XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 17:47

The Greek Language Academy

All about Alexandros Boukouvalas: the Greek teacher who supports expats in Greece!

Alexandros Boukouvalas, a teacher from Larissa (Greece), is the founder of TheGreek Language Academy: one of the largest online communities for Greek learners, boasting over 100,000 followers across social platforms (@greek.language.academy). With a clear mission to share a global passion for the Greek language, this dynamic teacher is capturing hearts and headlines around the world.

ABOUT ALEX

Let’s rewind to where it all started. A decade ago, Alexandros set out to share his language, culture, and lifestyle with the world. Driven by the belief that learning new languages and embracing diverse cultures enriches lives, he began introducing English speakers to the wonders of Greece and the Greek language. In 2022, he launched the Greek Language Academy, offering students worldwide the chance to learn Greek through engaging, informal lessons shared on social media. Just a year later, in 2023, he debuted his first online course: an immediate and overwhelming success.

NEW LANGUAGE, NEW EXPERIENCES

Learning a new language, particularly the language of the country you moved to, is extremely important and enriching. For expats and internationals, knowing the local idiom in Greece can make a significant difference in their professional lives. Navigating bureaucracy, communicating and bonding with coworkers, reading and understanding legal documentation, and progressing professionally are good reasons to learn Greek. 

This is not just a work-related topic. Greek becomes a valuable asset even for those who move to the Hellenic country to study and pursue academic excellence. Many degree programs, especially in public schools, involve some degree of Greek, which knowing can help to open doors and new opportunities, such as scholarships, and improve the quality of life on campus. 

You are not a student or a professional, but you fit into the category of a digital nomadwho loves to travel and live life in Greece? Speaking the language can change your experience for the better. Chatting to locals, being independent when it comes to directions, and understanding deeply the culture and the humor of people is possible when knowing Greek. 

THE PERFECT RESOURCE FOR YOUR GREEK 

E-learning has rapidly become the go-to method for gaining new skills, offering flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. Recognizing this shift, Alexandros embraced short-form content by sharing daily videos, like reels and TikToks, to make Greek language learning both easy and enjoyable. His approach blends education with entertainment, allowing students to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. In addition to daily content, he also created a series of in-depth MasterCourses. With a focus on accessibility and interactivity, Alexandros is redefining what it means to learn a language in the digital age, making Greek not just approachable but unforgettable.


To start learning Greek now, please visit the Greek Language Academy website!





Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:08

A Day Trip In Central Greece

Greece is famous for its beautiful beaches and islands. But it also has unique landscapes on the mainland. Central Greece is not a well know destination for travelling. It is 2 hours away from Athens and has a lot to offer. One of my favorite day trips includes a visit to the archaeological site of Delphi, eating and swimming at Antikyra and an evening visit to the Monastery of Osios Loukas which is a World Heritage Monument of UNESCO. Rent a car and follow me on this day trip!

Delphi is about two hours away from Athens. The scenery of the archaeological site is really unique. Ancient Greeks thought that this was the center of the Earth (“omfalos” = bellybutton, as it was called). The famous Oracle of Pythia, the Temple of Apollo and the museum are a must to visit. Wear a hat, take a bottle of water with you and start climbing the main road in the archaeological area. The Stadium is really high, but the view is totally worth it. Find some shade and enjoy the view, take a few breaths of ancient history.

To read more, please visit blog.visitgreece.gr

By Christos Loukas

Friday, 20 February 2015 14:55

Kok: A Small Greek Treat

To begin with, Kok is not, blow, coke, snow, charlie, c, or nose candy! Nor is it your carbonated beverage drink. It is actually a small Greek treat that’s like a cream pie. And of course it is definitely not a pie. It’s sort of like a cookie and sort of like a cake: Two palm-size (or smaller) circles of soft, cakey cookie with creamy pastry cream filling in between, dipped in light simple syrup, and topped with a chocolate glaze. A glaze that artfully drips onto the sides of the kok.

Kok is a popular dessert in Greece, and is fairly easy to make. It’s also easy to find fresh ready-made kok at any zaxaroplasteio (pastry shop). A dessert fit for all occasions which is the reason for its popularity. Well that and of course the chocolate glaze. A thin layer of glaze made with melted chocolate and cream dresses its top. However, it’s the combination of vanilla pastry cream filling and chocolate topping is what gives it that defined balance of flavors. You can actually taste each component of the kok without any of it overpowering the other. An amazing experience for the tongue, wouldn’t you say?

You can also find a few other flavors of kok. Lots of pastry shops make a strawberry custard version topped with chocolate glaze which is seasonal, as well as a chocolate-filled kok rolled into coconut. The traditional flavored kok is that which no one seems to get enough of. So whatever flavor you decide to indulge in or bring as a gift to a friend it is sure to be a hit!

Enjoy!

Serves: 35 to 40 of these little treats can be made from one batch.

INGREDIENTS:

For the cookies:

2/3 cup of sugar
6 eggs, separated
1 cup of flour
6 1/4 tablespoons of cornstarch

For the filling:

1 cup + 100 ml of whole milk
2/3 cup of heavy cream
6 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon of sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1/3 cup of cornstarch

For the syrup:

2/3 cup of water
3/4 cup of sugar

For the chocolate glaze:

4 tablespoons cocoa powder
5 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons water
2 ounces margarine
1 egg yolk, beaten

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 200C.

Cream 3/4 of the sugar and the egg yolks. Beat the remaining sugar and egg whites to stiff peak stage. Add half the egg white mixture to the egg yolk mixture, stir lightly and slowly add the the flour and cornstarch. When mixed, add the remaining egg white mixture.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a pastry bag, squeeze out small cookies the size and shape of vanilla wafers: circles about 4 cm in diameter and ½ cm high. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden. Cool on a rack.

Place milk and cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Combine sugar, cornflour, egg and egg yolk, and add 1/3 of the warmed milk and cream mixture before it boils. Stir well, then pour back into the saucepan and continue to stir. As soon as the cream melds and begins to bubble, remove from heat. Empty the cream into a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to cool.

When the cream cools, stir gently with a wire whisk to soften, then place a small amount of cream (1-2 teaspoons) of cream on the flat side a cookie and place the flat side of another on top to create each pastry.

Boil the sugar and water together for 2 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then dip one side of the filled kok cookie in the syrup. Set aside, syrup side up, on wax paper.

Prepare the chocolate icing by melting the margarine and stir in all the ingredients but the egg yolk. When the mixture is smooth and well combined, stir in the egg yolk. Pour chocolate icing over the cakes. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving..

Dip the kok into the chocolate glaze on the same side as the syrup.

Refrigerate in a covered pan or dish for 1/2 hour before serving.

By Pam Kanavos

 

honestcooking.com

Monday, 29 April 2024 19:00

Greek May Day Customs And Traditions

May Day, celebrated on the first day of May, holds its roots deep in ancient Greek culture, marking the arrival of spring and paying homage to the Roman goddess Maia, associated with motherhood and fertility. In Greek mythology, Maia was a nymph, the mother of Hermes and a significant figure embodying the roles of midwife, nurse, and mother. Moreover, ancient Greeks dedicated the fifth month of the year to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Persephone, symbolizing the return of spring as Persephone reunited with her mother after spending the winter in the underworld with Hades.

The ancient celebration of May Day continued throughout the centuries with solemnity through various customs and traditions. One of the oldest celebrations was the Anthesteria, the first ancient Greek flower festival.

Anthesteria included various processions were ancient Greeks would carry flowers to the sanctuaries and temples. The flower festival was first established in Athens and later in other ancient Greek cities. When the Romans arrived and conquered Greece, the May Day celebration continued to exist in some form but it was slightly changed, since both Romans and ancient Greeks believed that flowers represent the beauty of the gods and bring power, glory, happiness and health.

While the original meaning of May Day has evolved over the centuries, ancient Greek customs endure as cherished folk traditions. Today, May Day stands as a secular holiday celebrated across Europe, including Greece. One of the enduring customs in modern Greece involves crafting May Day wreaths from freshly picked flowers, adorning doorways until they naturally wither. This act of wreath-making serves as a reminder to reconnect with nature amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.

In the Aegean islands, young girls used to get up at dawn and walk to the wells, carrying the flowers they had picked the previous day. They would fill vases with the “water of silence” and return to their homes without uttering a word. Later, they washed using the same water.

In villages of Corfu, another unique custom takes place on May Day. Residents parade through the streets carrying a cypress trunk adorned with yellow daisies and circled by a wreath of green branches. This trunk, known as the "May Log," is carried by young workers dressed in pristine white trousers and shirts, with red scarves around their necks, as they sing songs of May.

In Epirus, on the eve of May Day, children venture into the gardens, banging on cooking utensils and reciting magical incantations to ward off snakes.

Another highly theatrical custom is the "Resurrection of the May Child," found in various regions. A teenager portrays the deceased Dionysus in the fields while the village girls sing a lamenting song aimed at resurrecting him and, along with him, reviving the entire nature.

Greek May Day customs and traditions offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient beliefs and practices, weaving together elements of mythology, nature worship, and community celebration. As the world evolves, these timeless rituals continue to resonate, serving as a bridge between the past and the present, fostering a appreciation for the cyclical rhythms of life and the beauty of the natural world.





 
 
A project that was started in 2011 called 'Study In Greece' was launched by a group of faculty members from the Department of Informatics and Telematics, of Harokopio University, with the help of students (international and Greek) who worked on a volunteer basis, in order to bring the project to life. Their aim is to provide information, support and advice to incoming international students who wish to study in Greece for a higher education degree, as well as to existing international students. The project addresses the most important issues faced by international students while applying, registering, and settling in Greece.

The main focus of the 'Study In Greece' group was to gather all necessary information that would allow prospective students to not only navigate their way through existing academic programmes on offer, but to also understand the conditions for foreign students living in a friendly and safe destination such as Greece. Students who are interested in pursuing post-graduate studies in Greece can search the catalogue of specialized study programmes taught in English or directly contact the international relations offices of the Higher Education Institutes listed in the relevant section.

'Study In Greece' offers a comprehensive list of the main characteristics of the country, interesting destinations, archaeological sites, monuments and museums to visit, as well as data about Greek gastronomy, the cost of living, facts concerning international students living in Greece , health and safety issues, contacts for embassies and visa details. The platform also offers a section called ‘Education Institutes’ where visitors on the site can type a word related to their area of study and a full list in English of programmes, universities, departments, and cities corresponding to the search word will appear.

The 'Study In Greece' initiative contributes to the international spread of Greek culture, promotes Greece as a destination for higher studies among international students, and it includes support for refugees and people seeking international protection. It also offers suggestions regarding ongoing educational programmes, updates on plans by the Greek State to provide support to the educational needs of refugees, including special courses, e-learning platforms, and summer schools.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda

For more information about 'Study In Greece,' please click HERE to visit their website.
‘People often think old Greek music is dead. It is not, it only needs a little bit of humidity in order to blossom again,’ says Greek vocalist Katerina Papadopoulou explaining why she initiated project Anastatica.

Anastatica project is a collaboration between musicians and a vocalist that remaster old traditional tunes and songs and turns them into ethnic music. Vocals and dance are equally incorporated into their music. They value music that is transferred from place to place and from one era to another, without losing its originality and drive.


To read this article in full, please visit: Greek TV
Friday, 10 November 2017 10:42

September 19 - News, Food, & More!

Updates on the oil spill that affected the Athens riviera, Google funds Greek research on digital journalism, learn how to make Spetzofai, and information on free playgrounds for kids!
 
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletterFacebook, and Twitter!
Qatar Airways has recently announced it will begin flight service from Doha to Mykonos, starting May 30th, 2018. Because Mykonos is centrally located in the Cyclades and a very popular holiday destination for many travelers, Qatar has been seeking to add Mykonos to their repertoire of flights for quite some time.

Four weekly seasonal flights to Mykonos will be operated by an Airbus A320, featuring 12 seats in business class and 132 seats in economy class.

Qatar is also launching weekly non-stop flights to Thessaloniki in March 2018. They already offer three daily flights to Athens.

Athens has been included on a list of "Europe's 20 Most Amazing Cities for Eating Out in 2019" that was published of the online edition of The Telegraph in December.
 
According to the newspaper, a European city break can be defined by those all important restaurant choices! Most cities in Europe offer a wide range of dining options; you'll be able to choose among buzzing trendy eateries, high-end Michelin-starred restaurants, and tiny joints where you'll eat just like a local.
 
Here is what The Telegraph says about eating in Athens:

"Athens has a fine range of places to eat, ranging from down-to-earth traditional tavernas to upmarket restaurants serving fusion cuisine. The area of Plaka is undeniably pretty, though some of its restaurants are aimed at tourists and can be a little disappointing. The city centre is where you will find some excellent so-called modern tavernas, serving classic Greek dishes with a contemporary twist."
 
Paris, London, Reykjavik, Seville, and Dubrovnik are also among the best cities in Europe for eating out.
 
To read the list in full, please visit: The Telegraph
Sunday, 31 March 2019 14:38

Open House Athens 2019

The 6th OPEN HOUSE Athens is back on 6 & 7 April 2019.

A two-day event of free architectural guided tours addressed to the general public; an event based on volunteerism, which aims at promoting the architecture of our city; an opportunity to walk the city, look up while walking in the streets, see the buildings from a different angle… It is our established appointment in Spring, when everyone can continue their tour from where they left off last year!

With 40 new entries, this year’s renewed programme includes, as always, public and private buildings, contemporary and historical, monuments, museums, theatres, schools, residences, professional spaces, in the city centre and the suburbs. 550 volunteers will guide us at the 95 buildings which are included in the programme.
All guided tours are free of charge and no booking is required.

In order to attend a tour, visitors should arrive at the buildings of their interest during the opening hours of each, and wait in the queue. The tours are conducted on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are advised to arrive in time, as no tours are being held after the closing time.

Learn more about OHA 2019 parallel events HERE



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of  Open House Athens 2019

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