XpatAthens
Friday, 04 September 2015 10:48
Forget Me Not ~ Take Home A Contemporary Piece Of Greece
It may be 'back to school' and 'καλο χειμωνα' for many of us, but a 40 degree heatwave and a city full of tourists sure makes it feel otherwise! With the end of summer still a fair distance away, I must admit to being rather tired of the 'I am Sparta' t-shirts and the ubiquitous 'blue and white fridge magnets' lining the streets of Plaka. Does anybody buy these things? I've had a constant stream of visitors over the past months, and unless I'm mistaken, there have been no blue and white fridge magnets passing between them...
But seriously, what's a tourist to do with her eager-to-be-spent euros? What else should we buy for souvenir gifts for those not lucky enough to visit Greece with us?
Well, there are many options to be sure - replica pottery, leather sandals (in fact not a bad choice!) key chains, or perhaps your name on a tiny piece of rice (oh yes.). But for the discerning traveller - and the even more discerning local - there is Forget Me Not, a fantastic little shop selling fantastic little gifts and souvenirs of Athens and Greece - with a decidedly hip eye towards modern design and all things 'cool'. I am sure that our in-the-know readers are familiar with this shop - but in case you're not.
Forget Me Not is located at 100 Adrianou Street, in a house where the Greek hero Kolokotronis once lived, in the midst of 'I am Sparta' and knock-off luggage shops. You can't miss the yellow painted walls and iconic wooden bench outside the door. There are two levels - the lower level is just outside, around the corner. The main street level sells a range of design items that are sure put you in the 'souvenir hall of fame' category. The lower level continues the theme, with lots of Athens-chic clothing and accessories.
Contemporary Greek design, clothing you actually want to wear, unique memorabilia and decidedly cool gifts. It's all here. Even the New York Times has taken notice.
Let me be clear - this is not a marketing piece in the least. I just think this is one super-cool shop, and a great example of what 'today's Athens' should feel like. I wish more retailers would take notice.
And with an e-shop offering worldwide delivery and free delivery within Greece - everyone on your list can have a taste of the contemporary side of Greece.
Until next week,
Jack
Forget Me Not
100 Adrianou Street, Plaka
Published in
My Week In Athens
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Wednesday, 06 January 2016 12:53
Qatar Airways Travel Festival - Additional 10% Off For XpatAthens Members
Qatar Airways is delighted to launch the first of its kind TRAVEL FESTIVAL bringing you a selection of dream deals and fabulous packages to more than 150 places.
Enjoy exclusive offers* for flights, hotels and car rentals. We have the right deal for you, whether you want to travel by yourself, with a companion or with a group of family and friends.
Book by 17th January 2016 and save* on Economy and Business Class fares for travel between 19th January and 15th December 2016.
Qatar Airways is pleased to offer all members of XpatAthens an additional discount. Simply enter the promotional code "QRTFGR" when booking your next journey and save up to an additional 10% off your Qatar Airways flights! For more information, please click HERE.
Indicative Fares
Fares to Johannesburg: Starting fares from 350€ Economy and 705€ in Business Class.
Fares to Melbourne: Starting fares from 595€ in Economy Class and 1,100€ in Business Class.
Other destinations in offer: Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, Johannesburg, Maldives and many more…
Travel Validity of Offer: 19 January – 15 December 2016
Indicative Fares
Fares to Johannesburg: Starting fares from 350€ Economy and 705€ in Business Class.
Fares to Melbourne: Starting fares from 595€ in Economy Class and 1,100€ in Business Class.
Other destinations in offer: Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, Johannesburg, Maldives and many more…
Travel Validity of Offer: 19 January – 15 December 2016
* As part of our commitment to offering XpatAthens the best choice when booking, use of QRTFGR promo code will also provide access to details of other fare types / promotional fares that may be available in the market at the time of booking but not valid in the promotion. Please check terms and conditions for full details of each offer.
Published in
International Travel
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Sunday, 13 March 2016 22:26
The Best Bottled Water Is Greek
A new and relatively unknown company from Karditsa in northern Greece is claiming all the quality and taste awards at international water competitions.
Seven hundred waters from all over the world competed in the 26th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting in West Virginia, and the first prize for the best bottled water category for 2016 was awarded to the natural mineral water 'Theony' from Karditsa.
According to Giannis Lelis, the General Manager of AHB Group — the company that bottles the water — 'Theony' is the most recent water that has made it in five international competitions.
To read more, visit: GreekReporter
To read more, visit: GreekReporter
Τo learn more about Theoni visit, http://www.theoni-water.gr/
Published in
Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 26 July 2016 07:00
A Hopeful Comeback For Endangered Sea Turtles & Seals In Greece
Long term protection has paid off in Greece after this year marked a preservation status improvement of the Caretta Caretta Sea Turtle and the Mediterranean Monk Seal in the global Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)!
About the Caretta Caretta Sea Turtle
The nesting season of marine turtles has already started in the Mediterranean and the world’s largest hard-shelled turtle, the endangered loggerhead, also known as the Caretta caretta, is enjoying a new lease on life in Greece’s shores, which are among the most popular nesting sites along the Mediterranean, with more than 3,000 nests per year.
More than 500 nests were already identified on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, the largest nesting ground in the Mediterranean, during a survey carried out early last month by the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece (Archelon) on the beaches of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, making 2016 one of the best years in a decade. A following survey by Archelon found that the number of nests in Southern Kyparissiakos Bay in the western Peloponnese, the second largest nesting area in the Mediterranean, already surpassed the 1,000 mark for 2016.
Caretta caretta recently changed its category in the IUCN’s Red List of threatened species, from ‘endangered’ which had been assigned since 1996, to ‘vulnerable.’ In addition, its Mediterranean population is now listed as ‘least concern.’ This new status means that the species is not in danger of extinction in the near future on the condition that their current status remains the same.
The new listing of Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean actually reflects the success of all the important conservation actions that take place all these years in Greece, which must continue on by international and local groups.
About the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
After 25 years of systematic efforts to preserve the species, the first results are now starting to show and the IUCN preservation status for the Mediterranean monk seal dropped down one category in the endangered species list, from ‘critically endangered’ to ‘endangered’, according to a Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal (MOm) announcement earlier this year.
Experts from around the world gathered and evaluated the most recent data and found positive developments in at least three of the four main regions of the monk seal's range, among them Greece.
What seems to be playing a significant role in the betterment of the species’ status is the positive attitude by the majority of the citizens, as a result of information, environmental education, and general awareness. However, the danger of the species’ extinction has not been eliminated as the populations remain small and fragile while most of the main threats for the species remain substantial, such as the habitat degradation and competition with human fishing.
Mediterranean monk seals are considered one of the world’s most threatened marine mammals. Once widespread throughout the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the northern coast of Africa, their numbers have declined dramatically for most of the twentieth century.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 17 September 2018 07:00
To Eidikon - An Old School Eatery
At the corner of Psaron and Salaminos streets, in a quiet neighborhood of Piraeus, there’s a place that looks straight out of a 1960s Greek black-and-white movie. Its name, eidikon, means “special,” and it’s the last of its kind: a bakalotaverna, or grocery store and eatery, all in one.
The shop opened in 1920, when the three Papakonstantinou brothers from Gardiki, an impoverished village near Trikala in central Greece, came to Athens in search of better prospects. The building was the tallest in the area. It had large windows, and in good weather, one could even see the sea on the horizon.
The interior, with its dark wooden paneling, was obviously built to last. The shelves and old refrigerator cases are now covered with vintage 60s products, bric-a-brac and numerous photographs of the current owner, Apostolos Papakonstantinou, and his forebears. Large frames display the good times of the past, with the celebrities that were (and still are) among the loyal clientele.
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
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Monday, 12 December 2016 07:00
Athens Observatory Continues Mars Observation With National Geographic
The National Observatory of Athens on Wednesday announced the continuation of its collaboration with the “National Geographic” for the observation of Mars through telescopes, which will be used in the “Mars” documentary series.
At the Athens Observatory Visitor’s center, guests can observe the sky using the historic Doridis telescope on the Pnyx Hill, as well as through two portable telescopes that are available for the public, provided weather conditions allow.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
Local News
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Sunday, 16 September 2018 12:41
Sophie Ravier – From PR Girl In France To Yoga Mama In Greece
Sophie left her high-flying PR career in Paris to settle on her paradise island Sifnos from where she set up The Yoga Mama Club – a boutique event company organizing yoga retreats in Greece and across Europe.
5 Things To Know About Sophie Ravier
- Relentlessly optimistic
- Spiritual junkie
- Happy Gypsy
- Yoga Mama
- Endless wonderer about life
Back in 2013 though, something changed. On paper my life was perfect; glamorous meetings across the globe, beautiful events, great money, a rewarding boss and company, cool friends and living in Paris! Inside me however, I was bored and felt totally empty. Was this my life for the rest of my life?
The process was about a full year of endless boredom and feeling pretty depressed until I decided to follow the Eat-Pray-Love plan, wondering if indeed, you can follow your guts? The question left for me was "where do I go?". I was supposed to head to Buenos Aires but as life has its own way of leading you, my plans got re-arranged and I ended up visiting Sifnos. As I stayed for some time on the island and started chatting away with locals there, I had to embrace the fact this was where I really belonged.
It didn't make any sense and it was very irrational. People around me questioned my choice, as I truly had no idea what I was going to do on a tiny Greek island, disconnected from all.
GET €100 discount on Sophie’s Yoga Mama Retreat 30 Sept – 6 Oct 2018 in Sifnos.
Use the discount code: XPATATHENS. For more info and bookings – click here.
Published in
People
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Monday, 20 May 2019 07:00
VAT Reduction Comes Into Effect
Thousands of food products will be approximately 9% cheaper following the VAT reduction that came into effect today. Consumers will benefit from the slight price reduction of about 56 product categories. Among others, VAT will come down to 13% from 24% in the following foodstuffs:
1. Bread, pitta bread, rusks, salted crackers
2. Salt, vinegar, lemon, and refrigerated bouillon
3. Salted & smoked fish and fish roe.
4. Biscuits, cookies, chocolate, spoon sweets, peanut butter, chocolate spreads, ice cream, and others.
5. Sweeteners
6. Cold deserts such as puddings, rice puddings, jellos and others.
7. Cereals (excluding oats)
8. Fresh and frozen dough & fyllo products
9. Coffee and teas
10. Jams and preserves
11. Tomato sauces and puree
12. Condiments
13. Fruits and vegetables
14. Dried fruits and nuts
15. Margarine and vegetable oils
16. Juice
17. Ready-made packaged meals
18. Frozen potatoes
Furthermore, VAT will be reduced to 6% from 13% on electricity and gas bills. Restaurant and cafeteria meals are also subject to VAT reduction from 24% to 13%, excluding drinks.
Published in
Local News
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Friday, 08 November 2019 11:52
How The Marathon Race And Other Races Will Affect Traffic Over The Weekend
The Greek police has announced the schedule of the traffic regulations and street shutdowns that will take place in the Marathon area and central Athens on the occasion of the annual Authentic Marathon race and other smaller races on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10.
On Saturday, November 9, between 17.00-19.00, a 10km race will take place from Vassilissis Sofias Ave near Syntagma Square to the Panathenaic Stadium; some of the streets it will pass through include Panepistimiou, Messoghion, Fidippidou and Irodou Attikou. On Sunday, November 10, between 09.00-17.45, the 37th Authentic Marathon route will follow Marathonos Avenue to the Panathenaic Stadium via Messoghion Ave, Michalakopoulou Ave, Vassilissis Sofias Ave, and Irodou Attikou, among others.
Other races that will start at Vassilissis Sofias in Syntagma and finish at the Panathenaic Stadium on Sunday are:
08.00-10.00: 5km road race, through the streets of Panepistimiou, Akadimias, the NIMITS hospital area.
10.05-10.20: Special Olympics Hellas Fun Run 1200m. Starts from Vassilissis Sofias Avenue outside Greek Parliament Finishes inside the Panathenaic Stadium.
10.20-10.40: Kids' Fun Run 1200m. Starts from Vas. Sofias Avenue outside Greek Parliament. Finishes inside the Panathenaic Stadium.
10.35-11.00: Team Road Race ERGO 3km. Starts from Vas. Amalias Ave. in front of Ippokratio Hospital. Finishes inside the Panathenaic Stadium.
In addition, short children's races will be held by local municipalities along the Marathon towns. In general, traffic restrictions will be introduced early on Saturday morning and stay in place, by location, until late afternoon on Sunday.
In Athens, in particular, vehicles will not be allowed to park on several streets until as late as 20:30. Please also note that bicycle riders and pedestrians are not allowed on the streets runners will use, and they will also not allowed to cross these streets during the race.
For further information and a detailed schedule of traffic restrictions, please visit: Hellenic Police (Greek Only)
Source: AMNA
Published in
Local News
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Monday, 09 March 2020 12:40
Athina Luxury Suites ~ The Place To Be In Santorini
Athina Luxury Suites hotel is designed for discerning guests looking for a perfect combination of serenity and luxury on the island of dreams, Santorini, Greece.
Each one of the perfectly designed suites provides its own unique set of super-luxury amenities, astonishing caldera views and the top service you deserve while on vacations.
Additionally, an unforgettable dining experience awaits you at Esperisma bar-restaurant, where you may enjoy Mediterranean and Greek cuisine inspired by the freshest local ingredients available. Note that Esperisma Bar-Restaurant was this year’s winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awards in the category of Luxury Restaurant in Greece.
Moreover, you may experience the ultimate rejuvenation of body and soul in the brand-new Aphrodite’s spa, while you can spend some time relaxing with your refreshing cocktail in the fully renovated new infinity heated swimming pool with a pool bar, admiring the perfect view to the Caldera of Santorini.
Last but not least, Athina Luxury Suites is the perfect setting for your special day too: Imagine your wedding or honeymoon in Santorini with the caldera and volcano as a backdrop... In the courtyards of the island’s churches and on our terrace, Athina Luxury Suites offers couples a real-life fairytale wedding venue each year.
With all that being said it wasn't, of course, a coincidence that Athina Luxury Suites with its breathtaking views and world-class services in Fira was awarded as the Best Wedding Hotel in Europe, Best Destination Wedding Hotel in Greece and Best Romantic Hotel in Greece by the Haute Grandeur Global Awards on October 19th, 2019 at The St Regis, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Athina Luxury Suites also triumphed at the World Luxury Hotel Awards winning the title of the Best Luxury Honeymoon Hotel in Europe, at the 13th Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards ceremony held on October 12th, 2019, at the Arctic Tree House Hotel, in Finland.
Looking for an unforgettable stay in Santorini? Search no more as you have already found Athina Luxury Suites!
Looking for an unforgettable stay in Santorini? Search no more as you have already found Athina Luxury Suites!
Published in
Travel Greece
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