XpatAthens
Dialing Up The Heat
Photo credit: @GiannisTsou
Greek Government Announces Subsidy Program For Purchase Of E-Vehicles
The platform for submitting applications opened on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
The subsidy for individuals reaches 30 percent on the retail price of a vehicle (pre-tax) Additional subsidy was offered for the purchase of a home charger or the withdrawal of an old car.
The subsidy covers only the purchase of e-vehicles and not plug-in hybrid cars.
Skrekas said the program has four goals, renewal of car fleet, developing of smart charging infrastructure, reducing CO2 emissions, and saving funds for citizens.
To read this article in full and analytically view the subsidies for individuals and businesses, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com
Plato's Academy: The World’s First University
Plato is the one figure who must receive the credit for giving birth to this unique institution. He firs acquired the land on which the Academy was eventually built, and began holding informal gatherings there to discuss philosophical issues with some of his friends.
The gatherings included thinkers such as Theaetetus of Sunium, Archytas of Tarentum, Leodamas of Thasos, and Neoclides. These meetings and discussions continued for years but it was not until Eudoxus of Cnidos arrived in the mid-380’s BC that Akademeia was recognized as a formal Academy.
The Platonic Academy is considered the world’s first university
The Platonic Academy was not an educational institution as we know it in modern times, but because it had the characteristics of a school and covered a wide variety of topics such as philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, politics, physics and more, it is considered to be the first university in the entire world.
The garden which Plato decided to use for his discussions had also been used previously by many Athenian groups, both civil and religious, with the Akademeia hosting a nighttime torchlight race from altars in Athens to the altar of Prometheus in its gardens.
The road that led to the University was also lined with the gravestones of many Athenians, and funeral games took place there, along with a Dionysian procession from the city of Athens to the site and then back into the city.
The teaching methods used by Plato, including both lectures and seminars, focused on his instructions, in addition to dialogue between teachers and students.
The Academy was free
It is worth mentioning that during Plato’s leadership of the Academy, its members did not pay any fees, and following his death, the Academy continued its operation for nearly 200 years.
In the year 86 BC, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, a Roman general and statesman who held the role of consul twice and revived Rome’s dictatorship, laid siege to the city of Athens and conquered it. The Academy was destroyed and razed to the ground.
Tragically, the magnitude of the destruction was so massive that the school never reopened. Still, the legacy of The Academy has stayed alive throughout the millennia, giving us vital knowledge and insights even today about the world in which we live.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
The Weekend Of Clean Monday - Festive Celebrations In Athens
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11:00: Athens Art Gallery: Collage with Confetti. Children aged 4 to 6 can create paper war collages in the Art Gallery.
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11:00: St. George's Square, Kipseli: "I'm carnival, I'm playing, I'm tumbling." Children's educational experiential program.
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11:00: Gennaiou Kolokotroni & Matrozou: Children's Apokries Celebration. Music, dancing, contests, and theatrical performances await.
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11:30: Kallidromiou Street: Musical Tour of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens.
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12:00: Filopappou-Troon-Dorieon-Merkouri Square: Carnival Route with the percussion ensemble Bloco Swingueira with dance and rhythms from Brazil.
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12:00: Papadiamanti Square - Halepa - Agios Andreas Lamprini Square: Carnival route of the revival of lesbian skating with the participation of the Lesvos Farmers' Union "Agios Dimitrios" and the Cultural Association of Traditional Dances and Cultural Activities "O Molyvos."
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11:30: Zappeio (courtyard area): Halloween children's celebration. Carnival rhythms with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens.
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17:30: Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square: Revival of Plakiotiki Carnival. Action of the Professional Chamber of Athens with the support of OPANDA. Carnival parade from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki Square.
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11:00: Filopappou Hill: Musical Tour of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens.
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12:00: Filopappou Hill: Concert by the band "Charisma" and Isidoros Pateros.
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11:00: Kapaps Park: Traditional feast with music, dances, and Lenten dishes from the Cultural Association of Ano Ampelokipi, supported by OPANDA.
Athens Strollers
The Athens Strollers walk around Athens every other weekend and invite Greek and non-Greek nationals, alike. The Athens Strollers are a hiking club, unique in 2 respects: we walk in nature, near and around Athens, which makes our venues quickly accessible; and we walk either on a Saturday or a Sunday. The length of the walks differs, sometimes it is just 2-3 hours, sometime 5-6 hours. Families with children from 6 years and up are warmly welcomed.
There is no charge for being a member or participating in a walk.
You just sign up on the mailing list and will receive invitations. The only expense is your transportation to/from the walking venue and the tavern meal after the walk should you desire to stay for the meal. The club started over 10 years ago. All necessary information is posted on the club's dedicated website: www.athens-strollers.gr. Here you will find detailed instructions on how to get to each walk start, the degree of difficulty, necessary equipment etc. Each walk concludes with an (optional) meal at a nearby taverna.
Greece Offers More Than Just Sandy Beaches
When you think about Greece it is easy to think of just golden sandy beaches and beautiful blue oceans. However, Greece has a lot more to offer, particularly to outdoor enthusiasts who like getting off-the-beaten track, according to Grecian Plato Balomenakis who thinks that more people should explore wild Greece. “My friends and I like to climb the rocky hills, but visitors seem to prefer walking,” he says.
“In Crete the Samaria Canyon is always very popular particularly in the Spring when the wild flowers are everywhere.”
The Samaria Canyon is in fact home to over 450 species of flower. By law, not a single flower may be removed from the canyon; this ensures the delicate ecosystem is maintained for the enjoyment of future generations.
To read more, please visit blog.visitgreece.gr
Households Encouraged To Install Photovoltaic Systems
Greek households will be able to offset electricity cost by installing photovoltaic systems and provide electricity both to themselves and to the power grid, according to a decision signed last week by Deputy Environment, Greece ‘s Energy and Climate Change Minister Assimakis Papageorgiou.
The offsetting system, known as “net metering,” allows households and companies who produce their own electricity through photovoltaics to share it with the local utility company that then credits them for it against the cost of electricity it provides to them.
A meter will measure both the energy consumed by the producer — e.g. a household — and that provided to the utility grid. For a household, the bill issued every four months will factor in incoming and outgoing energy; if the incoming energy is greater, the household pays the difference, if it is the lesser of the two, the household will be credited for the next four-month cycle. A final statement will be issued at the end of the year, after which any surplus will not be carried over.
Installations will not have to be on roofs only, and self-producing energy consumers will pay a fee only for the electric energy they consume from the power grid or the system.
To read more, please visit greekreporter.com
By A. Makris
Top Restaurants In Athens
Website: http://www.eleasgi.gr/en
Why: Classy atmosphere – delicious, premium quality food – great views.
What: Authentic Greek cuisine cooked with extra virgin olive oil – 2 menus to choose, 14 or 24 different tastes – more than tasty and very well presented dishes – excellent value for money.
2) Funky Gourmet - Creative dinner over 17 molecular courses
Where: 13 Paramithias st. & Salaminos, Keramikos
Website: http://www.funkygourmet.com/en/photos
Why: Creative cuisine with a twist, presentation and imagination – beautiful and chic surroundings – unique experience – great service.
What: Amusing avant-garde cuisine – unbelievable flavors’ combinations – exquisite and delightful presentation of dishes.
3) Galazia Hytra - Part of the Astir Palace Complex
Where: 40 Apollonos Street, Astir Palace Complex, Vouliagmeni
Why: Unforgettable sunset views of the Saronic Gulf – creative Greek cuisine – palatable experience.
What: Creative and unique recipes – fascinating flavors and aromas – fresh local Greek ingredients – Greek wine – pricey but it is worth it.
Great Bars To Visit In Athens' Northern Suburbs
Here are some cool places to enjoy a leisurely drink when visiting one of Athens' northern neighborhoods.
The Dalliance House
Located in a wonderful neoclassical house in Kifissia, the Dalliance House has wonderful deco, reminding you of a stylish, cozy living room. It is open from 10 in the morning until late at night for an all-day experience. During the afternoon, the restaurant offers Mediterranean recipes and when it's time for a drink, you will find tasteful cocktails and a large variety of malts, beers, and wines.
Address: Kyriazi 19, Kifissia
Telephone: 210 6230775
The Paliatsos Cafe/Wine Bar has been a good reason to visit Penteli over the past few years. It is an elegant and warm place that has a vintage style with old furniture and comfortable sofas to unwind and enjoy your coffee while listening to relaxing melodies.
Address: Vasileos Georgiou B' & Souvaliotou, Penteli
Telephone: 210 8100889
Piu Verde
This is a classic and favorite spot inside the Alsos of Papagou. With high pine trees, a lovely water fountain, and an artificial lake, Piu Verde gives you the impression of a house in the woods. The relaxing atmosphere and the breathtaking scenery are just what you need to enjoy your coffee, meal, or drink. The bar offers excellent cocktails and the DJ's soundtracks enhance the lovely ambiance.
Address: Strat. Al. Papagou & 8th Merarxias, Alsos Papagou
Telephone: 210 6546185
33m2
We would say this bar is a trademark of Vrilission square. It has a friendly atmosphere and a relaxing style. In the morning, the bar serves fresh ground coffee, while, at night, the colorful cocktails hold the customers' interest. One of the bar's highlights is the wine list, which includes labels from Greek and foreign vineyards.
Address: Plateia Analipseos 4, Vrilissi
Telephone: 2106821033
Mr Peacock
Address: Katsoulieri 7, Halandri
Telephone: 21 0680 0390
Three Female Directors Make Their Epidaurus Festival Debut
The 2019 Epidaurus Festival premiered last Friday, June 21, with the successful performance of Oedipus by the highly acclaimed stage director, Robert Wilson.
This weekend June 28 &29 the National Theatre of Greece presents a bold, original concept; Oresteia, the only extant ancient drama trilogy is presented in Epidaurus in a single performance by three talented female directors in their Epidaurus debut, featuring a single cast and crew: Agamemnon by Io Voulgaraki, The Libation Bearers by Lilly Meleme, and The Eumenides by Georgia Mavragani.
Part 1: Agamemnon by Io Voulgaraki
In the first part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, King Agamemnon returns to Argos, shortly after the end of the Trojan War. Agamemnon triumphantly marches into the city and his palace, flaunting the Trojan princess and Apollo priestess Cassandra as his captive. Clytemnestra welcomes her husband, all pomp and circumstance. However, her enthusiasm conceals a deadly, well-orchestrated plan.
Part 2: The Libation Bearers by Lilly Meleme
In the second part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, Electra takes center stage, mourning her murdered father and obsessively anticipating the return of her brother, Orestes, her beacon of hope, with whom she plans to take revenge for Agamemnon.
Part 3: The Eumenides by Georgia Mavragani
The third part of the trilogy revolves around Orestes’ pursuit by the Furies and the holy trial he must submit himself to be acquitted. In this play, the Areopagus court is established, which is why it is often considered to be a foundational play of Athenian Democracy.
To learn more about the perfromance, please visit: Athens & Epidaurus Festival
Travel to Epidaurus comfortably, reliably, and on time with YK Executive Transfers.