XpatAthens

Monday, 08 June 2015 07:03

Ancient Shipwrecks And Secrets Revealed At The Greek Museum Of Underwater Antiquities

“Paul Valery would have no objection about this museum.” This was the first thing that was said after the presentation of the Greek Museum of Underwater Antiquities, a unique international museum which will be housed in the Silos building in Piraeus.

The museum plan presentation took place under the auspices of Piraeus municipality and Piraeus Port Authority under the European Maritime Day that transformed the area, highlighting its history, dynamics and its prospect of becoming a leading port in Europe.

Two thousand antiquities will be placed inside the unique Silo building which was built in 1936 — a great example of industrial architecture. The exhibits were found on the bottom of the Greek seas and were mostly housed in closed warehouses, said the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities director Angeliki Simosi.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter

by

Ioanna Zikakou

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 10 September 2015 07:00

Greek Engineer Among 30 Finalists To Travel To Space

Greek engineer and activist Ioanna Fotopoulou from Thessaloniki, Greece was chosen as one of the 30 finalists who will have the chance to travel to space as part of the Rising Star Programme for young leaders from across the world.

At this stage the competition is tough, but the 26-year-old engineer is well prepared. In 2013 she was among 40 people who spoke at the annual world summit organized by the non-profit organization One Young World, in Johannesburg, South Africa. One Young World brings the youngest and brightest minds in the world together to create positive change. In 2014 she was chosen as speaker again at the summit which occurred in Dublin Ireland.

The Rising Star Programme sent out more than 20,000 invitations to young people, through One Young World, the young activist said. The organizers will select a person to travel to space with two-seater shuttle XCOR Lynx, to convey the message travelling to space is not that far away.

Ioanna is an engineer and since 2008 she has been actively involved in the empowerment of Civil Society. She was working for almost 2 years in Serbia and Bosnia Herzegovina, promoting and advocating for two programs supporting the rights of Roma and stateless people.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter

Published in Greece In The News

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Wednesday, 19 October 2016 16:19

Qatar Airways Daily Seychelles Service To Open Up Holiday Haven To Travellers

Travellers can enjoy their tropical dream-come-true with direct daily service between Doha and Seychelles!

Qatar Airways will provide travellers with greater access to the idyllic white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Seychelles with daily flights from Doha starting on 12 December 2016.

Travellers wishing to explore the beauty of the Seychelles – one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean – will enjoy convenient flights and award-winning service when travelling with Qatar Airways.

Residents of the Seychelles will also benefit from the opportunity to connect to the airline’s network of more than 150 business and leisure destinations around the world via the airline’s hub in Doha. The airline’s expanding global reach and modern fleet will take travellers to exciting places across the globe including the airline’s latest destinations launched in 2016: Adelaide, Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Helsinki, Los Angeles, Marrakech, Pisa, Ras Al Khaimah, Sydney, Windhoek and Yerevan.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Over recent years Qatar Airways has seen significant growth, expanding its worldwide footprint to provide more opportunities for global leisure travellers to premium destinations such as the Seychelles. When travelling with Qatar Airways we ensure that our passengers’ dream holiday starts with an extraordinary journey on board, where they truly experience the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality, world-class service, award-winning cuisine and in-flight entertainment.”

Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St. Ange, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see Qatar Airways serving the Seychelles. Our partnership has always been a very positive one. I know that the airline is very popular with the local community and we all look forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation and increased tourism business to our shores.”

Seychelles Tourism Board, Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sherin Naiken, added, “The Seychelles Tourism Board is very happy to welcome Qatar Airways. We are looking forward to building a partnership with the airline that will foster the development of tourism and growth of local business.”

Passengers flying to the Seychelles from any of Qatar Airways' more than 150 destinations around the world will enjoy a quick and convenient transfer at the airline’s state-of-the-art hub Hamad International Airport. Offering more than 100 retail and dining options and unique services such as a 25-metre swimming pool, hotel and spa, designed exclusively for those in transit, the airport is sure to further enhance the passengers’ overall travel experience.

Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, the airline has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

For more information, please visit their website: Qatar Airways

Published in International Travel

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Thursday, 16 March 2017 07:00

Refugee Cookout Steals The Show At 19th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival

Eight refugees from Syria and Iraq held a cookout with traditional dishes for visitors and other refugees attending the 19th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.

During the event, called “Food Uniting People #WithRefugees,” the four men from the refugee camps of Volvi and Alexandria cooked and served quzi, falafel and kibbeh.

Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA), 18-year-old Ahmet Obeyid from Syria said he participated because he wanted to show the culinary wealth and culture of his country, but also to thank the Greeks for their friendly attitude towards them.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Published in Greece In The News

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Friday, 28 April 2017 11:06

The Uncomfortable Project By Greek Designer Katerina Kamprani

Katerina Kamprani is a young talented designer from Greece. Her 'Uncomfortable Project,' which started as a study of everyday objects and what makes them useful, went viral and has become a big success. The 'Uncomfortable' objects have been exhibited in Greece and abroad and few of them were used in an ad campaign for SMART.

Interview with Katerina and Greek TV

Greek TV: What is the idea behind the Uncomfortables?

KK: The idea is to redesign everyday objects so they are uncomfortable to use, but not completely useless. The challenge is to make minor changes to the object so the user will recognize it, simulate the steps he needs to make in order to use it and then be surprised from the faulty design.

Greek TV: How did you come up with the idea of the Uncomfortable Project?

KK: First of all, I am a design enthusiast so I was always following blogs that showcase creative design or art projects with all sorts of unusual objects and I always wanted to do something of my own one day. After working a few years as an architect, I decided to begin a master’s degree on design. There I got familiar with the terms User Interaction and User Experience. I found out that the design process of an architect is quite different from that of an industrial designer which is very user-oriented. I never got to finish my studies and some months later I found myself drawing a sketch of an uncomfortable toilet room in a piece of paper while I was at work. I thought it would be hilarious to make uncomfortable objects and I tried to think of some more until I realized it was actually a challenge to break the established images I had for everyday objects. And then I got stuck. I had to think and design more!

To read this interview in full, please visit: Greek TV

Published in People

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Wednesday, 11 October 2017 11:01

Meerkat Cocktail Safari

As you arrive on the corner of Vyzantiou street in Koukaki, there is a new cocktail bar quite a bit different that a lot of people are talking about.

As you walk into this cocktail bar, you will notice that the bartenders are dressed as if they are ready to go on a safari. The decoration resembles a tropical climate and all guests are holding colorful cocktails in their hands. On the walls, the television is playing documentaries with small, cute animals that you can't stop staring at. They are called Meerkats, they live in the dessert and all people in the bar are talking about them.

Once upon a time there was boy named Romain who lived in Paris, France. His passion was to mix drinks, make alchemies and create dream drinks that people could drink. He studied at the Lycée Hôtelier de Marseille Bonneveine and soon found himself conducting some of the world's finest cocktails bars such as the Experimental Cocktail Club, Little Red Door, Conserverie in Paris, Ritz in London, Carlton in Cannes.

Suddenly though, he fell in love with Christina, who is half Greek. So from the city of light, he came to the city of the sun and decided he did not want to return to Paris again. The two of them, together with Andrea Vernikos, opened the Meerkat, a cocktail bar in the most vibrant neighborhood of the city center today: Koukaki.

You can visit the Meerkat from 10am for a nice coffee, grab a bite of innovative toasts or drink (from the morning if you want) Romain's cocktails that every passing day are becoming more and more famous in our city!

Address: Vizantiou 7, Athina 117 41
Tel: 21 3045 3390
Facebook

Originally posted on AthensVoice
Translated by XpatAthens

Published in Pubs, Bars & Cafes

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Monday, 27 December 2021 07:00

Our Favorite Things To Do In Athens This Holiday Season

Even though Athens is not one of the most iconic Christmas destinations, the city literally lights up during the festive season! The city streets and squares are decorated with fairy lights, garlands, and traditional Greek Christmas boats, and the air is filled with the aromas of freshly baked holiday delicacies. Here are 3 things to do in Athens this holiday season that will help you and your loved ones embrace the festive spirit to the fullest!

Visit The Christmas Factory In Gazi

@christmasfactory

From December 4 to January 6, the Christmas Factory returns to Technopolis in Gazi, making it the most festive place to be in the heart of Athens. Candy stores, fun factories, interactive workshops, a carousel, the city’s largest Ferris wheel, a colorful Christmas market, and many more exciting activities await you and your family for a fun outing right in the city center.

Go Shopping At The Mall Athens

@themallathensofficial

Find perfect Christmas presents for your loved ones at the Mall Athens. Impressive Christmas trees, beautiful decorations, a lot of lights, and many surprises await the visitors of the mall until January 7. Get ready to discover the magic of Christmas and meet elves, reindeer, and, of course, Santa himself!

Go Ice Skating

@icearenagreece

Ice skating has become a popular activity during winter in Athens, and ice rinks can be found in various spots around the city! Here are some of our favorites:

Athens Heart
The largest permanent ice rink in the country is located next to Athens Heart Shopping Mall and has a surface of more than 1,000 square meters which is close to international standards! The ice rink is covered by a specially designed tent, making it possible to skate in all weather conditions.

SNFCC Ice Rink
The SNFCC ice rink is the ideal place to enjoy ice skating in a beautiful set-up, right in front of the decorated Agora. The ice rink is open daily from December 10 to February 6 – admission is free with online pre-registration and a maximum stay of 40 minutes.

Ice Rink at Megaron Concert Hall
This holiday season, the Megaron Concert Hall will host one of the loveliest ice rinks in Athens, located in the Atrium area. Visiting the 375 square meter ice rink is a great opportunity to combine ice skating with one of the festive performances held at the concert hall this holiday season.

Published in City Discovery

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Thursday, 09 September 2021 07:00

5 Great Heroes Of Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is full of epic sagas, brave deeds, and a long list of super-powerful heroes, muses, and mythical creatures. We have put together a list of 5 famous mythological heroes to get you acquainted with the magical world of Greek myths and legends.

1. Perseus

Source: Unsplash

Perseus the only son of Zeus and mortal Danae is one of the earliest heroes in Greek mythology. He is notorious for beheading Medusa and using her severed head as a powerful weapon in his adventures and for rescuing the Aethiopian princess Andromeda by slaying the sea monster Cetus. Andromeda became Perseus' wife and one of their sons, Electryon was the father of Alcmene, whose union with Zeus produced the most famous hero of Greek mythology, Heracles.

2. Hercules

Source: Unsplash

Hercules, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, is probably most known for his phenomenal deeds of strength and bravery, the famous '12 Labors of Hercules.' His labors include slaying the Nemean lion, capturing the Erymanthian boar, taming Cerberus, and stealing the golden apples of the Hesperides. Hercules died after his jealous wife Deianira, accidentally gave him a venomous tunic, which caused Hercules so much pain that he threw himself in a funeral pyre to die.

3. Achilles

Source: Unsplash

Αchilles, the son of Thetis and Peleus, was one of the most heroic Greek warriors in the Trojan War. He was invincible all over his body except for his heel because, when his mother immersed him in the River Styx as a baby, she held him by one of his heels. During the Trojan War, Achilles was notorious for killing Hector outside the city gates. However, he didn't have much time to savor his victory; guided by the gods, Paris shot an arrow and struck the only vulnerable spot on his body: his heel.

4. Atalanta

Source: Unsplash

Atalanta is one of just a few Greek mythology female heroines; she grew up wild and free; she was a great hunter and a notoriously swift runner. She is possibly best known for vowing to marry the first man who could beat her in a footrace while punishing the defeated suitors to death. According to the myth, one of the suitors, Hippomenes managed to outrun Atalanta; using his wit and three golden apples, Hippomenes was able to distract Atalanta, win the race, and her hand in marriage.

5. Jason

Source: Unsplash

Jason was the son of Aeson, the dethroned king of Iolcos. To restore his rightful place on the throne, Jason assembled a band of heroes, called the Argonauts and set out on a quest to find the Golden Fleece. After encountering numerous adventures along the way, he finally succeeded. However, Jason's happiness didn't last long; his wife left him and he died sad and alone.

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Monday, 18 November 2019 00:19

Condor Airlines To Connect Germany To 17 Greek Destinations

German airline Condor has added new Greek destinations to its summer 2020 program.

The German airline has announced that as of May 1, 2020, it will offer non-stop flights from Germany’s main airports to the Greek islands of Samos, Santorini, and Mykonos. Next summer season, travelers will be able to fly directly to Santorini and Mykonos, from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich. Furthermore, Condor announced a new flight from Stuttgart to Samos, which can also be approached from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich, and Hanover.

In total for summer 2020, Condor has scheduled services to 17 Greek destinations from seven German departure airports.

To read this article in full, please visit: GTP

Published in International Travel

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Monday, 16 March 2020 07:00

Great Museums To (Virtually) Explore When You’re Stuck At Home

Due to recent events, people around the world are spending more time inside their homes, so the need for a digital portal to the cultural world is more vital than ever. Did you ever imagine that you could explore some of the world's most astounding Museums from the comfort of your own home?

In fact, more and more museums are offering virtual tours and putting their collections online. Here are a few of our favorite virtual tours and exhibits and how to access them:

1. National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum is the largest in Greece and one of the most important in the world. While it was initially designed to house findings from all the 19th-century excavations, it gradually took the form of the country's primary National Archaeological Museum. The Museum includes more than 11,000 exhibits, which offer visitors a panorama of ancient Greek culture from the beginning of prehistory to late antiquity.

Discover the collections of the National Archaeological Museum Here.

2. The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most notable art Museums in the world; housing 35.000 works of Art in an exhibition area of 60.600 square meters. The museum's collection is divided into 8 departments: Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings.

Click Here to visit the Louvre's exhibition rooms and galleries, online.

3. Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan

The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan exhibits one of the most significant Italian art collections. The gallery is housed in the Brera Mansion along with the National Library, the Brera Observatory, the Botanical Garden, the Lombard Institute of Science and Literature, and the Academy of Fine Arts.

To explore the Brera collection online, click Here.

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases over 5,000 years of art from all over the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. Since its foundation in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects, but a place where art comes alive, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and cultures.

To experience the museum's collection online, click Here.

5. The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum is home to a collection of more than 3.000.000 artifacts. Founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great, the museum is a beacon of culture and a treasury of significant works by artists like Renoir, Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Matisse, Kandinsky, and Picasso. Furthermore, the museum houses an extensive collection of jewelry and ancient artifacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

Take a well designed virtual tour of this stunning museum Here.

6. The British Museum, London

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and first opened its doors in 1759. Since then, the museum has been driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world and a deep belief in objects as reliable witnesses and documents of human history. Take a tour of the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

Find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour Here.