XpatAthens

Wednesday, 05 June 2019 10:34

Street Artist Dedicates Mural To The Mati Wildfire Victims

The Greek street artist who goes by the name 'Hambas' has recently created a touching mural on the wall of an elementary school in Rafina, eastern Attica.

His touching tribute to the 102 victims of the 2018 fire in Mati depicts a bright-eyed boy holding a branch of 102 heart-shaped fruits, symbolizing each of the victims of the dreadful wildfire.

The blazes in Mati are the second-deadliest fires so far in the 21st century, after the 'Black Friday' bushfires in Australia, which claimed the lives of 180 people in 2009.

Article Source: GreekReporter.com
Photo: @hambas_

Published in Greece In The News

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Tuesday, 27 August 2019 13:14

Greek NGO Wins $2M Humanitarian Prize

A Greek NGO helping migrant and refugee children in Greece has won the world's biggest annual humanitarian award.

According to the Conrad N Hilton Foundation, METAdrasi – Action for Migration and Development received the $2m Hilton humanitarian prize for its innovative approach to welcoming refugees and protecting unaccompanied minors.

METAdrasi uses translators who are fluent in more than 43 languages and dialects to navigate complicated policies and procedures.

METAdrasi's founder, Lora Pappa, said of the award: "It will enable us to strengthen our advocacy and help us be heard. This is an ongoing crisis. We are so grateful to receive the prize at a time when urgent needs regarding the refugee situation continue to emerge."

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

About METAdrasi

METAdrasi was founded in December 2009 with the mission to facilitate the reception and integration of refugees and migrants in Greece. Believing that migration leads to development, METAdrasi is determined to uphold and protect the fundamental human rights of all those displaced and persecuted through innovative interventions. The name of ΜΕΤΑdrasi was coined by the synthesis of the Greek words “meta”+“drasi” (meaning: and then? + action) and encapsulates our purpose and philosophy.

Guided by the principles of consistency, efficiency, transparency and flexibility to adjust to needs as they emerge, METAdrasi is active in the following key areas:

•The provision of quality interpretation, enabling vital communication with refugees and migrants through the deployment of over 350 interpreters, trained and certified by METAdrasi in 43 languages and dialects – an activity that lies at the heart of any effective provision of humanitarian support;

• The protection of unaccompanied and separated children, through a comprehensive safety net of activities including accommodation facilities, escorting from precarious conditions to safe spaces and the pioneering activities of guardianship, foster families and supported independent living;

• The protection and support of other vulnerable groups through the provision of legal aid to asylum seekers, certification of victims of torture and deployment of humanitarian aid wherever needed;

• The education and integration of refugees and migrants through educational programmes, Greek language lessons, multilingual support guides and remedial education for children that enables access to the right to education, as well as soft-skills training, traineeship opportunities and work placements.

Published in Greece In The News

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Wednesday, 25 March 2020 12:23

Keeping Spirits High - YouTube Selections

Keeping your spirits bright when life is going along smoothly doesn't seem that hard, but what about when life goes 'off course' and negativity obstructs our path?

As daily routines shift and the world adjusts to a new normal, maintaining a positive attitude is essential in order to keep going. The question then becomes: how do we keep our spirits high in challenging times like these?

Well, we can listen to inspiring people like the ones on the list below! If you're looking for inspiration and motivation, then this selection of YouTube channels will get you thinking. If you're more of a podcast listener, then click here.

Christian Guzman & Heidi Somers: Well, talk about couple-goals! These amazing fitness YouTubers show how they run their successful fitness businesses and share workouts and healthy tips with their viewers.

Bob & Brad: Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck offer great advice, tips, and information on how to stay healthy, fit, and pain-free. Together they have over 50 years of experience and knowledge as physical therapists and fitness experts.

The Dave Ramsey Show: Do you want some life-changing financial advice? This show is for you, as it will help you make smart decisions moneywise, learn about budgeting and much more!

Marie Forleo: If you want to turn your dreams into reality, you’ve come to the right place. Marie Forleo will train your brain to think more creatively and positively in the face of setbacks and help you realize your greatest potential and use your unique talents to change the world.

Luka Hocevar: He is an entrepreneur, author, strength/fitness/business coach. His YouTube channel features great fitness videos and bodyweight exercises that promise real results.

Ekhart Yoga: With over 3,500 classes in different styles guided by over 40 world-class teachers, this is Europe’s biggest online studio. Get ready for positive change and genuine transformation through different styles of yoga.

High Intensity Health: This channel features interesting interviews with a variety of different topics, including low-carb (ketogenic) diets, gut bacteria health, sleep, building muscle, and science.

Mike Thurston: This British guy who moved to Dubai aims to educate, motivate, and help viewers optimize their body composition, whilst making the process as enjoyable and sustainable as possible.

Hanna Oberg: This Swedish fitness YouTuber shares with viewers free workout routines, recipes, fitness advice and much, much more! Also, she just had a baby and shows what parenting it's like.

Boho Beautiful: Through their Boho Beautiful Yoga Classes, Vegan meal prep/cooking vids, mat-based Pilates or Fitness, and Boho Diaries, these two yogis wander the earth, creating positive content as they go.

Stephanie Buttermore: With a Ph.D. in pathology and cell biology, Stephanie Buttermore mixes science and fitness into all facets of life. Her channel brings informative content to the world of fitness, training, beauty, lifestyle, food challenges and nutrition all with a scientific twist!!

Jeff Nippard: Stephanie Buttermore’s boyfriend is a natural pro bodybuilder and internationally-qualified powerlifter with a BSc in biochemistry. His channel is also dedicated to providing science-based training and nutrition information.

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: The Daily Show is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning program that looks at the day's top headlines through a sharp, reality-based lens. Trevor Noah covers the biggest news stories in politics, pop culture and more.

Pick Up Limes: Foodies, minimalists, travelers, and all views will get inspired or find a calm and relaxing space with the collection of videos that help to nourish the cells and the soul.

All of the recommendations have been ‘tried and tested’ by our friend and contributor Eleni Maria Georgiou. Thank you, Eleni!

About Eleni Maria Georgiou

Eleni Maria Georgiou is an independent writer and publishing professional devoted to creating books that are creative, original, and modern.

Passionate about Athens and all the city has to offer, for four exciting years, I co-managed XpatAthens. This experience inspired me to write my first book, Eleni’s GREEK PHRASE BOOK: A Beginner's Guide to Greek Culture and the Greek Language in 2018, sparking the birth of Lenacke Press. I continue to write, think about, and publish creative and original books, adding to the Lenacke Press collection.

In addition, since 2004, I have been running fixyourenglish.com, a business that provides Editing, Proofreading, and Translation services.

I currently live in Athens, Greece with my husband and two kids. I am fluent in both English and Greek and interested in learning more languages. I like organizing and attending community group events, reading, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, writing, lifting weights, and going hiking.

Published in Spirit

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Monday, 12 February 2024 07:00

Ancient Frieze From Zeus Temple Found Near Shore

Marine archaeologists were left astounded when their eyes fell upon a massive piece that, at first glance, appeared to be crafted from marble, only to reveal itself as something altogether unexpected. Employing meticulous photogrammetric techniques for examination and verification, they discerned that they had stumbled upon a segment of a frieze originating from an ancient temple.

The meticulousness of their research cannot be overstated. Plunging into the depths off the coast of Sicily, the discovery of an ancient frieze was certainly within the realm of possibility. Remarkably, the marble block lay merely 9 meters beneath the surface, unveiling a treasure trove of historical significance. Expert analysis swiftly attributed the frieze to the renowned Temple of Zeus in ancient Akraganta, situated near the coast of San Leone, not far from the Akraganta River's mouth.

The Temple of Zeus stands as a monumental testament to ancient Doric architecture, nestled within the revered Valley of the Temples. This sacred site, synonymous with the splendor of ancient Akraganta, boasts an array of iconic structures, including the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Hercules, and others. Among these, the Temple of Zeus reigns supreme in grandeur, stretching an imposing 112 meters in length and 56 meters in width. Historical chronicles, notably those penned by the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, recount the temple's tumultuous history, including its unfortunate halt in construction following the Carthaginian conquest in 406 BC.

Tragically, the temple's fate was sealed by seismic upheavals and the rampant quarrying of the 18th century, as locals scavenged its noble stones for the construction of nearby settlements. Yet, amidst the ruins and ravages of time, a glimmer of hope emerged beneath the waves.

In a stroke of serendipity, underwater archaeologists, under the auspices of BCsicilia, unearthed the marble relic approximately 300 meters from the coastline, its shallow resting place obscured by the sedimentary embrace of the Akraganta River. Measuring an impressive 2 meters in length and 1.6 meters in height, the frieze is hewn from Prokonnisian marble sourced from the storied quarries of Prokonnisos, the largest of the Marmara Islands in Turkey.

Adorning one side of the frieze is a masterfully carved depiction of a vaulting horse, likely an ornamental flourish adorning the outer façade of the temple's drum, or perhaps gracing the pediment's lofty pinnacle, encircled by an ornate cornice. Horses, emblematic of martial prowess and political authority, were recurrent motifs in the artistic lexicon of ancient Greek architecture.

BCsicilia, a devoted custodian of Sicily's cultural and environmental heritage, promptly apprised the Marine Inspectorate of their extraordinary find, initiating a coordinated effort to recover this priceless artifact. In a collaborative endeavor involving the Carabinieri Diving Unit, the Marine Inspectorate, the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, and BCsicilia's underwater team, the frieze was successfully retrieved and brought ashore on the morning of February 5th, 2024.

BCsicilia, as a voluntary cultural organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting Sicily's rich cultural and natural legacy, stands as the vanguard of such endeavors, providing invaluable insights into our collective past.

Originally published in Greek, on: enikos.gr

Published in Greece In The News

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Friday, 25 October 2024 00:24

A Practical Guide To Free & Reduced Admission At Archaeological Sites In Greece

Greece is home to some of the world's most iconic archaeological sites, museums, and monuments. If you are planning a visit, knowing when and how to access these treasures for free or at a reduced rate can make your experience even more enjoyable. This guide breaks down the key details regarding free admission and discounted tickets to state-owned sites in Greece, helping you make the most of your visit.

Free Admission Days for All Visitors

Throughout the year, Greece offers several days where admission to all state-owned archaeological sites, historical monuments, and museums is completely free. These special dates are:

March 6 (Melina Mercouri Remembrance Day)
April 18 (International Monuments Day)
May 18 (International Museums Day)
The Last Weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
October 28 (National Holiday)
First Sunday of the Month (November - March)

These free days are a great opportunity to explore Greece’s rich cultural heritage at no cost.

Eligibility for Free Admission Year-Round

In addition to specific free days, certain categories of visitors enjoy free admission throughout the year. These groups include:

Youth from EU Member States (up to 25 years old): Upon presenting an ID or passport.
Children from Non-EU Countries (up to 5 years old): Verification through a passport.
People with Disabilities and One Escort: Proof of disability is required (minimum 67% disability).
Unemployed Greek Citizens: Must present an ID card and unemployment verification.
Students and Teachers on Educational Visits: Includes primary, secondary, and tertiary students from EU and EEA countries.
Large, Single-Parent, and Three-Child Families: Greek families with official status can benefit from free admission.
Refugees and Military Service Members: Present the appropriate identification documents for free entry.

These categories allow for wide access to Greece's cultural landmarks, encouraging education and inclusivity.

Three-Year Free Entry Pass

Some individuals are eligible for a three-year free entry pass, which grants ongoing access to sites without the need to reapply. This pass is available to:

Archaeologists, Historians, and Related Professionals: Graduates and professionals in fields like archaeology, history, and cultural management.
Active and Retired Employees of the Ministry of Culture: Including those from the Acropolis Museum and other key institutions.
Educators: Both active and retired teachers in Greece, as well as substitutes, may apply for this pass.

If eligible, these individuals can renew their passes and continue enjoying free access.

Reduced Admission (50% Discount)

From April 1 to October 31, certain groups are entitled to a 50% discount on single tickets, including:

Non-EU Youth (6-25 years old): Verification through a passport is required.
Seniors Over 65: From Greece, EU, and EEA countries, with ID or passport verification.
Parents Accompanying School Visits: From EU and EEA countries.

Additionally, from November 1 to March 31, all visitors enjoy a reduced rate, making it an ideal time to explore Greece’s heritage sites at a lower cost.

Plan Your Visit Wisely

By taking advantage of free admission days or ensuring eligibility for free or reduced tickets, you can explore Greece’s archaeological wonders without breaking the bank. Whether you're visiting the Acropolis, Delphi, or the National Archaeological Museum, knowing when and how to access these sites will enhance your cultural experience.

Plan your trip, check your eligibility, and enjoy the beauty and history of Greece's rich cultural heritage!

Published in Everyday Tips & How To’s

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Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:18

Times Change – Or Maybe Not…

At the end of this post, there is a link to a video which some of you may have already seen. The video has been around for decades it seems, but is recently getting shared around social sites. The video is a ‘street view’ commentary on Athens in the 1960s. And watching it has made me wonder…

I was at a friend’s house over the weekend, for an ‘end of summer’ party. Great people, music, drinks, nice vibe… With a mix of expats and locals, the conversations invariable steered to why are you here, what do you think of Athens, the love/hate list that each of us carries, no matter where we live…

One such discussion was about the various ‘scenes’ of Athens – is there a hippie scene? Has the foodie scene come here? Are there any hipsters? What about the gay scene? I wasn’t sure what to answer, since for me the answer is equally ‘yes’ and ‘no’. What I came up with is that those ‘scenes’ seem to be more prevalent, and more clearly delineated, in a more ‘western’, perhaps more North American context, and while there are very clear elements of those ‘scenes’ here, Athens and Athenians are less likely to be defined by such social sub-groups.

Athens is a centuries-old city, with a culture that is more deep than it is broad, having brewed for thousands of years across empires and invasions, cultures and religions. It is a place equally eastern and western, with a long history that has as much to do with the Near and Middle East as it has with Western Europe. There is a strong definition of self here, and being Greek in itself forms a big part of that. In other places, that over-riding cultural identity is not as present, and sub-cultural affiliation is more prevalent… Maybe it’s similar in Italy or Lebanon? Clearly I’m no anthropologist or sociologist, but this was what went spinning through my head on Saturday night.

And then I saw this video, where – it seems to me – we can see how much has not changed among all the things that have changed. I mean the essence of the video – the spirit of the city - for me, is clear in the video. And it’s the same essence I feel today.

Or maybe it was the wine.

What do you think? Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HqzEjdn4yQ

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…

Published in My Week In Athens

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 11:11

Top Beaches In Rhodes

Rhodes (or Rodos) is an island in the Aegean Sea, the largest of the Dodecanese Island complex. It is located at the southeastern edge of the archipelagos of the Dodecanese, facing the shores of Asia Minor, which are about 9-10 kilometers away. The population of the island exceeds 110,000 and it covers an area of 1398 square kilometers.

It is one of the largest and most beautiful Greek islands. Its landscape mainly comprises of hills and low mountains, which in their majority are covered with forests. Its climate is subtropical and healthy. Refreshing westerly winds moderate the summer heat, while the winter is nearly always mild, with long periods of sunshine.

What could be better for you and your family than a trip to one of the Blue-Flag winning beaches on the island? Here is a short list:

(1) From Psínthos, head to Afándou bay (on the east coast of the island, 18 km from Rhodes City) by car or public transport. Here you will find beach sport centres, sections equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, plus food and accommodation. This extremely long sandy beach has room for everyone: families with ice-boxes and folding chairs, couples with tents, Brits with their hot dogs and beers at the canteen, young people racing their jet-skis, locals tasting fresh fish at the tavérnas. Alongside the coastal road you will also find Rhodes golf course.

To read more, please go to visitgreece.gr & rhodesguide.com

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:49

This Is The Best Time To Be Greek

Brand strategist Peter Economides attended an event organized by the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne, in Australia. He spoke about “Greece emerging from the crisis” and stated that for innovators and high quality producers “there has never been a better time to be Greek”.

According to Mr. Economides, the so-called guru of marketing strategy, the crisis has given an opportunity for creative and innovative Greek entrepreneurs to enter the global market.

Regarding tourism, he said that each person can be “an ambassador for Greece”, not only by promoting Greek history and antiquities.

He noted that Greece’s bad reputation will stop only if “the right actions are taken” and said that advertising does not play a very important role. “The most important role is that of its citizens”.

To read more, please visit thetoc.gr/eng

By Athena Korlira

Published in Greece In The News

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Monday, 02 March 2015 15:59

Barque - Grill Restaurant

Mr. Pasaliadi's is known for the successful Sol y Mar in Mykonos but his venture BarQue is a perfect reason not to tear away from Nea Erithrea! This stunning aesthetic concept that combines a restaurant and pub guarantees magical moments. The industrial design and wood, make a fashionable and friendly atmosphere. The range includes meat from American Black Angus to Macedonian buffalo, while in the cellar you will find the exclusive 'Plagios' by Gerovassiliou. At the cozy bar, you can also enjoy beautifully crafted cocktails.

Price: € 20-25. Open daily from 12:00. Home delivery available.

Address: H.Trikoupi 127 & Strofiliou, Nea Erithrea
Tel: 210 8002201-02
Website: www.barque.com.gr

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Monday, 15 June 2015 07:00

Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie To Buy A Greek Island?

Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are reportedly preparing to buy the Greek island of Gaia (Sofia Island) located in the Echinades complex of the Ionian.

According to the Washington Post, which mentions US OK! magazine as its source, said that the couple are reportedly thinking about splashing out $4.7 million on the entire island of Gaia (Sofia) so they can enjoy more private holidays together.

The Washington Post also noted that the 43-acre island has secured planning permission for six villas.

To read more, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Published in Greece In The News

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LOGIN

Street Artist Dedicates Mural To The Mati Wildfire Victims

Greek NGO Wins $2M Humanitarian Prize

Keeping Spirits High - YouTube Selections

Ancient Frieze From Zeus Temple Found Near Shore

A Practical Guide To Free & Reduced Admission At Archaeological Sites In Greece

Times Change – Or Maybe Not…

Top Beaches In Rhodes

This Is The Best Time To Be Greek

Barque - Grill Restaurant

Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie To Buy A Greek Island?

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