XpatAthens
Monday, 20 June 2022 17:04
15 Fun Holiday Activities To Enjoy With Your Kids
Summer is already here, and the summer holidays are fast approaching. So, if you plan to enjoy them with your family, it would be great to have some activities planned. As you know, children (and adults!) tend to get bored easily, so if you have a pre-planned activity program, you can enjoy quality time together and break your cell phone addiction!
Of course, this does not mean you have to stress over doing everything on the list. Remember that a trip with the whole family can be challenging, so you don’t need the extra stress. Just slow down, relax, and embrace the summer season with your loved ones!
Beach Picnic
Beach Picnic
Sea whets the appetite, so a picnic on the beach provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal together and refuel your bodies after a swim!
Swimming
Muscle strengthening, improving the cardiorespiratory system, relieving stress, and promoting socialization are just a few benefits of swimming.
Visiting Museums & Archeological Sites
With children entitled to reduced admission to most museums, visiting museums and sightseeing, in general, is both educational and economical for children and parents!
Sailing
Sailing is a great sport for children to learn to love the sea and overcome their fear of water.
Reading
Reading is not just an individual activity. You can read a book together, as a family, one chapter at a time. Reading will automatically become more interesting for both you and the children.
Board Games
All-time classic, beloved, mystery, strategy, or fantasy, board games sharpen the mind and encourage fair play.
Cooking
Cooking is a great way to spend time together and help children express their creativity and feel that they contribute to the family dynamic.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best hobbies you can start as a family, as it allows you to explore breathtaking places and improve overall well-being by promoting physical activity.
Open-air Cinema
In Greece, every neighborhood has an open-air cinema, ideal for those who want to enjoy a movie under the starry sky.
Diving
Diving is an exciting activity for everyone. You and your children, accompanied by a professional diver, can become underwater explorers and discover the seabed's magical secrets.
Cycling
Everyone knows that some of the best childhood memories feature bikes as perfect companions for all of our adventures.
Camping
Nature, less screen time, spending quality face-to-face time with other campers, and the overall feeling of pure relaxation are a few reasons you should try this unique experience.
Ball Games
Sports are essential for the mental and physical health of children and adults. A family game of basketball, football, or any other sport, is a great way to promote sportsmanship.
Theater Show
Theatrical education should be an integral part of children’s extracurricular education as it positively contributes to increasing concentration, attention, and empathy.
Kayaking
Kayaking can be done on rivers, lakes, or the sea and is an experience you will surely love.
Swimming
Muscle strengthening, improving the cardiorespiratory system, relieving stress, and promoting socialization are just a few benefits of swimming.
Visiting Museums & Archeological Sites
With children entitled to reduced admission to most museums, visiting museums and sightseeing, in general, is both educational and economical for children and parents!
Sailing
Sailing is a great sport for children to learn to love the sea and overcome their fear of water.
Reading
Reading is not just an individual activity. You can read a book together, as a family, one chapter at a time. Reading will automatically become more interesting for both you and the children.
Board Games
All-time classic, beloved, mystery, strategy, or fantasy, board games sharpen the mind and encourage fair play.
Cooking
Cooking is a great way to spend time together and help children express their creativity and feel that they contribute to the family dynamic.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best hobbies you can start as a family, as it allows you to explore breathtaking places and improve overall well-being by promoting physical activity.
Open-air Cinema
In Greece, every neighborhood has an open-air cinema, ideal for those who want to enjoy a movie under the starry sky.
Diving
Diving is an exciting activity for everyone. You and your children, accompanied by a professional diver, can become underwater explorers and discover the seabed's magical secrets.
Cycling
Everyone knows that some of the best childhood memories feature bikes as perfect companions for all of our adventures.
Camping
Nature, less screen time, spending quality face-to-face time with other campers, and the overall feeling of pure relaxation are a few reasons you should try this unique experience.
Ball Games
Sports are essential for the mental and physical health of children and adults. A family game of basketball, football, or any other sport, is a great way to promote sportsmanship.
Theater Show
Theatrical education should be an integral part of children’s extracurricular education as it positively contributes to increasing concentration, attention, and empathy.
Kayaking
Kayaking can be done on rivers, lakes, or the sea and is an experience you will surely love.
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under
Monday, 20 June 2022 07:00
2021: A Record Year For The Growing Greek Startup Scene
2021 has been a remarkable year for the startup ecosystem in Greece as the country climbed six places to 48th in the world according to StartupBlink’s “Startup Blink Global Ecosystem Report for 2022”. At the same time, Greek startups raised over €500M in 2021 -almost triple compared to last year’s disclosed investments- while the country entered for the first time the “unicorn” club. Unicorn companies are those that reach a valuation of $1 billion without being listed on the stock market and two Greek companies have recently reached this status.
StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Map
According to the StartupBlink world index, Greece ranked number 48 globally climbing 6 places since last year with an upward trend that is expected to be recorded in the next report. Greece’s rise is mainly due to the rising startup ecosystem of Athens, as the Greek capital is high on the list of the top 100 ecosystems in the field of recreation, in 51st place. Athens is the top-ranked Greek city in an index of 1,000 cities ranking at 132. Greece also ranks at number 18 for startups in Western Europe and is an ideal place to locate Social & Leisure, Transportation, and Foodtech startups.
According to the Startup Blink report, Greece remains resilient, despite the financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020. Greece is an EU country located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa having at the same time the advantage of a highly-skilled English-speaking workforce. In 2021 startup funding was increased and important exits were registered including two unicorn companies. This has attracted worldwide attention to the Greek startup ecosystem and its technological capabilities as the country has the potential to become a regional technology hub.
To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.com
StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Map
According to the StartupBlink world index, Greece ranked number 48 globally climbing 6 places since last year with an upward trend that is expected to be recorded in the next report. Greece’s rise is mainly due to the rising startup ecosystem of Athens, as the Greek capital is high on the list of the top 100 ecosystems in the field of recreation, in 51st place. Athens is the top-ranked Greek city in an index of 1,000 cities ranking at 132. Greece also ranks at number 18 for startups in Western Europe and is an ideal place to locate Social & Leisure, Transportation, and Foodtech startups.
According to the Startup Blink report, Greece remains resilient, despite the financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic of 2020. Greece is an EU country located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa having at the same time the advantage of a highly-skilled English-speaking workforce. In 2021 startup funding was increased and important exits were registered including two unicorn companies. This has attracted worldwide attention to the Greek startup ecosystem and its technological capabilities as the country has the potential to become a regional technology hub.
To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.com
Published in
Business News
Tagged under
Saturday, 11 June 2022 15:47
FokiaNou Art Space - On The Magic Mountain
FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present the group exhibition "On the Magic Mountain".
The well-known novel by Thomas Mann was the starting point for the organization of a group exhibition with 22 artists, curated by Panagiotis Voulgaris and Mary Cox.
From time to time we seek peace in a refuge away from the world around us, a place far from everyday life, sheltered from problems, a place where time is inactivated, a point of pause. A short visit to a sanatorium for the protagonist of the Magic Mountain evolves into a long stay and an orgiastic form of freedom, where philosophical pursuits, amorous adventures, poetry and nature becomes oblivion and rupture with the outside world. The artists in this exhibition reveal their own precious refuge of contemplation and creation and through their works take us to their own Magic Mountain.
Participating artists: Sofia Archangelou, John Bicknell, Maria Bourbou, Angeliki Douveri, Panagiotis Ferentinos, Andromachi Giannopoulou, Penny Geka, Dimitra Gounari, Chris Hawtin, Marietta Kallona, Vasiliki Kanellou, Kalliopi Kouklinou, Nina Kotamananidou, Apostolos Papageorgiou, Gioula Papadopoulou, Marina Rovithi, Geeta Roopnarine, Stella Sevastopoulos, Georgia Touliatou, Marios Trichas, Panagiotis Voulgaris.
Performance by Eleni Kolliopoulou, Saturday 18 June at 21.00.
Opening: Thursday 16 June, 18.00
Duration: 16 June – 2 July, 2022
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 18.00-21.00
Opening: Thursday 16 June, 18.00
Duration: 16 June – 2 July, 2022
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 18.00-21.00
FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris. www.fokianou247.gr
Published in
Art
Tagged under
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:33
A Greek Beach Among The 5 Most Photographed On Instagram
A recent study of the most “Instagrammed” beaches in the world revealed that Greece’s Navagio Beach, located on the island of Zakynthos, lands in the top five.
Money.co.uk, analyzed over 26 million Instagram hashtags to determine which are the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in the world.
The most Instagrammed in the world
The study ranked beaches’ popularity according to the number of Instagram posts made of them per meter of beach. According to the hundreds of thousands of posts of beaches on the social media site, Bali’s Kelingking Beach is the most popular beach in the world.
Credit: Shrigusti/Wikimedia Commons
Money.co.uk, analyzed over 26 million Instagram hashtags to determine which are the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in the world.
The most Instagrammed in the world
The study ranked beaches’ popularity according to the number of Instagram posts made of them per meter of beach. According to the hundreds of thousands of posts of beaches on the social media site, Bali’s Kelingking Beach is the most popular beach in the world.
Credit: Shrigusti/Wikimedia Commons
The stunning Indonesian beach uploaded the most times on the platform per meter was Kelingking Beach. The beach itself stretches along only 80 meters (262 feet) of Nusa Penida in Bali. Despite the holiday spot’s relatively small size, Kelingking Beach has more than 338,193 photos of it on Instagram, meaning that for every meter of the beach there are 4,227 pictures uploaded to the site.
The findings also showed that half of the world’s most popular beaches to immortalize in picture form are located in Europe. However, the second most-uploaded beach could not be further away, in Sydney, Australia.
Bondi Beach ranked second on the list, with the mammoth 1.000-meter-long sandy crescent-shaped cove having 1,776 pictures per meter posted on the website. The beach’s name comes from the Aboriginal, meaning “water breaking over rocks,” and calls to both Sydney city-dwellers and tourists alike.
Greece’s most popular beach on Instagram
The most exquisite beach in Greece features a stunning stretch of fine white sand that is 182 meters long; a staggering 403 pictures are posted on the social media site for each meter of the beautiful bathing spot.
Credit: dronepicr, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Navagio Beach was originally known as “Agios Georgios Beach.” On October 2, 1980, the Freightliner MV Panagiotis ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos Island during stormy weather and poor visibility. It has been rumored for years that the ship was smuggling contraband, including cigarettes and alcohol.
The Panagiotis was abandoned after running aground, and because of the extraordinary difficulty that would be involved in salvaging it, it still rests half-buried in the limestone gravel of the beach, which is now known worldwide by its nickname “Navagio,” or (“Shipwreck”).
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
The findings also showed that half of the world’s most popular beaches to immortalize in picture form are located in Europe. However, the second most-uploaded beach could not be further away, in Sydney, Australia.
Bondi Beach ranked second on the list, with the mammoth 1.000-meter-long sandy crescent-shaped cove having 1,776 pictures per meter posted on the website. The beach’s name comes from the Aboriginal, meaning “water breaking over rocks,” and calls to both Sydney city-dwellers and tourists alike.
Greece’s most popular beach on Instagram
The most exquisite beach in Greece features a stunning stretch of fine white sand that is 182 meters long; a staggering 403 pictures are posted on the social media site for each meter of the beautiful bathing spot.
Credit: dronepicr, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Navagio Beach was originally known as “Agios Georgios Beach.” On October 2, 1980, the Freightliner MV Panagiotis ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos Island during stormy weather and poor visibility. It has been rumored for years that the ship was smuggling contraband, including cigarettes and alcohol.
The Panagiotis was abandoned after running aground, and because of the extraordinary difficulty that would be involved in salvaging it, it still rests half-buried in the limestone gravel of the beach, which is now known worldwide by its nickname “Navagio,” or (“Shipwreck”).
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Image Credit: @ivanmln
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 07:00
Daily Life In Ancient Greece: What It Was Like To Live In Athens & Sparta
Daily life in ancient Greece varied by the city-state. In Athens and Sparta, people lived according to such contrasting traditions that it almost seems as though they were from different countries entirely.
Despite the fact that they shared the same heritage and language, ancient Athens and Sparta were wildly different with clashing lifestyles, cultures, and values.
Often, the two city-states were not on the friendliest of terms.
The Spartans were warriors, disciplined and strong, and always ready to die for their homeland—hence the word “Spartan,” which is also used today, meaning someone who lives an austere life and is indifferent to pleasures and luxuries.
Athenians, on the other hand, were educated, and those who were not soldiers were philosophers, politicians, writers of tragedies and comedies, musicians, and sculptors.
Growing up in Sparta: a life of self-denial
Life in Sparta was one of simplicity and self-denial. Children were children of the state more than of their parents. They were raised to be soldiers, loyal to the state, strong and self-disciplined.
When a Spartan baby was born, soldiers came to the house and examined it carefully to determine its strength. They bathed the baby in wine rather than water to see its reaction.
If a baby was weak, the Spartans would throw it off a cliff (the Kaiadas) or take it away to become a slave (helot).
Life in ancient Athens was different than in the rest of Greece
Men were the only people considered citizens, so they were frequently seen around the town conducting their business along with slaves.
Men went to the market, met with friends to discuss politics, and went to temples to worship. Interestingly, it was men who did all the shopping and errands outside of the house. Athenian men had a special room in the house just for themselves. This room was for lounging around and entertaining male guests; no women except for slaves and entertainers were allowed inside this room. Contrary to Spartan men, the educated, well-to-do Athenians were very much interested in the arts, philosophy, and aesthetics.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Despite the fact that they shared the same heritage and language, ancient Athens and Sparta were wildly different with clashing lifestyles, cultures, and values.
Often, the two city-states were not on the friendliest of terms.
The Spartans were warriors, disciplined and strong, and always ready to die for their homeland—hence the word “Spartan,” which is also used today, meaning someone who lives an austere life and is indifferent to pleasures and luxuries.
Athenians, on the other hand, were educated, and those who were not soldiers were philosophers, politicians, writers of tragedies and comedies, musicians, and sculptors.
Growing up in Sparta: a life of self-denial
Life in Sparta was one of simplicity and self-denial. Children were children of the state more than of their parents. They were raised to be soldiers, loyal to the state, strong and self-disciplined.
When a Spartan baby was born, soldiers came to the house and examined it carefully to determine its strength. They bathed the baby in wine rather than water to see its reaction.
If a baby was weak, the Spartans would throw it off a cliff (the Kaiadas) or take it away to become a slave (helot).
Life in ancient Athens was different than in the rest of Greece
Men were the only people considered citizens, so they were frequently seen around the town conducting their business along with slaves.
Men went to the market, met with friends to discuss politics, and went to temples to worship. Interestingly, it was men who did all the shopping and errands outside of the house. Athenian men had a special room in the house just for themselves. This room was for lounging around and entertaining male guests; no women except for slaves and entertainers were allowed inside this room. Contrary to Spartan men, the educated, well-to-do Athenians were very much interested in the arts, philosophy, and aesthetics.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 07:00
Delicious Greek Dishes Ideal For Vegans
Traditional Greek cuisine consists mainly of Vegetarian and Vegan recipes. From luscious salads to healthy oily stews, hearty homemade pies and so much more. All cooked in a homely manner that fills your belly and keeps you going through the day.
These foods are what make our everyday meals, and are also, to begin with, one of the reasons why the Greek diet is considered very healthy.
Greek Yemista - Stuffed Vegetables With Rice
@panos_louis
In a Vegan diet, the lack of dairy and animal protein may sometimes leave you with a growling stomach. Rice can make up for this, giving you a very satisfying and energy-boosting meal. These Rice Stuffed Veggies aka Yemista, are an absolute must in this case. They're slowly baked in the oven, stuffed with a fresh vegetable, mint, & rice filling, and potatoes on the sides. Yummy!
Greek Butter Beans - Gigantes Plaki
@vasokatsanikaki
One of my all-time favorite dishes. Butter beans or "Gigantes" as we call them in Greece. Tastier than any other type of bean!
Traditional Greek Stewed Green Peas
@greka_foods
If you like peas, then you will definitely love this recipe. And well, even if you aren't really fond of them then you may wanna give this recipe a go. The fresh tomato, along with the carrots give an extra sweetness to peas, that makes them more flavorful than ever. They taste so much better than steamed peas do. Trust me!
Spanakopita - Greek Spinach Pie With Homemade Phyllo
@effigeorgia
Spanakopita is a well-known and well-loved Greek food. But it gets even better when you make it from scratch. Spinach is a real superfood, that's full of flavor, especially when combined with fresh herbs, olive oil, and a very crispy, homemade phyllo pastry.
Vegan Eggplant Gyros
@_minibattheveggiefoodie_
One of the all-time- favorite Greek dishes "Gyros" comes in the form of eggplants in this recipe. Eggplants are a very flavorful meat substitute. Wrapped up in warm pita bread along with juicy tomatoes and crispy cucumber.
To read this article in full, please visit: realgreekrecipes.com
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 07:00
Tickets Reduced For Acropolis Museum’s Birthday
Entrance to the Acropolis Museum on Monday, June 20, will be reduced to half price to mark the 13th anniversary of the opening of the attraction.
The reduced, 5-euro rate will apply throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At 3 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy music from the Woodwind Quintet of the Athens State Orchestra on the ground floor of the building. [AMNA]
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
The reduced, 5-euro rate will apply throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At 3 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy music from the Woodwind Quintet of the Athens State Orchestra on the ground floor of the building. [AMNA]
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 13 June 2022 07:00
Akadimia Platonos Revamp Set To Go Through
Greek authorities announced that actions would soon be taken to redevelop the archaeological site of Akadimia Platonos (Plato’s Academy), an underdeveloped archaeological site of 135,000-square meters in western Athens that was the site of Plato’s Academy.
The announcement came after the Municipality of Athens, the Greek Culture Ministry, and the Academy of Athens, Greece’s oldest research institution, signed a memorandum of cooperation for the redevelopment of the archaeological site at Akadimia Platonos.
Describing the project as a “very important step towards the revival of Akadimia Platonos”, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis went on to note that it will focus on three key areas: “the necessary archaeological excavations, the creation of a new park, and of the City of Athens Museum”.
Excavations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, while work on the park, which includes the reconstruction of the playground, landscaping, signage, and lighting, will follow shortly after. Funding has been secured through the municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program from sponsors.
City authorities also announced that an architectural competition for the City of Athens Museum would be announced in the coming period.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
The announcement came after the Municipality of Athens, the Greek Culture Ministry, and the Academy of Athens, Greece’s oldest research institution, signed a memorandum of cooperation for the redevelopment of the archaeological site at Akadimia Platonos.
Describing the project as a “very important step towards the revival of Akadimia Platonos”, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis went on to note that it will focus on three key areas: “the necessary archaeological excavations, the creation of a new park, and of the City of Athens Museum”.
Excavations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, while work on the park, which includes the reconstruction of the playground, landscaping, signage, and lighting, will follow shortly after. Funding has been secured through the municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program from sponsors.
City authorities also announced that an architectural competition for the City of Athens Museum would be announced in the coming period.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Friday, 10 June 2022 14:19
Hard Rock Café Athens Celebrates Its 50th Birthday
Hard Rock Cafe was born on June 14th 1971 in London and this year we are turning the clock back to 1971 with VINYL PARTY!
The Party starts at 16.00, on June 14th, Specials of the day:
We go back to Seventies and “VINYL IS ALIVE”!!!
♪ Our Dj’s Gerasimos Fatouros and Manolis Kilismanis will entertain us with their unique collection of Vinyl’s!
♪ Happy Hours Cocktails (16.00 to 19.00)
♪ Complimentary Special Dessert of the day Coke Float (no minimum purchase required, dine in only).
So head down to Hard Rock Café Athens, Andrianou 52 and join us as we celebrate in style!
Published in
Food & Drink
Tagged under
Monday, 25 July 2022 15:50
Athens English Comedy Club | Open Mic Night @ The Cube
Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece, bringing you local and international comedians, right in the heart of Athens.
The Cube is a co-working, startup cluster space in the heart of the city, hosting the best of Athens innovators in technology & making space.
Join us on Sunday July 31st on the rooftop of The Cube, for an open mic night under the stars, with a view of the Acropolis!
10 comedians, 5’ each, all in English.
It'll be a mix of everything. A potluck of comedy. Experienced comedians trying out new material, new comedians trying out their hand at comedy, and everything in between.
MC: George Zacharopoulos
Tickets: €8 early-bird / €10 on the door
Published in
Performing Arts
Tagged under