XpatAthens
Monday, 29 November 2021 07:00
Piraeus Tram Line To Open In The Coming Days
Trams will start serving the recently extended line to Piraeus in the next few days, according to the Athens Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY).
The two routes that will serve the expansion are the N6 Syntagma-Pikrodafni and the N7 Asklipieio Voulas – Akti Poseidonos Piraeus. Both routes can be accessed by commuters in southern Athens at the Pikrodafni stop on Poseidonos Avenue, between the Edem and Marina Alimou stops.
Passengers who start their journeys from Syntagma will have to switch trams at Pikrodafni to get to Piraeus.
In the meantime, the test runs for the link to Piraeus port have been reportedly progressing smoothly over the past two weeks, and the only pending issue is the announcement of the exact start date of the itineraries.
The contract for the 5.4-kilometer route connecting the center of Athens to the port was signed in 2013 and the project was beset by snags and delays.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
The two routes that will serve the expansion are the N6 Syntagma-Pikrodafni and the N7 Asklipieio Voulas – Akti Poseidonos Piraeus. Both routes can be accessed by commuters in southern Athens at the Pikrodafni stop on Poseidonos Avenue, between the Edem and Marina Alimou stops.
Passengers who start their journeys from Syntagma will have to switch trams at Pikrodafni to get to Piraeus.
In the meantime, the test runs for the link to Piraeus port have been reportedly progressing smoothly over the past two weeks, and the only pending issue is the announcement of the exact start date of the itineraries.
The contract for the 5.4-kilometer route connecting the center of Athens to the port was signed in 2013 and the project was beset by snags and delays.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 29 November 2021 07:00
Kos On Its Way To Become A Greek Biking Destination
The comparative advantages of Kos as an emerging biking destination were presented by Deputy Transport Minister Michalis Papadopoulos during an event held recently on the island by local authorities.
According to Papadopoulos, cycling has become an everyday habit for the residents of Kos, an island that for decades has been receiving groups of cyclists who enjoy its numerous cycling routes. He also referred to the climate crisis and the need to use mild transport modes in order to reduce carbon emissions.
“Green tourism has become a trend in many areas of Europe such as Scandinavia. Travelers now choose environmentally friendly modes of transport… Kos can offer all that with the bicycle as a vehicle,” Papadopoulos added.
Greece’s EuroVelo Cycling Routes
During the event, Papapopoulos also referred to Greece’s efforts to establish a National EuroVelo Coordination Center that would promote cycling tourism in the country.
EuroVelo is a cycling network connecting European countries. It includes 17 certified cycling routes that cover 51,000km across 42 countries.
“There are three cycling routes passing by Greece and our ambition is to include Kos in the EuroVelo network as the island fulfills all the requirements: it offers flat terrain, many roads with low-speed limit and traffic, and – above all – special interest routes,” Papadopoulos said.
He also pledged that the Transport Ministry would offer the support and know-how8 in order for Kos to become a prime biking destination.
Kos’ Study For Biking Tourism
Organized by the municipality of Kos, the event also included the presentation of a study for the development of biking tourism on the island. Its main proposals include:
– the promotion of existing cycling infrastructure
– the extension and signage of its cycling routes
– the creation of dirt roads for the promotion of Kos’ mountainous areas
– the development of suburban routes to be included in the EuroVelo network
– the development of an action plan for the promotion of Kos’ biking tourism product in Greece and abroad.
Main image: @cocomat.bike_kos
Originally published on: news.gtp.gr
According to Papadopoulos, cycling has become an everyday habit for the residents of Kos, an island that for decades has been receiving groups of cyclists who enjoy its numerous cycling routes. He also referred to the climate crisis and the need to use mild transport modes in order to reduce carbon emissions.
“Green tourism has become a trend in many areas of Europe such as Scandinavia. Travelers now choose environmentally friendly modes of transport… Kos can offer all that with the bicycle as a vehicle,” Papadopoulos added.
Greece’s EuroVelo Cycling Routes
During the event, Papapopoulos also referred to Greece’s efforts to establish a National EuroVelo Coordination Center that would promote cycling tourism in the country.
EuroVelo is a cycling network connecting European countries. It includes 17 certified cycling routes that cover 51,000km across 42 countries.
“There are three cycling routes passing by Greece and our ambition is to include Kos in the EuroVelo network as the island fulfills all the requirements: it offers flat terrain, many roads with low-speed limit and traffic, and – above all – special interest routes,” Papadopoulos said.
He also pledged that the Transport Ministry would offer the support and know-how8 in order for Kos to become a prime biking destination.
Kos’ Study For Biking Tourism
Organized by the municipality of Kos, the event also included the presentation of a study for the development of biking tourism on the island. Its main proposals include:
– the promotion of existing cycling infrastructure
– the extension and signage of its cycling routes
– the creation of dirt roads for the promotion of Kos’ mountainous areas
– the development of suburban routes to be included in the EuroVelo network
– the development of an action plan for the promotion of Kos’ biking tourism product in Greece and abroad.
Main image: @cocomat.bike_kos
Originally published on: news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local Environment
Tagged under
Wednesday, 13 November 2024 00:09
The Smile Of The Child
Who We Are:
"The Smile of the Child" was created in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, who, shortly before leaving from life, expressed in his diary his wish to found an organization that will ensure for all children what he had so generously enjoyed: love, affection, care and respect.
"The Smile of the Child" was created in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, who, shortly before leaving from life, expressed in his diary his wish to found an organization that will ensure for all children what he had so generously enjoyed: love, affection, care and respect.
The dream of 10-year-old Andreas became reality and today the Organization "The Smile of the Child", recognized internationally, with a Vision: the Smile of every child, implements nationwide, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, effective and direct actions for preventing and addressing particular phenomena that threaten children.
In the course of 23 years of action "The Smile of the Child" has supported more than 1.480.000 children and their families. Children victims of any form of violence, missing children, children with health problems, children living in poverty or threatened by poverty, have found a solution.
The Organization is staffed by spezialized scientific personnel, has the precious support of volunteers and is based on citizens and companies that actively provide their support in practice through donations and sponsorships.
What We Do:
- We are next to every child victim of Violence Physical, Sexual and Psychological Abuse, Neglect, Bullying, Smuggling & Trafficking.
- We are next to every missing child.
- We stand by each child with health problems.
- We support each child living in or being at the risk of poverty.
What We Do:
- We are next to every child victim of Violence Physical, Sexual and Psychological Abuse, Neglect, Bullying, Smuggling & Trafficking.
- We are next to every missing child.
- We stand by each child with health problems.
- We support each child living in or being at the risk of poverty.
To learn more about the organization click HERE!
Published in
Charities & NGOs
Tagged under
Friday, 26 November 2021 07:00
What Is The Green City Program & How To Participate
Developed by the Region of Attica in cooperation with EDSNA.GR, the Green City is a recycling program that offers citizens the opportunity to recycle and win, while supporting the country's transition to a circular economy. More specifically, recycling in all municipalities of the Attica Region earns you points that you can use at companies that participate in the program and bear the Green City logo.
The process is very simple and can be completed in the following 5 steps:
Step 1: You arrive at the Mobile Green Point having in your possession the materials you wish to recycle, either separated by item in different bags, or the materials will be segregated on-site with the staff's assistance.
Step 2: You Register/Identify and receive your personal recycling card. (You can complete the registration/identification process here.)
Step 3: You hand over both the recycling card and the recyclable materials to the staff.
Step 4: The staff scans the card and weighs the materials. The appropriate points are transferred to your account, depending on the type and weight of the materials you recycled.
Step 5: The process is completed with the staff discarding the materials in the appropriate containers and you can see the renewal of your points.
The following items can be recycled:
If you wish to participate in the program, you can download The Greencity application, available on Google Play and App Store, in order to:
- become a member
- be informed about when there will be a Mobile Green Point in your Municipality
- see the points you have collected
- learn about offers and discounts you can redeem
For more information please visit: thegreencity.gr
The process is very simple and can be completed in the following 5 steps:
Step 1: You arrive at the Mobile Green Point having in your possession the materials you wish to recycle, either separated by item in different bags, or the materials will be segregated on-site with the staff's assistance.
Step 2: You Register/Identify and receive your personal recycling card. (You can complete the registration/identification process here.)
Step 3: You hand over both the recycling card and the recyclable materials to the staff.
Step 4: The staff scans the card and weighs the materials. The appropriate points are transferred to your account, depending on the type and weight of the materials you recycled.
Step 5: The process is completed with the staff discarding the materials in the appropriate containers and you can see the renewal of your points.
The following items can be recycled:
- PET class plastics
- Glass
- Mixed Plastics
- Batteries
- Aluminum
- Edible Oils & Fats
- Ferrous Metals
- Electronic & Electrical Equipment
- Paper / Cardboard
- Clothes
If you wish to participate in the program, you can download The Greencity application, available on Google Play and App Store, in order to:
- become a member
- be informed about when there will be a Mobile Green Point in your Municipality
- see the points you have collected
- learn about offers and discounts you can redeem
For more information please visit: thegreencity.gr
Published in
Local Environment
Tagged under
Thursday, 25 November 2021 22:49
True Love Should Not Hurt
Violence against women and girls is a fact that crosses all boundaries across the world. Research shows that nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime mostly by their intimate partner. During the COVID pandemic, these numbers have increased – 2 in 3 women – as domestic violence has been on the rise.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most persistent and widespread human rights violations in the world. Whether physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally women and girls are intimidated, harassed, exploited, and killed when they speak out. Young girls, older women, refugees, women of minorities, women with disabilities, and women with gender issues are more easily manipulated.
However, women and girls all around the world must be able to talk and need to be heard instead of having their voices silenced.
Education is, in my opinion, the most significant key to this scourge. And we, parents, play a major role in educating our children both girls and boys. Because it’s not only girls that need to know they have equal rights to boys; it’s also boys that need to learn that respect, equality, and development apply to both genders.
Violence begins at home. Children mirror our behavior. When children watch their father being abusive to their mother and their mother staying silent in this relationship they get the message; the wrong message. And they will repeat it as victimizers and victims.
So it is imperative that we, as parents but also as teachers and authorities, educate our girls, our daughters first. We need to teach them what true love really is:
- Love is all about giving the space to the other person to grow and evolve and to support them even when we may not agree with their choices.
- Love, real love, should not hurt or harm us in any way.
- Love should not make us do something against our will.
- Love should not make us feel dirty or guilty.
- Love should not imprison us. On the contrary, it gives us wings to fly.
- Love includes respect.
- Love is a beautiful, warm feeling; not one we want to run away from.
November 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Originally published on: itsmylife.gr
Published in
Parenting
Tagged under
Thursday, 03 February 2022 14:39
20% OFF Hard Rock Cafe Athens For XpatAthens Readers
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 visitors and locals alike. From a lazy Sunday brunch to a romantic dinner, Hard Rock Cafe is always a great option!
We are excited to announce that all XpatAthens readers are entitled to an exclusive 20% OFF discount on HRC Athens’ menu, excluding drinks. Scroll down to download your own PDF VIP Card and be sure to present it to HRC's staff. HRC will also be happy to provide you with a paper copy upon your request.
So grab your family or friends and get ready to enjoy mouthwatering, fresh, high-quality food, which includes a selection of starters and salads, as well as delicious Legendary burgers, steaks, and many more!
Upon visiting, make sure not to miss Hard Rock's iconic collection of memorabilia which adorns the walls of Hard Rock Café Athens!
Important Notes About This Promotion:
We are excited to announce that all XpatAthens readers are entitled to an exclusive 20% OFF discount on HRC Athens’ menu, excluding drinks. Scroll down to download your own PDF VIP Card and be sure to present it to HRC's staff. HRC will also be happy to provide you with a paper copy upon your request.
So grab your family or friends and get ready to enjoy mouthwatering, fresh, high-quality food, which includes a selection of starters and salads, as well as delicious Legendary burgers, steaks, and many more!
Upon visiting, make sure not to miss Hard Rock's iconic collection of memorabilia which adorns the walls of Hard Rock Café Athens!
Important Notes About This Promotion:
1. The offer is available from Monday to Sunday until the 30th of December 2022.
2. The offer excludes limited edition items like alcohol, charity and other itmes for sale.
3. The offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotional offer or seasonal menus like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.
2. The offer excludes limited edition items like alcohol, charity and other itmes for sale.
3. The offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotional offer or seasonal menus like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.
Download your PDF copy of the HRC Athens VIP Card here
Published in
Food & Drink
Tagged under
Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00
SNFCC’s Christmas World Comes To Life
On Wednesday, December 1, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is once again being transformed into the city’s most enchanting Christmas destination.
On the first night of December, countless festive lights go off, effusing their glow over the plane trees of the Canal and the decorated fir trees at the Agora! A festival of light dons the nighttime Stavros Niarchos Park in radiant hues: three light installations by renowned artists, foreign and Greek, capture our glances, creating a unique jovial atmosphere that will set the scene for our Christmas memories.
This special evening, as is evident from its title , will be filled with SNFCC visitors’ memories, which our host, Dimitris Kouroubalis, will be sharing with the people gathered at the Agora..
And all of this will happen, as always, against the sounds of music: a special partnership between the youth orchestra and youth choir of El Sistema Greece community music project and the fascinating band ONIRAMA, featuring their incomparable frontman, Thodoris Marantinis. Adaptations of popular Christmas songs, Greek carols and international hits make up a program that is sure to spread the joy of the holiday season among young and old alike.
According to the latest measures to protect public health from the risk of spreading COVID-19, a valid vaccination certificate or a disease certificate, is required for the public to enter the event venue, as the venue operates as a pure venue. The above applies to adults. Μinors from 4 to 17 years old may, alternatively, submit a statement of negative self-diagnosis (self test) of the last twenty-four hours, a certificate of PCR (72 hours) or rapid (48 hours) diagnostic test, in accordance with the latest provisions of Joint Ministerial Decision.
On the first night of December, countless festive lights go off, effusing their glow over the plane trees of the Canal and the decorated fir trees at the Agora! A festival of light dons the nighttime Stavros Niarchos Park in radiant hues: three light installations by renowned artists, foreign and Greek, capture our glances, creating a unique jovial atmosphere that will set the scene for our Christmas memories.
This special evening, as is evident from its title , will be filled with SNFCC visitors’ memories, which our host, Dimitris Kouroubalis, will be sharing with the people gathered at the Agora..
And all of this will happen, as always, against the sounds of music: a special partnership between the youth orchestra and youth choir of El Sistema Greece community music project and the fascinating band ONIRAMA, featuring their incomparable frontman, Thodoris Marantinis. Adaptations of popular Christmas songs, Greek carols and international hits make up a program that is sure to spread the joy of the holiday season among young and old alike.
According to the latest measures to protect public health from the risk of spreading COVID-19, a valid vaccination certificate or a disease certificate, is required for the public to enter the event venue, as the venue operates as a pure venue. The above applies to adults. Μinors from 4 to 17 years old may, alternatively, submit a statement of negative self-diagnosis (self test) of the last twenty-four hours, a certificate of PCR (72 hours) or rapid (48 hours) diagnostic test, in accordance with the latest provisions of Joint Ministerial Decision.
Published in
Community
Tagged under
Friday, 03 December 2021 13:44
Chocolate Fest XMAS Edition
The Chocolate Fest returns in a festive XMAS Edition bringing together some of our most favorite things in the world: Christmas, music, fairytale tastings and of course ... chocolate!
For 10 days from December 24 to January 2, the Old OSY Depot in Gazi turns into a Christmas fairytale and will be hosting the largest chocolate party in Greece.
Patisseries, exhibitors, favorite chocolate brands, pastry chefs and taste artists come to present their unique sweet creations.
Enjoy wonderful happenings, get ready to go ice skating and experience festive dj sets as well as many surprises that will be announced very soon!
Stay tuned!
For 10 days from December 24 to January 2, the Old OSY Depot in Gazi turns into a Christmas fairytale and will be hosting the largest chocolate party in Greece.
Patisseries, exhibitors, favorite chocolate brands, pastry chefs and taste artists come to present their unique sweet creations.
Enjoy wonderful happenings, get ready to go ice skating and experience festive dj sets as well as many surprises that will be announced very soon!
Stay tuned!
Published in
Food & Drink
Tagged under
Monday, 22 November 2021 12:17
"Friends Of The Child" Christmas Bazaar
The Charitable Association "The Friends of the Child", wanting to support children in need, will be holding its established International Christmas Bazaar, on December 4 & 5, at the Old OSY Depot. in Kerameikos, Piraeus & Ermou.
With the valuable participation of numerous embassies, the Association will be hosting a joyful global celebration with flavors, music, customs and traditions from the four corners of the horizon.
In a Christmas decorated space, locals and visitors will have the chance to purchase homemade sweets, Christmas decorations, clothes, books, toys and unique gifts.
Our goal is to support and secure all the required monthly needs for children until their adultness, whose families (single-parent or nuclear families) face financial and social problems. Specifically, “Friends of the Child” covers food, clothing, rents and bills for families in housing risk, psychological and counseling support, entertainment, and medical care. Children with health problems are a high priority for our social program.
With the valuable participation of numerous embassies, the Association will be hosting a joyful global celebration with flavors, music, customs and traditions from the four corners of the horizon.
In a Christmas decorated space, locals and visitors will have the chance to purchase homemade sweets, Christmas decorations, clothes, books, toys and unique gifts.
Our goal is to support and secure all the required monthly needs for children until their adultness, whose families (single-parent or nuclear families) face financial and social problems. Specifically, “Friends of the Child” covers food, clothing, rents and bills for families in housing risk, psychological and counseling support, entertainment, and medical care. Children with health problems are a high priority for our social program.
Published in
Community
Tagged under
Thursday, 25 November 2021 07:00
Why Ikarian Honey Could Be The Key To Longevity
In Ikaria honey is used to treat everything from wounds to stomach issues, influenza, and the common cold. Ikarians start their day with a simple spoonful of raw local honey, which has a high antioxidant level. This may reduce inflammation and also contains amino acids and vitamin C which are known to speed the growth of healthy tissue in the body.
This famous Greek island is a part of ‘Blue Zones’ a name given to 5 places in the world- Ikaria, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa of Japan, Nicoya of Costa Rica, and Loma Linda of California, USA, whose inhabitants surpass the life expectancy and reach over the age of 90 years.
A new television report by CBS has taken a close look at why Ikarian honey could be one of the main keys as to why the locals here keep healthy and strong well into old age.
“Up the winding mountain roads of this isolated isle, you’re likely to notice brightly-painted boxes dotting the landscape. And what’s happening inside those boxes is generating some buzz: Bees busy making rare honey that locals believe is one of the secrets to a long life,” notes CBS.
“Up the winding mountain roads of this isolated isle, you’re likely to notice brightly-painted boxes dotting the landscape. And what’s happening inside those boxes is generating some buzz: Bees busy making rare honey that locals believe is one of the secrets to a long life,” notes CBS.
Ikarian beekeeper Andoni Karimalis explained to CBS correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti that people on the island “have been eating the honey for generations, to keep healthy and strong well into old age.”
At work in her weaving studio, 109-year-old Yiayia Ioanna from Ikaria agrees there is something special about it. So does 87-year-old-beekeeper Giorgos Stenos. He eats the honey “every single day.”
For centuries humans have valued honey for its medicinal properties. And in Ikaria, known in ancient times as the “healing island,” the honey is different from that found on most supermarket shelves.
As a result, the pollen and nectar collected by the bees are free of chemicals and pesticides normally found in commercial or private farming. And unlike most honey sold in the other parts of the world, Ikarian honey is also unheated, unfiltered, and unpasteurized – all processes which can destroy the natural vitamins and minerals.
Although this has been one of Ikaria’s best-kept secrets, after the CBS report aired live on American television, there has been a huge response with people all over the world wanting to get their hands on some of this Ikarian gem!
Originally published: greekcitytimes.com
Originally published: greekcitytimes.com
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under