XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Winter may not be a favorite of the four seasons, but it is nonetheless part of nature's important cycle. There is something nice about the season; be it cozy rediscovery, the warmth of a fireplace, the peaceful sounds of rain and snow, and the freshness of crisp air - it is a season for all the senses!
 
One of the greatest pleasures is definitely cuddling up with a good book, and sipping a cup of warm coffee or tea. And although there is no place like home, if you feel like heading out without having to sacrifice your comfort and coziness, these bookshop cafes are exactly perfect.
   
Enastron 

enastron
@enastroncafe
 
A favorite among students, especially during the exam period, Enastron is the perfect place to relax, grab a book, and have a little me time. On the menu, you will find coffee, hot beverages, drinks, and cocktails, as well as light meals, and numerous books await you on the bookstore’s shelves. The venue also hosts a number of events, including book launches, musical acts, educational seminars, and many more. 
 
Address: Solonos 101, Athina
Telephone: 21 0382 8139
    
Ianos Cafe

Ianos Cafe
www.ianos.gr

The lobby space overhead Ianos bookstore on Stadiou Street has been transformed into a delicate cafe where students, scholars, and bookworms take shelter year-round. There you may jumpstart your literary journey with a drawn-out cup of coffee, while examining the space oozing with artistic interest!  

Address: Stadiou 24, Athina
Telephone: 21 0321 7917
 
Free Thinking Zone

free thinking zone
@ephellas 
 
Where else will you find a cozy bookstore, gallery, and coffee shop all in one? Free Thinking Zone is all of the above and so much more. It is a place full of warmth and positive vibes where you can meet new people and share your ideas or spend some quiet time browsing the permanent and periodic book collections. A broad spectrum of events takes place at the bookstore, including book presentations and other cultural events.  

Address: Skoufa 64, Athina
Telephone: 21 0361 7461

 

 

A measure aimed at reducing traffic in downtown Athens, by which cars with license plates ending in an odd number can enter the city center on odd days of the month and those with even numbers on even days, came back into effect on Monday, October 10.

The so-called “Athens ring” (daktylios), which was suspended over the summer, is in force from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

The restrictions do not apply to low-emission vehicles. However, the owners of electric, natural gas, autogas, and hybrid vehicles, as well as and Euro 6 diesel cars that emit no more than 120g/km of carbon dioxide, must apply for a special exemption permit via a dedicated website (greek only).

Holders of exemptions from last year have up to 10 days to renew them, the Citizen Protection Ministry said.

Originally published on: keeptalkinggreece.com
The independent power transmission operator said that power generation from renewables fully covered Greece’s electricity demand over a few hours last week, for the first time in the history of the country’s electricity system.

Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) said on Monday that renewables accounted for 100% of the power generation for at least five hours last Friday, reaching a record high of 3,106 megawatts.

Like other European countries, Greece has cut its reliance on Russian gas following the war in Ukraine by increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. It has also boosted coal mining, pushing back its decarbonization plan.

The share of renewables from solar, wind, and hydro stood at 46% of the country’s power mix in the eight months to August this year, from 42% in the same period in 2021, according to Greece-based environmental think-tank The Green Tank.

Greece aims to attract about 30 billion of euros in European funds and private investments to upgrade its electricity grid and more than double its green energy capacity to account for at least 70% of its energy mix by 2030.

It plans to have 25 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity from about 10 gigawatts now but analysts say Athens might reach that target sooner.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Wednesday, 05 October 2022 10:51

Coeus (Afterlife) Live At Bolivar Beach Club

Sunday October 9 Bolivar and Blend present a sunset event with dj/producer Coeus. The Serbian artist with several releases in the top 100 charts -Afterlife, Atlant, Oddity, Moblack- and continuous support from Tale Of Us, Solomun, Dixon, Adriatique, ranks among the leading international acts. Accompanied by resident djs of Blend, Reign Of Time & Veki and Steph b2b Andianna, Spiros Pappas and Magda Kay.


coeus
Wednesday, 28 September 2022 13:40

FokiaNou Art Space - “What Defines Us”

What defines us? We are shaped by a web of events, moments and decisions. A trip down memory lane reveals precious stops, large and small, important and insignificant, intense and mild, which have left their imprint. A strong love and a loss that scarred us; a health issue we were called upon to fight; a problem that made us push our limits; an acquaintance that changed our daily lives; an unforgettable concert; a book we loved; an exhibition that inspired us; a film that changed the way we see the world around us: We grow with time, with successes and lost dreams, gathering experiences, music, art, travel, people, places, situations. In short, this is our story.

Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris, on the occasion of their 6-year anniversary as curators of FokiaNou Art Space, have invited 17 artists to participate in a group exhibition exploring what defines us.

Participating  artists:  Ines Benaki, John Bicknell, Mary Cox , Panajotis Daramaras, Sarah Ettlinger, Alexandros Georgiou, Marietta Kallona, Nina Kotamanidou, Kelly Koumarianou, Yorgos Kostakis, Despoina Pantazi, Dionisiοs Pappas, Lea Petrou, Geeta Roopnarine, Christina-Sylvia Simantira, Georgia Maggy Touliatou, Panagiotis Voulgaris.

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. Since 2016, under the direction and curatorship of visual artists Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris, over 50 exhibitions have been held, as well as workshops and talks.   www.fokianou247.gr

Opening:  Thursday, 6 October 18.00
Duration:   6 - 22 October, 2022
Hours:  Thursday – Saturday 17.00-20.00


More than 40 activities & 16 Olympic Sports
 
Navarino Challenge, Greece’s top sports tourism celebration with the best wellness program, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on October 21-23, 2022, hosting world class names in sports and more than 40 activities at Costa Navarino and Pylos.

This year’s Navarino Challenge will feature some of the greatest names in Greek Sports, who are honoring both the event and their long-term collaboration with the event’s Grand Sponsor, Stoiximan with their presence: 
  • The gold and bronze Olympic medalist, 3-time world champion and 6-time European champion in rings, Lefteris Petrounias
  • The gold Olympic medalist, world champion and European champion in long jump, Miltos Tentoglou 
  • The gold Olympic medalist in rowing, Stefanos Ntouskos
  • The gymnastics champion, Vasiliki Millousi, with three participations in the Olympic Games and many distinctions in world, European championships and in the Mediterranean Games
  • The Greek men’s national water polo team coach that won the silver medal at the Olympic Games, the top team in the world according to FINA and the top team in the the Panhellenic Sports Journalists Association (PSAT) awards in 2021, Thodoris Vlachos
  • EuroLeague Legend, Dimitris Diamantidis
  • The former international basketball champion and holder of European titles, Georgios Printezis
  • The world champion in track cycling, Christos Volikakis
  • The three-time bronze world champion in wrestling, Maria Prevolaraki
  • The silver world champion in swimming, Kristian Gkolomeev

Alongside them Nasos Ghavelas, Grigoris Polychronidis, Alexandros Nikolaidis, Periklis Iakovakis, Panagiotis Giannakis, Evina Maltsi, Joe Arlauckas, Michalis Triantafyllidis, Georgia Kaltsi, George Lazaridis, Grigoris Souvatzoglou, will be there and compose a unique team that will be united with the event’s participants on October 21-23.



Watch here the running routes of Navarino Challenge, along with all their technical characteristics.

Extensive schedule with numerous actions 

This year’s schedule will be the richest ever in the 10-year history of Navarino Challenge. People of all ages and abilities with the message “Sports Unites People” will join this celebration and enjoy unique activities such as:

  • Tennis demonstration by the wheelchair tennis player and member of the National team George Lazaridis powered by Miele
  • Basketball demonstration powered by Samsung by wheelchair players and members of the National team
  • 4on4 basketball tournament by Trace 'n Chase
  • Tennis Induction powered by Miele for ages 6–9 and 10–13 years old with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino 
  • Bike Tour at Voidokilia with the World Champion in Track Cycling Christos Volikakis powered by Stoiximan in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors
  • High intensity training for people of all ages by Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt
  • Kick boxing lessons powered by Samsung for people of all ages from the kick boxing champion, Alexandros Nikolaidis
  • Baby Swimming Lessons by Red Swim Academy & Swim O' Clock for children up to 3 years old with one parent 
  • Boxing lessons by Christos Gatsis and Vizantinos Target Sport Club
  • Spinning Challenge for people of all ages powered by Vikos with Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt
  • Pilates lessons from the team of the pilates instructor Mandy Persaki powered by Samsung
  • Yoga by Messinian Spa from FitnessArt
  • Men’s Round Robbin Tournament with UTS format powered by Miele with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Women’s Round Robbin Tournament with UTS format powered by Miele with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Sea Kayaking to the island of Sphacteria with the support of Explore Messinia
  • Gravel Bike Tour 30km at the Kalamaris Waterfall powered by Vikos in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors
  • Basketball lessons for children 5 to 16 years old with Dimitris Diamantidis and Georgios Printezis powered by Iroes, together with Evina Maltsi & Joe Arlauckas
  • Half day Kids Camp for children 5 to 15 years old with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Padel tournament powered by Stoiximan with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Beachathlon powered by Europa (Track and field games for parents & children 6 to 13 years old) by Olympian and European Champion Periklis Iakovakis
  • F45 Barrio Salamanca Heavy Cardio Workout by the F45 team together with Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt
  • Tsimikas Football Clinics for children 13-17 years & 5-12 years powered by Prosport
  • Climbing lessons with Christina Flampouri powered by The North Face, supported by Navarino Outdoors
  • King of the Court Women’s Beach Volley Tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena powered by Europa
  • King of the Court Men’s Beach Volley Tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena powered by Europa
  • King of the Court Mixed Beach Volley Tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena Mixed powered by Europa
  • Long jump with the gold Olympic medalist Miltos Tentoglou powered by Stoiximan
  • Golf lessons by Bombay Sapphire with the support of Navarino Golf Academy
  • Gymnastics by the gold and bronze Olympic medalist in rings Lefteris Petrounias powered by Stoiximan
  • Gymnastics by the champion Vasiliki Millousi powered by Iroes
  • Rowing lessons from the gold Olympic medalist in rowing Stefanos Ntouskos powered by Stoiximan with equipment from Concept2 
  • Freestyle wrestling lessons with the world champion Maria Prevolaraki powered by Stoiximan
  • “Feed the Fish” Golf Exhibition Game powered by Samsung
  • Swimming lessons from the silver world champion Kristian Gkolomeev powered by Stoiximan
  • Half marathon powered by Miele
  • 10km run powered by Stoiximan
  • 5km run powered by Samsung
  • 1km run powered by Vikos for children 10-14 years old & up to 9 years old

You can see here the event’s schedule.

Register now for the running activities (21.1km, 10km, 5km, 1km) through the following link.

For group registrations of 10 people or more, a 20% discount applies. For more information, please contact the event organizers.

Live the unique sports experience and stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

Enjoy a weekend with more than 40 activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with half board and live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070.
Check the accommodation packages here

Stoiximan is the event's Grand Sponsor.

Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for another year as its Official Technology Sponsor. 

Miele and Europa are the event’s Official Sponsors.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

Sixt of the Motodynamics group is the Premium Mobility Partner.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel and Bombay Sapphire are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.

Kois Optics are the event’s Official Optics Partner.

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.

Athens Medical Group is the Medical Partner. 

Pilia Express, the transportation company based in Pylos, Pylos-Nestor Municipality and Phee, are the event’s Partners.

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner. 

Concept2, Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak. 

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 

All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #10yearsNavarinoChallenge #eatwell #runwell #livewell

(photo by Angelos Zymaras @ Navarino Challenge) 

 

Thursday, 06 October 2022 07:00

How To Save The World: A Step-By-Step Guide

We open the news and “Oh no! Not again!” Another disaster, a pandemic, a war, a robbery, and a murder. I used to want to save the world, and now I don’t know how.

Research shows that we are living in the best time for humanity since the first appearance of the human species. This is not hearsay or some wishful thinking, surveys show that indeed the percentage of people living below the poverty line is lower than ever, child mortality, illiteracy, wars are drastically reduced, and more people than ever in history have access to basic goods, our life expectancy has increased, we suffer from less disease and have access to information, education and more freedom than man has ever known.

And although we have recently emerged from a pandemic and wars are raging around us, and environmental disasters continue to occur worldwide, the above statistics continue to apply. So why don’t we see it?

Media. We are bombarded daily with news and news, the vast majority of which are bad or at least disturbing. The wonderful everyday events are usually not even presented and there is a distorted picture of reality because this is what attracts attention.

We are led to believe that deep down the world is going to hell, and that is the widely held view. Our brains are tuned to be able to identify the views that agree with our pre-existing views. The system is called Reticular Activating System and if we have “set” it in this way, it will give us these results. If we feel unlucky, proof will come to us constantly that we are unlucky. If we believe we are not good at something, we will self-affirm. So if we believe that the world is headed for destruction, we will only listen to and process the information that confirms just that.

What cognitive errors intensify the problem in our minds?
  • Sadness/Apathy: man has an innate tendency to care and want to help his species, his fellow man, as Rutger Bregman really beautifully describes in his book “Humanity”. But when a man constantly receives messages that show him that bad things are happening around him, he may initially get angry and resist. Later, he sinks into sadness, and often apathy ensues. Apathy is a feeling of helplessness to do anything. This vicious circle robs us of the true power we have and is simply a wrong perspective.
  • “If I am responsible for everything, then it’s all my fault.” That’s not the case, we can’t feel bad about everything, good or bad our power is great but not that great.
  • I can’t change anything. Also not true. Each of us can actively help as a citizen, as a unit, as a friend, and influence the lives of those around us. Limiting beliefs like this sink us into a sense of helplessness.
  • Generalization of the feeling of helplessness in other areas of our life: “Since everything is bad, what do I want and do?”/ “It’s not a good time to change”/ “It’s not a time for dreams”. And our dreams are never present. There is a tendency to exaggerate what we observe as bad and a diminished belief in what we feel we can achieve.
To read this article in full, please visit: christinadrakopoulou.com


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I help outstanding individuals get unstuck from personal fears and limitations and fast-track to the life of their dreams. I specialize in the problems of modern life in urban environments: a job we do not love, dead-end relationships, lethargy, burnout, inability to live in stereotypes, excessive stress, a general feeling of “blockage”, “helplessness” and “entrapment”. For more information about me and my work visit my website.
Wednesday, 05 October 2022 16:33

ALAN CARR Live In Athens

Infectiously funny comedian and highly accomplished presenter Alan Carr, one of Britain’s most successful and treasured performers, is coming to Athens with his boundless energy and unique style of humour on Saturday 22nd October, at Parnassos Hall.

Alan’s back on the road with a brand-new stand-up show ‘Regional Trinket’. From the exhilarating high of his star-studded wedding day to the low of lockdown stuck on a farm, a lot has changed since Alan’s last tour four years ago, including Alan. Nowadays, it’s all about finding happiness and joy in the small things - why be a national treasure when you can be a Regional Trinket?!

Alan’s unique style of humour and effortless stage presence has made him one of Britain’s most successful and treasured comedians. With 16 series of Channel 4’s Chatty Man under his belt, Alan has won a multitude of awards including the publicly voted 2015 NTA and a prestigious BAFTA in 2013. Alan’s 2015 tour Yap, Yap, Yap saw him perform over 150 dates across the UK and Ireland culminating in the release of his DVD. His previous tour Spexy Beast Live was a 33-date arena tour. The DVD of Alan’s 2007 stand-up show, Tooth Fairy Live topped the HMV charts and was a Christmas 2007 top seller. He has also released two best-selling books Look Who It Is and Alanatomy.

Read more about Alan Carr's upcoming show HERE!
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 15:55

The Meet Market

130+1 events, 120+ vendors, 30+ new entries.

The Meet Market, Athens’s most colorful & nomadic pop-up market, returns for the 131st time on October 15 & 16 at Technopolis, City of Athens!

More than 120 designers, artists, small producers and collectors, of which 30 will participate for the first time (!), become nomads and leave their ateliers, shops and workshops to gather all together and take us through a tour of the creative side of modern Athens.

So, what can you expect to find at the Meet Market this October?

A collective of talented people, who dove head first into the world of entrepreneurship by creating their own brands, will present their fresh ideas through clothing, accessories, jewelry, art and home-deco items, wellness products, children’s products, organic food, vintage treasures and much more. Come browse, shop, mix, mingle and have a bite at one of our tasty street & drink food stalls featuring various ethnic foods, beers from local microbreweries and boozy cocktails that hit the spot!

Standing by the motto “First we Meet, then we Market”, we’ve got more than retail therapy on the agenda.  Get your groove on with back to back DJ sets from our beloved local DJs.  Bring your kids to play, learn and participate in educational activities completely free of charge.  And don’t leave the market without making a visit to the Central Cash/Info point, where we’ve got loads of goodies to give away including pins, posters and the ultimate Grand Raffle prize where 3 lucky winners will each will take home 1 huge basket full of products from our roster of makers!

Learn more about Meet Market's full schedule of events here


Screenshot 2022 10 05 3.59.13 PM

Hard Rock Cafe Athens is actively supporting the 23rd annual Hard Rock International's PINKTOBER campaign raising awareness of the breast cancer effort.

Hard Rock Cafes, hotels and casinos around the world operate for the benefit of the American Cancer Society, while here in Greece we will be collaborating for another year with Alma Zois presenting unique actions during the month of October.

This year, Hard Rock is teaming up with world-renowned French Chef and breast cancer survivor, Dominique Crenn, who is currently the only female chef in the United States to attain three Michelin Stars for her restaurant Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco, California. In partnership with Crenn, Hard Rock Cafe will create a limited-time menu item, exclusively available at Hard Rock Cafes, with a portion of proceeds donated to local charities around the globe.

In collaboration with Crenn, Hard Rock will create and offer a special limited edition dish, the Baja Style Shrimp Tacos exclusively available at all Hard Rock Cafes around the world, with a significant amount of the proceeds being donated to Alma Zois.

Hard Rock International is offering uniquely designed, limited-edition merchandise in support of breast cancer awareness and research, which includes a PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt and a newly designed PINKTOBER pin. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a percentage of all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.


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