What was once the Old Hellenic Parliament Building in Athens, it is now the National Historical Museum, home to interesting items and artifacts that are from the period of 1453 to the Second World War. The museum emphasizes the Greek Revolution and Dave found that the museum built upon his knowledge of the Greek War of Independence.

There are hundreds of items on display, ranging from weapons to a collection of traditional Greek costumes. The ship's wooden mastheads  from the revolution era were particularly striking. Perhaps even a little cartoon like!

The Old Parliament Building is certainly worth seeing from the outside, even if you do not have the time to visit the museum. The building is of a neoclassical design, and an impressive bronze statue stands at the front. This is of General Theodoros Kolokotronis, one of the most prominent characters of the Greek War of Independence. Anyone interested in the creation of modern Greece should definitely visit this museum!

Visit on a Sunday. It’s free!

To see more of Dave’s experience at the museum, please visit: Dave’s Travel Pages.

The summer schedule has officially begun for Greece's museums and archaeological sites, which means new hours. Starting April 1, the summer hours will be from 8:00 to 20:00. 

In addition to the new hours, the Greek Ministry of Culture has announced a series of ticket price hikes for sites and museums including the Athens Acropolis, where general admission has now risen to 20 euros (from 12 euros), the Knossos archaeological site on Crete, where entrance now costs 15 euros (from 6 euros), the Sounio archaeological site, with tickets costing 8 euros (previously 4 euros), and the Epidaurus site and museum, which now cost 12 euros to visit (from 6 euros). 

Authorities have also announced that the cloakroom at the Athens Acropolis will not be operating for security reasons for the time being, but visitors can enter the site with a small backpack or handbag.

For more information, please visit: eKathimerini.

This guilt-free dessert is perfect for lent and all the health-conscious chocolate lovers out there. It's easy to make, dairy-free, and full of healthy fats and antioxidants. The avocado and tahini combination may seem questionable, but it adds a unique element that will surely please your taste buds.

Serves: 2

Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

2 TBS tahini

¼ cup almond milk

1 TBS chia seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 TBS cacao powder

8 drops liquid stevia

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Spoon mousse into a glass jar or cup and chill slightly before eating.

Enjoy for breakfast or dessert.

To read this recipe in full, please visit: Supercharged Food.

According to National Geographic, Greece has the best bookstore in the world and it's in Santorini!

Atlantis, which was founded by a group of friends from Cyprus, England and the United States, is situated along the main street in the picturesque town of Oia overlooking the water. This no. 1 bookstore hosts book readings on the terrace, bookbinding classes, and food and film festivals.

To learn more about this incredible Santorinian bookshop, visit their website HERE.

From the National Geographic's book Destinations of a Lifetime, here are the top ten bookstores in the world:

1. Atlantis Books, Santorini, Greece
2. Cafebrería el Péndulo, Mexico City, Mexico
3. Munro’s Books, Victoria, Canada
4. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
5. Powell’s City of Books, Portland, Oregon
6. Prairie Lights, Iowa City, Iowa
7. Shakespeare and Company, Paris, France
8. Gertrude & Alice, Sydney, Australia
9. Librairie Avant-Garde, Nanjing, China
10. Cook & Book, Brussels, Belgium

Source: National Geographic

Worn by the emblematic Greek Evzones, the foustanella has come to be understood as a symbol of valiance, bravery and resistance.

The history of the skirt-like garment has been written by the klephts (the brigands of the mountains), and the armatoloi (irregular soldiers commissioned by the Ottomans to enforce the Sultan’s authority), who later formed the nucleus of the Greek fighting forces during the War of Independence against the Turks. The garment was worn by the Greek soldiers of the 1st Regiment Greek Light Infantry in British service (1810-1812), by the soldiers (mostly from Mani or Roumeli) of the Light Infantry (1837-1838), by the Greek legion in the 1853-1856 Crimean War, by the Mylonas rifle-carrying Evzones (1874-1877), and by the Royal Guard detachment, who, as elements of the regular infantry divisions, fought in the First World War as well as the Asia Minor Campaign and the Greco-Italian War.

From the Greek War of Independence to the war against the Italians and right up to the present, the Evzone uniform has always been a point of reference. It has adapted to geography and weather conditions. “The full-pleated all-white foustanella meets ancient Greek heritage,” Haitoglou says.

As folk dancers and some schoolchildren prepare their foustanellas, scarlet fez caps, and leather tsarouchia shoes ahead of the March 25 Independence Day parades, the elite ceremonial Evzones unit is the subject of a special tribute in Athens.  A total of 40 colored drawings of the Evzone uniform by painter and costume designer Yiannis Mylonas illustrate the historical evolution of what could be described as the quintessential Greek national dress from 1821 to this day, the different variations, and the conditions under which these were designed.

Prepared in cooperation with Thessaloniki’s Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, the exhibition is curated by Vassilis Nikoltsios and Stavroula Mavrogeni. The works belong to the private collection of Alexandros and Lena Haitoglou.

To read this article in full, please visit: eKathimerini.com

The government has decided to extend its vehicle-scrapping initiative until May 20, in which it subsidizes the purchase of new cars so that old vehicles are taken off the road; although the subsidy will be cut by 50 percent from last year.

The measure will be brought to parliament and once signed by Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, it will apply retroactively from January 1. This will bring great relief to the thousands of prospective buyers who have the necessary scrapping documents, but were unable to proceed with their new purchase.

To read more, please visit: eKathimerini

The national May Day Holiday (or Protomagia in Greek) celebrated on May 1st 2016 will be moved to Tuesday May 3rd 2016 due to it coinciding with Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.

This was a decision authorized and signed by Labour Minister George Katrougalos.

What the law says about working on this day:*
Business operation and employing employees is prohibited, except those who are legal to operate on Sundays and public holidays, such as companies in the health sector, tourism, transportation, food & beverage, factories with continuous hours, etc.

Employees who are paid by a wage, but who will not work on the May Day public holiday are entitled to receive their paid wages without any deduction. For employees paid by wage who will work on May 1, they are entitled to receive their wage with an increase of 75% which will be calculated at the statutory hourly rate for any hours worked.

If you are paid a monthly salary, and the company typically does operate on Sundays and public holidays then you are entitled to receive an increase of 75% calculated at the statutory hourly rate for any hours worked on this day. If you are employed with a company that typically does not work on Sundays and public holidays then you are entitled to receive an increase of 75% calculated at the statutory hourly rate for any hours worked on this day.

Source: Paidorama

* Please note, the information outlined is based on a report that has been translated from Greek and should be confirmed with your employer and local employment offices.

 

Whether you're a freelancer or a student or you just like a great space with a Wi-Fi connection, knowing the best work cafe is crucial in this digital age. Here are a few great spots in the greater Athens area that will caffeinate you, feed you, and inspire you to get the job done!

 

All the natural light pouring in from its floor-to-ceiling windows will help get you up and running, but The Underdog’s main attraction is coffee. As one of the first micro-roasteries in Athens serving single-origin beans freshly roasted, one cup will get you wired enough to meet any looming deadline.

 

Address: Irakleidon 8, Thiseio
Telephone: 213 0365393

As one of the only all-day bars in Mets, Kain (aka Cain) is a bright, art-deco-ified spot with a laid-back attitude ideal for cranking out a task. Score the large table by the window and try to resist the temptation to lose yourself in the flamingo and floral mural. Still there after 5 p.m.? Try the Killer’s Hand, a cocktail that may just give you the right motivation to keep going.

 

Address: 22 Anapafseos & 1 Timoleontos, Mets

Telephone: 210 9227616\

Saorsa


Credit:@saorsa

Meaning "freedom" in Scottish Gaelic, Saorsa in Metaxourgeio is a lively cafe-cocktail bar where you can do many things, including work! Find your sport in its inner courtyard, one of the most picturesque spots in Athens, and enjoy fantastic drinks and delectable food under the Attic sky.

Address: Giatrakou 2, Athina

Telephone: 210 5235960

 

With its dramatic high ceiling, light and airy atmosphere, and above all its artistic, and literary clientele, it's easy to mistake Kinonó for an art gallery. However, a lot gets done during the day amid these stylish surroundings while inventive snacks, eclectic DJ sets, and great cocktails entice you to stay after dark!

 

Here is one of our favourites from Jack where he takes us to two of Athens' coolest and most delicious restaurants!

I love tavernas as much as the next guy, but I also love to be surprised by unexpected flavours and interesting spaces, by those little restaurants around little corners of the city that catch your eye as you walk past. Or that you hear about on Facebook ;). In the past couple weeks, I’ve splurged and tried two of the newer food spots around town.

 

Nolan is one of those rare places that, after just one bite, makes you stop and look across at your dinner companion with a look of wonder on your face: ‘Do you taste what I'm tasting? Is it possible that this is real? Is it just me or is this amazing...?’

 

Let me be very clear: Nolan gets my strong recommendation for some of the most interesting food I've had in Athens. The menu, by Greek-Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas, is small and meant to be shared. The food is carefully prepared and presented. The flavours range from Vietnamese to Thai to Greek - and everything in between. Sophisticated and delicious.

 

The space is small, with around 10 tables in total, so book ahead if possible. On the night I went, they wouldn’t take a reservation prior to 10:00pm - not sure if this is a policy. The space itself has an airy, modern, minimal design, with lots of tall vertical lines. Really friendly service, better than average. Original wine list, easy to find something interesting to go with your interesting meal. And very cool lounge-y soundtrack playing in the background.

 

Dinner for 2 with wine and a full stomach ran to just shy of €60 - this is not your neighbourhood taverna. But if you have the urge to splurge on a really unique meal, Nolan will not disappoint.

 

On another night, I went by Feedel, another newish spot off Ermou, around a tiny corner from the Kapnikarea church. This is a small thoroughly urban spot, owned by the same group that runs Akanthus and Nalu along the Alimos beachfront, among others…  Feedel is billed as ‘urban gastronomy’ – a tasty twist on modern Greek fare. This is a ‘hidden treasure’ in all senses of the word. High quality Greek ingredients, yummy small plates for sharing and an impressive wine list – with a sommelier on staff for those who want a special experience. The plates are quite small, so expect to order lots. This is a sophisticated taverna, with an urban edge. Relaxed, hip vibe, a cool & cozy space, great service, outdoor seating – reservations recommended! You can even grab a spot at the bar. After wine and lots of food, this also takes us into the same price range as Nolan.

 

The Athens food scene is more than tavernas and cafes – I challenge anyone to say otherwise. Happily, there seem to be more and more great spots popping up, with delicious, thoroughly modern food - sort of a ‘food renaissance’ born out of (and in spite of?) crisis… Bon apetit!

Until next week,

Jack

 

Voulis 31, Syntagma

+30 210 324 3545

 

Ktena 1, Athens

+30 210 321 0551

Greece is a world renowned travel destination known especially for summer holidays and more recently for its incredible winter locales. As a country so full of extraordinary landscapes and impressive historical sites, there are hundreds of landmarks spread across the mainland and the islands. Here are some suggestions for landmarks in Greece that combine both history and natural beauty and that are excellent for visiting any time of the year!

Arguably the most important landmark in Greece is the celebrated Parthenon Temple of the Athens Acropolis, symbol of the ancient Greek civilization. Situated on top of a rocky hill, overlooking the city of Athens, the Parthenon is a temple built in the 5th century BC and originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. Made of Pentelic marble, this is a unique example of ancient Greek architecture.

A natural wonder, the caldera of Santorini is one of the most famous Greek landmarks. The caldera is actually part of a submerged volcano, created by an explosion about 3500 years ago. The impressive red cliffs of the caldera are better admired from the white villages constructed along the cliffs, such as Fira, Oia & Imerovigli.

The ancient sanctuary of Delphi is one of the most famous ancient Greek landmarks. Set in marvelous green surroundings, Delphi was a religious and cultural centre of the ancient Greek world, with prominent constructions, such as the temple of Apollo, used as an oracle, the ancient theatre and the sanctuary of Athena Pronea. It is suggested to visit the site in spring, when nature is in full bloom.

Ancient Olympia, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, was built around the 6th century BC. This is actually the original site of the ancient Olympic Games, which started as athletic competitions in honour of the god Zeus. The ancient sanctuary of Olympia included many impressive buildings, including the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, the Gymnasium and several others sites.

Enter the magic of the Medieval world by taking a stroll around the cobbled streets of the Old Town of Rhodes Island. This Medieval town, constructed as a stronghold by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem during the Venetian occupation, is an UNESCO World Heritage site and a highly romantic destination.

The most important monuments, still excellently preserved, are the Palace of the Grand Master, the Old Hospital now turned into an Archaeological Museum and the Street of the Knights.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is surely among the most famous Greek landmarks. Located next to the ancient sanctuary of god Asklepius, this theatre was actually where the religious festivities and theatre performances to honor the god would take place. Today the theatre still works and hosts drama performances during the summer, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists.

A very important monastic community and a highly spiritual destination, the monasteries of Meteora are considered among the most famous Greek landmarks, attracting thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Built by monks on top of gigantic rock formations, these extraordinary monasteries date back to the 14th century and host many historical treasures. Six monasteries are still in use, situated above Kalambaka town in Thessaly.

To find out more great landmards, please visit: Greece Trip