XpatAthens
Thursday, 05 July 2018 09:52
Folegandros Sunset Trail
The 1st Folegandros Sunset Trail running race was successfully organized, for the first time, on Saturday 3rd June 2018. The late afternoon route offered a unique and lovely experience to all participants.
The second race of the Cyclades Trail Cup 2018 was held in Folegandros island on 30rd June. The 1st trail running race: Folegandros Sunset Trail had one route, 10 kilometers long.
The starting point was at Ano Meria village in front of the Iliovasilema tavern and finish line was at the famous Pounta square of Chora village. The route followed the south-west coastline and all athletes run next to the gradient blue of the Aegean Sea while watching the sun set, “painting” the sky with his reddish colors.
The starting point was at Ano Meria village in front of the Iliovasilema tavern and finish line was at the famous Pounta square of Chora village. The route followed the south-west coastline and all athletes run next to the gradient blue of the Aegean Sea while watching the sun set, “painting” the sky with his reddish colors.
Athletes form 6 countries of the world and many Greek islands had filled the registration form pretty early on. The total number of registrations almost reached the 100, which is a lot for a small island of the South West Aegean Sea. Athletes from islands like Andros, Sifnos, Milos and Syros came to run alongside visitors from Italy, Sweden, Ukraine, Australia, Canada and the USA! On Saturday 30 June, 53 athletes started the race.
The first runner reachenig the finish line and setting the official best time, was Daniel Parheden from Sweden, finishing in 1:09:21. The Ukraine-Russian athlete, Raman Burakov, came second just 3 seconds later with 1:09:24. In the third place of the 10km race, came Christos Kiriazakos from Mykonos island with the time of 1:10:20.
In the women category, Voula Katsavou won the 10km race with the time of 1:31:45. Katerina Koukaki finished in second place with 1:32:00 and in third place came Valentina Makri with the time of 1:37:00.
In a special category, the organizers awarded the 1st man and woman, local to Folegandros island. The first woman was Anastasia Dekavala and the first man Antonis Papadopoulos with the time of 2 hours and 7 minutes and 1 hour and 31 minutes accordingly.
Every race and course offers score points for Cyclades Trail Cup, determined by the new CTC_PointSystem. The athlete that earns the highest amount of points by the end of the year will be the winner of Cyclades Trail Cup 2018. The Folegandros Sunset Trail 10km race awarded all runners you 43 points
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Local News
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Tuesday, 07 May 2019 17:09
May 7 - Good Things Happening
With summer just around the corner and the Athens & Epidaurus Festival offering plenty of shows and performances,don't forget to book your ticket as the pre-sale has officially begun! Also, if you are looking for someone to manage your brand's social media, digital content, graphic design and many more, then make sure you check out Codico Lab, XpatAthen's new sister company!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Monday, 21 October 2019 14:00
Hotels Grande Bretagne & King George Included In Condé Nast Traveler Magazine's 2019 Readers' Choice Awards
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has been included, one more year, among the Best Hotels in the World according to the well-known publication of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, as voted by its readers. The King George Hotel is also an honoree in the 2019 list for the second time.
Specifically, the distinguished publication of Condé Nast Traveler has selected the two most luxurious and historical hotels in Athens among the top 10 hotels in Greece and Turkey. The renowned “Readers’ Choice Awards” has honoured 1,800 winners, selected by more than 600,000 registered readers taking part in the 2019 Readers’ Choice Survey, voting for the best cities, islands, hotels and transportation in the world. The awards will be published in the November 2019 issue of the famous magazine.
Having received these important distinctions, Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George are committed to continue delivering exceptional, indigenous experiences for their guests. Both Hotels have the best location in the heart of Athens with spectacular views to the Acropolis and set a significant example in the international hotel industry, offering exceptional services and memorable experiences.
For more information on Hotel Grande Bretgane and Kind George, please visit: The Luxury Collection
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Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 24 March 2020 02:18
5 Coronavirus Myths
There's so much information circulating regarding the Coronavirus disease that it's imperative to be able to distinguish what's true and what's not.
The senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins puts things straight to keep you and your family can stay healthy and well.
The senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins puts things straight to keep you and your family can stay healthy and well.
1. A vaccine to cure COVID-19 is available.
FALSE. Right now, there is no vaccine for the new coronavirus. Even though scientists have already started working on one, developing safe vaccine will take many months.
2. You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by swallowing or gargling with bleach, taking acetic acid or steroids, or using essential oils, saltwater, ethanol, or other substances.
FALSE. None of these practices will protect you from COVID-19; in fact, some of them can be very dangerous. CLICK HERE to find out how to stay protected.
3. The new coronavirus was deliberately created or released by people.
FALSE. It is a known fact that viruses can change over time. Occasionally, a disease outbreak happens when a virus that is common in an animal undergoes changes and passes to humans, which is likely how the new coronavirus came to be.
4. Ordering or buying products shipped from China will make a person sick.
FALSE. Researchers are still studying to find out more about how the coronavirus infects people. Scientists have noted that most viruses like this one do not stay alive on surfaces for very long. Consequently, it is not likely to contract the virus from a package that was in transit for days or weeks.
5. A face mask will protect you from COVID-19.
FALSE. Specific models of professional, tight-fitting respirators can protect medic as they care for infected patients. For the general public wearing disposable surgical masks is not recommended. However, people with a respiratory illness can wear these masks to lessen their chance of infecting others.
Article Source: Hopkins Medicine
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Local News
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Thursday, 08 October 2020 07:00
Museum of Cycladic Art Launches Self Digital Tours
The Museum of Cycladic Art is now offering its visitors the opportunity to experience the museum and its permanent collection through a smartphone app.
From September 24 onward, visitors can scan a QR code available at the museum and download the Clio Muse Tours application for free. The app will enable visitors to safely discover the museum’s 4 permanent collections by displaying information for select artifacts on their smartphone or tablet. The app is available in Greek, English, and French.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
To read more about the Museum's Self Digital Tours, please visit: cycladic.gr
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Local News
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Monday, 06 September 2021 07:00
Greece's Most Spectacular Monasteries
Greece has many beautiful sights for you to check out while you are visiting the country. One thing you want to be sure to add to your itinerary is visiting some of the ancient, historical Greek monasteries. Here are 10 must-see monasteries in Greece.
Evangelistria Monastery, Skiathos
@lauren.galtress
This historical structure, on the Greek island of Skiathos, which was first founded in 1794 by a group of monks from Mount Athos played a crucial role in the 1821 Revolution which brought independence to Greece. Also, the first-ever Hellenic flag was made on a loom at this very location.
@lauren.galtress
This historical structure, on the Greek island of Skiathos, which was first founded in 1794 by a group of monks from Mount Athos played a crucial role in the 1821 Revolution which brought independence to Greece. Also, the first-ever Hellenic flag was made on a loom at this very location.
Panagia Spiliani, Nisyros
@pix_stam
A monastery built in a cave is what you will find when you visit the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. It sits at the top of a hill in northwest Mandraki, while the largest portion of the monastery is built inside a cave. A truly unique experience, the cave is divided into two churches and is definitely worth a visit.
Mega Spileo, Kalavryta
@marian.rptk
Another breathtaking monastery, Mega Spileo stands eight stories tall and is actually built on the sheer cliffs, at a cave opening where it almost appears to become one with the surrounding landscape. Considered to be the oldest monastery in Greece, dating back to 362 AD, it has survived four fires. It played an important role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottomans. The monastery is also home to countless Byzantine icons, frescoes, copper plates, manuscripts and other unique treasures, such as its library featuring more than 3,000 books.
@marian.rptk
Another breathtaking monastery, Mega Spileo stands eight stories tall and is actually built on the sheer cliffs, at a cave opening where it almost appears to become one with the surrounding landscape. Considered to be the oldest monastery in Greece, dating back to 362 AD, it has survived four fires. It played an important role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottomans. The monastery is also home to countless Byzantine icons, frescoes, copper plates, manuscripts and other unique treasures, such as its library featuring more than 3,000 books.
Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Distomo, Boeotia
@travellingwithgiannis
@travellingwithgiannis
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art. Dating back to the early 10th century, it is built on the slopes of Mount Helicon and was founded by the hermit, Venerable (Greek: Hosios) St. Luke, whose relics are kept in the monastery to this day.
Saint John the Theologian, Patmos
@wu_greece
One of the most popular destinations on the island of Patmos, the Monastery is situated near the cave where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. This UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in 1088 in Chora, Patmos by soldier-priest John Christodoulos, who heavily fortified the exterior of the structure to protect it from threats of piracy and Seljuk Turks.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Published in
Travel Greece
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Saturday, 09 July 2022 21:05
Embassy Of Canada In Greece
The Embassy of Canada provides services to Canadians visiting and living in Greece.
For more information visit the embassy's official website
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Embassies
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Monday, 12 December 2022 18:36
New Complaints Platform For Bullying
With one in three students bullied at school, one in two verbally and some isolated from the entire class, the Education Ministry has drafted a bill exhorting victims and their families to speak up.
The basic idea is the disclosure and recording of each incident and the provision of a framework for interventions by teachers, psychologists, and sociologists.
The main aim of the proposed measures is to address the problem within the school community, without a punitive approach to children who themselves become perpetrators after having been victims.
To this end, the core of the relevant bill, the basic provisions of which Kathimerini has seen, is the creation of a platform for reporting incidents of school violence.
On this platform, students will be able to report incidents, anonymously or not. Parents must give their names when doing so.
It will be necessary to log in with Panhellenic School Network codes (for students) or Taxis (for parents). This will enable more bullying victims to speak up and be supported. The platform will be developed by the Diophantus Institute of Computer Technology and Publishing in cooperation with the Central Expert Committee of the Education Ministry.
Recipients of the reports will be the school violence and bullying officers at each school. The role will be assumed by the head teachers of the school together with a teacher appointed by them.
For each incident, the two school leaders will be in direct contact with a four-member task force that will produce annual reports together with their recommendations and submit them to the regional director of education, who will in turn report regularly to the Ministry of Education with a view of formulating future data-based policy to combat school violence.
An expert committee will be established at a central level to oversee and monitor the program and draw conclusions. It will be responsible for the development of specific protocols for the prevention and management of school violence and bullying.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
The basic idea is the disclosure and recording of each incident and the provision of a framework for interventions by teachers, psychologists, and sociologists.
The main aim of the proposed measures is to address the problem within the school community, without a punitive approach to children who themselves become perpetrators after having been victims.
To this end, the core of the relevant bill, the basic provisions of which Kathimerini has seen, is the creation of a platform for reporting incidents of school violence.
On this platform, students will be able to report incidents, anonymously or not. Parents must give their names when doing so.
It will be necessary to log in with Panhellenic School Network codes (for students) or Taxis (for parents). This will enable more bullying victims to speak up and be supported. The platform will be developed by the Diophantus Institute of Computer Technology and Publishing in cooperation with the Central Expert Committee of the Education Ministry.
Recipients of the reports will be the school violence and bullying officers at each school. The role will be assumed by the head teachers of the school together with a teacher appointed by them.
For each incident, the two school leaders will be in direct contact with a four-member task force that will produce annual reports together with their recommendations and submit them to the regional director of education, who will in turn report regularly to the Ministry of Education with a view of formulating future data-based policy to combat school violence.
An expert committee will be established at a central level to oversee and monitor the program and draw conclusions. It will be responsible for the development of specific protocols for the prevention and management of school violence and bullying.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
Published in
Kids Life
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Wednesday, 31 January 2024 14:03
Greece Among Top 5 Countries for Expat Retirement
CEOWORLD magazine has placed Greece in the Top 5 countries for expat retirement in 2024 after releasing the “Global Expat Retirement Index 2024 Survey," a guide listing the countries that offer the most stability for those thinking of retiring abroad.
A leading business magazine for CEOs, CFOs, high-level executive professionals, business leaders, and high-net-worth individuals, CEOWORLD assessed each country based on local friendliness, health, and well-being, quality of life, ease of settling in, recreation, culture, nightlife, and diverse culinary options.
Greece ranked 5th on a list of 50 countries with a score of 95.07.
Preceding Greece on the list were Taiwan in first place with a score of 95.67, followed by Spain (95.31), Portugal (95.29), and Mexico (95.2). Completing the Top 10 list after Greece were the United Arab Emirates, France, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Earlier this month, Greece was once again listed among the Top 10 Best Places in the World to Retire in 2024, according to the 2024 Global Retirement Index released by International Living.
The country ranked 7th with an overall score of 77 and was described as a “dream vacation destination.”.
To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com
To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:08
A Different Kind Of Tour
The other day I was invited by some friends to do something different – a “tour of Athens”, they said, “but not a regular tour.” Sure, why not. We met at Acropolis Metro Station, and walked down Lempesi Street to a little shop with bicycles outside. But these weren’t ordinary bikes. I soon learned these are called e-bikes. On an e-bike there is a rechargeable electric motor that gives you a boost while pedaling. What does this mean? Cycling with no effort!
SoleBike is a start-up that provides ‘curated’ tours of Athens. These are specially designed routes within the historic centre, narrated with interesting stories by the tour leader. Everyone wears a helmet with a ‘hifi’ receiver in one ear – so you can hear the leader and hear the traffic!
We had a very nice ride through the historical centre of Athens (Plaka, Thiseio, Keramikos, etc.), and we (all 6 of us) loved it. We know Athens really well, but our guide took us on a nice route and into some streets that we didn't know at all. And all the while with some great commentary and interesting stories of the sites we were seeing.
The e-bike is perfect for Athens. The hills, the heat, the great effort of it all: no problem for an e-bike. And by the way, you can buy these e-bikes too. What an interesting replacement for your car… Charge it up and off you go.
I’m an avid cyclist, so I’m quite used to riding in Athens. But for those who think that riding a bike in Athens is a bad idea, it turns out it can be a great idea, especially with some well-planned and carefully designed routes. We were in car-free zones for the entire tour, and felt more than safe. If you want to get a flavour of Athens without hiking around the city (and without breaking a sweat), I highly recommend.
Afterwards we wandered around the corner onto Porinou Street and happened upon Hitchcocktales – a bar/restaurant/café that may just become a favourite. A beautifully restored interior with some gorgeous design touches – friendly service, cool atmosphere and it sounds like some fun weekend parties. I will go back.
Now if they could only invent an electric motor boost to get me out of bed in the morning…
SoleBike
Lempesi 11
+30 210 92 15 620
http://www.solebike.eu/
Hitchcocktales
Porinou 10
http://www.hitchcocktales.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hitchcocktales
Until next week,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
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My Week In Athens
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