LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
The Story Of The Most Iconic Doorman In Athens
A few months ago, Taktikos was ranked by Marriott International among the "best of the best," receiving the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence. This annual award honors the company's most exceptional associates who represent the characteristics of the award: achievement, integrity, dedication, effort, and perseverance.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
Useful Greek Words That You Really Need To Know
Yia Sou
Possibly the most essential Greek phrase, and one of the most common Greek greetings, 'yia sou' [jaː su] is an informal way of saying 'hello.' What your Greek phrasebook probably won't tell you, is that 'yia' is a shorter version of 'iyia' [ijiːa], which means 'health' in Greek. By saying 'yia sou' you are greeting people by literally wishing them good health!
Ela
Ela is a Greek word with multiple meanings; It means 'come' or 'come on,' but Greeks also use it to casually answer the phone–given they know who is calling. By saying 'ela' they are not inviting the caller to come over; it is more of a way to acknowledge the caller and adding a friendly note to the phonecall.
Meraki
'Meraki' is one of the most beautiful Greek words; it means doing something with love, enjoyment, and attention to detail. 'Meraki' derives from the Turkish 'Merak' and is applied to tasks, usually crafts, but can be applied to any task at all.
Efharisto
While in Greece, you will most probably want to say 'efharisto' [efχaristoː] or thank you to a few people. Even if you don't speak a word of Greek, it is imperative to master this one little word, as a form of appreciation to locals!
Parakalo
In case you were wondering, the natural reply to 'efharisto' is 'parakalo' [parakaloː] - the Greek word for 'you're welcome.' However, the Greek language often attributes multiple meanings to just one word so keep in mind that 'parakalo' could also mean 'please,' or 'how can I help you.'
To discover even more delightful little Greek words, please visit: TheTravelPorter.com
Significant Art Nouveau Building in Athens Reopens After Full Restoration
Now, after years of restoration works, it is ready to host offices for various departments of the Ministry of Culture, workshops, educational programs, periodical art exhibitions, as well as the ministry’s Fund of Archaeological Proceeds.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Nine Lives Greece - Autumn Bazaar
Let’s start a new season by helping cats in need.
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Books/CDs
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Clothes
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Fashion accessories
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Jewelry
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Household ornaments
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Homemade cakes and pies, sweets & savory treats kindly offered by La Chocolatiere
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Coffee/tea/soft drinks
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Nine Lives merchandise
Please contact us prior to the bazaar if you have items to donate, as we cannot accept any items on the day of the bazaar itself.
Donations of cat food, however, are welcomed with open paws!
Rio Olympic Champions At Santorini Experience 2019
Discounts and offers for the participants!
“Santorini Experience” is approaching, as, in October 4-6, the unique running and swimming races will take place for the 5th consecutive year in Santorini, the world-famous tourist destination of unparalleled beauty.
Santorini Experience will attract once again the global interest, where both professional and amateur athletes will participate in running and open water swimming races. The running races will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2019, and the open water swimming on Sunday, October 6, 2019 against the backdrop of the iconic Cycladic Island. In particular, on Saturday 05/10, the races of 15 km by Samsung and 10 km will start at 08:15 am, while the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” race will start at 11:00 am. All races have as a starting point the Desalination Plant located in Oia.
On Sunday 06/10, swimming will take place with the eruptive atmosphere of the volcano. Participants will swim the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira with the imposing view of the island in front of them at the Open Water Swimming by Vikos. The race will start at 10:00 am from the volcano. Swimming is held under the technical direction of federal coach and director, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, following the FINA regulations and the safety provided by Boatmen Union Santorini, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center and Santorini Nautical Club.
This year’s event will feature the silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasunari Hirai and the dynamic presence of the elite of the Greek National Open Water Swimming Team such as world champion Kelly Araouzou, European champion George Arniakos and Greek champions Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Dimitris Manios, the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis, as well as Andreas Georgakopoulos, Irene Diakoumakou, Maria Filopoulou, Konstantinos Konstantineskou, Panagiotis Alogakos, Maria Kirykou, Triantafyllia Diakoumakou and Melina Trochalaki.
Check out the video with swimming tips from Spyros Gianniotis and Kelly Araouzou on the exciting swimming race HERE!
More information about this year’s detailed program can be found HERE!
Special offer & participation kit pick up at Alafouzos Sport
Swimming and running registrations continue now as well at the store of the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport in Fira.
A 25% special discount on registration costs per activity will apply to all participants for purchases over 15 euros at the sponsor’s store.
From Thursday 3/10 to Saturday 5/10, participants can receive their participation kits from Alafouzos Sport store (open hours: 09:00 – 21:00). Otherwise, runners and swimmers can receive their registration numbers one hour before the start of their race from the starting point of their races, on Saturday 5/10 and on Sunday 6/10 respectively. Meanwhile, participants may register in the event according to the final wave of registrations which lasts until the start of the event.
Register now for Santorini Experience!
Transportation offer to participants
DNA Travel, as the official transport partner of the event, in order to facilitate the transportation of all athletes, running participants to Oia and swimming participants to the old port of Fira, will implement the routes below: On Saturday, October 5, two itineraries will take place. The boarding point of the first itinerary will be the Church of Timios Stavros, in Perissa, at 05:30 am with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 05:50 am, next stop in Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) at 06:10 am and final destination the Desalination Plant in Oia. The second itinerary will start at 07:50 from Perissa (Church of Timios Stavros), with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 08:10 am, next stop in Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) at 08:30 am and the same final destination. When it comes to the participants return, another itinerary has been scheduled at 12:30 pm from the Desalination Plant in Oia to Fira, Kamari and Perissa. In addition, on Sunday, October 6, the participants of the open water swimming race will be transferred from the Church of Timios Stavros, Perissa at 07:50 am with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 08:10 am, to the starting point of the race in the Old Port of Fira. The transportation of swimmers from the Old Port of Fira to the volcano will start at 09:30 am. DNA Travel has arranged another itinerary at 14:00 pm from Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) to Athinios port (the main port of Thira).
2019 Santorini Experience offers
Take advantage of the offers available on ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation for “Santorini Experience” by clicking HERE!
Attend Real Madrid Foundation Clinics in Santorini!
In the framework of “Santorini Experience”, and in cooperation with MGC Soccer Central, head coaches from the academies of Real Madrid will visit Santorini for the first time and specifically the facilities of the athletic center Playland, from October 3-6, 2019 and teach football to children aged between 6 and 16, using the coaching methodologies of Los Merengues! Register now. For more information click HERE!
Samsung is the event’s official technology partner for one more year.
Official sponsors of the event include Ford Motor Hellas, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Blue Star Ferries and Alafouzos Sport.
For another year, Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier.
Official supporters of the event are: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts and Boatmen Union Santorini.
Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
On is the event’s official shoe partner for the first time. National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24MEDIA its premium media partner.
DNA Travel is the official transport partner. “Santorini Experience” is assisted by West East Suites, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, Santorini Yacht Cruises, Caldera Yachting and Erotokritos.
Until now, this year’s effort is supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Andronis Arcadia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, La Mer Suites & Spa, Antinea Suites & Spa, Beach Boutique Hotel, Bloom Travel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Studios & Suites, Esperas Santorini, Mesana Stone House and White Pearl Villas, while participation continues.
VitaNTravel is the event’s official travel agent. “Santorini Experience” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. “Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.
More info www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Photo credit: Elias Lefas
Access Masters & MBA Tours in Athens
The Access Masters Tour guides you in your search for Masters studies, directs you to the schools that best match your preferences, and connects you with some of the world’s best universities and business schools.
The Access Masters Tour is open to final-year university students and recent graduates who speak English that are interested in Masters degree study.
What can you expect from the event?
- Meet with top-ranked international universities and business schools
- Get advice on Masters programs suitable for you
- Obtain information on admission tests (TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE)
- Learn how to win scholarships and finance your Masters studies
- Take part in the draw to win a free campus visit
The Masters degree allows graduates to quickly reach personal growth, greater employment opportunities and career advancement, to tap into an incredible business network. Embark on a life-changing journey with a Masters degree!
Admissions representatives from ALBA Graduate Business School, University of Strathclyde, Nottingham University, Hult International Business School, Syracuse University and many more.
- Open Fair Session with top universities presenting Masters programmes in Business, Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, Law, Arts, Humanities and many more.
- Hold personal meetings with Admissions Directors from prestigious business schools
- Get invaluable insight from our expert Masters consultants and GMAT instructors
The event is free of charge and open to all registered candidates, but early registration is mandatory to be selected for One-to-One meetings.
When: October 16 / 15:30 - 21:30
Where: Athenaeum InterContinental Hotel
- Meet admissions directors during 20-minute One-to-One and small group meeting
- Take part in panel discussions featuring school representatives and alumni
- Receive advice and support from the Access MBA consulting team, as well as GMAT and scholarship information
By registering for the One-to-One MBA event, your profile will be carefully matched with the business schools that correspond to your goals and expectations – all free of charge to you. To secure your place at the event, you would be well advised to register at least 10 days before the event.
- Professional profile evaluation and coaching
- One-to-One meetings with top international business schools
- Individual consulting sessions with Access MBA experts
- School panel discussions
- GMAT workshops
Participating schools include ALBA Business School, University of Cambridge, Strathclyde University, HEC Paris, University of Nottingham and more!
Places are limited for One-to-One meetings and early registration is recommended.
When: October 17 / 15:30 - 21:30
Where: Athenaeum InterContinental Hotel
Register HERE today!
XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Access Masters & MBA Tours in Athens
The Impressive Armata Festival On Spetses Island
Every year, the renowned Armata Festival takes place on the island of Spetses on the second weekend of September. The festival celebrates Panaghia Armata (Virgin Mary of the “Armata”) and commemorates the great Naval Battle of Spetses which took place on September 8, 1822.
This great victory was accomplished thanks to the bravery of Spetsiot Captain Kosmas Barbatsis, who managed to set the Turkish Flagship on fire and blow it up. His brave act is re-enacted every year with dramatizations of this victory culminating in the burning of a Turkish Flagship replica followed by an impressive fireworks show.
11th Greece Race For The Cure
Information, awareness and support for women who are under treatment, for women –survivors and for the general population are non-negotiable objectives of the Greece Race for the Cure® and the Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer “Alma Zois”.
This year, for the first time, the Run of Athens joins Greece Race for the Cure® against breast cancer with a route of 10 Km with a timing chip.
The reasons we run
Our goal is to provide information to every woman in Greece about early detection methods and about the right steps that have to be taken – depending on the age – in order to be safe, according to international medical guidelines.
- We run in order to inform every woman in Greece about breast cancer
- We run so that everyone shall hear our voice about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early diagnosis
- We run to demystify breast cancer
- We run to defeat fear and prejudice
- We run to improve the quality of life and the rights of women with breast cancer
- We run to support women with breast cancer and their families
- We run to save lives
- We run to honor the women who are no longer close to us
- We run the road against breast cancer
Programs funded by 10th Greece Race for the Cure®
- Helpline for breast cancer patients
- Βeauty techniques and nutrition tips for breast cancer patients during therapy
- Legal Counseling Program
- Genetic Counseling and testing
- Group Therapy & Wellness programs
- Τraining program for Healthcare Professionals in Communication Skills with Oncological patients
- Scientific Research Grand for breast cancer in Greece (in psycho-oncology)
- Breast cancer Workplace awareness program
- Breast Cancer Awareness Program – Clinical Breast Exams for 20-39 y.o. women
- Breast Cancer Awareness Program in 5 areas in Greece with limited access to healthcare services
Registration fee: The registration fee is 6€/person for 2km walk and 8€/person for runners’ registration with a timing chip.
You can register your participation HERE
All Registrations close on Monday, September 23th 2019.
For the 2Km walk you can also register at kiosks around Athens:
1/9/2019 – 23/9/2019 Monday- Sunday: 10:00 – 23:00
Hard Rock Café Athens (52 Adrianou Str., Monastirion, Athens)
9/9/2019 – 21/9/2019 Monday- Saturday: 11:00 – 20:00
The Mall Athens (35 A. Papandreou, Amaroussion)
Hondos Center Ermou (39 Ermou, Sintagma)
Athens Metro Mall (276 Vouliagmenis, Aghios Dimitrios)
With each registration you will receive the collector’s T-shirt of the Race!
Race kit pick up:
For online registration: 68, 3rd September Str., Athens, 2/9/2019 – 26/9/2018, Monday – Friday 10.00am – 18.00p.m.
volunteers in the registration kiosk.
Schedule
- Opening: 08:00 am
- 10Km Run: 08:30 am
- 5Km Race: 10:30 am
- 2Km Walk: 11:30 am
XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of Greece Race for the Cure(R)
"I Am Hatching" At Avaton Theatre
Every Saturday at 10:30, 12:00 and 13:30
Duration: 45 minutes
Tickets prices: 15 euros for a parent with a child, 5 euros for every extra adult
Booking necessary before arrival on 210 3412689, 6942703702
School In Trikala Joins Pioneering Nutrition Program
Originally posted on TrikalaErevna
Translated By: XpatAthens