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Tuesday, 29 January 2019 07:00
A Half-Greek Yorkshireman Completes Conscription At Presidential Guard
Twenty-six-year-old Evangelos Marathos Rainey is half American and half Greek, but grew up in Yorkshire and has recently spent nine months as a Presidential Guard in Athens.
Like all members of the Greek Presidential Guard, his role was to watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the country’s most important memorial that is located in front of the Greek Parliament.
Even though joining the Presidential Guard is a huge honor, not everybody is eligible to join.
To be considered for the Presidential Guard, you must be:
- Male
- At least 6ft 2 in height
- Greek Christian Orthodox
- Have no medical complaints
- Have no visible tattoos
- Caucasian
The Greek Presidential Guard, also known as Evzones have a very technical and unique way of marching. Each of their steps and movements has a symbolic meaning, even down to standing still while on duty. Standing still honours the dead, so the Guards are prohibited to move or talk. The only thing they are allowed to move are their eyes.
Evzon Evangelos Marathos Rainey talks about his experience on the Greek Presidential Guard, and explains the symbolism behind movements, marching, the traditional dress, and even facial hair!
Watch this interesting video to understand what it means to be a member of the Greek Presidential Guard.
To read this article in full, please visit: Forces.net
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Local News
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Monday, 28 January 2019 07:00
Yoga Classes For Kids In Athens
In a world where children have to deal with increasing distractions, stress, and overstimulation from a very young age, yoga is a low-cost activity that can have a very positive impact on kids’ everyday lives.
Children gain tremendous benefits from practicing yoga. It enhances flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness while also improving concentration, relaxation and serenity.
After having read about the benefits of yoga, we are happy to have found a few places that offer yoga classes designed specifically for kids!
Okto is a serene yoga studio that offers yoga classes for all ages. Every Saturday from 11.30 to 12.30 they offer a yoga class for kids from 4 to 8 years old, while they also offer aerial yoga classes for teens (12-16 years) every Tuesday and Thursday from 19.00 to 20.00.
Address: 8-10 Grigoriou Kydonion, 172 37, Dafni (Ymittos)
Telephone: 210 7622295
Art n’ Play
Art n’ Play is a great alternative to traditional indoor playgrounds. Their mission is to offer quality creative programs and activities specially designed for children. Their kid’s yoga class takes place every Thursday from 18.30 to 19.30.
Address: 5 Flemingk, 175 63, Paleo Faliro
Telephone: 211 1110834
Through its holistic approach ‘The Blue Elephant’ provides activities designed to encourage physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Among others they offer yoga for babies (3-12 months) every Tuesday from 17.00 to 17.50, yoga for kids (5+ years) every Wednesday from 18.25-19.15, and teen yoga (11+ years) every Wednesday from 19.20-20.10
Address: 23 Leoforos Dimokratias, 154 51, Neo Psychiko
Telephone: 213 0402294
Even though all dates and times were accurate at the time of publishing, we kindly request you to check with the yoga studio to confirm the dates and times before heading to your first yoga class!
Published in
Kids Life
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Monday, 28 January 2019 07:00
Has The Phaistos Disk Finally Been Deciphered?
It’s been 10 years since British linguist Gareth Owens and Oxford University phonetics professor John Coleman have been working towards deciphering the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. The Phaistos Disk is a Minoan Bronze Age clay disk that was discovered in Crete in 1908 by Italian archaeologist Luigi Pernier.
Following ther extensive study of the disc, the two professors will present the results of their research at Cambridge University on February 3 in a lecture titled ‘From Linear B to the Phaistos Disk.’
Even though experts have been trying to decipher the script for decades, according to Owens and Coleman they can now read 99 % of the text, which is a Minoan lyrical hymn to a goddess. In fact, Gareth Owens has described the hymn as ‘The Bible of Crete.’
Listen to the voice of the disc, here.
Published in
Greece In The News
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Saturday, 26 January 2019 17:55
January 23 - Proud Moments & Great Achievements
We've said it before that food is an integral part of Greek culture. Hence the fact that Athens has been voted of the greatest cities in Europe for eating out! And if you're looking for something alternative to a restaurant, we have put together a list with the best places in the city to enjoy some delicious street food!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Tuesday, 15 January 2019 17:41
January 15 - Knowledge & Culture
Are you a book eater? Great! Then you'll be delighted to know that the National Library of Greece has officialy opened at SNFCC and that we've also put together a list with the most important libraries in Athens!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 08 January 2019 17:33
January 8 - Winter In Athens
Is it your first time in Greece? No need to worry! Let us supply you with a great list of useful Greek phrases to use at any occasion. And if you're looking for exciting places to go, the Museum of Illusions in Athens might just be the perfect day out!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Monday, 31 December 2018 17:25
December 31st - New Year's Eve In Athens
Greece is a wonderful place to spend Christmas with your friends and family. But how much do you know about festive Greek traditions? From New Year's Day to New Year's Cake - or Vasilopita - we have all you need to know to enjoy the holidays as much as possible!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Tuesday, 25 December 2018 17:18
December 25th - Xmas Wishes
Christmas is the most joyful period. So to everyone near & far, XpatAthens wishes you a very Merry Christmas!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Tuesday, 18 December 2018 17:02
December 18 - Christmas Lights
Christmas is an amazing season celebrated with various ways around the world. So in case you didn't know, here's your chance to learn about the Ancient Greek roots of the holiday and don't forget to check our list with the most delicious restaurants in Athens for a festive dinner!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Wednesday, 05 December 2018 16:46
Dec 5 - 'Tis The Holiday Season
Food is a vital part of Greek culture... and it's delicious! So if you ever wondered how to adjust your diet accordingly, let us show you 3 simple steps to do so. Also, if you love coffee like most Greeks, but are not a fan of smoking... no need to worry! Check out our list of cosy and smoke-free cafes in Athens.
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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