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Thursday, 05 December 2019 02:18

International Team Of Scientists Explore Undewater Santorini Volcano

International Team Of Scientists Explore Undewater Santorini Volcano
A team of international scientists researching the submerged Kolumbo volcano off the island of Santorini discovered unknown hydrothermal fountains around which bacterial communities are flourishing.

The oceanographic research mission consists of 30 scientists from the United States, Greece, Australia, and Germany and is funded and supported by NASA.

The scientists tested new 'intelligent' technologies with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). AUVs can be used in the future to explore alien oceans on satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Europe and Enceladus, where submarine traces of life will be investigated in extreme and possibly dangerous circumstances. The researchers were satisfied with the ability of the AUVs to receive and successfully execute orders in an unknown environment such as that of the Kolumbo volcano.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
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Friday, 16 October 2020 08:46

31 Greek Museums Receive International Recognition

31 Greek Museums Receive International Recognition
Even though many Greek museums previously received negative reviews for lack of innovation and modernism, it seems that a lot has changed.

Lately, 31 of the country’s public museums have earned TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice badge, in recognition of consistently great user reviews.

Indeed, in the past few years, both public and privately owned museums have been striving to improve their communication skills, offer more activities and adapt to new technologies. Now, Greek public museums great excellent reviews from visitors and rank among the top 10% of recommended places to visit this year.

The Association of Greek Archaeologists published the list of the 31 museums that were awarded the “Traveler’s Choice 2020” badge on their website:


To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
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Thursday, 06 May 2021 13:42

Greek Doctor Uses AI To Improve Life Of Cancer Patients

Greek Doctor Uses AI To Improve Life Of Cancer Patients
Dr. Peter Metrakos is the Greek leader of a research team that uses breakthrough artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve the survival rates of cancer patients. 

Based in Canada, the team of physicians are working to help patients with colorectal cancer survive this shockingly deadly disease, which currently has a five-year survival rate of just 12%.

The research team is working with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) to develop personalized medicine in the colorectal cancer field and the whole project is based on Metrakos’ 2016 research into colorectal cancer cells’ relationship to blood vessels.

The Greek doctor and his team will use liquid biopsy methods to isolate the constituent sections of a cancer patient's blood in order to figure out which ones are linked to the disease. This information will be given anonymously to MIM, a Montreal-based AI company, which will attempt to identify patterns in patients' blood.

Using the data obtained through AI, researchers should be able to create customized treatment plans for patients who would otherwise not respond to conventional therapies.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
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Wednesday, 22 September 2021 07:00

One Man’s Trash: Greek Designers Go Green

One Man’s Trash: Greek Designers Go Green
Environmental awareness in Greece is slowly on the rise. The single-use plastic bag charge levied at supermarkets since January 2018, gives shoppers pause. Prince Charles’ televised refusal of a plastic straw for his cold coffee while visiting Athens split commentators between admiring his eco-credentials and mocking his froth mustache.

But even before the reduce, reuse, recycle movement hit the headlines, young Greek entrepreneurs have been saving throwaways from sea or landfill and using them to create homeware and accessories that are as alluring as they are ethical.

Rokani: As Wood as it Gets

Rokani
Credit: Thomas Gravanis

At street bins around Athens, you’ll frequently see old drawers, bedsteads, and pallets waiting to be landfilled. Rokani gives this junk a new lease of life. “It started when one of us was renovating his own home. We experimented with upcycling some of the pallets, and then thought, why not take this further?” says Stratos Hadjiyiannakis, one of Rokani’s five founding members. “We all came from a technical background. After the economic crisis we were looking for an opportunity to start something for ourselves.”

They set up in a small workshop, started salvaging pallets, door-frames, and other pieces of wood. After cleaning, filing, and sanding them, they refit them as bookshelves, beds, cupboards, tables, lamps, and even toys. As well as a small store in the Stoa Emboron arcade, they also do made-to-order pieces. If you see something you like online, send a photo to Rokani and they will send you an estimate and create it for you. If your space or style changes, they welcome back old items you have purchased from them—in any condition—and offer you 30% of the current value to buy something else. “As well as promoting recycling, we also promote a cyclical economy,” says Hadjiyiannakis. “Instead of throwing it out, give it back to us. We will find something to do with it.”

Prices: €25-30 for a bookshelf; €150-400 for a table.
Address: 8-10 Voulis, Merchant's Arcade Historic Centre
Telephone: 695 535 0143

Thela: Circles of Life

Thela Circles Of Life
Courtesy: Thela

Moving from Mumbai to Athens in 2017 gave graphic designer Diti Kotecha the chance to plant a seed that had been rattling around in her head for 20 years. Starting afresh in a new country where plastic bags were handed out like there was no tomorrow, she combined her skills in crocheting, her creative background, and her dedication to sustainability by launching Thela. A vibrant-hued collection of accessories, each piece is made entirely from discarded plastic bags. They are washed, dried, cut into yarn, and then crocheted into brooches, earrings, coasters or floor mats.

The glorious slate-grey and yellow circular Chatai mat uses almost 60 second-hand plastic bags, rescued from ending up on beaches, fields, in oceans, or landfills. And saving some of the estimated 1 million animals killed by discarded plastic bags each year. Nothing is wasted; Kotecha uses the bag handles and seams (which are not usable for yarn) to stuff pom-poms. Thin plastic bags are photodegradable. While crocheting makes the yarn resilient, Kotecha refrains from adding UV coatings, as these are highly toxic and prevent further upcycling.

Prices: from €10 (brooches) to €80 (floor mats).

Think Sea: Nautical and Nice

Think Sea
Courtesy: Think Sea

Think Sea invites donations of ‘retired’ windsurf sails at its base on the island of Paros. The design team transforms them into trendy and durable phone/tablet cases, bags, and wallets. Sounds esoteric? Indeed. But as windsurfing sails are not recyclable, every new rig discarded after a summer of wear and tear was ending up in a landfill. Who knows, that bold color-block duffel bag you are eyeing up might once have carried champion windsurfer Nikos Kaklamanakis to Olympic victory!

Prices: from €25 (iPhone cases) to €78 (duffel bags).

Shedia Art

Shedia
Credit: Thomas Gravanis

Chris Alefantis has his social and environmental awareness hat on. You may have noticed people standing outside metro stations throughout the city in red Shedia vests selling a magazine by the same name. Aimed at empowering people in poverty, Shedia does much more than sell street papers. The leftover issues are used to create art objects, from lampshades to flower pots to clocks to delicate bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, by people over the age of 50 who previously had difficulty finding employment. “We’re making the invisible visible again,” Alefantis says, referring to both the people that are being helped and the magazines that would have otherwise been thrown out for recycling. Check out their store on Kolokotroni street, which also just opened as a café and restaurant or the offshoot in the nearby Merchants arcade. Affordability and responsibility is the new black.

Prices: from €2 (fridge magnet) to €100 (large handmade lampshade).
Address: 56 Kolokotroni Street, Monastiraki, 105 60
Telephone: 213 0231220

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! 

This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
 
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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Monday, 18 November 2024 14:06

Books About Famous Greek Philosophers Worth Reading (Translated into English)

Books About Famous Greek Philosophers Worth Reading (Translated into English)
The works of ancient Greek philosophers have shaped the foundations of Western philosophy, science, and ethics. Reading about their lives and ideas not only offers a glimpse into their genius but also provides timeless insights into human nature and society. Here’s a list of must-read books, both original works and modern commentaries, about the most famous Greek philosophers, translated into English.



1. Plato

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  • Key Work: The Republic
    Plato’s The Republic remains a cornerstone of political philosophy and ethics. This dialogue examines justice, governance, and the nature of the ideal state. Translations by Benjamin Jowett or newer ones like those by Allan Bloom are particularly respected.
  • Additional Recommendations:
    • Plato: Complete Works, edited by John M. Cooper, compiles all of Plato’s dialogues, including The Symposium and Phaedrus, which explore love, rhetoric, and the soul.
2. Aristotle

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  • Key Work: Nicomachean Ethics
    Aristotle’s exploration of the “good life” through virtue ethics is a profound guide to personal and moral development. Terence Irwin's translation is particularly well-regarded.
  • Additional Recommendations:
    • Metaphysics: This work delves into the nature of being and reality, offering insight into Aristotle's philosophical system.
    • Politics: Essential reading for understanding governance, citizenship, and Aristotle’s vision of the ideal state.
3. Socrates (via Plato and Xenophon)

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  • Key Work: Apology by Plato
    This dialogue portrays Socrates’ defense during his trial, embodying his commitment to truth and philosophy. It’s a gripping introduction to his ideas and personality.
  • Other Sources:
    • Xenophon’s Memorabilia and Apology: These offer an alternative perspective on Socrates' teachings and trial.
4. Epicurus

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  • Key Work: The Art of Happiness (translated by George K. Strodach)
    A collection of Epicurus’ letters and teachings, focusing on his philosophy of simple pleasures, friendship, and avoiding unnecessary desires.
  • Commentary:
    • Epicurus and His Philosophy by Norman W. DeWitt provides a detailed exploration of his thought and legacy.
5. Heraclitus

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  • Key Work: Fragments (translated by Brooks Haxton)
    Heraclitus’ enigmatic aphorisms on change and the unity of opposites are a window into his revolutionary thinking.
  • Companion Read:
    • Heraclitus: The Cosmic Fragments by G. S. Kirk offers detailed explanations and interpretations.
6. Diogenes (Cynics)

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  • Key Work: Diogenes: The Cynic Philosopher
    While Diogenes wrote little, anecdotes of his life are preserved in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius (translated by C.D. Yonge).
  • Modern Biography:
    • The Philosophy of Diogenes by Luis E. Navia offers a comprehensive analysis of his unconventional philosophy.
7. The Stoics (Zeno, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius)

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  • Key Work: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
    This personal journal is a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy, focusing on inner peace and resilience.
  • Other Recommendations:
    • Discourses by Epictetus: A practical guide to Stoicism and virtuous living.
    • The Stoics Reader, edited by Brad Inwood and Lloyd P. Gerson, offers selections from various Stoic philosophers.
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:04

The Fortresses of Nafplio

The Fortresses of Nafplio

Located approximately twenty miles away from Epidaurus, Nafplion is a small and charming harbor with a Venetian port and alleyways of Italian influence. The fortress, on the cliff road, was a secure spot for pirates in the 14th century. Then, under the Ottoman Empire, the executioner used to live there. Finally, it was transformed into a hotel in the 1970s, and is now a historical site in Nafplion that can be visited. Shuttles go back and forth all day long.

During the summer, you can enjoy sound and light shows here. Visit Nafplio to discover the Ancient Fortress of Akronafplio along with two Venetian Fortresses - Bourtzi in the harbour and Palamidi crowning the hilltop.

Naflio came to prominence as the first capital of Greece. When the capital moved to Athens, Nafplio settled into the role of quietly beautiful seaside resort. Located in the Peleponnese, Nafplio is a two and a half hour bus ride from Athens, or one hour fifteen minutes from Corinth. The old part of the town is situated on a spit of land that protrudes into the Argolic Gulf.

Sail out to Bourtzi Fortress

Walk along the harbourfront and you can’t help but notice a fortress covering an entire, tiny island in the gulf. The Bourtzi Fortress was built by the Venetians 600 meters from shore and can be reached by boat from the harbour along Akti Misouli. In modern times the fortress is sometimes used as a venue for the Classical Music Festival held in late May and early June.

Walk up to the Akronafplia Fortress

The second fortress in Nafplio sits on a promontory above the old city. Start from Saint Spiridons Square and walk up Potomaino, a stepped street. Enter the fortress through the gate at the top. Some of the walls here date back to the Bronze Age. Although the site was used as a political prison until the 1950s, most of it has since mouldered into the ground. The view however remains spectacular.

Hike up to the Palamidi Fortress

The largest and most spectacular fortress in Nafplio sits 216 meters above the city. The Palamidi Fortress was built by the Venetians from 1711-1714 and at the time was considered a masterpiece of military architecture.

Within the extensive outer walls are several independent bastions located across the site at strategic points. The Agios Andreas Bastion stands at the top of the stairs that come up from town. Originally the home of the Garrison Commander, it is named after the small chapel that sits in its inner courtyard.

The largest bastion, Miltiades was used as a prison for condemned criminals from 1840 – 1920. Theodore Kolokotrones, a War of Independence hero spent time there after being condemned for treason. Although you can drive up the backside of the mountain to reach the fortress, it is much more impressive to climb up the innumerable stairs– 999 according to locals. Be sure to pause along the way to catch your breath and enjoy the increasingly stunning view.

Enjoy the Ambiance

After a long day of discovering the sites, take time to unwind. Choose one of the many seaside restaurants, order a bottle of wine and revel in the fresh sea air. Remember, you’re in Greece where of an evening there is nothing more pressing than a leisurely meal in the company of friends. When the last after dinner coffee is gone, enjoy a stroll long the waterfront. The lights dazzling the Bourtzi Fortress across the water bring an excellent close to your day in Nafplio.

Source: Easy voyage
By Gwendolyn Copeman

 

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 13:14

Second Vote In Parliament Concludes

Second Vote In Parliament Concludes

The second vote for the critical Presidential elections took place shortly after noon in Parliament, where as expected, the Assembly failed to elect a new President. The MPs will vote for a third time on the 29th of December.

In total 168 MPs supported the candidacy of the sole Presidential candidate Stavros Dimas, while 131 MPs voted against him and one MP as absent for the vote. This result marks an improvement over the first disappointing -for the government- vote.

In order to avoid snap elections, the coalition government will have to secure the support from a further 12 MPs in order to reach the goal of 180 votes in the Presidential election. Should Parliament fail to elect a new President, then general elections will called, with the 25th of January being the likeliest date.

The coalition government saw MPs Spyros Lykoudis, Grigoris Psarianos, Kostas Giovanopoulos, Christos Aidonis, Mika Iatridi, Panagiotis Melas, Stathis Boukouras and Chrysovalantis Alexopoulos.

To read more, please visit tovima.gr/en

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Tuesday, 22 September 2015 07:00

Tourlou Tourlou Briam

Tourlou Tourlou Briam
As we head into autumn, this dish is perfect for the season.

Tourlou tourlou, which literally means all mixed up, is really the most wonderfully delicious mix up of vegetables!  Perfect with fresh veggies and a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to one of the best traditional vegetable meals in all of Greek cooking.

This dish also known as Briam from the Turkish version and is also very similar to the traditional French dish Ratatouille. Full of flavor and so satisfying, you can enjoy tourlou tourlou hot right from the oven or the next day at room temperature. Serve as a filling meal or as a tasty veggie side dish to just about anything and its a great take for lunch option too!

One of the great things about tourlou tourlou is it's amazingly flexible.  This dish can accommodate whatever is in season and can be made with a huge variety of vegetables such as okra, green beans, peas, green peppers, mushrooms - feel free to be creative!

Ingredients
  • 2 cups sliced eggplant (approx 2 medium eggplants)
  • 2 cups sliced zucchini squash /green or yellow or combination of both (approx 2 medium squash)
  • 3 cups sliced potatoes (2 large baking potatoes)
  • 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions (1 medium sweet white onion)
  • 6 large cloves garlic (sliced very thinly)
  • 3 cups sliced tomatoes (approx 4 large ripe tomatoes)
  • 3 tbsp sliced fresh basil
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt/ 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 cups peeled, crushed tomatoes (approx 3 large tomatoes)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
To read more, including how to make Tourlou Tourlou, please visit: The Greek Vegan
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Thursday, 19 November 2015 07:00

Greek Traditional Products

Greek Traditional Products
Traditional Greek cuisine is based on the pure products from Greek Mother Nature to form a balanced nutritional model that can ensure a better quality of life and physical health.  Products with unique quality and unsurpassable nutritional values include; olive and extra virgin olive oil, dairy products, honey, ouzo, fish, juices, water, nuts, wines, mastic from Chios, crocus from Kozani and much more  These products have blended together and created a noble cuisine rich in nutritional ingredients, which can satisfy the high gusatory and nutritional needs of modern man.

Let's take a look at some of the highly regarded Greek products:

Olive Oil
As the basis of every recipe found in traditional cuisine, olive oil plays a dominant role in Greek nutritional habits. Greek olive oil is known worldwide for its purity, exceptional taste and high nutritional value.  You will find it everywhere - in glass or plastic containers with the words "visrgin" and "extra virgin" printed on them.

Cheese
You will find unique cheeses of exceptional quality in the market, and you should make the effort to try these cheeses, such as kaseri, graviera, kefalotiri, myzithraand metsovone. These cheeses vary according to their origin, taste and name. Some of these cheeses are found throughout the country, while others are locally produced for local consumption. The most famous is of course Greek feta cheese. This is a white semi-soft, heavily salted cheese which is the basic ingredient for the Greek or Horiatiko salad, but it is also used in many other recipes.

Wine
Greece is not only the birthplace of Dionysus (God of Wine), but also the birthplace of wine making.  This wine came from the islands of Chios and Thassos and was famous throughout the Ancient world.  Historical and social reasons, as well as various natural disasters, were the main reasons why the art of wine making was neglected from the middle of the 19th century up tot he beginning of the 60's.  Greek winds are produced from a variety of grapes, many of which are unknown to Western wine lovers.

To read more, please visit: Visit Greece









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Monday, 01 February 2016 07:00

Mountain Sports: Popular Destinations In Greece

Mountain Sports: Popular Destinations In Greece
For mountain sports enthusiasts, Greece is the ideal setting for your athletic adventures.  Ski centres with pistes of high standads and hospitable facilites, rock climbing in majestic landscapes that will take you all the way to the heavens, dirt roads and mountain forests perfect for mountain biking.  What are the most popular destinations in Greece for mountain sports?

Skiing in Greece: Popular pistes

1. Parnassos: The largest and best-equipped ski resort in Greece, near cosmopolitan Arahova and Livadi, at an altitude of 1,600-2,300m. It boasts 19 trails totalling 36km, while the Vakhos and Iniochos pistes are certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS), for the organisation of meets and competitions. In addition, there are seven more snow trails and 8 connecting paths that lead to the black pistes.

2. 3-5 Pigadia: 3-5 Pigadia can be found on the eastern side of Mt Vermio, at an altitude of 1,430-2,005m and surrounded by green forest. It’s famous for its piste named Filippos, the best black run (of extreme difficulty) in Greece, while Aristotelis, at 2,000m long, is certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS) for the Pan-European and World Championships. It also has a separate snowboard park, for snowboarding and freeriding.

3. Karpenisi: One of the largest and most impressive ski centres in Greece can be found at the Velouhi plateau in Karpenissi. Spread over 5,500 sq m, at an altitude of 1,850-2,000m, it boasts 18 slopes. Of these, there is one black slope for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

4. Vasilitsa: The ski resort at Vasilitsa is one of the most famous and popular in Greece, and is located in the heart of the Pindos Mountains, in a majestic landscape (2,150m). It has 18 pistes which total 24km in length, as well as a snowboard park.

Rock climbing in Greece: Popular destinations

1. Meteora: Climbing the Meteora pillars is a truly singular experience. These are long ascents without surplus safeties using natural holds which are good for relative beginners. You’ll be thrilled to discover the ruins of abandoned monasteries and hermits’ shelters in protected niches.

2. Sykia, Ghiona: An impressively sheer slope rises above the village of Sykia, posing its challenge. The object of many a climber’s desire is the vertical rock face from 1,000-2,500m, the Slab of Sykia, which is an excellent test of their skills.

Trekking in Greece: Popular routes

1. Mytikas, Mt Olympus: The classic ascent to the top of Mt Olympus starts from the Prionia refuge at 1,100m. This is the highest spot that you can drive to and if you’re hiking on the E4, you’ll also pass through here from Litochoro and the Epineas Gorge, before continuing up the mountain.

2. Vikos Gorge: One of Europe’s deepest and longest gorges, this is a must for nature lovers. The descent from Monodendri and the ascent to Vikos is steep, but the walk above the Aoos River in the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park is fairly even and not too demanding. The six-hour trek is mostly shaded. Ravishing flowers cover the slopes until late spring, and you can even take a dip in icy waters if you’re truly brave.

Mountain biking in Greece: Popular rides

1. Varybobi: On the outskirts of Athens is a mountain bike paradise. Above the former royal estate at an altitude of 320-850m is a perfect pine forest for your thrills and, hopefully, a few, spills. 

2. Asopos canal: A canal brings water from the Mornos River to the Asopos River valley. The canal is open and the road by it lays out an attractive and easy bike route.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece




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