Four revolutionary driverless busses have successfully completed their first trial runs in the Greek city of Trikala in central Greece; the first of five European cities to introduce the automated transportation. The driverless bus is due to become fully operational in October.

The initiative is the combined effort of the CityMobil2 Program, a multi-stakeholder project co-funded by the EU’s Seventh Framework Program for Research and Technological Development.

This small futuristic vehicle will make a 2.4 km route on a daily basis from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and then again from 16:00 to 20:00. The first six days of its operation (until September 17), the bus circulated the city of Trikala without carrying any passengers. Passengers were welcomed to join the experience starting on Friday September 18.

Built by French manufacturer Robosoft, the buses are electric, silent and non-polluting. They are 5 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, carry 10-12 people, and do not exceed 20 km/h. The vehicles are equipped with an advanced GPS and a laser mapping system for localization and movement control. Laser and ultrasound technologies are used to detect obstacles in front of and around the bus.

Similar automated road transport systems are expected to be implemented in a number of urban environments across Europe.

Sources: PappasPost & Greek Reporter & eKathimerini

Released in December of 2015, the movie ’Ouzeri Tsitsanis’ is about the forbidden love between a Jewish girl and a Christian in the city of Thessaloniki in 1942. The music in the film is from the famous composer Vassilis Tsitsanis as well as Themis Karamouratidis.

Tsitsanis is one of the most important composers, musicians and singers of ‘laika’ songs of the 20th century. Born in Trikala in central Greece, he went to Athens to study Law where eventually he was drawn into a musical lifestyle.

After arriving in Thessaloniki in 1938 as a soldier, he met his wife, Zoe Samara. Tsitsanis and his new brother-in-law, Andreas Samaras, then opened an ouzeri, a small Greek tavern, during the German Occupation. While working at the ouzeri, Tsitsanis and Andreas met all kinds of people including security battalion officers, resistance fighters, Germans, and Jews.

During this time, 1938-1945, Tsitsanis played lots of music and wrote some of his best songs. His inspiration came from the difficulties he faced at the ouzeri during the German Occupation. In 1946, Tsitsanis went to Athens to record his songs, which are now featured in the movie ‘Ouzeri Tsitsanis.’

To read this article in full, please visit: OMILO

Located along the thriving bar strip of Kolokotroni St, Barley Cargo is geared towards tasting and exploring boutique beers and it taps into the growing trend of craft beer. Barley Cargo offers a beer tasting experience in central Athens with more than 230 international beers including 70 Greek beers and 17 on tap varieties. Established in 2012 by Marios Mantzoukis and Nectarios Kefalas, Barley Cargo is the perfect place to get acquainted with Greek beers, which are winning awards all around the world.

Popular with locals and visitors to Athens, there is a delicious tasting menu to compliment the beer list, which changes according to the season. Produce is local and fresh. The friendly staff at Barley Cargo are eager to share something distinctive about each of the beers and the three litre pouring canisters are a popular choice for groups or to settle in with for a lazy afternoon.

Where: 6 Kolokotroni St.
Telephone: 210 323 0445
Opening Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 03:00 and Sunday from 19:00 to 03:00.

To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens

The Acropolis in Athens is one of the most photographed and recognised landmarks in the world. Getting a great photo may seem daunting, but Why Athens gives us the inside scoop on the best places to photograph one of the most important monuments in Western civilisation!

Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in central Athens. The view from Lycabettus Hill is best enjoyed at sunset whilst waiting for the lights of the Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium to illuminate at dusk. You will also be reminded that Athens is surrounded by sea with spectacular views across the Aegean.

Strefi Hill is located in the inner city suburb of Exarchia, Northeast of the Acropolis and has commanding views over Athens. It is one of the best places to capture both Lycabettus Hill and the Parthenon.

Pnyx Hill overlooks the Ancient Agora, directly to the west of the Acropolis and offers spectacular visibility both day and night. The hill is easily accessible by foot from the inner suburb of Thissio and is a favoured point to take photos from during a full moon and for stargazing in the clear night skies above Athens.

To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens

Photo Credit: Why Athens

New sushi place in town! Located on the 9th Floor of the Wyndham Grand in Athens, the ABOVE Rooftop Bar recently opened it's new Sushi Bar. Sushi lovers rejoice, as you can now eat delicious sushi by the pool, taking your taste buds on a gastronomic experience.

Enjoy the city's most impressive panoramic views and choose among a variety of sushi like maki, nigiri, sashimi and ceviche in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. 

Lay back in your seats under the wooden pergolas, look over the horizon and indugle in delicious dishes inspired from the far East. Tuna ceviche with thyme and honey, salmon with passion fruit, chili and coriander, california rolls with crab stick and avocado are just some of the dishes that you are welcomed to try, along with refreshing signature cocktails. 

Address: Meg. Alexandrou 2, Karaiskaki Square - Metaxoughio 

Tel: 2168009965

See you there!

"Oman has strong bilateral relations with Greece and the introduction of this new flight will certainly help strengthen relations even further," Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, said. "Oman is turning into a very important regional logistics hub with world-class infrastructure and we are sure Greek investors and companies recognize the opportunities here," he added.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

 

The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens celebrated the beginning of the holiday season on Saturday, November 30, with its traditional Christmas Tree lighting event in its lobby in a festive atmosphere. The ceremony included Christmas carols performed by the children’s choir of the educational institution “Themistoklis”. Volunteers of ELIZA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children were also present informing guests about the organization’s important initiatives.

 

Everyone enjoyed themselves within the overwhelming Christmas spirit and had the chance to watch the Hotel’s new Christmas video. As every year, the highlight was the amazing Christmas tree, decorated with impressive garlands, special ornaments and more than 10,000 lights creating a unique festive scene in the lobby.

 

Being part of a socially responsible company, Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George continue their special fund raising campaign. From December 1st and for four months, €1.50 will be added to each receipt issued at the GB Roof Garden and Tudor Hall restaurants with the customers’ consent and will be donated to support “ELIZA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children” in its pioneering work, aimed at protecting children who have suffered or are in danger of suffering abuse and neglect all over Greece.

Learn more about the Hotel Grande Bretagne, here.

Want to experience Athens like a local – with a local? “This is Athens with a Local” lets you get under the skin of Athens and discover all the city has to offer on a free themed walk. Choose from a diverse community of volunteer storytellers: all happy to spill their insider secrets and favourite urban hangouts.

Thousands visit Athens every day, but few get the chance to experience Athens like a local. Meet our community of locals and follow in their footsteps, discovering hidden treasures and places of interest. What do Athenians do in their spare time, and how do they balance their careers and personal lives? When and where do they go out? A community of savvy Athenians will answer all your questions and help you navigate the city. People of diverse backgrounds offer their perspective on what makes Athens so irresistible and unique.

Choose a themed walk with a local and get to know Athens as an insider. Experience the real Athenian lifestyle and explore the places you won't find in any tourist guides.

Here are some of our favourite "This is Athens with a Local" walks:

Surf Athens With A Local

Athens is a city of contradictions, where the past meets the present in imperfect harmony. Beyond the famous ancient monuments, there is a modern metropolis that's easy to discover on foot. A local will show you how it really feels to live in Athens, by exploring their favourite haunts and unravelling the hidden secrets of this ever-changing city.

Explore Athens Architecture With A Local

Understand the evolution of Athens through its architecture, with the help of a local insider. Scattered all over the Greek capital are ruins, monuments and landmarks that reveal many layers of history. From elaborate government buildings to Byzantine churches, Bauhaus apartments and contemporary landmarks, the architecture of Athens reveals fascinating stories of migration and gentrification.

Check Out LGBT+ Athens With A Local

Athens is often hailed as the birthplace of democracy, but it was also the birthplace of gay culture. Openly practiced and celebrated, homosexuality was part of the social fabric of ancient Athens. Today, the Greek capital remains a very gay-friendly city, with countless gay and lesbian bars, many openly gay celebrities, and a vibrant LGBT+ community. Your local will introduce you to the LGBT+ scene, including cafes, bars, and beaches, as well as suggestions for drag shows and nightlife.

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To read more, please visit This is Athens

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

When you listen to Greek radio, Greek songs, or you live in Greece, of course, you hear Greek all the time. However, if you do not understand what is said, do not worry - you can still enjoy Greece and Greek life, without speaking Greek! 

But the more you live in Greece, and the more Greek you hear on the streets, in the shops, on the radio, etc., it's only natural to desire to understand and communicate with Greeks, in their native language of course.

So why not trying to communicate in Greek with the locals? Even if you start in Greek and finish the conversation in English, it does not matter. As long you show you try, you will make friends forever.

Of course, nobody tells you it is easy! Understanding Greek or having a normal conversation in Greek always contains grammar structures, slang, a lot of vocabulary, etc. But do not be afraid of making mistakes, it is the best way to learn.

How, when, or where to start learning Greek?

A. Learn with a Greek friend or try lessons with a Greek teacher close to your home or online. You don't need to spend years learning Greek. Instead, you can use simple sentences and limited vocabulary which you use on a daily basis in Greece. The friendly reactions and comments from Greeks, impressed by your effort to learn their language, will motivate you to continue learning more.

B. Try the “Greek Speaking Starter Kit” an online multi-media starter kit, made by the Omilo Greek Language School.  

C. Learn Greek by yourself. Learning a language on your own, without a teacher, is fun, but, keep in mind, that it can be full of difficult moments and delay the entire process by many years.

 

Masaresi.com was founded by Maya Cornelissens-Andreadi, who shares her experience about how “to integrate in Greece and feel like a local”. Masaresi = μας αρέσει = we like it! Discover the “real Greece," while delving into all the aspects of Greek life – from modern lifestyle and culture to history, literature, traditions, and many more.

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