1. Accessible Outdoors: Winter doesn’t mean shutting ourselves inside. Hiking, walks by the sea, and even outdoor sports are still enjoyable, thanks to the pleasant weather.
2. Seasonal Produce: Greece’s winter markets overflow with fresh, seasonal produce like oranges, mandarins, and hearty greens, perfect for warming meals like traditional stews and pies.
3. Lower Energy Costs: Milder temperatures mean less reliance on heating, making winters not just more comfortable but also more affordable.
4. Mood-Boosting Sunshine: Greece’s winters are often sunny, even if the air is chilly. Sunlight is a natural mood lifter, helping stave off the “winter blues” that many experience in darker, colder climates.

• Duration: January 2025 – March 2026
• Award Amount: €17,000
• Focus: Innovative research and action in Mediterranean landscape restoration

• Young professionals under 30 years old
• From MMFN member regions
• Holding a degree in Environmental Studies, Forestry, Ecology, or related disciplines

• Tune Up: Warm-up micro-walks guided by Elpida to heighten awareness.
• The Quest: A longer, solo walk where participants "ask the streets" a question and uncover insights.
• Share: Return as a group to reflect on and discuss discoveries. It’s an easy, enjoyable, and potentially transformative experience! 

Admission Fee: €4 for adults, €2 for students and seniors
Days & Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays) 10:00 - 17:00.

Plan Your Visit!

3. The Museum of Marble Crafts – Tinos


Credit: piop.gr
 

Admission Fee: €4 for adults, €2 for students and seniors
Days & Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays) 10:00 - 17:00.

Plan Your Visit!

• Focus on Interests: Encourage your child to pick one or two activities they are genuinely passionate about.
• Consider Age & Development: Younger children may need more downtime, while older kids may thrive on structured commitments.
• Set Limits: A manageable schedule ensures kids have time for schoolwork, family, and free play.

• Create a Family Calendar: Use digital tools or a physical planner to track commitments, ensuring you don’t double-book or miss an event.
• Coordinate with Other Parents: Carpooling can save time and reduce stress.
• Prepare in Advance: Keep gear and uniforms organized and ready to go to avoid last-minute scrambles.

• Check In Regularly: Ask your child how they feel about their commitments. If they seem overwhelmed, it may be time to scale back.
• Encourage Balance: Teach them the importance of balancing activities with rest and unstructured time.

• Family Meals: Even with busy evenings, try to have at least a few meals together each week to reconnect.
• Quality Over Quantity: Whether it’s a weekend hike or a movie night, make the time you spend together meaningful.

• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to enlist other family members or friends for support.
• Set Realistic Expectations: You can’t be everywhere at once; sometimes, you’ll have to make tough choices.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy to care for your family.

• Focus on Personal Growth: Whether it’s learning teamwork or building resilience, what matters is how the activity benefits your child’s development.
• Celebrate Achievements: Show your support by attending events and celebrating milestones, no matter how small.

• Reassess Annually: Each year, evaluate which activities are worth continuing and which can be dropped.
• Be Open to Change: If an activity no longer serves your child’s interests or wellbeing, it’s okay to move on.

• Key Work: The Republic
  Plato’s The Republic remains a cornerstone of political philosophy and ethics. This dialogue examines justice, governance, and the nature of the ideal state. Translations by Benjamin Jowett or newer ones like those by Allan Bloom are particularly respected.

• Additional Recommendations:
  • Plato: Complete Works, edited by John M. Cooper, compiles all of Plato’s dialogues, including The Symposium and Phaedrus, which explore love, rhetoric, and the soul.

• Key Work: Nicomachean Ethics
  Aristotle’s exploration of the “good life” through virtue ethics is a profound guide to personal and moral development. Terence Irwin's translation is particularly well-regarded.

• Additional Recommendations:
  • Metaphysics: This work delves into the nature of being and reality, offering insight into Aristotle's philosophical system.
  • Politics: Essential reading for understanding governance, citizenship, and Aristotle’s vision of the ideal state.

• Key Work: Apology by Plato
  This dialogue portrays Socrates’ defense during his trial, embodying his commitment to truth and philosophy. It’s a gripping introduction to his ideas and personality.

• Other Sources:
  • Xenophon’s Memorabilia and Apology: These offer an alternative perspective on Socrates' teachings and trial.

• Key Work: The Art of Happiness (translated by George K. Strodach)
  A collection of Epicurus’ letters and teachings, focusing on his philosophy of simple pleasures, friendship, and avoiding unnecessary desires.

• Commentary:
  • Epicurus and His Philosophy by Norman W. DeWitt provides a detailed exploration of his thought and legacy.

• Key Work: Fragments (translated by Brooks Haxton)
  Heraclitus’ enigmatic aphorisms on change and the unity of opposites are a window into his revolutionary thinking.

• Companion Read:
  • Heraclitus: The Cosmic Fragments by G. S. Kirk offers detailed explanations and interpretations.

• Key Work: Diogenes: The Cynic Philosopher
  While Diogenes wrote little, anecdotes of his life are preserved in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius (translated by C.D. Yonge).

• Modern Biography:
  • The Philosophy of Diogenes by Luis E. Navia offers a comprehensive analysis of his unconventional philosophy.

Tickets will cost the same as last year:

• €35 for fully paid up Greek-Irish Society members
• €40 euros for non-members
• Half-price for children aged 7-12 (€17.50 euros or €20 euros depending on whether the family has membership)
• Free for children aged six or under

• 1 liter apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 star anise
• Optional: 30ml Metaxa

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
2. Strain the spices and serve hot.

• 2 teaspoons dried Greek mountain tea
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup frothed milk
• Honey, to taste

1. Steep the tea in boiling water for 5–7 minutes.
2. Strain, add frothed milk, and sweeten with honey.

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan, then whisk in cocoa, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
2. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent finish.

• 1 chai tea bag
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon ouzo
• Milk and sugar, to taste

1. Brew the chai tea and add a splash of ouzo.
2. Stir in milk and sugar if desired.

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Crushed walnuts for garnish

1. Stir the cinnamon, vanilla, and honey into the coffee.
2. Garnish with crushed walnuts.

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon mastiha powder (or a small piece of mastiha resin, ground)
• Honey, to taste

1. Heat the milk with mastiha until warm and fragrant.
2. Sweeten with honey and enjoy.