XpatAthens
Greek Komboloi - Lord Of The Beads
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is
Image credit: Dimitris Vlaikos
April 11 - It's All About Easter
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Athens’ EMST To Be Fully Operational In 2018
Ancient Theater Comes Alive In 3 Prominent Athenian Locations
Starting on Friday, July 5, visitors to Athens will have the chance to experience ancient Greek theater at the Acropolis Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Ancient Agora. Named 'The Stones Speak' (Oi Petres Miloun), the program features a series of theater performances that aim to showcase Greek cultural heritage and blend Greek culture into tourism.
From July to October, a group of young actors will present world-class texts by Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, Sophocles, and Aristophanes, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 to 13:00. The performances will be carried out in French, English, and Greek.
The first performance will take place on July 5 at the Byzantine and Christian Museum. In September the performances will be held at the Ancient Agora and at the Acropolis Museum in October.
Admission to all events is free of charge.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
How to Feel Like You’re In Athens In 5 Easy Steps
Affected by lengthy lockdowns, most of us would rather be somewhere else right now! However, until traveling for pleasure becomes a possibility again, thisisathens.org has made a list of activities that will infuse your home with Athenian character.
2. Whip Up A Freddo
- Put a medium-sized empty metal container such as a bar shaker in the freezer, preferably metal.
- Run 2 short espresso doses into a cup, add sugar as desired, and set aside.
- Pour milk into the cold metal container till it's half full. Add a couple of ice cubes if the milk or the container isn't cold enough.
- Use a small handheld mixer to beat the milk and if you don't have a mixer, use a makeshift shaker and shake till your arm hurts and set aside.
3. Cook A Greek Dish
4. Soak Up Athens Street Art
Get acquainted with the most passionate mavericks putting their mark on the city with thisisathens.org's Athens Street Art slideshow. And if you are more of a classicist, take a tour of Robert McCabe's beautiful vintage photography collection of Athens in the fifties, set against some pretty mighty ancient monuments.
5. Watch A Greek Cinema Classic
If you want to travel away to happier times mentally, embark on a celluloid journey with Greek national superstar Melina Mercouri across a swinging sixties Athens in Never on Sunday. In this all-time classic feel-good movie, a free-spirited prostitute named Ilya meets an American tourist named Homer. This award-winning movie placed both the port of Piraeus and Melina Mercouri on the world map, and it's also said to have inspired the then First Lady Jackie Kennedy to travel to Athens–as it will you!
For even more ways to feel like you're in Greece, please visit: thisisathens.org
Ancient Head Sculpture Unearthed In Central Athens
To read this article in full, please visit: amna.gr
Santorini Experience Returns October 3-6, 2024 For Its 7th year
Santorini, with its breathtaking views, the dominating volcano as well as the captivating beaches, creates a unique puzzle that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It will once again welcome professional and amateur runners and open-water swimmers. Full of contrasts, yet with unparalleled style, with beautiful settlements, beaches, and famous restaurants, the Cycladic island has much more to offer besides its sunset.
Running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy three stunning trail running routes, overlooking the Caldera and the magnificent views of the volcano, having as background the settlements of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The 5km route is designed for both running and dynamic walking, while the 10km route caters to those with more experience in longer distances. The 15km distance is tailored for individuals who thrive on strength and endurance. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, with sections of dirt road, and finish again in Oia.
The established open-water swimming will also have a special place in this year’s schedule. Specifically, participants will swim from the volcano and finish at the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, in the 1.5-miles race (2.4 km). The organization will provide safety for all athletes with the addition of safety buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the enchanting waters of Santorini (average water temperature at 20-22 degrees Celsius). The route has been designed by the technical director of the race with Olympic and world distinctions in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. Specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Participants in the swimming race have the right to use the cable car for free (descent/ascent) by demonstrating proof of their paid participation.
The citizens of Thira Municipality can participate for free.
There will be a relevant announcement from the organization regarding the registration point for the Citizens of Thira.
Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos stated: “We are especially pleased that the event we started in 2015 has laid strong foundations and continues dynamically, as an institution, to strengthen the sports tourism of our island. The global interest of professional and amateur athletes will turn once again to Santorini in October and will be the beginning of other major events. Santorini Experience will attract quality tourists who will be able to combine sports with the unparalleled beauty of our destination, get to know the local culture of the island, and of course, boost the local economy. We are proud that this unique path used in the event’s running routes is available to our visitors, and they can walk it all year round”.
In addition, the Deputy Mayor of Culture and Sports of the Municipality of Thira, Mr. Eleftherios Tzouros, stated: “Santorini Experience is an initiative of the Municipality of Thira that proves that sports can be a strong incentive for a tourist to travel, to obtain new and unique experiences, to create excellent memories, and to return to a destination that can offer them everything. We begin our sports activities with running and swimming, aiming to include many more side events in our schedule that will appeal to the residents of Santorini and the young people living on the island, and which will be attended by major personalities of global and Greek sports. After all, residents of Thira will be able to participate in the event for free. We are already working on offering special prices to visitors, facilitating their trip to Santorini”.
Gold Sponsor of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. At SIXT, every getaway becomes a unique premium experience, with top-tier service and the quality of its offerings. Unveil Santorini alongside SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, and indulge in an unforgettable adventure and holiday experience!
Miele, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, is the event’s Bronze Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
Alafouzos Sport is the event’s Official Sports Store.
Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.
PHEE is the event’s Partner.
π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention is the Sustainability Partner.
The event will be realized with the valuable assistance of the Hospitality Sponsors, who promote the island with special prices and offer enormous support to the event. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, Nobu Hotel Santorini, NOUS Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Katikies Garden Santorini, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, Lydia’s House, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Blue Dolphins, En Plo Boutique Suites, Epavlis Grace, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.
Santorini Experience is organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
For more information visit: www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Website: www.santorini-experience.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/
Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA
TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience
Christmas At The Maria Callas Museum
Sunday, December 15th
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Hot Chocolate Jazz Session
Sunday, December 15th
- Niki Kokkoli (Saxophone)
- Theodoros Ziarkas (Double Bass)
- Phoebe Pechlivanidi (Piano)
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free (Limited seating; priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis)
Saturday, December 28th
- Date: Saturday, December 28th
- Tour Times: 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM (Limited seating; priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis), Piano Performance: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursdays, December 12th & 19th
- Dates: December 5th, 12th & 19th
- Time: 12:00 PM (December 5th & 12th), 12:30 PM (December 19th)
- Tour Duration: 50 minutes
- Admission Fee: €7 (for visitors aged 65+), guided tour included
- Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204
Sunday, December 27th
- Date: Sunday, December 27th
- Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
- Ages: 4-8 years
- Cost: Free
- Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-18:00)
Sunday, December 15th
- Date: Sunday, December 15th
- Time: 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
- Ages: 8 months - 2.5 years
- Cost: €10 (for one infant and one guardian)
- Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday - Friday: 10:00-18:00)
Sunday, December 22nd
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Date: Sunday, December 22nd
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Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Ages: 1-3 years
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Cost: Free
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Reservations: Call 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-18:00)
Papigo Village, Zagoria
The village of Papigo is situated on Astraka, one of the highest peaks of Mt Tymfi, alias Gamila. It is 62 km far from the city of Ioannina, and is thought to be one of the most beautiful villages of Zagoria. It is on the North side of the Vikos gorge and can be accessed by crossing the Voidomatis River bridge. Then you must take the road up in order to arrive to one of the two districts Papigo village is divided into, Megalo and Mikro.
The road leading to the village of Papigo is a feast for the senses.
The feature of this road, crossed by the Voidomatis River, is picturesque, creating great natural scenery that attracts the visitor’s eye. The view of the Vikos gorge is also stunning. However, if you drive, it is important to pay attention on the road, because it is narrow and very zigzagging. Once in Papigo, great strolls around its stone-alleys can be held, as its two-stored mansions have been declared a national historical monument. Their construction materials are mainly stones. In fact, this is the main material on the village and is used almost for everything. These constructions are also unusual because they do not have a balcony.
Another interesting point is the natural fountains –also made of stone, located close to the village. They are ideal for refreshing in the hot days. Another interesting activity that can be held in Papigo, more specifically in Megalo Papigo, is to visit the personal library of Micheal Anagnostopoulos. It includes around 1250 volumes of books –most of them in foreign languages, published between 1750 and 1906.On the other hand, Mikro Papigo is 3 km further up after Megalo Papigo. It is amphitheatrically built on the steep slopes of the mountain and leads to the popular Dragon Lake, placed on the edge of a great limestone cliff overlooking the Aoos Valley.
To read more, please visit greeka.com
Greece Intends To Reject Bailout Extension
Despite pressure from eurozone officials to agree to a further extension to the existing bailout, the Greek government insisted Friday that it would not accept its partners’ offer but would instead propose the terms of a bridging agreement to see it through the next few months. An extra Eurogroup meeting is due on Wednesday, when Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis will set out to Greece’s partners how the government envisages covering its funding needs over the next few months until a more comprehensive agreement between all parties is reached.
Government sources were adamant Friday that Greece would not accept the outstanding 7.2-billion-euro bailout tranche, which would require the SYRIZA-led coalition to complete a set of structural reforms.
Athens’s plan is based around being given permission to issue more treasury bills after reaching the 15-billion-euro limit it had agreed with the troika. It also wants to receive 1.9 billion euros from profits the European Central Bank made as part of its SMP program, which involved purchasing Greek bonds on the secondary market. This 1.9 billion is included in the 7.2-billion-euro installment.
The indications from Brussels Friday were that eurozone officials would not accept these proposals. It is thought that Varoufakis will present a commitment by the new Greek government not to take any unilateral action while the bridging deal is in place, to commit to fiscal targets and structural reforms proposed by Athens.
Varoufakis held a lengthy meeting Friday with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Deputy Prime Minister Yiannis Dragasakis.
To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com