LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Saturday, 08 February 2020 13:44
ACS Students Jazz Ensemble
As part of its collaboration with the American Community Schools of Athens, the Music Center Athens invites us on Saturday, February 15th at 22:30 p.m. to their ACS Student Jazz Ensemble at Jazzèt Cafè, the new Athens jazz club under the educational guidance and artistic direction of composer and pianist Rhodell Fields.
The new generation of ACS jazz students and future jazz musicians will present selected compositions from a wide repertoire of the jazz music scene where, with their classical and contemporary music education, combined with the intense dynamism and excitement of their young age, will pleasantly surprise you in this unique musical evening!
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Music
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Wednesday, 09 February 2022 07:00
How To Express Your Love In Greek
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Athenian streets are immersed in a lingering romantic mood. Flower shops are overflowing with red roses, and chocolatiers are preparing tiny delights to please lovers' palates.
How can you show your affection to your significant other, the Greek way? What are the best words to express your love and affection? Even if you're single, how would you go about flirting with a Greek lady?
We have put together a concise list of useful words and phrases:
Will you be my Valentine? | Θες να γίνεις ο Βαλεντίνος μου; | Thes na yínis o Valentínos mu?
I love you | Σ' αγαπώ | S' agapó
I adore you | Σε λατρεύω | Se latrévo
May I kiss you? | Μπορώ να σε φιλήσω; | Boró na se filíso;
Ι miss you | Μου λείπεις | Moo lipis
Baby | Mωρό μου | Moro moo
You mean a lot to me | Σημαίνεις πολλά για μένα | Siménis polá ya ména
Would you like to go out to dinner with me? | Θα ήθελες να βγούμε έξω για δείπνο; | Tha itheles na vgume exo ya dipno?
When can I see you again? | Πότε μπορώ να σε ξαναδώ; | Póte boró na se xanadó?
Ι’ll call you | Θα σε πάρω τηλέφωνο | Tha se páro tiléfono
Happy Flirting and Happy Valentine's day!
Happy Flirting and Happy Valentine's day!
Published in
Greek Language & Culture
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Monday, 10 February 2020 07:00
3 Walnut-Honey Recipes You’ll Fall For
Even though Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic times of the year, it can also be an incredibly stressful one as well. Those of us looking to make a perfect evening, or day, for that certain special someone, have millions of things to think about. From the colours of the roses to the scents of the many candles that will light our houses—we try to plan everything. And while the final results are usually incredibly beautiful and romantic, they tend to leave us drained by the end of the day.
This is especially true for those of us preparing food for our significant others. Not only do we have to stress about finding the perfect meal, but we also have to worry about making it. Thankfully, we’ve found a delicious three-course menu that won’t only be easy for you to make, but it will also give you the energy to enjoy the post-dinner celebrations! The secret to this menu’s energy boost is the combination of walnuts and honey.
Did you know that the walnut-honey combination is one of the most potent aphrodisiacs? In fact, it’s so potent that, even to this day, Greek parents will welcome their children and their significant others with bowls of walnuts covered in Greek honey. This sweet and natural treat is also usually accompanied with the ever-so-subtle saying “Hungry bears don’t dance,” literally meaning that lovemaking needs sustenance. So, how will walnuts and honey keep you dancing this Valentine’s evening, you ask?
Well, this combination of ingredients hasn’t only been used in thousands of years of Greek cooking, but it is also rich in vitamins that give both men and women energy. For men, though, walnuts contain vitamins, like Zinc, that contribute to their production of testosterone and overall sexual health. Women, on the other, benefit from minerals in Greek honey that help with the production of estrogen, which is necessary for stimulating the female libido.
Now, surely you can’t serve a bowl of walnuts with honey after all the flowers and candles! So, we suggest that devise an entire meal using the walnut-honey combination. Consider starting off with a simple salad with walnuts and honey. Then, move on to a chicken breast stuffed with walnuts and bulgur and served with honey-glazed carrots. For dessert—or breakfast, depending on how the night goes—maybe try baking some simple walnut-honey baklava muffins.
These may sound complicated, but don’t worry! The recipes are simple and quick. Also, you most definitely don’t have to make all three courses. You can always just make one to accompany your other food ideas!
Ingredients
Salad With Walnuts And Honey
For the Salad:
- 8-12 halves of walnuts
- ½ tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 6 cups of trimmed arugula
- 1 ripe persimmon that must be sliced or spooned
- 4 ounces of Greek feta cheese
For the dressing:
- 1 tbsp of Greek honey
- 5 tbsp of extra-virgin Greek olive oil
- 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp of mustard
- A pinch of pepper
Chicken Breast With A Walnut-Bulgur Stuffing And Honey-Glazed Carrots
- 4 tbsp of walnuts
- 1 tsp of Greek honey
- ½ cup of bulgur
- ½ cup of water
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup of chopped mint leaves
- 1/3 cup of chopped parley
- 2 tbsp of raisins
- 4 chopped dried Greek figs
- 2 tbsp of grated Parmesan, or Kefalograviera
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 large carrot
- 1 onion
- 3 tbsp of fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar (preferably made from figs)
Walnut-Honey Baklava Muffins
For the filling:
- 2/3 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2/3 cup of chopped pistachios
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon
- ½ tsp of ground cloves
- 1 tsp of grated orange
- 2 tbsp of melted butter
- A touch of pepper
- A touch of nutmeg
For the muffins:
- 1 ¾ cup of flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp. of extra-virgin Greek olive oil
- 2/3 cup of Greek yoghurt
- 75 ml of milk
- 125 ml of Greek honey for the topping
To see the full recipe and preparation instructions, please visit: Diane Kochilas
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Friday, 07 February 2020 07:00
Athens Voted The 2nd Best European Destination
Athens has been declared the 2nd Best European Destination for 2020 by travelers in the European Best Destinations (EBD) online competition. European Best Destinations (EBD) is a Brussels-based organization that promotes culture and tourism in Europe.
According to EBD, the 11th edition of the competition attracted more than 600,000 votes from 179 countries–breaking all previous records.
According to EBD, the 11th edition of the competition attracted more than 600,000 votes from 179 countries–breaking all previous records.
The town of Colmar in France came first and was proclaimed Best European Destination for 2020 with a record-breaking 179,723 votes!
Athens was voted by a total of 104,639 voters and ranked 2nd on the list, 10 places up from 12th place last year!
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 10 February 2020 07:00
The Power Of Gratitude And Love
A short story about the power of gratitude and love.
Let me tell you a story about a client of mine, let's call him Mr. Smith. Successful in his profession, he's a charismatic man with a big heart, a born leader with very concrete views. Mr. Smith has a beautiful family and two boys, a doctoral student, and a first-grader.His eldest son has always succeeded in everything he's done and has received praise and admiration from everyone. He is also a good kid and has a nice, steady relationship – the ideal child for a parent. The youngest boy is a sweet, affectionate and sociable child who does not show the same abilities in school as his older brother. It goes without saying that Mr. Smith loves both his children very much. Yet because he's often so authoritarian, he's found himself angrily screaming and threatening his little son. You see, he thought he was just immature, lazy and ill-tempered. On top of that Mr. Smith would blame his wife as mums are always to blame!
Recently, however, he found out that his youngest son's academic difficulty is caused by a particular brain condition. Not something irreversible or serious but definitely something he's never expected. "Is it possible that my child may have special needs?" he kept on asking himself. What a big shock! He just couldn't digest it. It took him a while to realize what he wasn't seeing.
And then his attitude towards his little boy completely changed. He no longer shouted at him when he would not grasp mathematics, nor did he threaten him when he would not spell correctly. On the contrary, he would sit next to him, speak beautifully, and find alternative ways to help him. Now he started devoting quality time to his son. Now he would show his love for his little boy every day with a big hug. Because now Mr. Smith realized he loved his son without expectations. He was grateful simply because he existed in his life!
Don't wait for something special to happen to show people that you love them. Every moment counts! ❤️❤️
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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Tuesday, 14 January 2020 20:09
Beauty, Grace & Achievement
It's a well known fact that Greece is a beautiful country so we don't like to brag about it... well maybe just a little bit! In this week's newsletter discover some of the most beautiful towns in Greece to visit for a lovely time and find out which Greek resorts were named the best ones in the world!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Published in
Newsletters
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Tuesday, 07 January 2020 19:51
New Year, New Decade!
One of the many traditions held in Greece is one known as ''Theofania'' and it is one of the most sacred holidays of the Greek Orthodox Church. Whether you're a local, just visiting the country or has recently moved here, don't miss the chance to learn all about this feast day and many more!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 31 December 2019 19:37
New Year Wishes & Traditions
Spending New Year's in Greece? Great! We have everything you need to know so you don't feel like a fish out of water, from all the traditions that take place to what the locals eat to celebrate the new year!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Wednesday, 05 February 2020 07:00
Global Expertise Versus Local Players
Companies continuing to rely on global expertise of IWG instead of local players
A fact that virtually every company will agree with, regardless of size, is that business is becoming increasingly global. So regardless of where a firm is based, when it comes to choosing a provider for an essential service such as office space, it makes sense for them to choose someone that can provide that truly global outlook.
The world of flexible working is one of those services. Undoubtedly one of the emerging disruptive trends in recent years, and a growth sector for global business that shows no signs of abating, flexible-office space providers have sprung up to try and service this need in cities all over the world.
But regardless of whether they’re pursuing international growth, there are a range of crucial factors all firms should take into consideration before deciding on a flexible-office space provider. From stability to global reach, professionalism and reputation, it’s a simple fact that smaller companies simply can’t contend with what a worldwide provider like IWG can provide.
This is something that’s been seen in the Russian market. Smaller, local players may have emerged in the flexible-workspace market there but IWG – with its global reputation and respected brand – has continued to be a firm favourite with tenants in the country’s capital. “One international company planned to move to a competitor due to a lower price, but then preferred to stay at Regus as their HQ considered Regus the most reliable workspace-provider in Moscow,” says Irina Baeva, Country Manager IWG Russia.
With IWG being the biggest global provider of flexible workspace and flexspace-industry experts, it also has an enviable reputation built up over 30 years with market expertise and an infrastructure built on tried and tested processes.
High corporate standards across every department, from legal, operations and HR, to training and management are all strictly monitored by head office too. As well as the longevity and stability provided by IWG, in markets such as Russia there are also the myriad of practical advantages that being backed up by a truly global business provides as well. “Some international/foreign companies choose Regus because they can pay in USD, not only in Roubles,” adds Baeva. “The local players do not accept payments in foreign currency.”
When deciding on a flexible-workspace provider, it’s also important to consider that IWG is following a model that has seen it establish and successfully operate in 3,300 locations in over 1,000 towns and cities in more than 110 countries.
As flexspace-industry experts, IWG serves a massive 2.5m people to work more productively right around the globe via state-of-the art offices that include business-class broadband, virtual offices, meeting rooms and shared office spaces. These facilities, combined with unrivalled expertise, make it simple for companies to up- and downscale, control their rental costs, stay agile and also make their businesses more appealing to potential new recruits, with 80% of workers saying they would choose a job that offers them the flexible-working option.
This all helps to ensures that every office and every new client is following a well-trodden path to success, and it’s this reliable reputation as flexspace-industry experts that Baeva says is continuing to place Regus as the preferred office space provider in the market, regardless of which newer, smaller companies emerge.
“Regus is known on the market for the ability to fastest set up an office space for a customer, so that they can move in ASAP,” she says. “While other market players are catching up, Regus still has the best standards and expertise in this regard.”
The outlook is clear: for companies looking for a reliable, stable flexible-office space provider with an established business model that’s stood the test of time, IWG is the ideal solution.
To find out more, visit IWG today.
This content has been sponsored by IWG - an XpatAthens Brand Partner.
Originally published at IWG
Published in
Work & Business
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Tuesday, 17 December 2019 19:28
The Season To Be Jolly
Christmas is a wonderful time and Greece has a lot to offer! Explore some of the best restaurants in Athens for a festive dinner, learn how to make the most popular Greek Christmas cookies and if you had some shopping in mind, we've got you covered!
Published in
Newsletters
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