XpatAthens
Saturday, 18 April 2015 09:12
International Day On Monuments & Sites
Saturday April 18th is International Day On Monuments & Sites in celebration of ICOMOS' 50th Anniversary. In Greece, all museums and archaeological sites will have free entrance for the entire day!
International Day On Monuments & Sites is a global day established by UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
To learn more and see how this day is celebrated around the world, please visit: http://www.icomos.org/en/.
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Local News
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Thursday, 28 January 2016 07:00
What You Need To Know About Greek Raki (Tsikoudia)
If you’ve ever been to the Greek island of Crete, or if you have ancestors that are from the island, chances are pretty good that you’ve had a spirit called Raki. In other parts of Greece, it’s known as Tsikoudia or Tsipouro. In Italy it’s called Grappa, in Spain it’s referred to as Oruja, and in the country of Georgia it’s called Chacha. To Americans, it’s often considered a form of moonshine, especially when they learn how it’s made.
Though it isn’t readily available in the United States, Greeks are eager to send travelers home with their homemade Raki. They usually put it in clear water bottles so that it can be easily transported. So, what is Raki exactly and why are Cretans so proud of it?
Raki comes from grapes
Simply put, Raki comes from byproducts created from the wine making process. After the grapes are pressed and the juice is stored so that it can begin fermenting, there’s a lot of leftover plant material. Greeks are resourceful people and they don’t let anything go to waste!
The resulting skins, twigs, and mash, which is referred to as pomace, is stored for around six weeks before it’s distilled into Raki. In fact, as long as the plant material is edible, it can eventually be distilled into Raki. Pictured here is an old fashioned distiller that is still used today to make this alcoholic beverage in many parts of Greece.
To read more, please visit: Greek Boston
Raki comes from grapes
Simply put, Raki comes from byproducts created from the wine making process. After the grapes are pressed and the juice is stored so that it can begin fermenting, there’s a lot of leftover plant material. Greeks are resourceful people and they don’t let anything go to waste!
The resulting skins, twigs, and mash, which is referred to as pomace, is stored for around six weeks before it’s distilled into Raki. In fact, as long as the plant material is edible, it can eventually be distilled into Raki. Pictured here is an old fashioned distiller that is still used today to make this alcoholic beverage in many parts of Greece.
To read more, please visit: Greek Boston
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Monday, 02 May 2016 07:00
May 1 Holiday Has Been Moved To May 3
The national May Day Holiday (or Protomagia in Greek) celebrated on May 1st 2016 will be moved to Tuesday May 3rd 2016 due to it coinciding with Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.
This was a decision authorized and signed by Labour Minister George Katrougalos.
What the law says about working on this day:*
Business operation and employing employees is prohibited, except those who are legal to operate on Sundays and public holidays, such as companies in the health sector, tourism, transportation, food & beverage, factories with continuous hours, etc.
Employees who are paid by a wage, but who will not work on the May Day public holiday are entitled to receive their paid wages without any deduction. For employees paid by wage who will work on May 1, they are entitled to receive their wage with an increase of 75% which will be calculated at the statutory hourly rate for any hours worked.
If you are paid a monthly salary, and the company typically does operate on Sundays and public holidays then you are entitled to receive an increase of 75% calculated at the statutory hourly rate for any hours worked on this day. If you are employed with a company that typically does not work on Sundays and public holidays then you are entitled to receive an increase of 75% calculated at the statutory hourly rate for any hours worked on this day.
Source: Paidorama
* Please note, the information outlined is based on a report that has been translated from Greek and should be confirmed with your employer and local employment offices.
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Local News
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Thursday, 01 September 2016 07:00
Ancient Grave Site Found Could Point To Earliest Date In Athenian History
What archaeologists found at the ancient Cemetery of Phaleron in Athens were at least 80 skeletons with their wrists clamped together in iron shackles.
Archaeologists have speculated and suggested that the skeletons appear to be the victims of a mass execution, but their crime still remains to be unknown.
What archaeologists are now saying with a new theory is that the skeletons came from the ‘Cylonian Affair’ from 632 BC, the earliest reliably dated event in Athenian history.
The event refers to a failed coup attempt led by aristocratic Cylon, who once plotted to overthrow the Athenian elites with the help of his tyrannical father-in-law. This was during a time of civil unrest in the ancient society.
The grave site of the Phaleron Delta necropolis is thought to date back between 8th and 5th centuries BC and is from a time of great social turmoil.
To test this theory, Dr. Stella Chryssoulaki who is head of excavations, said that more research is needed to confirm if the skeletons are the remnants of Cylon’s failed coup attempt. DNA tests could confirm this theory.
Over 1,500 bodies were buried in the Phaleron Cemetery, but unlike the renowned occupants of the Kerameikos cemetery where many elite Greeks were buried, the Phaleron Delta necropolis appears to be the final resting place of Athens’ everyday inhabitants from ordinary backgrounds.
Article Source: Euro News
Article Source: Euro News
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Local News
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Monday, 27 November 2017 07:00
12 Things To Do In Athens Over Christmas
Writer and blogger Marissa Tejada from Travel Greece Travel Europe discusses the perks of being in Athens for Christmas! In recent years, Athens has been coined as an emerging European city break destination. That holds true for the curious Christmas traveler. Traveling during the winter season here is great. Why? Less crowds, for one. You’ll experience Greece outside of its summer skin and see the way Greeks celebrate one of their favorite holidays.
Feel the Holiday Vibe in Syntagma Square
The heart of the city is Syntagma Square and it’s where the city’s Christmas tree is lit. The square’s trees are strung with blue and white lights (the holiday colors of Greece) or with decorations such as karavakia (small Christmas ships). The municipality also schedules a series of free concerts during the month of December.
Walk to the Scenic Spots of Athens
With a mild Mediterranean winter you can enjoy a scenic and sunny walk to some of the best panoramic spots of the city. Here are some photos from last winter when I took a Christmas day walk around Lycabettus Hill in Kolonaki.
While not as fancy or glamorous as other European Christmas markets, Athens has a few markets known as bazaars. Local artisans sell everything from handmade soaps, traditional Greek products to jewelry. Some bazaars are located in the metro stations (including Syntagma).
Explore Ancient Greece
Without any crowds to push through or lines to wait on, Christmas holidays in Athens are a great time to explore. Visit the best museums in Greece including the National Archaeological Museum of Athens or the Acropolis Museum.
Indulge in Greek Holiday Desserts
During Christmas holidays in Athens, head into any bakery and be tempted by traditional treats like kourabiedes (sugar cookies) and melomakarona (honey cookies). You’ll find both types of cookies displayed side by side.
Published in
City Discovery
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Tuesday, 16 May 2017 07:00
Athens Pride Festival Takes Central Syntagma Square
Athens once more is preparing to host the Athens Pride Festival, which will take place at central Syntagma Square this year. The 2017 festival will take place on June 10 under the motto “It’s Education”, aiming to raise awareness on the issues that concern the LGBTQI community in Greece, mainly the legal recognition of gender identity.
The first Athens Pride took place in June 2005 and marked the first Pride Parade through the city center and past the Hellenic Parliament during daylight hours. Since then, the Athens Pride festival has grown and in June 2014 included 20,000 people of all ages.
By delivering the message, “It’s Education”, the organizers wish to focus on the Greek word “Παιδεία” (education) and its broad meaning, which encompasses the concepts of schooling, upbringing, learning and culture cultivation.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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Local News
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Monday, 30 October 2017 08:46
From Ancient Greece - How The Oligarchy Wins
Doing research on how economic inequality threatens democracy and if America was really at risk of becoming an oligarchy, a journalist for The Guardian opened a book about Classical Greek Oligarchy. While reading, he learns about the ancient Greek world, the division of oligarchs, and the development of institutions.
“One of the primary threats to oligarchy was that the oligarchs would become divided, and that one from their number would defect, take leadership of the people, and overthrow the oligarchy.”
“To prevent this occurrence, ancient Greek elites developed institutions and practices to keep themselves united. Among other things, they passed sumptuary laws, preventing extravagant displays of their wealth that might spark jealousy, and they used the secret ballot and consensus building practices to ensure that decisions didn’t lead to greater conflict within their cadre."
To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian
Published in
Greek Language & Culture
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Thursday, 26 April 2018 09:37
Women Living With A Chronic Disease & The Economic Disadvantages
Dear Ladies living with chronic diseases every day,
I need your help with a huge favour. For the EuHIC Congress I have planned a unique and informative session titled: "Women living with a chronic disease and the economic disadvantages“
Living with a chronic disease is like having a second job and I am convinced we are all aware of that. There are lots of discussions and decisions to make. It is also important for us to live independently.But what is with us women living with a chronic disease?
I have spoken and chatted with women across Europe who live with chronic diseases. In my experience it is difficult for most of these women to live with the daily burden of their disease, to find a good job, have a good life and also be well insured
Living with a disease requires more money.
Alternative therapy options are not always reimbursed by health insurances, for example special foods, clothes and lots of other things are often more expensive than their “normal life” equivalents.With a lower budget, there is a higher risk of social isolation, depression or the disease progressing and symptoms increasing.
In order to show real results and create awareness I want to carry out this session and I need answers. Please take part in my survey and motivate other women to answer.
For changing the perspective and create a shift.
Thank you very much for your support and help.
Every voice is highly appreciated!
Birgit Bauer
I need your help with a huge favour. For the EuHIC Congress I have planned a unique and informative session titled: "Women living with a chronic disease and the economic disadvantages“
Living with a chronic disease is like having a second job and I am convinced we are all aware of that. There are lots of discussions and decisions to make. It is also important for us to live independently.But what is with us women living with a chronic disease?
I have spoken and chatted with women across Europe who live with chronic diseases. In my experience it is difficult for most of these women to live with the daily burden of their disease, to find a good job, have a good life and also be well insured
Living with a disease requires more money.
Alternative therapy options are not always reimbursed by health insurances, for example special foods, clothes and lots of other things are often more expensive than their “normal life” equivalents.With a lower budget, there is a higher risk of social isolation, depression or the disease progressing and symptoms increasing.
In order to show real results and create awareness I want to carry out this session and I need answers. Please take part in my survey and motivate other women to answer.
For changing the perspective and create a shift.
Thank you very much for your support and help.
Every voice is highly appreciated!
Birgit Bauer
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Community
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Thursday, 20 December 2018 21:24
Christmas Festivities At Hotel Grande Bretagne And King George
Once again hotels King George and Grande Bretagne have brought the Christmas spirit in the most central part of Athens!
With a magnificent Christmas tree and festive decorations, we invite you to visit our renovated concept store ''GB Corner Gifts & Flavors'' at the Grande Bretagne, to discover amazing gift ideas and world famous sweets from our award winning pastry chef, Arnaud Lahrer.
Next door, at the entrance of King George, check out our ''KG Perfumery''. You will find top quality perfumes, ideal your friends and family.
At the ''Winter Garden'', the best lounge in town, a magnificent buffet of festive sweets will be waiting for you to enjoy them with your coffee, hot chocolate or our great variety of tea.
And of course, on Christmas and New Year's Eve visit our restaurants ''GB Roof Garden'' and ''Tudor Hall''. Our Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis has created a special menu for you and your loved ones to enjoy, all while admiring the view of a festive Athens.
And don't forget to check out our Christmas package deals for an unforgetable stay at our hotels!
Published in
Food & Drink
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Tuesday, 18 June 2019 13:49
Eleonas Holiday Houses In Messinia
Eleonas is an exceptional example of an authentic Greek holiday accommodation and offers villas, cottages, apartments and studios clustered on the hillside overlooking the beach of Gialova in the Messinia region of the Peloponnese. It is a family run property that affords its guests with the famous open-handed hospitality of the Greek countryside.
The accommodations are well spread out on extensive grounds, surrounded by olive trees and all built with privacy in mind. A wonderful place for a holiday experience that combines the best in hospitality, unspoilt nature, magnificent landscape, a unique ecosystem, the ultimate climate, and some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea!
The accommodations are well spread out on extensive grounds, surrounded by olive trees and all built with privacy in mind. A wonderful place for a holiday experience that combines the best in hospitality, unspoilt nature, magnificent landscape, a unique ecosystem, the ultimate climate, and some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea!
Published in
Villas & Homes
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