As we head into autumn, this dish is perfect for the season.

Tourlou tourlou, which literally means all mixed up, is really the most wonderfully delicious mix up of vegetables!  Perfect with fresh veggies and a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to one of the best traditional vegetable meals in all of Greek cooking.

This dish also known as Briam from the Turkish version and is also very similar to the traditional French dish Ratatouille. Full of flavor and so satisfying, you can enjoy tourlou tourlou hot right from the oven or the next day at room temperature. Serve as a filling meal or as a tasty veggie side dish to just about anything and its a great take for lunch option too!

One of the great things about tourlou tourlou is it's amazingly flexible.  This dish can accommodate whatever is in season and can be made with a huge variety of vegetables such as okra, green beans, peas, green peppers, mushrooms - feel free to be creative!

To read more, including how to make Tourlou Tourlou, please visit: The Greek Vegan

Traditional Greek cuisine is based on the pure products from Greek Mother Nature to form a balanced nutritional model that can ensure a better quality of life and physical health.  Products with unique quality and unsurpassable nutritional values include; olive and extra virgin olive oil, dairy products, honey, ouzo, fish, juices, water, nuts, wines, mastic from Chios, crocus from Kozani and much more  These products have blended together and created a noble cuisine rich in nutritional ingredients, which can satisfy the high gusatory and nutritional needs of modern man.

Let's take a look at some of the highly regarded Greek products:

As the basis of every recipe found in traditional cuisine, olive oil plays a dominant role in Greek nutritional habits. Greek olive oil is known worldwide for its purity, exceptional taste and high nutritional value.  You will find it everywhere - in glass or plastic containers with the words "visrgin" and "extra virgin" printed on them.

You will find unique cheeses of exceptional quality in the market, and you should make the effort to try these cheeses, such as kaseri, graviera, kefalotiri, myzithraand metsovone. These cheeses vary according to their origin, taste and name. Some of these cheeses are found throughout the country, while others are locally produced for local consumption. The most famous is of course Greek feta cheese. This is a white semi-soft, heavily salted cheese which is the basic ingredient for the Greek or Horiatiko salad, but it is also used in many other recipes.

Greece is not only the birthplace of Dionysus (God of Wine), but also the birthplace of wine making.  This wine came from the islands of Chios and Thassos and was famous throughout the Ancient world.  Historical and social reasons, as well as various natural disasters, were the main reasons why the art of wine making was neglected from the middle of the 19th century up tot he beginning of the 60's.  Greek winds are produced from a variety of grapes, many of which are unknown to Western wine lovers.

To read more, please visit: Visit Greece

For mountain sports enthusiasts, Greece is the ideal setting for your athletic adventures.  Ski centres with pistes of high standads and hospitable facilites, rock climbing in majestic landscapes that will take you all the way to the heavens, dirt roads and mountain forests perfect for mountain biking.  What are the most popular destinations in Greece for mountain sports?

1. Parnassos: The largest and best-equipped ski resort in Greece, near cosmopolitan Arahova and Livadi, at an altitude of 1,600-2,300m. It boasts 19 trails totalling 36km, while the Vakhos and Iniochos pistes are certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS), for the organisation of meets and competitions. In addition, there are seven more snow trails and 8 connecting paths that lead to the black pistes.

2. 3-5 Pigadia: 3-5 Pigadia can be found on the eastern side of Mt Vermio, at an altitude of 1,430-2,005m and surrounded by green forest. It’s famous for its piste named Filippos, the best black run (of extreme difficulty) in Greece, while Aristotelis, at 2,000m long, is certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS) for the Pan-European and World Championships. It also has a separate snowboard park, for snowboarding and freeriding.

3. Karpenisi: One of the largest and most impressive ski centres in Greece can be found at the Velouhi plateau in Karpenissi. Spread over 5,500 sq m, at an altitude of 1,850-2,000m, it boasts 18 slopes. Of these, there is one black slope for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

4. Vasilitsa: The ski resort at Vasilitsa is one of the most famous and popular in Greece, and is located in the heart of the Pindos Mountains, in a majestic landscape (2,150m). It has 18 pistes which total 24km in length, as well as a snowboard park.

1. Meteora: Climbing the Meteora pillars is a truly singular experience. These are long ascents without surplus safeties using natural holds which are good for relative beginners. You’ll be thrilled to discover the ruins of abandoned monasteries and hermits’ shelters in protected niches.

2. Sykia, Ghiona: An impressively sheer slope rises above the village of Sykia, posing its challenge. The object of many a climber’s desire is the vertical rock face from 1,000-2,500m, the Slab of Sykia, which is an excellent test of their skills.

1. Mytikas, Mt Olympus: The classic ascent to the top of Mt Olympus starts from the Prionia refuge at 1,100m. This is the highest spot that you can drive to and if you’re hiking on the E4, you’ll also pass through here from Litochoro and the Epineas Gorge, before continuing up the mountain.

2. Vikos Gorge: One of Europe’s deepest and longest gorges, this is a must for nature lovers. The descent from Monodendri and the ascent to Vikos is steep, but the walk above the Aoos River in the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Park is fairly even and not too demanding. The six-hour trek is mostly shaded. Ravishing flowers cover the slopes until late spring, and you can even take a dip in icy waters if you’re truly brave.

1. Varybobi: On the outskirts of Athens is a mountain bike paradise. Above the former royal estate at an altitude of 320-850m is a perfect pine forest for your thrills and, hopefully, a few, spills. 

2. Asopos canal: A canal brings water from the Mornos River to the Asopos River valley. The canal is open and the road by it lays out an attractive and easy bike route.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

As first official airline partner of the documenta 14 art show, Aegean Airlines has added two direct flights per week between Athens and Kassel, Germany.

“AEGEAN will link the two destinations by including Kassel in its international network, thus making a significant contribution to putting Athens on the map of the international cultural scene,” the airline said in an announcement.

As the official airline partner of documenta 14 and through its new flights, AEGEAN is expected to fly some 1,500 international media representatives to attend the exhibition opening in Athens and more than 8,500 visitors to the Greek capital throughout the duration of the exhibition.

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

Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages

Like every major city, Athens faces some problems too. Thankfully, there are people willing to change things for the best! For example, learn all about this team of volunteers which runs a mobile laundry van helping thousands of homeless people across the city, or the first football team consisting of migrant and refugee women!

The Acropolis Museum invites you to a festive season full of activities during December 2019. Creative mobile workshops for children, gallery talks for adults, Christmas music from the Jazz Octet, famous musical songs from the S.T.A.B. saxophone quartet and special gifts at the Acropolis Museum Shops, will offer visitors moments to joy and celebration.

What kind of festivals did the ancient Athenians have and for which were the children looking forward to participate? Let’s discover them at the Acropolis Museum and bring to life the emotions that these feasts were giving birth to children and adults. We will create festive sets and happy compositions that will uniquely adorn the Museum.

Days & hours: Saturday 21/12, Sunday 22/12, Saturday 28/12 & Sunday 29/12, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. in Greek only.
Duration: 90 mins
Ages: 6-11 years old

Participacion: Participation for children is free. A general admission fee (5€) is required for
parents/escorts

Reservations: For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served (25 children per workshop)

The workshops are held by the Department of Educational Programs – Acropolis Museum and the Department of Information & Education – Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA).

Gallery talks “The lost statue of Athena Parthenos”

The Acropolis Museum brings to life, digitally, the statue of Athena Parthenos. Made of gold and ivory, this masterpiece was designed by Phidias for the Parthenon. The Museum invites you on a walk of knowledge about its construction materials and techniques, its myths and allegories, its radiance and its adventures.

Days & hours: Saturday 7/12, Saturday 14/12, Saturday 21/12 & Saturday 28/12, at 11 a.m. in English and at 1 p.m. in Greek
Duration: 50 mins
Participation: The gallery talk is free of charge. Only the permanent exhibition ticket is required (5€).

Limited to 30 visitors per session.

For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.

Gallery talks at the exhibition “Chisel and memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments”

Visitors will have the opportunity to attend presentations of an exceptional exhibition of photographs of the marble craftsmen of the Acropolis at work.

The temporary exhibition was organized by the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments and the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA).

Days & hours: Saturday 14/12, Saturday 21/12 & Saturday 28/12, at 12 noon
Duration: 40 mins
Participation: The gallery talk is free of charge. Limited to 25 visitors per session.

For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.

Music and carols at the Acropolis Museum

On Sunday 22 December, at 12 noon, the Acropolis Museum will host the Jazz Octet of the Athens Military Guard for a music concert at the Museum ground floor, including jazz and Christmas world renowned melodies.

On Monday 23 December, at 12 noon, the Vrakoforoi Cretan Dance Group will sing traditional Christmas carols at the Museum ground floor.

On Sunday 29 December, at 12 noon, the Acropolis Museum will host the well-known S.T.A.B. saxophone quartet for a New Year’s music concert at the Museum ground floor, including renowned musical songs.

On Tuesday 31 December, at 12 noon, the Association of Asia Minor “Nees Kydonies” will sing traditional New Year’s carols at the Museum ground floor.

The Acropolis Museum Charm for 2020

According to myth the tortoise won the race over the hare, the former with his patience and dedication winning over the flippant self confidence of the hare. The ancients considered that the benevolent tortoise protected them from the evil eye and that its blood was an antidote to poison. A tortoise lead weight featuring a tortoise in relief of the 3rd to 1st century BC inspired the Museum’s charm of 2020. You can see the original exhibit in showcase 2 (no.11) of the Gallery of the Slopes at the Acropolis Museum.

Festive meals and Christmas mood at the restaurant

During the festive season, the Museum restaurant will serve traditional festive meals and sweets. Christmas jazz nights are also taking place every Friday night by famous jazz music ensembles. For reservations please contact the restaurant during Museum opening hours on +30 210 9000915.

The Cuban-Greek musical partnership Santa Palabra, known for their vibrant live performances around Athens and their Latin rhythms, have composed a song Son Pa Atenas dedicated to the ancient city of Athens - described as 'the immortal and eternal Greek capital.'

Son Pa Atenas is an irresistible mix of authentic Latin melodies and meaningful lyrics, giving insight into Greece's rich history and at the same time getting everyone dancing! The music video shows the artists singing and dancing against the backdrop of Athens' most iconic landmarks, such as the Parthenon and the Hellenic Parliament, reminding us how beautiful the city is.
 

Fun and unbeat this song will surely make your heart beat to the rhythm! 

Mount Penteli is one of the four ranges that cradle Athens and at 1,006 metres, is the second highest summit after Mount Parnitha. 

The mountain is world-famous for its marble which has long been prized for its purity. The marble quarries there operated from around the 6th century B.C. until the 1940s and yielded the vast bulk of the material used to build the Acropolis and the ancient city of Athens.

We’re headed for the Dionysos open-air marble museum, a reconstruction complete with crumbling miner’s shacks, tool sheds, and dramatic scree mounds, to drive home this mountain’s mighty marble legacy.

During the four hours or so we are up here, we encounter totally different landscapes; from gorgeous open panoramas and austere quarries to woodland meadows carpeted with wildflowers (and rare butterflies). There’s also a delightful trio of storybook chapels the size of Wendy houses, decorated with holy icons, and springwater taps where we top up our bottles with sweet mountain water.

It’s also about what we don’t see. As in other people. Barring a few faded red markings on rocks, Penteli is not a sign-posted route. It helps keep the crowds at bay.

After about 45 minutes, we emerge into a natural clearing backed by an imposing wall of multi-coloured marble rock. This is the climbing section of Penteli. Known as Dionysos, it’s among the most popular in Attica (wider Athens) and one of the few places in Greece where you can pit yourself against sheer marble precipices around 15-20m high.

We’re now standing at the mouth of a steep ramp-like track scattered with marble shrapnel. The path plunges like a black ski-run towards the lush foothills below. This is the platform they used to send marble blocks the size of a car down the mountain. They’d tie them up with cables; then release them slowly on ropes. 

I try (and fail) to visualise the Herculean Endeavour of shifting all those mammoth marble bricks from here to the Parthenon building site, some 25 kilometres away.

Next, we stop near the stony reconstruction of what looks like an open-air “staff canteen” built into the sloping quarry, adjacent to the old tool construction area. That’s where they would place the dynamite to break up the rock in modern times. In ancient Greece, they soaked flints in water and stuck them into holes where they would expand and break up the marble.

Many of Penteli’s quarry workers hailed from Paros island. The Parians were good workers, apparently, and had a knack with marble (the legendary Venus de Milo was sculpted from Paros marble).

The Dionysos marble museum isn’t really a museum in the strictest sense. There are no maps or organised exhibits. It’s more of an atmospheric theatre set, built atop the retired ancient quarry to represent everyday working life.

We continue up the steady incline; marble debris clinking musically underfoot, like pebbles knocking together on a shore.

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

Photo by: Thomas Gravanis

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September is the month of new beginnings. If you’re a working woman your summer vacation is usually over by now and you’re back to work. If you have children, whether you are a staying home or a working mum, you have lots of planning as it’s the month schools and extracurricular activities start. In any case, there’re lots to think about, lots of decisions to be made so as to plan and organize the year ahead.

For me, September is the month I set my goals. When my clients ask me “Why now? Why not in January when the New Year actually begins?” I give them my personal reasoning: Because that’s when I get back to work after my summer vacation; that’s when I restart my working out; that’s when my daughter goes back to school; that’s when her – and mine – extracurricular activities start again; that’s when I have lots of ideas about what to do that’s new and exciting; that’s when I start fresh. September just makes it easier for me.

I’ll share with you, as I share with my clients, my little secret: For me goals are not just something I want to do or achieve. It’s not about being the big achiever type, the superwoman or the I-do-it-all-mum. My goals are important to me because they define who I am; they are essential in my development, my progress; they give me the opportunity to become who I want to be. That’s why I put a lot of thinking and I choose them carefully.

A couple of useful tips if you’re into goal setting for yourself are: First, your goals need to be very clear and specific. And second, you need to have a very strong motive.

If you’re ready to start but are not sure about which goals are better for you, how to define them or how to go about them then I would certainly recommend finding a person to work with. Whether a life coach or a mentor, it has to be a person you trust and feel good with as they will walk this path along with you, help you to get in action, and save you time and energy in achieving your goals.

I would urge you to start in September. It’s a great month to think of your personal development and start with new things, new adventures, new ideas.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Carnival time or Apokries in Greek is at its peak. During these three weeks, it’s customary for children and adults alike to have fun, to party, and to dress up; customs that go back to the festivities in honor of god Dionysus in Ancient Greece.

Carnival is one of the rare chances we get to try something different, something crazy because hey, it’s just for fun. By choosing to put on a mask or a costume we can leave our everyday identities at home and put on a completely new identity; one we don’t own in our daily lives.

Of course, not everyone is up for it. There are those who feel quite uncomfortable dressing up. I personally enjoy Carnival and dressing up. I feel like a little kid, full of energy, free of my daily challenges, and ready to have fun. How about you? Are you among those in favor of dressing up? And if so, what is your favorite costume?

In an unofficial survey that I did with my clients, the costume of Cleopatra came by far first among women. When I asked them why they chose it their initial answer was because they like the outfit and because Cleopatra was a good-looking woman. When we went a bit deeper and started talking about the qualities of her character, my clients said they liked very specific traits such as her leadership qualities, her ability to set limits, her steady focus as well as her grace, beauty, femininity, and confidence. They also liked to get into the role and behave like her. They even admitted that these exact qualities they admired about Cleopatra were the ones they wanted to have more of into their daily lives.

It’s true that uniforms create some psychological transformation even if it’s for a very short time and even if it’s for fun. So, next time you choose your Carnival costume just think about what this may say about your personality.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr