Komboskini is a prayer tool that is used by Orthodox Christians dating back to the 5th and 6th century. Usually, they are handmade in monasteries, by wool (symbolising the flock of Christ) or silk and they are made up of complex knots, beads and a cross (either handmade or metallic). These prayer ropes are used by many religious Orthodox people when they pray.

 

You will find them in various sizes, but the bracelet style is the most common. The prayer ropes are blessed on the relics of specific Saints so people may wear more than one. The traditional colour is black but nowadays, coloured komboskinis have also become fashionable.

There are also long prayer ropes that have a tassel at the end of the cross. The tassel can also be said to represent the glory of the Heavenly Kingdom, which one can only enter through the Cross.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece by a Greek

Photo Source: Greece by a Greek, hristospanagiablog

It is finally on its way. In a few days’ time the 1st “Greek Panorama” exhibition will open its curtain at the Grand Central Terminal in the Vanderbilt Hall, in Manhattan, hoping to achieve a successful representation of Greece abroad.

The exhibition will offer free entrance to the public on May 12th and May 13th, from 10:00 AM until 06:00 PM, while everything that is included in the “Greek Panorama B2B sessions”, which is exclusively for professionals, will take place on May 11th, 2017 and the feedback of this event is extremely promising since the participations are already beyond every expectation.

The B2B is peeking the interest of many professionals who are involved in the American traveling market, as it is offering a unique opportunity for them to meet in person with people representing Greek tourist businesses and destinations. This particular event at the Greek Panorama will be organized at the high-end assembly hall “Kellari” and will include shows by famous chefs creating a variety of Greek delicacies.

A Greek expatriate as well as the entire Greek American community is standing by the side of this initiative. Important people will be there, such as the ultramarathon runner Konstantinos (Dean) Karnazes, who will be signing his book “The road to Sparta” and also the former NFL player, Niko Koutouvides.

At the time of the exhibition the first copy of the Greek American magazine Hellas Blu will be published, which includes interviews of the Greek NBA star Giannis Antetokoumpo, Dean Karnazes and the famous chef Maria Loe, who runs her own business in New York.

Greek Panorama” and its corresponding events are the main constituents of the plan of action created by the Hellas North American Events Inc. regarding North America markets, considering that the plan includes actions and initiatives throughout the year.

Shortly before the exhibition opens its doors, the general manager of North Events, Mr. Leonidas Babanis, pointed out: “I am very excited that we are just a few moments before the beginning of the exhibition, which aims to promote Greece everywhere! Having tourism, culture and gastronomy as the key points, a successful recipe is created so that the essence of Greece will originally take over New York and eventually the world. The overwhelming enrollments for the B2B event allow us to dream that the “Greek Panorama” is not only a yearly exhibition but an establishment for the future. I want to thank all those who have stood and are still standing beside us such as the Greek embassy in Washington, the Ministry of Tourism, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Tourism and Greek National Tourism Organization, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FedHATTA), Hellenic Hotel Federation (HHF) and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH). More importantly, though, we have to thank the people, our expatriates, who from the beginning have shown that they are beside us. Finally, we will be waiting for you on May 12th and 13th at the Grand Central Terminal to enjoy Greece”.

It should be noted that the available exposure areas in the Greek Panorama exhibition are limited and due to the interest already expressed, the participation requests will be processed in priority order.

Official Hashtag: #greekpanorama

After country officials voted against Karl Lagerfeld’s request for a fashion show at a historic venue in Greece, he decided to bring Greece to Paris for Chanel Cruise’s 2018 collection. Lagerfeld and Cruise recreated the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion all under the venue of Grand Palais. As the New York Times reported, ‘It took 50 craftspeople three weeks of construction and nine days of assembly to complete.’

‘The cash-strapped status of modern Greece makes, perhaps, for an odd allusion when a cruise collection is involved. Though the show was held in Paris, Chanel’s homeland, it wasn’t Chanel on the cheap; there was, of course, no reason for it to be.’

‘Later in May 2017, Louis Vuitton will present its collection in Kyoto, Christian Dior in Los Angeles, Gucci in Florence and Prada, for the first time, in Milan.’

‘Greece in the Grand Palais seems tame next to those locations. But Mr. Lagerfeld’s initial inspiration came from even closer to home: a first century B.C. statue of Venus in Gabrielle Chanel’s Rue Cambon apartment, above Chanel’s flagship boutique. That led him to think about ancient times, and the “modernity of antiquity,” words he chose as the title of the collection.’

‘Mr. Lagerfeld’s clothes were Greece, remixed, a sprint of Olympian proportions through Ionic iconography. There were amphora-shaped dresses of compressed pleats, draped chiffon pieces corseted with “cracked” marble and sandals with columns as heels.’

To read this article in full, please visit: New York Times

 

Click HERE to watch the fashion show!

Photo Source: Chanel

Meet Culture, the culture company founded in Athens, was invited by the Consulate General of Greece in Shanghai to attend the Reception of Greek National Day. Miao Bin – the Founder and CEO, Chang Jing – the Artistic Director and Zhang Di – the Music Director met with the Consul General Mr Vassilis Xiros in Yuyuan, Shanghai.

In August 2016, Meet Culture organized the Aegean Music Tour in China, including several cities such as Lishui, Chengdu, Nanjing, Wuxi and Shanghai. In the concert in Shanghai, Meet Culture invited Mr Vassilis Xiros to join the Chinese and Greek musicians with his bouzouki to perform the Greek traditional music. Since then, Meet Culture has kept close relationship with the Consulate on the culture projects.

Based on the great contribution to the culture exchange between Greece and China, Chang Jing was awarded the Cultural Ambassador by the Consulate General of Greece in Shanghai.

As said by Mr. Consul General, Music unites the two civilizations. Chang Jing has been contributing to the culture exchange between China and Thailand as the teacher of the Princess of Thailand, and now she devote her efforts to the relationship of Greece and China.

Chang Jing invited Miao Bin, the founder of Meet Culture, to the stage to present the gift from Meet Culture to the Consulate General. This is gift is the calligraphy from Mr Xie Qianhong, the calligrapher in Chengdu.

To read this article in full, please visit: Meet Culture

If you have kids, you know how difficult it is to find a restaurant perfect for the whole family. It's not always easy to combine child-friendly foods with dishes adults will love.

Luckily for you, in Athens, where family meals are an important aspect of daily life, there are numerous options. 



Eleftheriadis


Credit: peinirlieleftheriadis.gr

Restaurants serving peinirli–a boat-shaped pizza dough specialty packed with cheese and other tasty fillings, baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with butter– have always been a popular choice for Sunday lunch with kids. The forested northern suburb of Drosia is famous for its peinirli restaurants, and Elefteriadis is one of our favorites. With a large courtyard shaded with pine trees, this is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal on a sunny day!

Address: 26 Solomou, Drosia
Telephone: 210 6229003

Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis


Credit: @amalaxeinef

Located in Exarchia, the courtyard of this long-standing taverna used to be a schoolyard. The restaurant serves modern Greek cuisine, offering delicious vegetarian options and kid-friendly dishes, including the delicious meatballs - a kid-friendly best-seller. Don't forget to try the sensational Cretan cheese pies with honey and mint as well as the hand-cut fries! 

Address: 69 Kallidromiou, Exarchia, Athens
Telephone: 210 3845978

Hard Rock Cafe


Credit: Hard Rock Cafe

Located in Monastiraki, just a stone’s throw away from the historic city center with stunning views of the Acropolis, Hard Rock Cafe Athens is a must-see for both kids and adults alike. Except for enjoying fresh, high-quality food which includes delicious burgers, steaks, fajitas, and many more there are a number of events going on that the whole family is going to fall in love with. Right now, the Kids Sunday event is back where little Roxtars are invited for some face-painting, handcrafting, and lots of fun with an amateur.

Address: Adrianou 52, Athens
Telephone: 210 3245170

Cupola


Credit: @cupola_trattoria

Who doesn't love pizza? This authentic trattoria is located on a pedestrian strip with a laid-back neighborhood vibe, near the Panathenaic stadium. Perfectly thin, bubbling pizza is baked in a wood-burning oven and topped with genuine Italian ingredients. The panzerotti, a miniature fried calzone, is a hit with kids while the oven-baked conchiglionni ragu is ideal for pasta-lovers. For dessert, try the hand-made cannoli stuffed with ricotta, chocolate chips, and pistachios, which - both children and adults - are guaranteed to fall in love with. 

Address: 13 Eforionos, Pangrati 
Telephone: 211 411 7444

Agroktima Regoukou


Credit: Agroktima Regoukou

This farm-to-table tavern is definitely worth the 45-minute drive or taxi ride from downtown Athens if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a day. Surrounded by nature, this restaurant in Stamata is situated on the farm where practically all of the ingredients are sourced. Their famous cheese pie, roast goat, and just-picked salads are not to be missed!

Address: Ektoros, Pangrati 
Telephone: 210 621 7898

Oliver Family House
 

Credit: @oliver_family_house

We saved the best for last since Oliver Family House surely is the most child-friendly restaurant on the list. Located in Glyfada, inside a multiplex, the restaurant is specifically designed for kids of all ages to enjoy endless play and for parents to cherish some moments of relaxation. There you can choose from a lot of creative activities to enjoy as a family. In addition, the restaurant offers an extensive healthy menu with freshly prepared meals, snacks, salads, and delicious desserts using organic products from their own garden.

Address: Leof. Dimarchou Aggelou Metaxa 39, Glifada
Telephone: 21 0898 6066

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One of the most tedious journeys – from Athens to Patra – will now take an hour and 40 minutes following the opening of the new Olympia Odos motorway.

As a continuation of the Athens-Corinth highway, the 120km two-lane (total of four lanes) Olympia Odos was officially launched by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

There are 12 new tunnels across the Corinth-Patra motorway. The PM also added that the overhaul of the Athens-Patra suburban railway was in the pipeline.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

 

Photo Credit: Olympia Odos

Author and travel blogger, Marissa Tejada from Travel Greece Travel Europe, shares her secrets to making Sundays in Athens great. While many businesses close on Sunday, Tejada gives us her local insight, giving us plenty of options for a fun Sunday!

Located in the shadow of the Acropolis, Monastiraki is a part of what is known as Old Athens. The neighborhoods surrounding the ancient monument are just as ancient and full of charm.

Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the world. While you could consider it a touristy section of town — it is totally picturesque and a great place to walk and shop.

While the retail shops are closed on Ermou Street and other retail districts on Sundays, Plaka’s family owned shops are open. So, if you are walking around Plaka during your Sunday in Athens, you can shop for some quality Greek goods.

On Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in Syntagma Square, the presidential guard marches from their barracks to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A good photo opportunity to snap photos of the traditionally dressed evzones.

To read this article in full, please visit: Travel Greece Travel Europe

Fraport Greece is finally taking over the 40-year management of 14 regional airports across Greece in one of the country’s largest privatization operations to be completed.

Made up of German airport operator Fraport and Greece’s Copelouzos Group, Fraport Greece will begin renovation and construction works at the said airports. The company entered a 357-million-euro agreement with Intracom’s Intrakat construction company for the overhaul works.

The airports at the 14 regions across Greece include three mainland gateways (Thessaloniki, Aktion, and Kavala) and 11 airports on Greek islands (Chania on Crete, Kefalonia, Kos, Mykonos, Lesvos, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos and Zakynthos).

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

 

Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages

Swimming and running are included in the 3-days sport event at the “sacred” island!

For the first time the island of the Dodecanese will carry out high-level sporting activities. "Patmos Revelation" opens its doors and the Municipality of Patmos in cooperation with Active Media Group aims to highlight the element of sport tourism.

Sport tourism has the potential to offer the island, in addition to being a religious destination, the opportunity to become an alternative choice that will attract visitors to Patmos, who will get acquainted with a different and unprecedented experience, while preserving the mystical atmosphere of the island.

"Patmos Revelation" will take place between June 30 and July 2, 2017, where the island will host running races and open water swimming races, for professional and amateur athletes, for both young and old, with the presence of Greek Olympic and world champions. The event’ s goal is the growth of tourism on an undeniably beautiful island, offering alternative forms of tourism that enable the visitor to combine fun with sports and the knowledge of the history of the place. The event will offer a full package of entertainment to the participants leaving behind wonderful memories!

Patmos, moreover, has a great and enormous religious history, as it is the island in which Ioannis the Theologian lived exile and wrote the "Apocalypse", which is one of the greatest chapters of Christianity. "Jerusalem of the Aegean", as it is known worldwide, is a heavy heritage of religion, as it has been declared "Sacred Island" by the Greek state. At the same time, it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is part of the COESIMA network as one of the seven most important places of pilgrimage in Europe.

The mayor of Patmos, Grigoris Stoikos, among other things, stressed, “We are delighted to organize "Patmos Revelation" for the first time on our hospitable island. Patmos is famous as a destination that combines religious devoutness and natural beauty. Visitors of the island can enjoy the cave of the Apocalypse, the Castle-Monastery of St. John the Theologian, which is imposing on the top, the town of Chora, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, wonderful landscapes, dreamy seas and natural tranquility. The reason we chose to bring sport tourism to Patmos is because we want to showcase the beauties of our island by attracting people of all ages to visit us, while offering knowledge, fun and hospitality. In this way, visitors-athletes will be able to get to know the island through running races as well as open water swimming. "Patmos Revelation" aims to attract new friends and future fans to our island.We are waiting for you to participate and meet an island, which is ready to embrace you, an Apocalypse island...”.

In terms of travel and accommodation for those who participate in “Patmos Revelation”, there will be attractive packages with many privileges. For an island where the main obstacle is access, the organization has secured special routes to facilitate the participants. At the same time, more information will be announced in the next few weeks regarding the opening of registrations and the program of the activities.

Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, Natural Mineral Water "Vikos"

For more information, please visit: Patmos Revelation

Photo Credit: Elias Koutoumanos