LIFE & CULTURE

XpatAthens
Thursday, 05 July 2018 09:52
Folegandros Sunset Trail
The 1st Folegandros Sunset Trail running race was successfully organized, for the first time, on Saturday 3rd June 2018. The late afternoon route offered a unique and lovely experience to all participants.
The second race of the Cyclades Trail Cup 2018 was held in Folegandros island on 30rd June. The 1st trail running race: Folegandros Sunset Trail had one route, 10 kilometers long.
The starting point was at Ano Meria village in front of the Iliovasilema tavern and finish line was at the famous Pounta square of Chora village. The route followed the south-west coastline and all athletes run next to the gradient blue of the Aegean Sea while watching the sun set, “painting” the sky with his reddish colors.
The starting point was at Ano Meria village in front of the Iliovasilema tavern and finish line was at the famous Pounta square of Chora village. The route followed the south-west coastline and all athletes run next to the gradient blue of the Aegean Sea while watching the sun set, “painting” the sky with his reddish colors.
Athletes form 6 countries of the world and many Greek islands had filled the registration form pretty early on. The total number of registrations almost reached the 100, which is a lot for a small island of the South West Aegean Sea. Athletes from islands like Andros, Sifnos, Milos and Syros came to run alongside visitors from Italy, Sweden, Ukraine, Australia, Canada and the USA! On Saturday 30 June, 53 athletes started the race.
The first runner reachenig the finish line and setting the official best time, was Daniel Parheden from Sweden, finishing in 1:09:21. The Ukraine-Russian athlete, Raman Burakov, came second just 3 seconds later with 1:09:24. In the third place of the 10km race, came Christos Kiriazakos from Mykonos island with the time of 1:10:20.
In the women category, Voula Katsavou won the 10km race with the time of 1:31:45. Katerina Koukaki finished in second place with 1:32:00 and in third place came Valentina Makri with the time of 1:37:00.
In a special category, the organizers awarded the 1st man and woman, local to Folegandros island. The first woman was Anastasia Dekavala and the first man Antonis Papadopoulos with the time of 2 hours and 7 minutes and 1 hour and 31 minutes accordingly.
Every race and course offers score points for Cyclades Trail Cup, determined by the new CTC_PointSystem. The athlete that earns the highest amount of points by the end of the year will be the winner of Cyclades Trail Cup 2018. The Folegandros Sunset Trail 10km race awarded all runners you 43 points
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Thursday, 05 July 2018 08:16
The Pie Shop In Athens
Located in the heart of downtown near Syntagma Square, The Pie Shop opened its doors in October 2017 with the motto, "Bake the world a better place." Dating back to Minoan times and 5th century BC onwards, pies were everywhere in ancient Athens, most notably the cheese pie. Not much has changed today, as pies can still be seen being enjoyed all over Greece.
Amidst this sea of Greek pies, The Pie Shop is looking beyond national borders to the large variety of pies across the globe. The shop is owned by two women, Marina and Nanda, who love food and love to bake. All the pastries are handmade and prepared with only the best ingredients. After having spent most of her adult life working in the food industry, Nanda has learned the simple secret to success: use the finest and freshest ingredients.
During their visit, Culinary Backstreets tasted their way across the globe, from Indian samosas to Argentinian empanadas and British egg and bacon pie – we even tasted a Korean tomato tart that rivaled the Mediterranean version. All of these many different pies looked good and tasted even better.
Address: Voulis 16, Syntagma
Telephone: +30 211 403 7328
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30am-6pm; closed Sunday
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
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Pubs, Bars & Cafes
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Tuesday, 03 July 2018 09:12
Bacteria Strain Could Help Make Feta Cheese A 'Functional Food'
According to a research team at the Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DEMETER in Athens, Greek feta cheese could turn probiotic. This would help meet the demand for food to be 'functional' and healthy.
The researchers began with the bacterial strain Lactobacillus planetarum T571 to produce probiotic feta. The results were of a high quality cheese, with characteristics very similar to traditional feta.
The scientists stated to the Dairy Reporter, "In today's global food industry, the probiotic market is encountering an unprecedented growth to conform with the consumer demand for new products with health benefits. Considering the global demand, L. planetarum strain is a promising adjunct candidate to develop functional feta."
To read this article in full, please visit: The Dairy Reporter
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Greek Food & Diet
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Tuesday, 03 July 2018 07:00
Acropolis Wins Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction Award 2018
Greece received many accolades at the recent World Travel Awards held in Athens, with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) awarded as the organisation with the best national tourist strategy and campaign in 2018.
The General Secretary of GNTO Constantinos Tsegas received Europe’s Leading National Tourism Strategy & Campaign 2018 Award and referred to the successful multilevel programme implemented by GNTO, according to the Tourism Ministry’s strategy.
Additionally, GNTO’s President of the Board, Charalambos Karimalis, received Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2018 for the Acropolis.
To read the full article visit Greekcitytimes.com
To read the full article visit Greekcitytimes.com
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Sunday, 01 July 2018 21:41
Petit Paris D' Athènes 2018 Returns This October With Theme 'May of 1968'
The 6th Petit Paris d'Athènes is already underway!
The festival will take place from the 4th to the 14th of October 2018 and will be in the general area of the centre of Athens including Omonoia square, Larissa Station and Peloponnisos Station, Metaxourgeio, St Paul square and Victoria square. These are the neighborhoods where many streets are named in French and have served as cultural meeting points between the cosmopolitan and folk culture of Athens with foreign traditions of refugees, travelers and visitors.
The festival’s theme is “May of 1968. Fifty Years Later...” (Mai 1968. Cinquante ans après...) Petit Paris d'Athènes includes music, art and photography exhibitions, street art, theatre and variete, performances, street shows and parties, lectures, “tables rondes” and “rendez-vous sociaux”, guided tours and educational programs.
The festival is co-organised by the Athens Art Network, the City of Athens Culture, Sports and Youth Organization, and the Region of Attica. It is under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and has the support of the French embassy and the French Institute of Greece.
The festival's goal is to mend through art and culture some of the most abused neighborhoods in Athens and to allow young artists to thrive. In essence, it is a 10 day celebration of art and culture in which more than 500 artists and people of intellect from Greece and worldwide participate at multiple selected places (such as streets, squares, parks, theatres, conservatoires, galleries, bistros, schools, neo-classical buildings, hotels and many other alternative spaces).
In 2013 the festival was dedicated to Albert Camus for the 100th anniversary of his birth and in 2014 to the Βelle Époque and the start of World War I. In 2015 the theme was “The culture of Café and Bistros” with a special nod to rive gauche in post-war Paris. In 2016 the festival was about Team Spirit and Arts and lastly, in 2017 Petit Paris d' Athènes was dedicated to Woman in Europe.
In 2018, the festival’s theme is “May of 1958. Fifty years later...”
How did the French revolution of May in 1968, without any racial, political, cultural or societal discrimination, but with a strong international impact, become a landmark in 20 th century history, influence and continues to influence societal struggles and cultural expression both in France and around the world? Art, either militant for a cause or simply as a product of a free mind, deeply marked the revolution of ‘68 has been a movement of timeless value.
For all artist and cultural groups interested in joining the 6th Petit Paris d' Athènes, the proposed artwork should be inspired by the revolution itself or the general ideas and values as well as the main and side actions of societal struggle to this day.
Information for artists/teams
Suggestions are to be submitted via e-mail to info@mikroparisi.com and should include:
- all info on the project plus a short description of it (up to 200 words)
- a digital sample of the suggestion
- collaborators’ personal details (in both English and Greek)
- a short CV of the artist/ team
Volunteers interested in joining in photography team or organizing team of the festival are welcome to send a short CV via e-mail to info@mikroparisi.com.
Throughout the preparation of the festival, all volunteers are expected to take part in the scheduled seminars and after completing the predetermined time of participation and volunteer work, they will receive a certificate of participation.
Applications will be accepted until Wednesday 29th August.
Info & contact: info@mikroparisi.com
Website: Petitparisdathenes.com
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Sunday, 01 July 2018 20:53
NHSA | Beach Clean-Up | Saronida Beach
Trash can travel throughout the world's rivers and oceans, accumulating on beaches and in the sea.
This debris harms physical habitats, transports chemical pollutants, threatens aquatic life, and interferes with human uses of river, marine and coastal environments.
On July 7th , the National Hellenic Student Assocation (NHSA) are on a mission to make Greece a country better than was it was before. Join them in this Beach clean up in Saronida at 11:30, along with locals and Greeks of the diaspora!
Free transporation & food.
Bus leaves at 10:30am from Elliniko Station.
3 Reasons to Join a Beach Clean-up:
This debris harms physical habitats, transports chemical pollutants, threatens aquatic life, and interferes with human uses of river, marine and coastal environments.
On July 7th , the National Hellenic Student Assocation (NHSA) are on a mission to make Greece a country better than was it was before. Join them in this Beach clean up in Saronida at 11:30, along with locals and Greeks of the diaspora!
Free transporation & food.
Bus leaves at 10:30am from Elliniko Station.
3 Reasons to Join a Beach Clean-up:
1. You’ll become more aware of your own lifestyle as well as saving marine animals.
"After picking up all the plastics it’s hard to ever go back to using them or to not speaking up against them.” – Kahi Pacarro – Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. Thousands of marine species become extinct and endangered every year due to man-made pollutants.
2. You’ll get to know the people in your community better and help them from spreading diseases
Many chemicals are found in polluted oceans and can contaminate water supplies and food chains, which eventually end up in the water we drink and the food we put on our plates. What’s better than spending a couple hours with family, friends, and neighbors making your home a healthier environment?
3. You'll help the ocean breathe and revive the beaches of Greece!
During periods of high tide, the ocean may also sweep some of the trash or debris that has been left on the beach back into the sea. This in turn puts marine wildlife in danger. Beach clean-ups help reduce this risk towards the survival of marine wildlife, and helps the overall marine system be safer and healthier for all. By helping maintain the highest standards and by keeping our beaches clean, we can ensure that tourists continue to visit local beaches.
"After picking up all the plastics it’s hard to ever go back to using them or to not speaking up against them.” – Kahi Pacarro – Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. Thousands of marine species become extinct and endangered every year due to man-made pollutants.
2. You’ll get to know the people in your community better and help them from spreading diseases
Many chemicals are found in polluted oceans and can contaminate water supplies and food chains, which eventually end up in the water we drink and the food we put on our plates. What’s better than spending a couple hours with family, friends, and neighbors making your home a healthier environment?
3. You'll help the ocean breathe and revive the beaches of Greece!
During periods of high tide, the ocean may also sweep some of the trash or debris that has been left on the beach back into the sea. This in turn puts marine wildlife in danger. Beach clean-ups help reduce this risk towards the survival of marine wildlife, and helps the overall marine system be safer and healthier for all. By helping maintain the highest standards and by keeping our beaches clean, we can ensure that tourists continue to visit local beaches.
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Community
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Thursday, 05 July 2018 07:00
Setting Up A Business In Greece Will Take 2 Days
Beginning from July 22, 2018, the process to set up a business or company will only take two days, at the longest. This piece of news is according to a joint ministerial decision determing the mode of operation and the stamp duties at the one-stop shops for establishing an enterprise.
By being set up at one-stop shops, companies are automatically entered into the tax register and receive an registration number (AFM), while the one-stop shop will also automatically inform the Single Social Security Entity (EFKA).
When an application to start a company is submitted at the one-stop shop, the latter must examine all relevant documents and data, and, if the legal prerequisites are met, the process should be completed on the same day or the next.
Applicants also have the option of submitting all documents online, at https://eyms.businessportal.gr.
To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini
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Saturday, 30 June 2018 13:25
World Class Athletes & Accolades For The 6th Navarino Challenge
“Navarino Challenge” scores with Joe Arlauckas and two more awards in Sports Marketing and Digital Media Awards!
This year's 6th edition of Navarino Challenge, which will take place between 12-14 October 2018 in Messinia and Costa Navarino, continues with even more awards and additions to its ambassadors.
The Ambassadors
One of the biggest names in basketball and former ace of Real Madrid and Sacramento Kings, Joe Arlauckas will be in Costa Navarino for Navarino Challenge to remind us of the high level basketball he has played in his career but also to teach us his golf secrets as he has been deeply involved with this sport recently.
Euroleague basketball legend said for this participation: “Apart from the beauty and serenity that Costa Navarino offers, I am so pleased to join such a special event like the Navarino Challenge 2018. The location is perfect, and the idea is something that should be considered all over the world. The opportunity to bring families together through sporting activities is not just a special occasion, but at the same time it teaches children values such as dedication, sacrifice and teamwork through activity. I am so excited to join the team this year”.
One of the biggest names in basketball and former ace of Real Madrid and Sacramento Kings, Joe Arlauckas will be in Costa Navarino for Navarino Challenge to remind us of the high level basketball he has played in his career but also to teach us his golf secrets as he has been deeply involved with this sport recently.
Euroleague basketball legend said for this participation: “Apart from the beauty and serenity that Costa Navarino offers, I am so pleased to join such a special event like the Navarino Challenge 2018. The location is perfect, and the idea is something that should be considered all over the world. The opportunity to bring families together through sporting activities is not just a special occasion, but at the same time it teaches children values such as dedication, sacrifice and teamwork through activity. I am so excited to join the team this year”.
The awards
Navarino Challenge is a world class event, which grows every year both in activities and in number of participations. The internationally acclaimed event enriches Greece’s sports tourism, extends the country’s tourist season and presents the beauties of Greece all over the world. For all these reasons, Navarino Challenge was awarded for one more year at the Sports Marketing Awards 2018, in the category “Sports Tourism” of the section “Sports Events / Branded Events”.
At the same time, it was awarded at the Digital Media Awards 2018, in the category “Best Public Service / CSR Award” of the “Digital Communication & Marketing” section. “Navarino Challenge” will take place this year with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism
The pre-sale is available also via Viva.gr, by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre- sale points of the Viva network. Registrations end on August 31st , 2018.
Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge.
The program for those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino includes: Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids' athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.
Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge.
The program for those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino includes: Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids' athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.
The official sponsors of the event are for another year the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford Motor Hellas. Official sponsors are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor. For the first time, Navarino Challenge will be assisted by the Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (Herrco), which in cooperation with the Municipality of Pylos- Nestor raise awareness for better environmental control and recycling in Messinia. “ Navarino Challenge” will be co-organized with Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and the support of the Municipalities of l Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.
Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas
Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor
Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #eatwell #runwell #livewell
Photo Credit: Unique running routes at Navarino Challenge 2018 (photo by Mike Tsolis)
Photo Credit: Unique running routes at Navarino Challenge 2018 (photo by Mike Tsolis)
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Tuesday, 11 May 2021 07:00
5 Of The Best Garden Restaurants In Athens
Whatever your preference in food and drinks, these restaurants in Athens serve a variety of meze-style dishes in beautiful courtyards and gardens, perfect for a quick meal and a relaxing evening with friends.
Pyroliki
This garden restaurant in Metaxourgeio offers traditional Greek food with a twist. Friendly and cozy ambiance, an atmospheric backyard, and flavors from all over Greece will travel your mind to Crete and the Greek islands. Start with delicious seafood appetizers along with a glass of ouzo, wine, or Cretan raki, and continue your meal with typical Greek dishes!
This garden restaurant in Metaxourgeio offers traditional Greek food with a twist. Friendly and cozy ambiance, an atmospheric backyard, and flavors from all over Greece will travel your mind to Crete and the Greek islands. Start with delicious seafood appetizers along with a glass of ouzo, wine, or Cretan raki, and continue your meal with typical Greek dishes!
Location: 117 Megalou Alexandrou, Metaxourgeio
Telephone: 210 3420293
Telephone: 210 3420293
Rozalia
Rozalia is a great option for dinner in the Exarcheia neighborhood of Athens. It is a family-run taverna that serves grills and home-style fare. The dishes are brought around on a tray, so you can see, point and pick! Its distinctive character and beautiful garden make it an ideal destination.
Location: Valtetsiou 59, Exarcheia
Telephone: 210 3802725
Metaxou
Metaxou will make you feel just like home! Enjoy their delicious traditional greek appetizers, such as cheese pies, revithokeftedes, soutzoukakia, wine from the island of Ikaria, and occasionally live music.
Metaxou
Metaxou will make you feel just like home! Enjoy their delicious traditional greek appetizers, such as cheese pies, revithokeftedes, soutzoukakia, wine from the island of Ikaria, and occasionally live music.
Location: 10 Pithodorou, Metaxourgeio
Telephone: 210 5229290
Kouvelos
Located in the area of Koukaki, Kouvelos serves traditional Greek food in a romantic garden. Start with the deep-fried cheese pie, a specialty from Skopelos island, and end your meal with homemade hazelnut liqueur.
Location: Genneou Kolokotroni 66, Athina
Telephone: 211 4052418
Located in the area of Koukaki, Kouvelos serves traditional Greek food in a romantic garden. Start with the deep-fried cheese pie, a specialty from Skopelos island, and end your meal with homemade hazelnut liqueur.
Location: Genneou Kolokotroni 66, Athina
Telephone: 211 4052418
Karderina
This garden in the area of Petralona attracts many Athenians and foreigners for its exceptional greek food and mezes, its famous tsipouro, and, of course, its affordable prices!
Location: 67 Kallisthenous, Ano Petralona
Telephone: 210 3454000
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Restaurants In Athens
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Thursday, 28 June 2018 08:36
How The Ancient Minoans Inspire Summer Styles
While surrounded by jewelry designers, archaeologists, entrepreneurs, and historians at the Knossos Palace, Prince Charles was learning about the impact of ancient Minoan civilization on contemporary style.
As Vogue states, "Chiton dress styles, decorative motifs, superfoods and fabric weaves that date back over 3,618 years are part of an ongoing aesthetic dialogue between the Minoan ancients and contemporary designers including Sophia Kokosalaki, Zeus and Dione, Ancient Greek Sandals and fine jewellers, Zolotas and Paulina Ellis."
"There is a strong link between fashion and the Minoans (the civilisation flourished between 3000 and 1200 B.C.) – physical prowess and glamour are entrenched. Back in the 1920s, Mario Fortuny even created a special label marked Knossos for a collection of his densely pleated draped dresses. The surrealists were seduced and published Minotaure magazine in the 1930s. In the 1970s, Cretan designer Yannis Tseklenis became the toast of cocktail society in New York and Paris with his psychedelic image dresses that reprised the fine frescoes and patterned artifacts found in the region. More recently, Chloe and Mary Katrantzou's spring/summer 2017 collections incorporated motifs from the famous Knossos palace fresco "Ladies in Blue" featuring opulent beauties with bejewelled corkscrew curls."
To read this article in full, please visit: Vogue
Photo source: Wikipedia
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Greek Language & Culture
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