that was engraved with 13 verses of the Odyssey. It was found close to the remains of the Temple of Zeus at the site of the Olympic Games. The Greek Culture of Ministry announced that it could be the earliest record of the poem.
The clay slab that contained the engravings is believed to date back to the 3rd century AD, during the Roman era. The excerpt, which is from book 14, describes the return of Odysseus to his home island of Ithaca.
Composed orally during the 8th century BC, Homer's epic poem was transcribed during the Christian era onto parchment, of which only a few fragments have been discovered in Egypt.
Original source: Protothema
Translated by: XpatAthens
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Thursday, 19 July 2018 07:00
Did Someone Say Sushi?
New sushi place in town! Located on the 9th Floor of the Wyndham Grand in Athens, the ABOVE Rooftop Bar recently opened it's new Sushi Bar. Sushi lovers rejoice, as you can now eat delicious sushi by the pool, taking your taste buds on a gastronomic experience.
Enjoy the city's most impressive panoramic views and choose among a variety of sushi like maki, nigiri, sashimi and ceviche in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Enjoy the city's most impressive panoramic views and choose among a variety of sushi like maki, nigiri, sashimi and ceviche in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Lay back in your seats under the wooden pergolas, look over the horizon and indugle in delicious dishes inspired from the far East. Tuna ceviche with thyme and honey, salmon with passion fruit, chili and coriander, california rolls with crab stick and avocado are just some of the dishes that you are welcomed to try, along with refreshing signature cocktails.
For more information:
Address: Meg. Alexandrou 2, Karaiskaki Square - Metaxoughio
Tel: 2168009965
See you there!
See you there!
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Restaurants In Athens
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Tuesday, 17 July 2018 07:00
Success For YES to Shipping Forum - Providing Opportunities In The Maritime Industry
The YES to Shipping Forum had a successful last day at the international maritime exhibition, which took place on June 8, 2018.
A call for the younger generation of Greeks to make their own journey, just like Odysseus, to set sail and claim the best for their lives, was delivered by the maritime community during the second edition of Yes Forum. Significant figures of the Greek shipowning community were present, including Mrs Athina (Nounou) Martinou, the Great Lady of Greek Shipping. Also present was Mrs Danae Bezantakou, founder of the YES Forum & CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, who highlighted that YES Forum is an important open platform in the Greek Shipping and Sea Tourism Industry, especially between principals, executives, university students, and recent graduates.
This unique initiative aims to create the next generation of a shipping community by passing down shipping knowledge, experience and culture. To bridge the generation gap, open-dialogue days & daily internships have taken place at shipping companies and in Posidonia since 2016.
The YES Forum's goal is to enable the young generation to become acquainted with the full spectrum of shipping and to remain in Greece for studies and take advantage of the high quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Mrs Bezantakou stated, "We must attract both Greeks and foreign students because if you cannot study shipping in Greece, then where could it be possible?”
She stressed that Greeks who choose to go abroad to study or stay there for work should know that Greece is the first maritime nation with power and a glorious history. In an effort to keep the maritime industry in Greece thriving, she stated that they should start from the bottom of the educational pyramid, specifically from primary and secondary education, and include specific maritime and tourism courses in schools. That way, students from an early age can become familiar with the characteristics of the two disciplines and their history. The YES Forum aims to organize YES activities in schools in 2019.
The opening remarks of the event were given by the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mr. Theodoros Veniamis. He stated, "The bulk shipping and the wider maritime community help create prospects and enhancing the value of the economy while at the same time significantly reducing unemployment. The aim of Greek shipowning is to maintain its leadership in the global shipping industry, while maximizing the benefits; economic, social and strategic for our country."
He also pointed out that, "universities today must aim at linking the studies to the real needs of the industry, to which today's students, who will be tomorrow's professional executives, will be called upon to offer their services. Particularly in the shipping industry, which is advancing in technological development and vessel performance, all areas in education and training are opportunities for innovation."
Mr. Veniamis concluded with a positive and dynamic message: "Today, more than ever, the sea and especially Greek shipping is an outlet for unemployment, the financial crisis, and also for young Greek scientists who remain and achieve professional recognition in their homeland. The extroversion of our shipping awaits you all. It is a choice that offers prospects because the Greek shipping stands with a future in its hands."
During the event, appearances were made by Mr. Anastasios Papagianopoulos, President of BIMCO, and Mr. George Prokopiou, Head of Dynacom Group. Mr. Anastasios Papagianopoulos urged the crowd of over 1,000 young people to get outside their comfort zone and travel, to make their own Odyssey, to dare and win a better future. Mr. Prokopiou revealed that he has already brought to Greece a training sailboat, which is located in Glyfada, that will be available to the next generation in order to get in touch and learn life at sea. He stated, "In an essence, it will be an educational ship that will reinforce the efforts made and to maintain the maritime tradition of our country."
During the Forum, the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Mr. Panagiotis Kouroumplis, expressed the long-standing and historical ties of Greek people with the sea, emphasizing that the country's advantages such as shipping, must be unambiguously developed.
Concluding this very successful second edition of the YES Forum, Mrs Danae Bezantakou invited everyone who contributed and supported YES to Shipping Forum to continue this successful dialogue and to prepare for the third edition of YES to Shipping, Forum 2020, which will be held on the 5th of June 2020.
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Monday, 09 July 2018 07:00
Serifos Sunset Race 2018
Serifos Sunset Race will be held this year with the co-organization of the South Aegean Region. The South Aegean Region supports all major sport events and actions that promote the values of sports, promote the region and encourage people and especially young people to participate.
The promotion of sports values is a key component of South Aegean Region policy, which makes every effort to ensure that the islands of the region will lead in major sport events and synergies that contribute in promoting a model based in the connection between sports and tourism, two of the most powerful components in the Aegean sea.
The South Aegean Region Authority has made it clear from the beginning that will support sports and this is reflected to a large extent in the targeted actions that were accomplished, and continue to take place, during 2018, with its participation in a number of sport actions within the Regional Unity of Cyclades. The Vice-Governor of Cyclades, George Leontaritis, mentioned: "The Region of South Aegean by participating for the second time in the organization of Serifos Sunset Race, supports the effort for equal access to sports.
For sixth consecutive year, this multifaceted event will be the top sport event in the island of Serifos, distinguished by its tremendous success, both in terms of participation, as well as the excellent organization of swimming and running competitions and the full satisfaction of the participants.
In a synergy with Serifos Municipality and the Tourism Committee of Serifos, we invest in culture and sports, supporting every effort to increase the sports values, to promote our islands and strengthen our touristic product.
The 6th Serifos Sunset Race will be held this year on the 22nd & 23rd of September 2018, with running races of 5, 10 and 20km, swimming races 750, 1.500 and 3.000m, and running and swimming races of shorter distances for kids.
Registrations for adults are made electronically via Ticketmaster.gr which is responsible for the pre- sales procedure of the tickets. Ticket purchases are also made in GERMANOS and COSMOTE stores.
For more information visit Serifosrace.com
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Monday, 25 June 2018 11:10
Demanding Running Routes At Santorini Experience
Open concert offered to the participants of the event!
“Santorini Experience” continues its preparations in anticipation of the races that will be held between October 5th and 7th , in the enchanting island of the Cyclades. At the same time, the successful event continues to be distinguished, as another prize was added to its collection. “Santorini Experience” won the gold award at the Sports Marketing Awards 2018, in the “Integrated Marketing Campaign” category in the “Sports Organizations” section.
Regarding the social events of the island related to “Santorini Experience”, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) will organize an open concert for the public in the surrounding area of the Indoor Hall DAPPOS on Saturday afternoon, on October 6 th , with the music band C:Real; a concert that will be offered for free to all the participants of “Santorini Experience”.
Regarding the racing part of the event, on Saturday October 6th , the schedule includes 3 different trail running routes especially for fans of running, which have as background the unique images of the volcano overlooking the Caldera as well as the stunning settlements at Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. In particular, the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” route, is ideal for running and dynamic walking, the 10 km route is designed for the experienced runners and the 15 km route for those who love power, stamina, technique and adrenaline.
All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, including parts of trail track, and finish in Oia. The running routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias, who stressed: “It is a great pleasure for us, to be on the beautiful island of Santorini, for the fourth consecutive year, to live another breathtaking experience with 3 splendid routes on the Caldera, having as a backdrop the island’s world-famous volcano. Three quite demanding routes, with a 135m. minimum altitude and a 334m. maximum altitude. On a dirt path with recessed stones, with paved and asphalt road in some points, making it even more difficult for the runners. Our goal this year is to see as many runners as possible from many places around the world, since last year we had the impressive number of participants from more than 40 countries. Santorini Experience has been established in the runners’ consciousness and we wish everyone who chooses this event to be completely satisfied”.
“Santorini Experience” has joined the World’s Marathons world running community (which counts more than 4,146 races all over the world). As far as the open water swimming race is concerned, we must highlight that any event involving an open water swimming race should take place only by having the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, in accordance with FINA’s safety rules; as is always the case with “Santorini Experience”.
Registrations for “Santorini Experience” continue and will close on August 31 st, 2018.
VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation in the island while a special accommodation package has been prepared for the period October 5-7, 2018. You may book this special package for a two- night stay that includes your hotel accommodation, ferry tickets with Blue Star Ferries, in economy class for the itineraries: Piraeus - Santorini (5/10), departure: 07.25 am, arrival: 14.55 pm and from Santorini - Piraeus (7/10), departure: 15.30 pm, arrival: 23.25 pm as well as extra transfers from the hotel to the event venues.
The privileged package starts from 130€/person. For more information click HERE or call +30 2103249070.
Samsung is the official technology partner of the event for a 2 nd consecutive year. Ryanair is the official airline partner. Official sponsors are for one more year, Ford Motor Hellas, Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport and Athina Luxury Suites. “Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Hellas, Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Supporters: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Avance Rent A Car, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Boatmen Union Santorini
Official Transport Partner: DNA Travel
Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Assyrtico Wine Restaurant Café, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club, Santorini Nautical Club
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Central Fira Hotel, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort
Official travel agent: VitaNTravel
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
(Photo credit: Swimming photo @ Santorini Experience by Elias Lefas )
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Thursday, 12 July 2018 18:31
Nigel Kennedy Live At The Odeon Of Herodus Atticus
One of the most talented musicians of our time, Nigle Kennedy, will give an unforgetable performance for his first time in Greece at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
The world famous violin player will unconventionally play a number of J.S. Bach works and Jazz versions of George Gershwin.
Having performed with stars like Paul McCartney and Robert Plant, but also being the violin player with the most record sales in the history of music, makes his concert at the ancient theatre a once in a lifetime oppurtunity!
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Thursday, 12 July 2018 17:29
Donald Trump Is The Devil - Athens Festival
Reverend Billy & the Stop Shopping Choir are Earth radicals from New York City. Since Trump’s election, they have sung their anthems at Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan, and at the front doors of the federal immigration jail. The activists who sing “all the right songs in all the wrong places” have been arrested nine times.
The Stop Shoppers sing Handel’s Messiah, chanting “Earthalujah! Earthalujah!” and making right-wing Christians angry. Reverend Billy is a satirical version of the evangelicals who support Trump. However, this ‘church’ counsels progressives that humour and music and the spirit of the Earth are as important for effective activism as policies or theory. Stop Shopping! Start Living!
Under the direction of Savitri D, this theatre company’s recent engagements include the Public Theater in New York and Toynbee Hall in London. But their greatest honour was to be the “church choir” at Occupy Wall Street. During their stay in Athens they hope to meet local activists. The roof-rattling joy of the 20-person troupe promises to energize activists for this dangerous time we are going through
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