XpatAthens

Tuesday, 19 March 2019 07:00

Free Entrance To The Acropolis Museum On The Greek National Holiday

On the occasion of the Greek National Holiday on Monday 25 March 2019, the Acropolis Museum invites visitors to enjoy its permanent collection with free entrance from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will also be able to participate in walks through the Museum exhibition galleries, making unanticipated stops and various discussions, together with Archaeologist-Hosts.

Walks (in Greek): 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Participation: For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day.

Limited to 40 visitors per session. First-in first-served.

Families will also be able to receive the specially designed booklets from the Information Desk in order to have a pleasant and interesting visit at the Acropolis Museum.

On the same day the Museum restaurant will serve Greek traditional dishes.

Click HERE for valuable information about the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

Published in Local News

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Tuesday, 30 July 2019 02:32

July 30 - Happy Summer Issue

We're sure you know that Greece is one of the best places to spend your summer in, but how about visiting the Greek island voted as the best one in Europe? Or the 10 places you need to visit in Greece according to Forbes? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgetable summer!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram!

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Tuesday, 20 October 2020 10:06

World Health Organization To Establish A New Office Ιn Athens

Following their meeting in Copenhagen last week, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias and the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, have announced that the World Health Organization's (WHO) head office or the Quality of Health Care and Patient Safety will be in Athens.

The decision of the World Health Organization – as pointed out by the Greek health ministry – was based on several parameters, such as:

The emergence of Greece as a protagonist for its resilience to the health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vital knowledge and experience gained by Greece in quality of patient care and safety, with the legislation and establishment of the National Organization for Quality Assurance in Health. These practices can be adapted to the needs of other countries in the WHO European Region.
Successful management in implementing the anti-smoking law, which has improved the level of public health and safety of patients.
The unique features of Greece that can protect health and improve the quality of life have not been taken into account in the quality of care models. Greece, for example, with its record of longevity and the Mediterranean diet, can be the perfect example for improving the quality of life in Europe.
The experience of the Organization's Office in Greece in the transformation of health systems, which provides a strong base and an extensive network, on which future work will be based, even beyond the national level.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Published in Greece In The News

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Sunday, 09 May 2021 15:19

What Helps Me Deal With My Daughter’s Anger - A Valuable Tool During Quarantine

My eight-year-old daughter is so fed up and tired from online schooling. It’s been going on for a long time now. No kids to play, no socializing, pressure to follow the classes in front of the screen. The same screen we try to put a limit to and tell her to avoid. Double messages, mixed feelings, lots of pressure, lots of anger hence the aggressive behavior.

My husband and I both work from home and we often have to share our home office. We are also tired. We feel the pressure too although we try different ways to cope and recharge. Three people in the house all the time – I can only imagine how it may be with more. It’s very easy to pick up on each other’s stress and mirror it. It’s very easy to let difficult situations escalate to volcano reactions.

The general advice, that I’m sure you’ve heard, is to keep everyday life as stable as before COVID and maintain a routine; as much as possible that is. Because truth is that nothing is the same. In fact, some things have changed so much so that it’s possible they won’t go back to the way they were.

What helps me deal with my daughter’s anger and put things into perspective, especially now during the COVID quarantine, is to try to think of the possible factors that may create it:

Her specific needs that have not been met.
Non-realistic expectations – hers and ours.
The sense that she’s been wronged.
The sense of not having enough control and choices over her life.
Her fear of losing someone dear due to the pandemic.
Physical pain.
Unfulfilled goals.
Punishment, conflicts.

It is neither feasible to constantly keep our children happy nor realistic to expect them to be happy all the time. Having said that, I also need to remind myself that we parents are not responsible for our children’s emotions whether positive or negative. We may strive to provide a secure and calm environment but it is they who choose how they feel. Our role is not to protect them from their difficult emotions but to help them deal with them.

Originally Published on: itsmylife.gr
Written by Nadia Georgiou

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 Parenting

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Tuesday, 08 March 2022 07:00

How To Build A Better Relationship With Yourself

Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect. Three concepts of paramount importance for personality development. All three of them are interrelated, directly affecting each other and defining the overall self-image of the individual.

When one or all of the above three concepts are low, it is common for a person to be hard on themselves. Of course, depending on the circumstances, even people with high self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect can make the mistake of treating themselves harshly, which is often completely unnecessary. Sure, we may be the worst judges of ourselves, but we really shouldn't over exaggerate. We must love, respect, and believe in ourselves because only then will we evolve as human beings.

So, if you find that you treat yourself too harshly, question or even criticize yourself, engage in harmful behaviors, and/or neglect yourself, here are five ways to have a healthier relationship with you!

1. Understand your needs

Take time to listen to your needs. What do you want the most right now? Recognizing our needs promotes emotional stability, cultivates security in our relationships with others, and contributes substantially to fulfilling our goals.

2. Eliminate toxic people from your life

To feel good about yourself, you need to remove toxic relationships from your life. Remember that the three concepts mentioned above can be influenced by significant others and our social environment, in general. Therefore, look for people who make you feel better, not people who constantly try to put you down.

3. Focus on what you have, not what you lack

Let's start with the basics - everyone will not get everything they want. This is the way of life, and it's not a problem. The problem is that most people focus only on what they do not have. The illusion of perfection projected through social media (and other media too) is very much responsible for the sense of frustration that afflicts many people and the feeling of jealousy that timidly emerges, putting us in the process of comparing ourselves to others all the time. When this happens, we need to redirect our energy into appreciating everything we have.

4. Stop blaming yourself

Taking responsibility for our actions is indeed very important. However, sometimes we overdo it. Some things are beyond our control, and it makes no sense to try and change them. Let life flow, and do not spend time on things that are not up to you. This way you eliminate the excess stress and have more energy to deal with what you can actually control - your present moment, your goals and aspirations.

5. Accept that not everyone will like you

People want to be liked. However, this may not always be the case, and you need to learn to deal with it. It's a big mistake to change your behavior and alter your personality just to be liked. Pretending to be someone you are not can only hurt you and will result in your relationships with others being based on a very shaky foundation. Love yourself and accept you for who you are.

Published in Mind

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Monday, 11 March 2024 18:53

Emotional Intelligence: Illuminating The Path To Deeper Connections

The human connection is a tapestry woven with beauty and complexity, where emotional intelligence emerges as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path to enriched relationships, both with others and with ourselves.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence encompasses a person's capacity to recognize, comprehend, and manage their own emotions while also remaining sensitive to the emotions of others. It transcends mere self-awareness, diving into the realms of empathy, effective communication, and adept navigation of social dynamics.

The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

At its core, emotional intelligence fosters empathy—the cornerstone of profound interpersonal connections. By validating and empathizing with the emotions of those around us, trust is built, bonds deepen, and a nurturing environment for open communication and mutual support is cultivated.

Authentic Expression & Interpretation of Feelings

Emotional intelligence empowers individuals to express themselves genuinely and interpret the emotions conveyed by others accurately. This skill in communication is pivotal in resolving conflicts, addressing misunderstandings, and fostering constructive dialogue within relationships.

Emotional Self-Regulation

Beyond understanding emotions lies the crucial ability to regulate one's emotional responses. This self-regulation is fundamental to personal well-being. By effectively managing anxiety, stress, and other negative emotions, individuals with high emotional intelligence can confront life's challenges with resilience, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Conflict Resolution and Management

Emotional intelligence proves invaluable in navigating conflicts, whether in personal or professional settings. Equipped with empathy, active listening, and a solution-focused approach, emotionally intelligent individuals foster positive atmospheres and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.

The Relationship with Oneself

The relationship with oneself serves as the cornerstone of all other connections. Emotional intelligence encourages profound self-awareness, enabling individuals to comprehend their needs, values, and motivations. This introspective journey is pivotal in nurturing healthy self-esteem, guiding life decisions, and fostering authenticity in actions and relationships.

Emotional Intelligence: A Transformative Force

In the realm of human connections, emotional intelligence emerges as a silent yet potent force, capable of transmuting the ordinary into the extraordinary. As we unlock its potential, we tap into a profound power that enriches every interaction, transforming relationships into dynamic landscapes of understanding, authenticity, and genuine resonance.

Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!

Published in Mind

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Wednesday, 20 November 2024 15:08

Survey Reveals Record Number Of US Students Choosing Greece

A record number of American students are choosing Greece as a study abroad destination, according to the Open Doors 2024 survey findings, published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the number of US students studying in Greece surged by nearly 34% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 6,000 students.

Greece continues to be a top-ten study abroad destination for US students, maintaining its popularity in recent years. In comparison, it ranked 17 in 2018, which shows Greece’s trajectory to become a top destination for U.S. students in recent years.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Greek students chose the United States for their studies.In the 2023-2024 academic year, 2,561 Greek students were enrolled in US academic institutions, reflecting an upward trend from the previous year.

“The United States is invested in Greece’s future and is proud to see our educational ties continue to expand. International education strengthens the ties between our countries, strengthens our economies, and deepens the ties between our peoples,” noted US Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Published in Greece In The News

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:06

Syros: An Excellent Cultural Destination

Syros is located in the centre of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. The largest town, Ermoupolis, is the capital of Syros and the Cyclades. It has always been a significant port town and during the 19th century it was even more significant than the port of Piraeus. Ermoupolis stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site with neo-classical buildings cascading down to the harbor. The “City of Hermes” has numerous interesting churches, the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Library. The Apollo Municipal Theatre of Ermoupolis was built in 1864 by the French architect Chabeau and it constitutes a miniature replica of ‘‘La Scala di Milan’’.

The quarter of the town known as Vaporia, where the sea captains lived, is of special interest and exceptional beauty.

Ano Syros was built by the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north-west of Ermoupolis. The Catholic basilica of San Giorgio church dominates Ano Syros. From there visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the neighbouring islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros and Naxos. Ano Syros is the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, the most important Greek singer and composer of “Rebetiko” music.

Syros is known for the International Festival of the Aegean which takes place annually on the island and it attracts world-class musicians, dancers, and actors. There is also the festival of Ano Syros and many other cultural events like art exhibitions, theater plays and concerts.

Syros has some excellent local products, of which most known are the “loukoumia” (gummy squares flavoured with roses, pistachio and other) and ”chalvadopita”, a cake filled with almonds and nougat, a traditional, very tasteful sweet. One of the most famous local chesses is “Saint Michali”.

Some of the most innovative products for Greece are produced by a small company MuMu organic.

MuMu organic is an ethical fashion company producing high-quality women’s clothes. Created in the beautiful Cycladic island of Syros in 2009 by designer Athena Bentila and artist Roland Wakker, MuMu organic is dedicated to creating stylish and timeless handmade womenswear, produced locally in Greece.

MuMu organic uses certified organic cotton and sustainable fabrics and through responsible sourcing supports Fairtrade producers in developing countries, while providing local employment for people in Greece.

MuMu organic’s beautiful designs are inspired by the breathtaking and versatile natural environment of the Greek islands. The collections feature fitted dresses, skirts and tops, which are carefully designed and tailored. The colours are bright and intense and the forms are simple and flattering. The water-based prints, designed by artist Roland Wakker, have been inspired by his original ecological paintings, giving a fresh and modern approach to the clothes.

As MuMu organic’s designer Athena Bentila says, “Our aim is to provide high fashion from sustainable materials and to inform consumers about the benefits of organic cotton. By supporting Fairtrade producers and organic farmers, we are helping make the fashion industry more sustainable, moving from throwaway fashion to beautiful, and producing timeless and long-lasting pieces. At the same time we are providing employment for people in Greece ensuring a safe and healthy, non-abusive, non-discriminatory environment with living wages. In this difficult period Greece is going through, it is very important to invest in innovation and bloom through our environmental initiatives.”

The MuMu organic ethical garments are sold through the e-shop www.mumusyros.gr.

MuMu organic is offering 25% discount to all the readers of this article, simply by entering the coupon code VisitGreece25.

http://blog.visitgreece.gr/syros-not-just-a-beautiful-greek-island-but-also-an-excellent-cultural-destination

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 13:16

Paperwork For Taxpayers Living Abroad

Authorities are asking taxpayers who are resident in other countries to prove they are indeed based or employed abroad. The Finance Ministry’s General Secretariat for Public Revenues has issued a circular offering guidelines regarding the documents that must be submitted for taxpayers based abroad to be recognized as such. Unless the necessary papers are produced, they will be considered as residents of Greece and be asked to pay the amount of tax that Greek legislation provides for.

The taxpayers in question, who may have submitted some of the documents required or none at all, are at any rate obliged to provide the certificates that will confirm they have indeed moved their residence or their main professional activity to another country. Greeks living abroad will need to produce the following documents:

– Papers confirming that the taxpayer and their dependent family members are permanent residents of another country, such as a certificate from the state or municipal or other recognized authorities, proof of children’s education or home rental contract, or proof of owner residence abroad if that applies.

– A tax residence certificate, issued by the foreign tax authority, that illustrates that the taxpayer is resident in that country. If the taxpayer has settled in a country that has an agreement with Greece to avoid double taxation and has an income from this country, they can produce an application to avoid double taxation that carries the tax residence certificate and is in both languages.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

By Prokopis Hatzinikolaou

Published in Local News

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Wednesday, 18 November 2015 10:13

E-Tickets For Athens Public Transportation & A Great Foodie Spot

This week I made a great discovery – one of those little things that makes daily routine just a bit easier, just a bit more ‘modern’. And the fact that this all about Athens made me equally surprised and excited. Maybe this is a sign of things to come…? Granted I’m a few months late, but I really hadn’t heard much until now – great apps need great marketing too.

TfA Tickets is a mobile app that allows you to purchase tickets for all Athens public transportation, right from your mobile device. The app displays the tickets, in count-down time, so you (and any ticket inspector) are totally clear on your ticket status.

From the OASA.gr site:

“Travelling using public transport in Athens has never been easier. Our new app allows you to book your Transport for Athens tickets wherever you are - no queuing in line at ticket booths or at ticket machines. Your phone becomes your ticket to save you time and get you to where you need to be.”

The app is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch (iOS 7.0+) via the App Store, or for Android via GooglePlay. Tickets are purchased directly via the app on your phone, payable by stored credit card, and activate 2 minutes after purchase.

You can buy all regular timed tickets, airport tickets and even multi-day tourist tickets. You can buy multiple tickets at once, in case you're traveling with friends, and purchased tickets will still be visible on your phone even if you lose data signal.

I think this is just great! I’ve already used it several times, and – to be honest – it’s about time. Now if I could only explain to the onlookers as I waltz past the tickets machines that I am carrying a legitimate ticket…

But there was more to my week than apps! On my weekend wander around town, I came across a gem in Kerameikos. Rakor is an easy, cool, affordable, delicious, vegetarian-friendly place to eat. It is a stone’s throw from both Thiseio and Gazi, and is really worth the walk over. This is fresh food – with meat, fish and vegetarian options – an interesting wine and beer list, and relaxed friendly service, in an airy, hipster-esque space that is very welcoming. A new favourite.

And with your new TfA app, getting there will be a breeze.

Until next week,

Jack

Rakor

Plataion 10, Kerameikos

+30 211 710 8877

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Published in My Week In Athens

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Free Entrance To The Acropolis Museum On The Greek National Holiday

July 30 - Happy Summer Issue

World Health Organization To Establish A New Office Ιn Athens

What Helps Me Deal With My Daughter’s Anger - A Valuable Tool During Quarantine

How To Build A Better Relationship With Yourself

Emotional Intelligence: Illuminating The Path To Deeper Connections

Survey Reveals Record Number Of US Students Choosing Greece

Syros: An Excellent Cultural Destination

Paperwork For Taxpayers Living Abroad

E-Tickets For Athens Public Transportation & A Great Foodie Spot

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