XpatAthens

XpatAthens

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…

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

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

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!

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
Monday, 25 January 2016 07:00

Netflix Available To Greek Subscribers

Greek subscribers will now have access to online services provided by California-based Netflix, the company announced early in January 2016.  Greece was among 130 countries Netflix recently added to its global network.

New users can benefit from a month-free trial for series and moviesand a monthy subscription starting at €7.99, the company said.  The network produces a number of original series including "House of Cards."

For one monthy price, members around the world will be able to enjoy Netflix original series including Marvel's Daredevil and Mevel's Jessica Jones, Narcos, Sense8, Grace and Frankie and Marco Polo as well as a atalog of licenced TV shows and movies.  In 2016, the company plans to release 31 new and returning original series, two dozen original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand-up comedy specials and 30 original kids series - available at the same time to members everywhere.

According to figures released by the company, Netflix had 69.17 million subscribers in October 2015.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini and Netflix
In 2015, international tourist arrivals to Greece grew by seven per cent and reached 23.6 million, while exports generated by the sector increased by six per cent to €14.2 billion.

United Nations World Tourism Organisation secretary general, Taleb Rifai, has expressed the confidence of the organisation in the continued growth of the tourism sector in Greece, saying: “We have no doubt that Greece will maintain a powerful image worldwide as a major tourism destination and that the country will consolidate its growth in 2016, as shown by booking trends.”

This vow of support is timely for Greece as the country is advancing implementation of its new tourism policy framework, launched in 2015 to enhance international tourism. The diversification of the touristic offer benefits Greek hospitality, as does the development of new destinations and the opening of new high-end accommodation facilities and services.
Monday, 15 August 2016 07:00

Pickled Red Cabbage

Ingredients
  • 1 red cabbage (sliced) – approximately 10 cups / 2 lb head
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tbsp fennel seed

Brine Ingredients

  • 4 cups white or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup white wine (OR) 2 cups water
  • 3 tbsp date sugar OR 3 tbsps honey OR 1tbsp each brown/white sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp coriander
  • 4 dried apricots (chopped)
To read the full pickling instructions, please visit: The Greek Vegan
 


Tuesday, 09 January 2024 07:00

Great Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Athens

If you have kids, you know how difficult it is to find a restaurant perfect for the whole family. It's not always easy to combine child-friendly foods with dishes adults will love.

Luckily for you, in Athens, where family meals are an important aspect of daily life, there are numerous options. 



Eleftheriadis

Eleftheriadis
Credit: peinirlieleftheriadis.gr

Restaurants serving peinirli–a boat-shaped pizza dough specialty packed with cheese and other tasty fillings, baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with butter– have always been a popular choice for Sunday lunch with kids. The forested northern suburb of Drosia is famous for its peinirli restaurants, and Elefteriadis is one of our favorites. With a large courtyard shaded with pine trees, this is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal on a sunny day!

Address: 26 Solomou, Drosia
Telephone: 210 6229003

Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis

Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis
Credit: @amalaxeinef


Located in Exarchia, the courtyard of this long-standing taverna used to be a schoolyard. The restaurant serves modern Greek cuisine, offering delicious vegetarian options and kid-friendly dishes, including the delicious meatballs - a kid-friendly best-seller. Don't forget to try the sensational Cretan cheese pies with honey and mint as well as the hand-cut fries! 

Address: 69 Kallidromiou, Exarchia, Athens
Telephone: 210 3845978

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe
Credit: Hard Rock Cafe

Located in Monastiraki, just a stone’s throw away from the historic city center with stunning views of the Acropolis, Hard Rock Cafe Athens is a must-see for both kids and adults alike. Except for enjoying fresh, high-quality food which includes delicious burgers, steaks, fajitas, and many more there are a number of events going on that the whole family is going to fall in love with. Right now, the Kids Sunday event is back where little Roxtars are invited for some face-painting, handcrafting, and lots of fun with an amateur.

Address: Adrianou 52, Athens
Telephone: 210 3245170

Cupola

Cupola
Credit: @cupola_trattoria

Who doesn't love pizza? This authentic trattoria is located on a pedestrian strip with a laid-back neighborhood vibe, near the Panathenaic stadium. Perfectly thin, bubbling pizza is baked in a wood-burning oven and topped with genuine Italian ingredients. The panzerotti, a miniature fried calzone, is a hit with kids while the oven-baked conchiglionni ragu is ideal for pasta-lovers. For dessert, try the hand-made cannoli stuffed with ricotta, chocolate chips, and pistachios, which - both children and adults - are guaranteed to fall in love with. 

Address: 13 Eforionos, Pangrati 
Telephone:
211 411 7444

Agroktima Regoukou

Agroktima Regkoukou
Credit: Agroktima Regoukou

This farm-to-table tavern is definitely worth the 45-minute drive or taxi ride from downtown Athens if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a day. Surrounded by nature, this restaurant in Stamata is situated on the farm where practically all of the ingredients are sourced. Their famous cheese pie, roast goat, and just-picked salads are not to be missed!

Address: Ektoros, Pangrati 
Telephone:
210 621 7898

Oliver Family House
 
Oliver Family House
Credit: @oliver_family_house

We saved the best for last since Oliver Family House surely is the most child-friendly restaurant on the list. Located in Glyfada, inside a multiplex, the restaurant is specifically designed for kids of all ages to enjoy endless play and for parents to cherish some moments of relaxation. There you can choose from a lot of creative activities to enjoy as a family. In addition, the restaurant offers an extensive healthy menu with freshly prepared meals, snacks, salads, and delicious desserts using organic products from their own garden.

Address: Leof. Dimarchou Aggelou Metaxa 39, Glifada
Telephone: 
21 0898 6066


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Plastic bags will no longer be available for free in Greece and this is just the beginning!

The new year finally brought a change that may relieve Greece's natural habitat as plastic shopping bags will no longer be available for free. Consumers will either have to pay for bags - if they consider it absolutely necessary to carry their purchases - or have their own bags with them.

Since 2015, the European Union has set the goal of reducing consumption to 90 plastic bags per citizen by 2019 and to 40 by the end of 2025. Greece, however, is one of the last countries in the fight against the plastic bag. According to the latest data from the Hellenic Recycling Organization, each Greek uses up to 336 bags per year.

In the battle to limit plastic, Plastic Feel Greece - a newly created non-profit group aims to educate and inform the world about the environmental misfortunes of discarding plastic. Plastic Free Greece was founded by Dimitra Koutsoukou, Antigone Theodorou, Agnieszka Fibak and Tenia Kyriazis and collaborates with the international organizations Plastic Pollution Coalition and Plastic Oceans Foundation.

The group's activity has already attracted the interest of ordinary citizens and teachers who are willing to talk to their students about environmental protection. Plastic Feel Greece has bought the rights of two documentaries, A Plastic Ocean and Straws, which have already been screened in 115 schools across the country.

"The response from teachers is impressive. They get in touch with us and ask us to bring the documentaries to their schools. We send them the link to the films together with our own presentation in which we propose actions such as cleaning on beaches, updating local communities etc.," says Dimitra Koutsoukou.

They claim that the majority of Greeks do not realize how serious the problem of pollution is that has been caused by plastic.

"Most people think pollution is a problem that concerns India or Indonesia, not the crystal waters of the Aegean and the Ionian," says Dimitra. "However, many are shocked when they learn how overwhelmed the oceans are and are outraged when we show them pictures of Greek beaches being wrecked".

Originally posted on Vice.com
Translated by XpatAthens
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