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The City's Third "Pocket Park" Is In Pagrati
The first such park came in Kypseli and was a test for this environmental upgrade which follows the same strategies implemented in many other European countries as well as in America.
Its successful implementation led to the creation and completion of a second park in Kolonos and this most recent one in Pagrati, makes it the third and largest "Pocket Park" created so far. The creation of this park began with a local citizen taking initiative through the Adopt Your City program, which then lead to the coporate sponsorship from P&G, and the local support of Organization Earth (Organosi Gi) - all of these efforts came together to make it possible.
This pocket park in Pagrati was designed with the aim of being an ecosystem that will contribute to the aesthetic and climatic upgrade of the wider area, to the capture of carbon dioxide and to the increase of biodiversity. It is an area of 750 sq.m. with dense planting of more than 1,150 species of plants and trees were placed, including robinia, simidae and native aromatic plants. The impressive number of different plants and the density of their planting, contribute to the creation of an ecosystem with benefits for the neighborhood.
Most of the park's construction has been made from reused wood, such as railway sleepers, while a sustainable water drainage system has been installed to enrich the aquifer and irrigate the trees. The lighting of the park is produced by autonomous photovoltaics aiming to reduce light pollution and illuminate at 100% in the first hours, then at 80% for four hours and yield 25% by morning. Walking corridors, seats and bicycle seats were installed in the park and water supply was provided for visitors as well as for the birds and animals of the city.
"Athens has been under a lot of pressure all these years, especially during the pandemic. We have put forward a plan to create space for Athenians. Space that we need for everyone to live with dignity in their neighborhood. It is not only the environmental benefits that the city acquires but also the creation of places that have a social character. "Each corner should have its own breath, its own green reference point and, finally, to bring to light areas within the urban fabric that over time had become a burden for the neighborhood." said the Mayor of Athens Mr. Bakoyannis.
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.
Athens Revives Its Emblematic Fountains
Fountains have always been a big part of the city and its everyday life. Their colorful, running waters and sculptures have always been part of our walks, our overall experience of the city, and in turn of course the relationship that we have with Athens. Especially during this period of lockdown, when a simple walk has such importance and value to each one of us.
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.
Novoville App - Facilitating Communication Between Local Government & Citizens
The Adopt Your City program facilitated a real example of how this works in a recent 'pocket park' development in Pagrati in central Athens.
There are 4 simple steps:
- Choose your location
- Choose a request category
- Add a photo
- Send the request to the Municipality of Athens
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.
New Garbage Bins Around Athens
All of this is part of a great effort to improve and modernize the way in which the city of Athens is kept clean. Large cleaning operations are conducted daily by the Municipality of Athens throughout the city, while the supply of new equipment ensures everything that is needed is supplied. In this case, the new garbage bins are grey and metal with a built-in lock to prevent someone from either stealing or destroying them. They are designed in such a way to prevent damage, thus increasing their durability and reducing the cost of constantly buying new bins, a cost incurred by the municipality.
It was so common for citizens and visitors to walk around holding their rubbish because there was a lack of bins! "It sounds kinda funny when you're describing to someone that you had to walk many kilometers to dispose of a piece of paper or a soda can but, unfortunately, that was Athens' reality", the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, stated.
The Municipality of Athens follows the same strategy regarding other areas of daily life, such as recycling. Although citizens were repeatedly encouraged to recycle, there were many times that they saw the municipality's garbage trucks collecting the contents of both the blue and the green bins, not separately as they should. Now, however, with the installation of new green, blue, and brown bins in the capital's neighborhoods, as well as the supply of vehicles that collect waste in the right way, this picture has changed.
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.
How To Get Vaccinated For COVID-19 In Greece
If you're a non Greek citizen currently living in Greece, you may not need to return to your home country to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Whether you are a Greek citizen or not, this guide will help you to check your eligibility (based on the current phase of vaccinations in Greece) and plan your appointment.
Important note --> a Greek Social Security Number known as AMKA is required to get vaccinated. Greek authorities advise individuals who don't already have an AMKA number to apply for one immediately. Learn more about how to obtain this social security number here.
How To Check Your Vaccination Eligibility
There are 3 ways to check if you are eligible to be vaccinated during the current phase of vaccinations in Greece.
1.Visit The Online Platform
Visit emvolio.gov.gr and fill in the form using your AMKA number and your Last Name or Greek VAT Number, click submit to instantly check your eligibility. The platform is currently only available in Greek, so we recommend that you download the Google Chrome browser which offers real time translation for web pages. Alternatively, have a friend who speaks Greek help you out with using the website; thankfully the process is straightforward.
2. Send An SMS To 13034
Check if you belong to a priority group by sending a text message to 13034. The body of the message should read as follows: AMKA <space> Surname. You will immediately receive a text message informing you whether you are eligible to be vaccinated based on the prioritization system of the national vaccination program. If you are eligible you can schedule your appointment by visiting emvolio.gov.gr
3. Receive An Automated SMS
If you are already registered to the paperless medical prescription platform you will automatically receive an SMS message on your mobile phone from 13034 to notify you about your eligibility and a pre-booked vaccination appointment. The text message will include your appointment number, the date and time of vaccination, and the recommended vaccination center. Vaccination centers are selected based on your postal code.
How To Schedule Your Vaccination Appointment
If by using the process described above you find that you're eligible for vaccination, you can schedule your appointment in one of the following ways:
1. Online Using Your TAXISnet Credentials
TAXISnet credentials are needed for accessing several Greek Government electronic services. If you are registered on TAXISnet you can use your credentials on the appointment page and log in using your username and password. Keep in mind that you may need to confirm your details (mobile phone number, e-mail, postcode) before accessing the booking system, where you'll be able to schedule both doses of the vaccine. Once the booking is complete you will receive an appointment number and QR Code along with all the appointment details for dose 1 and dose 2. Please note that you will need your appointment number or QR code on the day of your vaccination, so keep the information safe.
2. At A Local Pharmacy Or KEP
If you are unable to use the online platform emvolio.gov.gr you can book your vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy or KEP (Kentro Eksipiretisis Politon - Central Services for Citizens). People with mobility problems can also book their appointment through a representative holding the required documents, namely AMKA, mobile phone number, and a photocopy of the applicant's ID card. Once the booking is complete you will receive an appointment number and QR Code along with all the appointment details.
3. Auto-Scheduled Appointment For Paperless Prescription Users
If you have already registered to the paperles prescription platform (website in Greek only), then you will receive an SMS from 13034, notifying you that your priority/age group is currently being vaccinated along with a pre-booked appointment for your vaccination. The text message will include your appointment number, the date and time of vaccination, and the suggested vaccination center. Vaccination centers are selected based on the postal code you stated on ehealth.gov.gr. For more informtion about paperless prescriptions click here.
How To Confirm Your Appointment
You have the opportunity to confirm your pre-booked appointment within 120 hours. To confirm the pre-booked, you can do one of the following:
a. Send the appointment number via text message (SMS) to 13034.
b. Go to the emvolio.gov.gr/app platform and use your TAXISnet credentials to log in and confirm your appointment.
Note: If you do not confirm your appointment within 120 hours, the pre-booking will be released and you will have to schedule a new appointment later through the emvolio.gov.gr/app platform.
Important Additional Information
1. You will not be able to choose which vaccine you receive.
2. To get information about your scheduled appointment (date and time, vaccination center) you can send an SMS to 13034 with the appointment code or your AMKA and surname (AMKA <space> Surname).
3. In any case, you will receive 3 additional three automated SMS reminders of your appointment – 3 days before your appointment, 1 day before your appointment, and at 7 am on the day of your appointment.
4. Three days before your appointment you will receive an SMS and email with the exact hour and date and a link with information about preparation and guidelines before the vaccination.
5. You can change your appointment once up to 72 hours before your scheduled appointment.
6. Vaccinations are carried out at 1018 centers and designated hospitals around the country.
7. Have your appointment number or QR code and your ID card or passport with you at the vaccination center. Before your vaccination, you have to answer a questionnaire.
8. You will be given a digital vaccination certificate which is intended for personal use.
9. The vaccine is optional, but necessary to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings.
10. Continue to wear a mask and keep a safe distance for as long as necessary.
Sourced and translated from the official Greek website: emvolio.gov.gr
How To Get An AMKA Number In Greece
Please note, everyone’s eligibility and legal status in Greece differs and for this reason we always recommend getting in touch with the state offices/representatives directly in order to confirm your eligibility. We recommend calling your local KEP office ahead of your visit in order to confirm your eligibility, necessary documentation, as well as whether or not you'll require a scheduled appointment.
We are including this here for ease of process, in case it is applicable to you. To apply for a temporary AMKA number, you can visit the official vaccination website here: https://emvolio.gov.gr/pamka. Note, the online portal and process is in Greek but you can use a Greek to English browser translator in order to translate the page in real time.
Where To Get An AMKA Number
To obtain an AMKA number, nationals and non nationals can visit their local KEP office (Kentro Eksipiretisis Politon - Central Services for Citizens). We recommend calling ahead to confirm necessary documentations, as well as whether or not you'll require a scheduled appointment.
The following online portal was recommended by a member of the community. We are including it here for ease of process, in case it is applicable to you. Note, the application process is in Greek: http://www.idika.gr/aitisi_amka/home_en.html
What Documents Are Needed For An AMKA Number
For Foreign Nationals
To obtain an AMKA number as a foreign national, you will need to present an expatriate ID, an ID card equivalent to a Greek ID, or foreign passport.
For underage individuals born in Greece, a birth certificate is required.
Greek Citizens
To obtain an AMKA number as a Greek national, you will need a Greek ID card, or a Greek military ID card.
Underage Individuals
For underage individuals (below 12 years of age), who do not have an ID card, a family status certificate is necessary; it must be presented by the parent or a legal representative.
How To Acquire An AMKA Number Through A Representative
ID card, or passport or family status certificate of the representative and an official statement of Law 1599/1986 declaring that they represent the interested party.
How To Change Or Update Your Details
Individuals who already have an AMKA number can change or update their details such as name, telephone number, postal address, insurance institution at their local KEP or AMKA office.
Why Is An AMKA Necessary?
An AMKA number is mandatory for numerous things related to employment in Greece, as well as some services provided by the state. Having this number aids in basic areas of everyday life such as:
Health care, by acting immediately against wasting the Security Funds’ resources and to improve overall benefits.
The field of work and insurance of employees, by protecting their rights and combating contribution avoidance.
The area of pensions, by significantly reducing the time required for issuing a pension.
Overall citizen services are improved, making transactions easier.
Supporting European Union standards, the insurance, health care, and pensions of citizens working in other European Union countries is made easier.
Sourced and translated from the official Greek website: AMKA.gr
Love Letters From Athens
Whether you’re living in Athens under lockdown – or are reading this from afar - it’s safe to say that we’re all missing the Athens we know and love. Keep the flame burning bright during this month of Cupid by watching some Love Athens video postcards and see just how much she’s feeling missed too.
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Athens Covered In Snow!
5 Interesting Facts About The Greek Language
Here are 5 surprising facts about the Greek language you may have never heard of:
1. The Longest Word In Literature is Greek
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest word ever to appear in literature can be found in Assemblywomen, a comedy written by the Greek playwright Aristophanes.
The word is transliterated as:
lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphiokarabomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossypho
phattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon
or, in the Greek alphabet:
λοπαδοτεμαχοσελαχογαλεοκρανιολειψανοδριμυποτριμματοσιλφιοκαραβομελιτοκατακεχυμενοκιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττοπεριστεραλεκτρυονοπτοκεφαλλιοκιγκλοπελειολαγῳοσιραιοβαφητραγανοπτερύγων
It is the longest Greek word, with 183 letters and 78 syllables.
2. Greek Is The Oldest Recorded Living Language
Greek is the oldest recorded living language with written records in Greek spanning over 34 centuries. Greek derives from Proto-Greek, the first form of spoken Greek which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. The language later evolved into Ancient Greek, which was spoken during the Antiquity, while Modern Greek emerged after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453.
3. Originally, Greek Was Written From Right To Left
Like modern-day Hebrew and Arabic, Ancient Greek was written from right to left. Subsequently, Greek was written boustrophedon, meaning that lines alternated between right-to-left and left-to-right script. During the 5th century BC, the direction of Greek writing was standardized as left to right, and all the letters adopted a fixed right-facing orientation.
4. The Word ‘Alphabet’ Derives From The 2 First Letters Of The Greek Alphabet
The first two letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha (α) and beta (β). And while the English language uses Latin characters, the word ‘alphabet’ actually refers to Greek letters.
5. An Estimated 12% Of The English Vocabulary Has A Greek Origin
Did you know that almost every English word starting with ph such as philosophy, philanthropy, phobia, and phenomenon, comes from Greek? Greek hugely influenced the English language that is why many technical and scientific terms such as astronomy, biology, and mathematics, originate from Greek.
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
Medea Storm Covers Athens In Heavy Snow
Outside the Greek parliament, orange-colored snowplows cleared streets of ice, while presidential guards, dressed in traditional pleated kilts and pompom-tipped shoes, were given blue capes to brave the cold. The slippery floor in front of the monument affected the changing of the guard as it was not carried out in the known way with a march, but with a military vehicle.
All in all, there was an unprecedented amount of snow in Athens this week. It was absolutely beautiful to see, it caused a lot of unexpected disruption, and as we're rounding up our week, the snow has already melted in most parts of the city.
To see some amazing pictures of Athens covered in snow, visit our Facebook page here.
Image Credit: @chromecabrio