XpatAthens

Wednesday, 08 April 2020 17:15

Son Pa Atenas ~ A Song Dedicated To Athens

The Cuban-Greek musical partnership Santa Palabra, known for their vibrant live performances around Athens and their Latin rhythms, have composed a song Son Pa Atenas dedicated to the ancient city of Athens - described as 'the immortal and eternal Greek capital.'

Son Pa Atenas is an irresistible mix of authentic Latin melodies and meaningful lyrics, giving insight into Greece's rich history and at the same time getting everyone dancing! The music video shows the artists singing and dancing against the backdrop of Athens' most iconic landmarks, such as the Parthenon and the Hellenic Parliament, reminding us how beautiful the city is.

Fun and unbeat this song will surely make your heart beat to the rhythm!

Published in City Discovery

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Thursday, 06 May 2021 14:00

Marble Marvels: A Historic Hike on Mount Penteli

Mount Penteli is one of the four ranges that cradle Athens and at 1,006 metres, is the second highest summit after Mount Parnitha.

The mountain is world-famous for its marble which has long been prized for its purity. The marble quarries there operated from around the 6th century B.C. until the 1940s and yielded the vast bulk of the material used to build the Acropolis and the ancient city of Athens.

We’re headed for the Dionysos open-air marble museum, a reconstruction complete with crumbling miner’s shacks, tool sheds, and dramatic scree mounds, to drive home this mountain’s mighty marble legacy.

During the four hours or so we are up here, we encounter totally different landscapes; from gorgeous open panoramas and austere quarries to woodland meadows carpeted with wildflowers (and rare butterflies). There’s also a delightful trio of storybook chapels the size of Wendy houses, decorated with holy icons, and springwater taps where we top up our bottles with sweet mountain water.

It’s also about what we don’t see. As in other people. Barring a few faded red markings on rocks, Penteli is not a sign-posted route. It helps keep the crowds at bay.

After about 45 minutes, we emerge into a natural clearing backed by an imposing wall of multi-coloured marble rock. This is the climbing section of Penteli. Known as Dionysos, it’s among the most popular in Attica (wider Athens) and one of the few places in Greece where you can pit yourself against sheer marble precipices around 15-20m high.

We’re now standing at the mouth of a steep ramp-like track scattered with marble shrapnel. The path plunges like a black ski-run towards the lush foothills below. This is the platform they used to send marble blocks the size of a car down the mountain. They’d tie them up with cables; then release them slowly on ropes.

I try (and fail) to visualise the Herculean Endeavour of shifting all those mammoth marble bricks from here to the Parthenon building site, some 25 kilometres away.

Next, we stop near the stony reconstruction of what looks like an open-air “staff canteen” built into the sloping quarry, adjacent to the old tool construction area. That’s where they would place the dynamite to break up the rock in modern times. In ancient Greece, they soaked flints in water and stuck them into holes where they would expand and break up the marble.

Many of Penteli’s quarry workers hailed from Paros island. The Parians were good workers, apparently, and had a knack with marble (the legendary Venus de Milo was sculpted from Paros marble).

The Dionysos marble museum isn’t really a museum in the strictest sense. There are no maps or organised exhibits. It’s more of an atmospheric theatre set, built atop the retired ancient quarry to represent everyday working life.

We continue up the steady incline; marble debris clinking musically underfoot, like pebbles knocking together on a shore.

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

Photo by: Thomas Gravanis

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.

Published in City Discovery

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Wednesday, 22 September 2021 07:00

September: A Month For New Goals & Beginnings

September is the month of new beginnings. If you’re a working woman your summer vacation is usually over by now and you’re back to work. If you have children, whether you are a staying home or a working mum, you have lots of planning as it’s the month schools and extracurricular activities start. In any case, there’re lots to think about, lots of decisions to be made so as to plan and organize the year ahead.

For me, September is the month I set my goals. When my clients ask me “Why now? Why not in January when the New Year actually begins?” I give them my personal reasoning: Because that’s when I get back to work after my summer vacation; that’s when I restart my working out; that’s when my daughter goes back to school; that’s when her – and mine – extracurricular activities start again; that’s when I have lots of ideas about what to do that’s new and exciting; that’s when I start fresh. September just makes it easier for me.

I’ll share with you, as I share with my clients, my little secret: For me goals are not just something I want to do or achieve. It’s not about being the big achiever type, the superwoman or the I-do-it-all-mum. My goals are important to me because they define who I am; they are essential in my development, my progress; they give me the opportunity to become who I want to be. That’s why I put a lot of thinking and I choose them carefully.

A couple of useful tips if you’re into goal setting for yourself are: First, your goals need to be very clear and specific. And second, you need to have a very strong motive.

If you’re ready to start but are not sure about which goals are better for you, how to define them or how to go about them then I would certainly recommend finding a person to work with. Whether a life coach or a mentor, it has to be a person you trust and feel good with as they will walk this path along with you, help you to get in action, and save you time and energy in achieving your goals.

I would urge you to start in September. It’s a great month to think of your personal development and start with new things, new adventures, new ideas.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Published in Mind

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Friday, 04 March 2022 07:00

What The Carnival Costume You Choose May Reveal About You

Carnival time or Apokries in Greek is at its peak. During these three weeks, it’s customary for children and adults alike to have fun, to party, and to dress up; customs that go back to the festivities in honor of god Dionysus in Ancient Greece.

Carnival is one of the rare chances we get to try something different, something crazy because hey, it’s just for fun. By choosing to put on a mask or a costume we can leave our everyday identities at home and put on a completely new identity; one we don’t own in our daily lives.

Of course, not everyone is up for it. There are those who feel quite uncomfortable dressing up. I personally enjoy Carnival and dressing up. I feel like a little kid, full of energy, free of my daily challenges, and ready to have fun. How about you? Are you among those in favor of dressing up? And if so, what is your favorite costume?

In an unofficial survey that I did with my clients, the costume of Cleopatra came by far first among women. When I asked them why they chose it their initial answer was because they like the outfit and because Cleopatra was a good-looking woman. When we went a bit deeper and started talking about the qualities of her character, my clients said they liked very specific traits such as her leadership qualities, her ability to set limits, her steady focus as well as her grace, beauty, femininity, and confidence. They also liked to get into the role and behave like her. They even admitted that these exact qualities they admired about Cleopatra were the ones they wanted to have more of into their daily lives.

It’s true that uniforms create some psychological transformation even if it’s for a very short time and even if it’s for fun. So, next time you choose your Carnival costume just think about what this may say about your personality.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

Published in Mind

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Wednesday, 19 February 2025 07:00

Apokries (Carnival) In Greece

In Greece, the word "apokries" carries a rich cultural significance, translating to "no more meat" (αποχή από κρέας – apo-kreas). It heralds the vibrant carnival season, deeply rooted in Orthodox traditions and ancient festivities, marking a time of revelry and anticipation before the solemnity of Lent.

Dating back to ancient Greece, apokries celebrations were intertwined with the worship of Dionysos, the God of Wine and Feast, symbolizing the transition from winter's grip to the awakening of spring. Today, this tradition lives on, blending Orthodox customs with echoes of antiquity.

The carnival season typically spans ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter, culminating in the weekend preceding "Clean Monday," or Ash Monday, which signals the commencement of Lent. Throughout this period, communities across Greece come alive with a flurry of festivities, each carrying its own unique customs and flavors.

The carnival kicks off with a week of indulgence, free from fasting, leading up to Meatfare Sunday. This day marks the last opportunity for meat consumption before the Lenten fast begins. The preceding Thursday, known as Tsiknopempti (Charred, Smoky, or Barbeque Thursday), ignites a carnivalesque atmosphere as the scent of grilled meat permeates the air. Families and friends gather in taverns or backyards, indulging in sumptuous meat feasts and merry-making.

As the carnival reaches its climax, the focus shifts to Cheesefare Sunday, or Tyrofagos, where dairy products take center stage. Parades and masquerade parties fill the streets, reviving age-old customs and traditions unique to each region. From elaborate costumes to spirited dances, carnival celebrations encapsulate the essence of Greek cultural heritage, bringing communities together in joyous camaraderie.

Beyond the fun, Apokries offers a glimpse into Greece's rich tapestry of history and tradition. It's a time to savor the pleasures of life before embracing the solemnity of Lent, a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the enduring spirit of resilience. So, whether you find yourself in Athens or a quaint village in the countryside, immerse yourself in the magic of apokries. Experience the pulsating rhythms, taste the flavors of tradition, and join in the jubilant festivities that define this enchanting season in Greece.

Published in Greek Traditions

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Wednesday, 20 November 2024 15:02

Balancing Parenting & Extracurricular Activities

Parenting in today’s world can often feel like juggling flaming swords, especially when extracurricular activities enter the mix. From soccer practices and dance recitals to coding clubs and art classes, the options are endless, and so are the logistics.

While extracurricular activities can enrich a child’s development and provide essential life skills, they can also overwhelm families if not managed wisely. Here are some tips to help parents navigate this busy landscape while maintaining their sanity.

1. Prioritize & Choose Wisely

Children may want to try everything, and it’s natural for parents to want to support their enthusiasm. However, overloading their schedules can lead to burnout for both kids and parents.

Focus on Interests: Encourage your child to pick one or two activities they are genuinely passionate about.
Consider Age & Development: Younger children may need more downtime, while older kids may thrive on structured commitments.
Set Limits: A manageable schedule ensures kids have time for schoolwork, family, and free play.

2. Plan & Organize

Effective planning is the backbone of managing extracurricular activities.

Create a Family Calendar: Use digital tools or a physical planner to track commitments, ensuring you don’t double-book or miss an event.
Coordinate with Other Parents: Carpooling can save time and reduce stress.
Prepare in Advance: Keep gear and uniforms organized and ready to go to avoid last-minute scrambles.

3. Communicate with Your Child

Extracurricular activities should be enjoyable, not a source of stress.

Check In Regularly: Ask your child how they feel about their commitments. If they seem overwhelmed, it may be time to scale back.
Encourage Balance: Teach them the importance of balancing activities with rest and unstructured time.

4. Make Time for Family

With packed schedules, family time can often take a back seat. Make an effort to prioritize moments together.

Family Meals: Even with busy evenings, try to have at least a few meals together each week to reconnect.
Quality Over Quantity: Whether it’s a weekend hike or a movie night, make the time you spend together meaningful.

5. Recognize Your Own Limits

Parents often bear the brunt of extracurricular logistics. It’s important to acknowledge your boundaries.

Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to enlist other family members or friends for support.
Set Realistic Expectations: You can’t be everywhere at once; sometimes, you’ll have to make tough choices.
Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy to care for your family.

6. Emphasize Quality, Not Quantity

Remember, the goal of extracurricular activities is to enrich your child’s life, not to fill every moment with structured tasks.

Focus on Personal Growth: Whether it’s learning teamwork or building resilience, what matters is how the activity benefits your child’s development.
Celebrate Achievements: Show your support by attending events and celebrating milestones, no matter how small.

7. Be Flexible & Adapt

Schedules and interests will evolve as your child grows. Stay flexible and be ready to adjust as needed.

Reassess Annually: Each year, evaluate which activities are worth continuing and which can be dropped.
Be Open to Change: If an activity no longer serves your child’s interests or wellbeing, it’s okay to move on.

The Bigger Picture

Extracurricular activities are just one piece of the parenting puzzle. By managing them effectively, parents can help their children enjoy fulfilling experiences while maintaining a balanced, happy family life. Remember, it’s not about doing it all but about doing what works best for your family.

Parenting is a journey, and each step is an opportunity to learn and grow together. Take a deep breath, keep perspective, and embrace the beautiful chaos!

Published in Parenting

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:05

The Snowy Side Of Greece

Although the Swiss Alps are still numero uno for European skiers, Greece's slopes are giving Switzerland a run for the money. The snow may be wetter than one would like, and snowmaking is limited, but the December to April ski season in Greece offers ski enthusiasts the enviable attractions of stellar views, endless sun, and excellent après ski options. There are at least 20 ski resorts in Greece.

Most are small, but a handful are larger operations with more challenging trails, ski schools, rental shops, night skiing, and big lodges. Here are a few of the best.

Central Greece

The country's biggest ski center, Parnassos is located 180 km from Athens. Parnassos is made up of two sections (Kellaria Mountain and Fterolaka Mountain). There are 13 lifts (half of them chairlifts, the rest tow lifts) and 23 trails, with 14 km of skiing. Kellaria features mostly blue (easy) and red (intermediate) trails while Fterolaka's seven trails include the 1,500-meter black (expert) Sahara trail. Expect traffic and long lines on weekends and holidays. Lift rates: Kellaria weekends/holidays: 27 euros; Fterolaka weekends/holidays: 17 euros, or Kellaria/Fterolaka daily (includes both ski centers): 12 euros. www.parnassos-ski.gr.

Karpenisi (30-22370-21112; weekends/holidays 20 euros; daily 12 euros), 78 km from Lamia, has four chair lifts, a couple of tow lifts, and 11 trails for all levels. There are four lifts and six mostly easy trails on Elatohori (30-2351-072200; lift rates: weekends/holidays 13 euros; daily 10 euros), while farther south is Pilio (30-24280-73719; lift rates: weekends/holidays 16 euros; daily 12 euros), which has three peaks, five-lifts, a five-km Nordic run, and a resort perched over the sea.

Northern Greece

Thessaloniki residents looking for a day on the slopes head to Seli (30-23310-49226), 95 km away. Fifty thousand skiers a year visit the resort, which has nine lifts, 15 downhill trials (nine easy, four intermediate, three beginner) and two Nordic ski runs. There is on-the-premises lodging, a small base village, and easy driving access. Lift rates: 13 euros weekends and holidays; 10 euros daily.

Farther north, 17 km from Naoussa, is tree-flanked 3-5 Pigadia, which typically welcomes 65,000 visitors a year with seven lifts (including one chairlift) and 10 trails that can satisfy advanced and cross-country skiers alike. There's a snowboarding park and two rental shops. Weekend visitors can combine skiing there, or at Seli, with a visit to the wine-producing city Naoussa (18 kms from both). Lift rates: 12-18 euros weekends and holidays; 10 euros daily. www.3-5pigadia.gr/.

Thirty-nine km northwest of the town of Edessa, at the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, is Greece's highest center, Kaimaktsalan (or "Voras"), which offers 25,000 skiers a year the best dry, fluffy snow in the country. Look for one chairlift, five tow lifts, and 14 trails good for moderate skiers. There are areas for snowboarding and snowtubing, and for those who want something to warm their bones, there's a bar. Bad weather can close the lifts and the winding mountain road leading to the center. Lift rates: 15 euros weekends and holidays; 12 euros daily. www.kaimaktsalan.gr/.

The top spot for skiing in northeastern Greece is Falakro, which is visited by more than 30,000 skiers each year. True to its name, which means "bald" in Greek, the resort features wide, obstacle-free trails. You'll also find three lodges, 9 lifts (two are chairlifts), and 20 trails, including a 2,200-metre black trail and a Nordic ski trail. It is accessed by a winding mountain road. Lift rates: 15-20 euros (depending on lift package) weekends and holidays; 10-15 euros daily (depending on package). www.falakro.gr.

To read more, please visit www.fodors.com

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 13:15

Full Speed Ahead For Elections

Despite the government gaining the support of 168 MPs in yesterday's second round of the presidential ballot, an improvement on the 160 votes it obtained in the first round, it looks increasingly difficult to garner the required 180 and avert snap elections early next year. Everything will be sealed on the third and final round of voting at noon on the 29th of December.

Until then there will be ongoing discussions in the background as a last resort to convince MPs to switch their votes and support the candidate.

Based on what we know now, even if the coalition manages to draw a few more MPs from the pool of independents or even the parliamentary groups of DIMAR and Independent Greeks the magic number of 180 needed to elect president in the third round of the presidential ballot remains very difficult to achieve. So despite the efforts, the understanding is that after December 29th the country will go to snap elections.

The way things stand now, the best case scenario is for the coalition to attract as many as 174-175 MPs which still leaves it short of electing Stavros Dimas but can be used as a powerful argument ahead of elections. The government will insist that the presidential ballot was a close call and the impasse was caused by Syriza's irresponsible stance. New Democracy hopes that in the case of snap elections it will be able to overturn the projected opinion poll results that put Syriza ahead. The pre-election campaign will be characterized by tough rhetoric and dilemmas by both sides in order to rally support.

To read more, please visit thetoc.gr/en

By Anna Zafiri

Published in Local News

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Saturday, 18 April 2015 13:35

International Travel Bloggers Share Best Places In Greece

When 11 International Travel Bloggers were asked, 'Which is the best place you have been to in Greece?' here is what they answered:

"With a question like this, I have to stay true to my heritage – and with good reason. My family is from the island of Chios -- the fifth largest Greek island, located in the Aegean sea, a mere 30-minute ferry ride from mainland Turkey and a 30-minute flight from Athens airport. From the tulip blooms in March, to the mastic tree orchards in the South; from the black- pebbled beach of Mavra Volia, to the crystal clear waters of Nagos; from the stunning medieval village of Mesta, to the haunting ghost town of Anavatos, there is so much to see in Chios. With its rich history (Christopher Columbus is rumoured to have come from here), unique beaches, mouth-watering food, breathtaking mountain and sea views, Chios has so much more to offer than your typical Greek island getaway. Rarely making the list of ‘must-see Greek islands’ Chios truly is one of Greece’s many hidden gems." Maria Carras, Greece, Sun and Shine blog

"The best place (s) for me in Greece are the Greek islands. They are all so wonderful to visit and to get to know. One of the most memorable island destinations is Santorini. It is so unique compared to all of the islands. As for one of my favourite islands in general I’d say Ithaca. It’s small, green, less touristic and has a wonderful energy about it. I also discovered Naxos last year and that was great too. There are so many…. This is a problematic question… LOL." Marissa Tejada, USA living in Greece, My Greece, My Travels and Chasing Athens

"We loved Athens, with all of the ancient ruins. We also loved the islands, especially Hydra, with it's laid back atmosphere – we wish we had spent more time there on our last trip. Next time!" Sean Boyle and Jennifer Evans,USA (and beyond!), Venturists

"Leros Island in the Dodecanese. Oh, and Rhodes Old Town. Oops, that’s two places! I don’t think it’s possible to name just one." Rebecca Hall, British living in Greece, Life Beyond Borders blog

To read more, please visit: Passion for Greece

by Elena Sergeeva

Published in Travel Greece

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Wednesday, 18 November 2015 07:00

Auto Registration Fee Hikes Based On Emissions And Age Of Vehicle

After weeks of wrangling over revenue sources to replace an unpopular education tax that was scrapped, the government is expected to announce an automobile registration fee hike based on CO2 emissions and the age of the vehicle.

Firstly, the exemption from registration fees will be narrowed from the current exemption for vehicles with emissions of 100 grams CO2/km, and will only apply to cars with emissions of up to 90 grams. The change will apply to vehicles acquired after October 1, 2010.

Under the current regime, 200,000 vehicles were exempt from fees, with most of these being in the 90-100 gram range. The government will reportedly impose a fee of nine cents per gram in this category. Hence, a car with emissions of 98 grams will now be charged with an 88 euro fee.

Secondly, all vehicles registered after 1 November 2010 will be saddled with fee hikes. This covers approximately 480,000 vehicles, which currently are charged between nine cents and 3.4 euros per gram. This is expected to be hiked by between 10 and 30 cents per gram, with cars that have low CO2 emissions paying less.

To read more, please visit: The TOC

Published in Local News

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LOGIN

Son Pa Atenas ~ A Song Dedicated To Athens

Marble Marvels: A Historic Hike on Mount Penteli

September: A Month For New Goals & Beginnings

What The Carnival Costume You Choose May Reveal About You

Apokries (Carnival) In Greece

Balancing Parenting & Extracurricular Activities

The Snowy Side Of Greece

Full Speed Ahead For Elections

International Travel Bloggers Share Best Places In Greece

Auto Registration Fee Hikes Based On Emissions And Age Of Vehicle

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