Me? I have the odd Aloe Vera plant on mine, the air conditioning pipe leaking into a dead plant, a storage cupboard for my hoover and my washing can quite frequently be found drying on it.
On the subject of washing, some people extend their washing machines onto it - others drag their living room furniture out there in the summer, turning it inwards to watch TV from the balcony... often Cd's can be found dangling off the (almost always) green awning that serves as both a cover from the sun and a cover from prying eyes (no "Friends" spying on you from their balcony across the way!), in order to reflect the sun and scare away the ever present pigeons.
Breakfast and dinner is often served out there - in fact, as mentioned: it is a real extension of the home. It helps if you've a big area and are not facing the main road, but even then it's great to utilise your balcony. Unless you live on the ground floor or in the basement, rarely does an Athenian home not have a balcony.
And if your even 'luckier,' like my friend, you can witness and hear everyday life going on around you - but maybe I draw the line at semi naked fat old Greek men in y-fronts, the Greek version of Ugly Naked Guy!
By Bex
lifebeyondbordersblog.com
XpatAthens
Monday, 05 April 2021 19:31
Run Messinia 2021: Run For Freedom
Run For Freedom: 10 Marathons In 10 days!
The Greek rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, 200 years ago, marked the end of slavery, reclaiming the most valuable asset for Greeks, their freedom. Historical battles of the national liberation efforts took place in the Messinian land and decisive naval battles effectively sealed the end of the Revolution and led to the freedom of Greece, resulting in the national rebirth and the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Run Messinia is an ultramarathon race of a total distance of approximately 421 kilometers, a tribute to the important events and unforgettable battles of the heroes of 1821. On June 5-14, 2021, during the “Run for Freedom” edition, 10 athletes per route will attempt to run 10 marathons in total, in 10 consecutive days, crossing historical places and monuments of Messinia, Laconia and Arcadia, which are related to the Greek revolution.
Run Messinia is committed to never forgetting all those sacrificed during the Revolution of 1821 and promises to spread the stories of heroes who honored and defended the right of all people to live with dignity in a fair and peaceful world.
The 10 Historical Routes of Run for Freedom
The Messinian land constitutes a special and historic place for the Greek Revolution of 1821. For this reason, the event aims to highlight the history of all the areas associated with the Greek Revolution in Messinia both culturally and touristically.
- Run for Freedom will start its 1st route from Areopoli of the East Mani Municipality, pass through Stoupa of the West Mani Municipality and end in Kardamyli.
- The 2nd route, starting from Kardamyli, will pass through Verga of the Kalamata Municipality and end in the city of Kalamata.
- In the 3rd route, the athletes starting from Kalamata will cross Nedousa and finish in Alagonia.
- During the 4 th route of Run Messinia, the runners starting from Alagonia will pass through Dyrachio and Neochori of the Megalopoli Municipality and complete their effort in Poliani of the Kalamata Municipality.
- From Poliani, during the 5th route, participants will cross Skala and end up in Paloukorahi of the Oichalia Municipality.
- The 6th route will highlight historical places of the Oichalia Municipality, as the athletes starting from Paloukorahi will cross Katsarou, Solaki, Meropi, Loutro, Diavolitsi, Ano Psari, Dorio and end up at the statue of Kolokotronis in Ramovouni.
- In the 7th route starting from Ramovouni, the runners will pass through Zerbisia of the Messini Municipality, Kalogeresi, Saint Nikitas Sellas and Tripyla of the Trifylia Municipality, in order to reach Maniaki of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality.
- In the 8th route the participants will start from Maniaki, pass through Agios Andreas of the Messini Municipality and Kato Minagia and finish in Koroni.
- The 9th route will move exclusively within the Pylos-Nestor Municipality from Koroni, to Methoni and then to 2 Pylos.
- The 10th and final route of Run for Freedom starting from Pylos, will provide runners with the opportunity of passing through Neokastro, observing Sphacteria and Paleokastro, while crossing Kremmidia and Schinolakka.
Safety First
The event is planned and will be implemented based on the strict health and safety protocol and the approval of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic conditions. In order to avoid any excess interactions and overcrowding, up to 10 runners will compete in each route, while a Covid-19 test being mandatory for all. In case the epidemiological data improve, an increase in the number of participating runners will be considered. In case of a deteriorating health environment, the event will be transferred to the end of June.
The valuable support of the Municipalities
The partnered Municipalities supporting Run Messinia and contributing to the event’s smooth implementation are the following, in Greek alphabetical order: East Mani Municipality, West Mani Municipality, Kalamata Municipality, Megalopoli Municipality, Messini Municipality, Oichalia Municipality, Pylos-Nestor Municipality, Trifylia Municipality.
Run Messinia will leave a legacy for the future of the place, as it has already started highlighting and promoting through its social media, the historical places, the battles and all the monuments, which are located in the three regions and through which runners will pass.
The event will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization. The difficult task of the event’s planning and implementation has been 3 undertaken by the award-winning ActiveMedia Group through its Sports Production department.
More information on the schedule, routes, and details of Run Messinia will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Friday, 29 April 2022 07:00
Greece Announces Lifting Of Covid-19 Restrictions For Summer Tourism Season
Greece's vital summer tourism season has officially begun. With the country expecting high numbers of visitors this year, the decision to lift COVID-19 restrictions throughout the summer tourism period was made and authorities will consider reinstating them in September.
Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself, symptoms, and where to seek medical treatment.
Click here to read about how to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in Greece.
New Measures
- As of May 1, 2022, the public will no longer need to present coronavirus vaccination or illness certificates to enter indoor or open spaces such as restaurants.
- Students will no longer be required to regularly present negative self-tests starting May 1, 2022.
- Unvaccinated employees will have to present 1 negative Rapid Antigen Test per week to access their workspace as of May 1, 2022.
- From May 1 until August 31, 2022, all venues will be able to operate at full capacity (100 percent).
- Wearing masks indoors will no longer be mandatory as of June 1, 2022 with some exceptions that will be announced shortly
Important Notice from XpatAthens
It is important to remind our readers that XpatAthens is not in any way a media source. While we do our best to keep our readers informed, we advise you to consult Greek media outlets such as ekathimerini.com, amna.gr, naftemporiki.gr, and protothema.gr and/or international news sites for up-to-the-hour updates on the coronavirus. Be wise and stay safe.
Article sources used above: gtp.gr and naftemporiki.gr.
Article sources used above: gtp.gr and naftemporiki.gr.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 03 February 2022 13:29
The World Class Wines Of Attica
Attica, the peninsula surrounded by the Aegean Sea where Athens stands, is a region of many surprises. Look around if you’re landing at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and you’ll notice some of the 29,000 acres of vineyards, where 32 wineries produce world-class labels.
Fascinatingly enough, the culture of winemaking in Greece has existed in the region for around three and a half thousand years and in mythology, the God Dionysus traveled across Attica offering wine. Wine has always been an important gastronomic and cultural staple of the Greek diet and lifestyle, as proven by archaeological finds of amphorae and kylixes (cups) that wine was transported and consumed in.
The dry, warm climate and abundant sunshine in Attica through most of the year certainly help – both in the production of wine and in providing the perfect opportunity to visit wineries to taste and shop local varieties in 30 to 60 minutes of travel from the centre of town. Attica also produces honey, pistachio nuts, and prized black figs in season.
The areas of Kapandriti, Koropi, Pikermi, Spata, Pallini, and Stamata are where you’ll find the wineries of Attica, where the famous Savvatiano and Roditis, as well as Retsina, made from Savvatiano wine with added pine resins. “Savatiano is like drinking the Greek summer,” said global wine expert Tara Thomas to Wine & Spirit magazine, “fruity, complete in taste, easy to drink, with the scents of citrus and green apple popping out of the glass; a world-class grape.”
More modern varieties include Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Fileri, Cabernet Sauvignon, Agiorgitiko, Athiri, Vilana, Merlot, Robola, White Muscat, Muscat of Hamburg and Muscat of Alexandria. GCT spoke with leading oenologist Nico Manessis to get some top tips on the most highly recommended Attica wineries to visit. Manessis is a leading expert on the wines of his native Greece. He authored the pioneering ‘The Greek Wine Guide’ and the’ Illustrated Greek Wine book. His travels on the wine routes continue chronicling developments which are published in his excellent and informative website Greek Wine World.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Fascinatingly enough, the culture of winemaking in Greece has existed in the region for around three and a half thousand years and in mythology, the God Dionysus traveled across Attica offering wine. Wine has always been an important gastronomic and cultural staple of the Greek diet and lifestyle, as proven by archaeological finds of amphorae and kylixes (cups) that wine was transported and consumed in.
The dry, warm climate and abundant sunshine in Attica through most of the year certainly help – both in the production of wine and in providing the perfect opportunity to visit wineries to taste and shop local varieties in 30 to 60 minutes of travel from the centre of town. Attica also produces honey, pistachio nuts, and prized black figs in season.
The areas of Kapandriti, Koropi, Pikermi, Spata, Pallini, and Stamata are where you’ll find the wineries of Attica, where the famous Savvatiano and Roditis, as well as Retsina, made from Savvatiano wine with added pine resins. “Savatiano is like drinking the Greek summer,” said global wine expert Tara Thomas to Wine & Spirit magazine, “fruity, complete in taste, easy to drink, with the scents of citrus and green apple popping out of the glass; a world-class grape.”
More modern varieties include Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Fileri, Cabernet Sauvignon, Agiorgitiko, Athiri, Vilana, Merlot, Robola, White Muscat, Muscat of Hamburg and Muscat of Alexandria. GCT spoke with leading oenologist Nico Manessis to get some top tips on the most highly recommended Attica wineries to visit. Manessis is a leading expert on the wines of his native Greece. He authored the pioneering ‘The Greek Wine Guide’ and the’ Illustrated Greek Wine book. His travels on the wine routes continue chronicling developments which are published in his excellent and informative website Greek Wine World.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Tuesday, 05 July 2022 17:14
Flying Piano Over Tempi To Promote The Natural Heritage
A unique event with a piano player floating in the air over the Tempi Valley to promote the natural heritage in the area of Central Greece.
Sunday afternoon, hikers and other visitors were stunned, when a woman appeared in the air with her piano that was floating in the air with the help of big balloons, creating an unreal scenery.
This unique event and promotion video was an idea of director Paschalis Mantis and the pianist of the Acropolis museum Elena Xydia who followed a call by the mayor of Tempi Municipality, Giorgos Manolis, in order to create a special video promoting the natural heritage of the area.
A volunteer team worked for some time planning the venture, which is unique as no one has attempted it before in a natural landscape, at such a great height.
With impeccable technical planning by Vassilis Badavis, all safety measures were foreseen, in this venture which was completely safe both in the preparation phase and in the final implementation phase.
It should be noted that the help offered by the Larissa Fire Brigade, the Police, and the Larissa Chamber of Commerce was very important and essential, the organizers said.
Originally published on: keeptalkinggreece.com
Sunday afternoon, hikers and other visitors were stunned, when a woman appeared in the air with her piano that was floating in the air with the help of big balloons, creating an unreal scenery.
This unique event and promotion video was an idea of director Paschalis Mantis and the pianist of the Acropolis museum Elena Xydia who followed a call by the mayor of Tempi Municipality, Giorgos Manolis, in order to create a special video promoting the natural heritage of the area.
A volunteer team worked for some time planning the venture, which is unique as no one has attempted it before in a natural landscape, at such a great height.
With impeccable technical planning by Vassilis Badavis, all safety measures were foreseen, in this venture which was completely safe both in the preparation phase and in the final implementation phase.
It should be noted that the help offered by the Larissa Fire Brigade, the Police, and the Larissa Chamber of Commerce was very important and essential, the organizers said.
Originally published on: keeptalkinggreece.com
Published in
Videos
Tagged under
Thursday, 03 October 2024 12:51
Greek Property Consulting
XpatAthens provides effective and efficient personalized services that are designed to save you time and money. Whether you’re a foreigner living in Greece or living outside the country, we can assist you at every step of the way.
Offering a boutique-style service, our trustworthy team - including certified architects - engineers, interior designers, civil engineers, property lawyers, local accountants, hand-picked construction teams, and property managers - know the intricacies of buying, owning, building and selling property in Greece. They’re all about getting the job done exceedingly well so that your experience is worry free!
Get in touch with our team of experienced professionals who work with you one-on-one to provide a completely tailored service that meets your individual property needs.
Our team of experts can help you with:
Property Management Services in Greece - We help Greek property owners to lease their property with the best terms. We specialize in comprehensive property management for owners, ensuring maximum rental returns and hassle-free experiences. Our services include financial management, digital marketing channels optimization, as well as thorough supervision and maintenance of your property.
Greek Property Pre-Purchase Support - We will Inspect your property before purchase to ensure it meets all legal compliance; we provide legal and notarial representation for property transfers, and property insurance all with English speaking associates experienced in working with overseas clients.
Greek Property Point Person - All of our clients are predominantly non-Greek residents who wish to purchase or who already own property in Greece. We handle all real estate related matters, becoming your go-to-point-person and owner’s representative.
Greek Property Portfolio - We coordinate the process of organizing all your property related documents such as title deeds, public entity registrations, building permits, etc. in order to ensure that as an owner all of your property documents are up-to-date.
Remodeling & Procurement in Greece - We handle complete and partial renovations and upgrades of any scale and type. Our services include plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, masonry, painting, furniture, fixtures, and landscape design.
Greek Property Ownership - We can assist with handling domestic accounts, negotiating leases, issuing energy performance certificates for rental properties, handling ‘common area’ (kinohrista) matters by representing apartment owners and overall property related compliance services with our team of English speaking associates.
Contact us directly here to tell us about your needs. We are a team of trustworthy locals who speak the language, and know how to get the job done impeccably well!
Offering a boutique-style service, our trustworthy team - including certified architects - engineers, interior designers, civil engineers, property lawyers, local accountants, hand-picked construction teams, and property managers - know the intricacies of buying, owning, building and selling property in Greece. They’re all about getting the job done exceedingly well so that your experience is worry free!
Get in touch with our team of experienced professionals who work with you one-on-one to provide a completely tailored service that meets your individual property needs.
Our team of experts can help you with:
Property Management Services in Greece - We help Greek property owners to lease their property with the best terms. We specialize in comprehensive property management for owners, ensuring maximum rental returns and hassle-free experiences. Our services include financial management, digital marketing channels optimization, as well as thorough supervision and maintenance of your property.
Greek Property Pre-Purchase Support - We will Inspect your property before purchase to ensure it meets all legal compliance; we provide legal and notarial representation for property transfers, and property insurance all with English speaking associates experienced in working with overseas clients.
Greek Property Point Person - All of our clients are predominantly non-Greek residents who wish to purchase or who already own property in Greece. We handle all real estate related matters, becoming your go-to-point-person and owner’s representative.
Greek Property Portfolio - We coordinate the process of organizing all your property related documents such as title deeds, public entity registrations, building permits, etc. in order to ensure that as an owner all of your property documents are up-to-date.
Remodeling & Procurement in Greece - We handle complete and partial renovations and upgrades of any scale and type. Our services include plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, masonry, painting, furniture, fixtures, and landscape design.
Greek Property Ownership - We can assist with handling domestic accounts, negotiating leases, issuing energy performance certificates for rental properties, handling ‘common area’ (kinohrista) matters by representing apartment owners and overall property related compliance services with our team of English speaking associates.
Contact us directly here to tell us about your needs. We are a team of trustworthy locals who speak the language, and know how to get the job done impeccably well!
Published in
Services
Tagged under
Tuesday, 24 June 2025 16:13
Summer Vibes At Zappeion: The Meet Market Returns!
The Meet Market is back in the lush green oasis of Zappeion, hosting the most summery celebration of entrepreneurship in the city. In a vibrant setting under the jacarandas trees, we await you on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of July, at the coolest spot in Athens for two days full of meeting, greeting, browsing, shopping, tasting, and grooving. Expect to find great food, beers from microbreweries, wine from local producers, plus refreshing cocktails and spritzes to elevate the mood in a summer-perfect meet-up bursting with good energy.
Plenty of new makers!
This July’s Meet Market will showcase over 80 creators – many of whom are making their debut – offering locally-designed clothing, unique accessories, handmade jewelry, stylish home decor, beauty and wellness products made from natural ingredients, packaged foods directly from the Greek land, carefully selected kids’ items, vintage treasures, and much more.
This July’s Meet Market will showcase over 80 creators – many of whom are making their debut – offering locally-designed clothing, unique accessories, handmade jewelry, stylish home decor, beauty and wellness products made from natural ingredients, packaged foods directly from the Greek land, carefully selected kids’ items, vintage treasures, and much more.
All-Day Music
Staying true to our motto “First a Meet, then a Market,” our program features continuous sets from beloved DJs, starting with laid-back afternoon tunes and peaking with dance beats by night. The music never stops!
Staying true to our motto “First a Meet, then a Market,” our program features continuous sets from beloved DJs, starting with laid-back afternoon tunes and peaking with dance beats by night. The music never stops!
Fun for All Ages
Coming with the kids? No problem. We’ll have free activities for kids, including creative games, juggling performances, bubble shows, face painting, and plenty of surprises. And there's no shortage of food and drink: mouthwatering street food, pizza, burgers, and ice cream… and for the adults, we’ve got beers, wine, refreshing cocktails, and summer spirits.
Coming with the kids? No problem. We’ll have free activities for kids, including creative games, juggling performances, bubble shows, face painting, and plenty of surprises. And there's no shortage of food and drink: mouthwatering street food, pizza, burgers, and ice cream… and for the adults, we’ve got beers, wine, refreshing cocktails, and summer spirits.
Extra tip: Stop by the Info Point / Central Cash Desk and... you might walk away with a gift basket! Enter the raffle and win one of three baskets filled with authentic, handmade gifts from our amazing exhibitors!
The Coolest Summer Stop
Join us in an open, summer setting for strolls under the trees, relaxing on the grass, catching up with friends, doing some summer shopping, snacking, drinking and just enjoying the positive vibes. The Meet Market at Zappeion is the coolest stop of the summer – where the city comes to life just before it empties out for the holidays.
Join us in an open, summer setting for strolls under the trees, relaxing on the grass, catching up with friends, doing some summer shopping, snacking, drinking and just enjoying the positive vibes. The Meet Market at Zappeion is the coolest stop of the summer – where the city comes to life just before it empties out for the holidays.
#TheMeetMarket: A nomadic market of innovation and creativity. Clothes, jewelry, accessories, wellness & self-care products, art & decor, kids' goods, delicious treats, collectible vintage finds, street food, interactive games, DJ sets & positive vibes – all in celebration of the local entrepreneurial spirit.
#MakersLineup
Hand-Designer Clothes:
Aelia.You, Adelie Pengu, Anemuku, Bakayaro, circle of karma, DRU, Greek Sayings in English, Hazelnut Streetwear, Kadó Handmade, Ovary Gang, Nik’s, Sevi Waves, Siel, Xana, ΖΕΦΥR
Aelia.You, Adelie Pengu, Anemuku, Bakayaro, circle of karma, DRU, Greek Sayings in English, Hazelnut Streetwear, Kadó Handmade, Ovary Gang, Nik’s, Sevi Waves, Siel, Xana, ΖΕΦΥR
Accessories:
Anakata handmade, INO Design, Favlos Kyklos, FORE, LePlou, Mavrosandals, Molkano, MoMo HandCrafted, Rimadi & Kardoulezen, The Mpini Project, Théla, Think Bricks, Trapeze
Kids & Toys:
Aeikiniton, Happy Button store, Mamuka, I Love Bows
Aeikiniton, Happy Button store, Mamuka, I Love Bows
Jewelry:
ANV Handmade Jewerly, Argiro Handmade Projects, BSOD, Diesblon, Freyja Jewelry, Illimite Jewerly, Irini Kutiva Ceramics, Kilimi, Loveisall., LUSSU MARSO, MGeometric Designs, Mikrama, Mosaic Beadwork, Matharia, North & South Jewelry, NOXPIRIA, Pretty Little Things, Red Fox Stories, Sisyphus
Mind, Body & Soul:
Bee Naturalles, Christies, Hazel Natural Skincare, The Soaphouse, The Salve Project
Vintage & Retro:
King Kong Vintage, Lilian in Love, Memorabilia Lovers, MUNDA
Art & HomeDeco
Aethereal Ceramics, Blue Studio Ceramics, EleniPal Ceramics, Little Stone Studio, Meli Ceramics, Paperlocs., Redy., Sava Handmade Creations, Sporos.Wrapped in Art, Signature Project, STONED Design, Urban Muses
Tasting Corner:
‘Αγρια Νομή, Αpo Kardias Olive Oil, Aithra Premium Spirits, Οικογένεια Δασκαλάκη, Kakau Worship, ΣάΟΣ
Street Food & Drinks:
ALU.beer, Django Gelato, Grape Store, Falafeladiko, Fysika, Kykao Handcrafted, Neropistolo, Pizza Dough, Tarantino Burgers, The Meet Market Bar, Toul’s Brew
#DJLineup
Saturday 05.07
15:00 - 17:00: Rrose Sélavy
17:00 - 19:00: Pipidee
19:00 - 21:00: DJ Kiten
21:00 - 23:00: George Garavellos
15:00 - 17:00: Rrose Sélavy
17:00 - 19:00: Pipidee
19:00 - 21:00: DJ Kiten
21:00 - 23:00: George Garavellos
Sunday 06.07
15:00 - 17:00: djk_aka_zegas
17:00 - 19:00: mR GEE
19:00 - 21:00: dj kotétrataté
21:00 - 23:00: Zervas_Giorgos_tsxls
15:00 - 17:00: djk_aka_zegas
17:00 - 19:00: mR GEE
19:00 - 21:00: dj kotétrataté
21:00 - 23:00: Zervas_Giorgos_tsxls
Activities for Kids
(Participation is FREE!)
Saturday 05.07
18:00 - 21:00 | Outdoor interactivities from Paizontas
19:30 - 21:00 | Juggling and Bubble Show from Fundastick Performing Arts
18:00 - 21:00 | Outdoor interactivities from Paizontas
19:30 - 21:00 | Juggling and Bubble Show from Fundastick Performing Arts
Sunday 06.07
18:00 - 21:00 | Outdoor interactivities from Paizontas
18:00 - 20:00 | Face-painting by Moutzoures
20:00 - 21:00 | Magic Show by Magic Tolto
18:00 - 20:00 | Face-painting by Moutzoures
20:00 - 21:00 | Magic Show by Magic Tolto
Paizontas - Let the fun begin! Join us for outdoor recreational and educational activities like mega jenga, slackline, crate climbing, and rock climbing for kids that harmoniously combine fun play with hands-on learning!
Juggling and Bubble Show from Fundastick Performing Arts - Panagiotis Argyrakis from Fundastick Performing Arts will entertain both young and old alike with his amazing juggling skills and giant soap bubbles!
Face-painting with Moutzoures - Brushes are dancing with sponges, eager for colors to roll, glitter to be sprinkled, and admire the children’s faces filled with Spring as the Μoutzoures team heads over to the Meet Market #SummerEdition!
Magic Show by Magic Tolto - The pinnacle of children's entertainment Magic Tolto presents an interactive magic show full of moments of laughter, excitement and real fun this Christmas at the Meet Market! For ages: 4+
Parallel Activities
Wine Tasting by Grape Store
Parallel Activities
Wine Tasting by Grape Store
Saturday | 19:00 - 20:00
Sunday | 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for an delightful wine tasting session featuring exquisite Greek wines in the serene Zappeion Garden, beneath the trees' shade. Savor a curated selection of Greece's finest vintages, including the most known but also rare local varieties, each telling a unique story of the sun-kissed vineyards and rich heritage. Enjoy the harmonious blend of nature's tranquility and the vibrant notes of the wines. Discover the unique flavors in every glass, surrounded by natural splendor in the festive vibe of the Meet Market.
Cost: 20€ / person
Duration: 45 - 60 λεπτά
Capacity: 20 people
Reservations: grapestore.gr or on the spot based on availability
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:57
House Sitting
And oldie, but goodie from Jack...I’ve spent the past week house-sitting for a friend in Koukaki, in the shadow of the Parthenon. Part of the deal is walking the dog 3 times daily – a task which I don’t mind at all, much less given that my dog-walking path is the Dionisiou Areopagitou pathway around the Acropolis. I mean, how much better does it get – early morning, deserted streets, quiet – and all the dog-owners out for their morning jaunt around the great symbol of the city…
I never thought of Athens as a ‘dog owning city’. I stand corrected.
I’ve walked around the historic centre this week more times than I can count. I told my friends I’ve been doing laps around the Acropolis. It’s surreal. And completely ‘normal’ too. I think it’s great that such an important monument forms such an ‘integral’ part of day-to-day life here. Whether you walk around it, drive around it, look at it through a distant window – it’s always there. And for every tourist with map in hand, staring at the rock – there is another local, on her way to meet a friend for a catch-up.
Life in the centre of Athens – for my taste – is fantastic. Everything is just around the corner. The streets are busy with voices and activity. Nightlife is ‘just over there’. And parking is… well, parking is no issue when you don’t even need a car.
So with the Acropolis Museum in front of me, Makriyianni street behind me, I wait for the real estate agent to show up – it’s about time I checked out some apartments down here…
Until next time,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under
Thursday, 09 June 2016 07:00
Biking In Athens
The capital of Greece, with the joys of the mountain and the pleasures of the sea equally available, can really thrill the bikers. Mount the bicycle of your imagination and follow us on an enchanting trip around the beauties of Athens. Kids of all ages, set the wheels in motion… Take your family along and follow safe ways through parks and cycle lanes. Treat your spare time of nonchalance with fitness in the following suggested places...
- Park of Environmental Information and Sensitisation “Antonis Tritsis”.
- “Syggrou” grove in Kifissia
- The ex royal estate in Tatoi
- The Technical University’s park in Zografou
- Intermunicipal cycle track of the northern suburbs
Let history be your guide…
The longest pedestrian walkway is Dionysiou Areopagitou str. It starts at the Hadrian’s Arch; it goes past the Acropolis Museum and keeps on through Apostolou Pavlou str. to Thissio and Monastiraki and, at Assomaton square, it meets Ermou str. Take the latter and go as far as Gazi or Plaka.
Feel the energy of the surroundings: incomparable monuments of the Greek cultural heritage will set the backdrop for an unforgettable ride pas the Ancient Agora, the Ancient Dionysus Theatre, the Roman Agora. For a time journey back to the ages of the old times of Athens as capital of the Hellenic Republic, Plaka is the best choice.
Caressed by the sea breeze…
When you have cycled around the city centre but you are eager for more, go to the Athens Riviera and enjoy some ouzo after your ride. Our suggestions:
-From “Floisvos” marina to Eden beach
-From Fáliro to Glyfáda
-From the marina in Glyfáda to Kavouri
To read this article in full, please visit: Visit Greece
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:28
Greeks In New York To Celebrate Oxi Day
On October 28th, millions around the world will commemorate OXI (pronounced ō-hē) Day, a day honoring Greece’s courageous resistance during World War II. The day will be remembered on board the USS SLATER in Albany, New York with a brief program beginning at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend.
In 1940 Mussolini delivered an ultimatum to Greece’s Prime Minister demanding the entry of the Italian army into Greece and Italian occupation of Greek territory. The Prime Minister refused. His response was quickly echoed by the people of Athens as “Oxi,” meaning “No.”
To read more, please visit greekreporter.com
By Ioanna Zikakou
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Friday, 27 February 2015 15:40
Balcony Life In Athens
For days now, my friend has been telling me about the fat Greek man in the string vest opposite her apartment. She wakes up to him being yelled at by his wife and today I received the following from her: "What a wake up call, seeing the old fat guy in his y fronts on the balcony across from me first thing in the morn...!" Which got us both thinking about Balcony Life in Athens. You see being a city, balconies become the 'gardens of the home.' Even in the country, people don't often live in houses and live in flats - thus the balcony becomes a great extension of the home.
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My Week In Athens
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