LIFE & CULTURE

XpatAthens
ACS Athens Virtual School Lauches Its Programs For The 2019-2020 Academic Year
Today’s high school and middle school students need to be prepared for a world that exponentially depends on technology, an ever-changing environment with multi-faceted demands.
Well-designed courses provide great opportunities for students to learn through authentic and diverse teaching and learning modalities that constitute and further extend the i²Flex methodology. Developed 12 years ago at ACS Athens, this blended teaching methodology specifies that student learning occurs in the following dimensions:
· i: independent, yet teacher-guided learning;
· i: inquiry-based learning;
· Flex: flexible learning in a continuum from face-to-face to virtual classroom settings
The Virtual School offers online courses that come to meet the individual needs of students worldwide for high school credit. The exceptionally skilled faculty of ACS Athens, trained to teach both i²Flex and online courses, bring the academic excellence of ACS Athens courses to the online mode by promoting learner-centered instructional designs and experiences, while at the same time maintaining student-teacher contact through synchronous and asynchronous virtual class projects and meetings. Continuous support and monitoring of the student provides a holistic approach to student learning and performance.
The first group of 11 online courses begins this October and runs for 15 weeks in order to secure up to one high school credit. The second group begins in February 10, 2020 and, again, runs for 15 weeks for up to one high school credit.
Accelerated summer courses are offered, beginning in the second week of June 2020 and will end the last week of July (8 weeks) for a one-semester, 0.5 high school credit.
Greek Doctor Appointed International President Of Doctors Without Borders
To read this article in full, please visit: msf.org
Photo: Isabel Corthier/MSF
What You Need To Know Before Joining A Pool In Athens
In Greece there are certain health requirements that are necessary in order to join a pool. When registering to use a public or private pool facility, you will be required to complete an application and provide some documents, which we've included for you below. Even though requirements are standardized, we suggest that you contact the pool's administration to confirm their enrollment process.
For children under 12 years old, the typical documents you will need to provide are:
1. A recent pediatrician's certificate that your child is healthy and does not suffer from heart and/or dermatological condition
2. 2 photographs
3. Birth Certificate
For teenagers and adults, the typical documents you will need to provide are:
1. A recent medical assessment from a general practitioner or cardiologist that you are healthy and capable of physical activity
2. A recent certificate by a dermatologist that you don't suffer from a skin condition
3. Two Photos
4. A photocopy of your id or passport, or green card for foreigners
5. Women also need a recent gynecological evaluation
Oresteia By Aeschylus - National Theatre of Greece
Agamemnon, the first part of the timeless masterpiece that is Aeschylus’ Oresteia, is the starting point for a multi-layered theatrical experience. With the myth of the Trojan War at its core, it was an immediate success when it was written (in the Athens of the 5th century BCE) and has remained so in every era up to the present day. After ten years, a king returns victorious from the most terrible of wars, only for his wife to murder him in his own home. This is a poetic universe in which man is an unsolved enigma and human actions do not take place under godless skies, where there is slippage between the roles of victim and persecutor. This slippage is observed by a ruling class that is silent until it loses its power and ultimately its very existence. Who has the right to commit a crime and where does this right derive from?
The action of the second part of The Oresteia takes place ten years after the end of Agamemnon. This is the bloody, beating heart of the trilogy. The ground has already been prepared for the arrival of Orestes, the young avenger who must follow the ancient law of duty and take blood for blood. The dead father seeks vengeance and his presence in the play is just as powerful as it is in Agamemnon, although in a different way. The landscape in The Libation Bearers is bleak and threatening. The illicit lovers who, with blood-stained hands, seized power from the legitimate king, now preside over a regime of brutality, terror and fearful silence, as the country is plunged into darkness and chaos.
Summer Tour | Tickets:
15€ General Admission
12€ (students, over 65 years old, unemployed, Disabled & Groups)
Two Day Admission Ticket – Discount
25€ General Admission
22€ (students, over 65 years old, unemployed, Disabled & Groups).
Art Athina 2019 Aftermath
Throughout these 4 days, the biggest art festival in Greece organized by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association and Art Director Stamatia Dimitrakopoulou, managed to impress the public with its artists and galleries. It wasn't just a festival showcasing Greek modern art, but a celebration.
Even from the first hours after the big opening, Zappeio Hall was filled with people. However, the biggest moment was that of the opening where the President of The Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos, was present and supported Art Athina mentioning that the organizers have contributed a lot to art, in Athens and Greece in general, but even more to culture. He was also aware of the conditions under which the institution was created and, above all, was kept alive and thrived even during the crisis. For him, cultural creation is an act of resistance against any kind of corruption that threatens man.
Also present at the opening was Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakogiannis, while amongst the visitors were many high-profile people, such as the Minister of Education and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The galleries that participated in the 24th Art Athina:
a. antonopoulou.art (Athens), Agathi Kartalos (Athens), Alibi (Athens), Alma Contemporary Art Gallery (Athens- Trikala), Anna Pappas Gallery (Μελβούρνη), Argo Gallery (Athens), Αrt Appel Gallery (Athens), Arusha Gallery (Scotland), Astrolavos Art Galleries (Athens), Cheapart (Athens), Citronne Gallery (Athens), Crux Gallerie (Athens), Donopoulos International Fine Arts (Thessaloniki), ekfrasi-yianna Grammatopoulou (Athens), Eleftheria Tseliou Gallery (Athens), Eleni Koroneou Gallery (Athens), Epsilon Art Gallery (Loutraki), Evripidis Art Gallery (Athens), Gallery “7” (Athens), Gallery Art Prisma (Pireaus), Gallery d’ Arte (New Jersey) Genesis Gallery (Athens), i-D Projectart (Athens), Ikastikos Kiklos Sianti (Athens), Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Center (Athens), Kalfayan Galleries (Athens-Thessaloniki), kaplanon5 art gallery (Athens), Mihalarias Art (Athens), N, Papatzikou Gallery (Veria), PeriTechnon Karteris (Athens), Renatino Gallery (Cyprus), Skoufa Gallery (Athens), Skoufa Gallery Mykonos (Mykonos), Τechnohoros Art Gallery (Athens), The Breeder Gallery (Athens), Zina Athanassiadou Gallery (Thessaloniki).
The Story Of The Most Iconic Doorman In Athens
A few months ago, Taktikos was ranked by Marriott International among the "best of the best," receiving the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence. This annual award honors the company's most exceptional associates who represent the characteristics of the award: achievement, integrity, dedication, effort, and perseverance.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
Useful Greek Words That You Really Need To Know
Yia Sou
Possibly the most essential Greek phrase, and one of the most common Greek greetings, 'yia sou' [jaː su] is an informal way of saying 'hello.' What your Greek phrasebook probably won't tell you, is that 'yia' is a shorter version of 'iyia' [ijiːa], which means 'health' in Greek. By saying 'yia sou' you are greeting people by literally wishing them good health!
Ela
Ela is a Greek word with multiple meanings; It means 'come' or 'come on,' but Greeks also use it to casually answer the phone–given they know who is calling. By saying 'ela' they are not inviting the caller to come over; it is more of a way to acknowledge the caller and adding a friendly note to the phonecall.
Meraki
'Meraki' is one of the most beautiful Greek words; it means doing something with love, enjoyment, and attention to detail. 'Meraki' derives from the Turkish 'Merak' and is applied to tasks, usually crafts, but can be applied to any task at all.
Efharisto
While in Greece, you will most probably want to say 'efharisto' [efχaristoː] or thank you to a few people. Even if you don't speak a word of Greek, it is imperative to master this one little word, as a form of appreciation to locals!
Parakalo
In case you were wondering, the natural reply to 'efharisto' is 'parakalo' [parakaloː] - the Greek word for 'you're welcome.' However, the Greek language often attributes multiple meanings to just one word so keep in mind that 'parakalo' could also mean 'please,' or 'how can I help you.'
To discover even more delightful little Greek words, please visit: TheTravelPorter.com
Significant Art Nouveau Building in Athens Reopens After Full Restoration
Now, after years of restoration works, it is ready to host offices for various departments of the Ministry of Culture, workshops, educational programs, periodical art exhibitions, as well as the ministry’s Fund of Archaeological Proceeds.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Nine Lives Greece - Autumn Bazaar
Let’s start a new season by helping cats in need.
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Books/CDs
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Clothes
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Fashion accessories
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Jewelry
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Household ornaments
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Homemade cakes and pies, sweets & savory treats kindly offered by La Chocolatiere
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Coffee/tea/soft drinks
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Nine Lives merchandise
Please contact us prior to the bazaar if you have items to donate, as we cannot accept any items on the day of the bazaar itself.
Donations of cat food, however, are welcomed with open paws!
Rio Olympic Champions At Santorini Experience 2019
Discounts and offers for the participants!
“Santorini Experience” is approaching, as, in October 4-6, the unique running and swimming races will take place for the 5th consecutive year in Santorini, the world-famous tourist destination of unparalleled beauty.
Santorini Experience will attract once again the global interest, where both professional and amateur athletes will participate in running and open water swimming races. The running races will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2019, and the open water swimming on Sunday, October 6, 2019 against the backdrop of the iconic Cycladic Island. In particular, on Saturday 05/10, the races of 15 km by Samsung and 10 km will start at 08:15 am, while the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” race will start at 11:00 am. All races have as a starting point the Desalination Plant located in Oia.
On Sunday 06/10, swimming will take place with the eruptive atmosphere of the volcano. Participants will swim the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira with the imposing view of the island in front of them at the Open Water Swimming by Vikos. The race will start at 10:00 am from the volcano. Swimming is held under the technical direction of federal coach and director, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, following the FINA regulations and the safety provided by Boatmen Union Santorini, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center and Santorini Nautical Club.
This year’s event will feature the silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasunari Hirai and the dynamic presence of the elite of the Greek National Open Water Swimming Team such as world champion Kelly Araouzou, European champion George Arniakos and Greek champions Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Dimitris Manios, the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis, as well as Andreas Georgakopoulos, Irene Diakoumakou, Maria Filopoulou, Konstantinos Konstantineskou, Panagiotis Alogakos, Maria Kirykou, Triantafyllia Diakoumakou and Melina Trochalaki.
Check out the video with swimming tips from Spyros Gianniotis and Kelly Araouzou on the exciting swimming race HERE!
More information about this year’s detailed program can be found HERE!
Special offer & participation kit pick up at Alafouzos Sport
Swimming and running registrations continue now as well at the store of the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport in Fira.
A 25% special discount on registration costs per activity will apply to all participants for purchases over 15 euros at the sponsor’s store.
From Thursday 3/10 to Saturday 5/10, participants can receive their participation kits from Alafouzos Sport store (open hours: 09:00 – 21:00). Otherwise, runners and swimmers can receive their registration numbers one hour before the start of their race from the starting point of their races, on Saturday 5/10 and on Sunday 6/10 respectively. Meanwhile, participants may register in the event according to the final wave of registrations which lasts until the start of the event.
Register now for Santorini Experience!
Transportation offer to participants
DNA Travel, as the official transport partner of the event, in order to facilitate the transportation of all athletes, running participants to Oia and swimming participants to the old port of Fira, will implement the routes below: On Saturday, October 5, two itineraries will take place. The boarding point of the first itinerary will be the Church of Timios Stavros, in Perissa, at 05:30 am with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 05:50 am, next stop in Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) at 06:10 am and final destination the Desalination Plant in Oia. The second itinerary will start at 07:50 from Perissa (Church of Timios Stavros), with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 08:10 am, next stop in Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) at 08:30 am and the same final destination. When it comes to the participants return, another itinerary has been scheduled at 12:30 pm from the Desalination Plant in Oia to Fira, Kamari and Perissa. In addition, on Sunday, October 6, the participants of the open water swimming race will be transferred from the Church of Timios Stavros, Perissa at 07:50 am with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 08:10 am, to the starting point of the race in the Old Port of Fira. The transportation of swimmers from the Old Port of Fira to the volcano will start at 09:30 am. DNA Travel has arranged another itinerary at 14:00 pm from Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) to Athinios port (the main port of Thira).
2019 Santorini Experience offers
Take advantage of the offers available on ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation for “Santorini Experience” by clicking HERE!
Attend Real Madrid Foundation Clinics in Santorini!
In the framework of “Santorini Experience”, and in cooperation with MGC Soccer Central, head coaches from the academies of Real Madrid will visit Santorini for the first time and specifically the facilities of the athletic center Playland, from October 3-6, 2019 and teach football to children aged between 6 and 16, using the coaching methodologies of Los Merengues! Register now. For more information click HERE!
Samsung is the event’s official technology partner for one more year.
Official sponsors of the event include Ford Motor Hellas, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Blue Star Ferries and Alafouzos Sport.
For another year, Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier.
Official supporters of the event are: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts and Boatmen Union Santorini.
Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
On is the event’s official shoe partner for the first time. National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24MEDIA its premium media partner.
DNA Travel is the official transport partner. “Santorini Experience” is assisted by West East Suites, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, Santorini Yacht Cruises, Caldera Yachting and Erotokritos.
Until now, this year’s effort is supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Andronis Arcadia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, La Mer Suites & Spa, Antinea Suites & Spa, Beach Boutique Hotel, Bloom Travel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Studios & Suites, Esperas Santorini, Mesana Stone House and White Pearl Villas, while participation continues.
VitaNTravel is the event’s official travel agent. “Santorini Experience” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. “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 with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.
More info www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Photo credit: Elias Lefas