COMMUNITY CORNER
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 12 June 2018 10:43
Loving Life In Greece - Creative Careers & Animal Rescue
Claire Lloyd and Matthew Usmar Lauder live their lives between London, Sydney and the Greek island of Lesvos where they have created a charming home in the village of Skalochori. Both are creatives. Claire is an author, photographer, creative director, and a creator of nurturing spaces. Matthew is a painter and creator of three-dimensional art, exhibiting in Sydney and London.
The couple fell in love in the village of Skalochori thirteen years ago and renovated an old house in the middle of the village. Both are passionate animal lovers and when they moved to Greece they rescued a beautiful tortoiseshell cat and called her Sweetie. And so began a new phase of their lives devoted to helping animals in need.
Many unwanted dogs in Greece are dumped on the streets and cats are also left to their own devices to survive. Claire and Matthew were touched by the plight of these animals and began to rescue the dogs and cats they found. So far they have rescued more than 70 dogs and many, many cats - at the moment they are feeding about 50 cats every day (including their own house cats).
Rescuing animals is very rewarding and while this could be a full-time career for both of them, Claire and Matthew are still fully engaged with their creative careers and frequently travel to London and Sydney from Greece. That’s all fine if they can travel separately, but they also need (and want) to travel together sometimes.
The couple used to rely on local friends to help out with their animals but, as time went on, this became more and more complicated, so they turned to TrustedHousesitters.com. TrustedHousesitters works by pairing home and pet owners with caring, verified sitters who move into their homes to care for their animals while they are away. The owner gets the reassurance of knowing that their house and pet family are being well cared for, while the sitter gets an unforgettable and authentic travel experience. At TrustedHousesitters, Claire and Matthew found caring sitters who understand the needs of their pets and also respect their home and appreciate having a taste of a different life in Greece.
Exclusive 50% off Membership for Xpat Athens Readers
Use code ATHENSPET at the TrustedHousesitters.com checkout.
Claire says, “We have a number of permanent pets who live with us in the house. They include our gorgeous Nellie, who was our first rescue dog and used to live alone in the countryside chained to a barrel. She was very traumatised when she first came to us and now needs to be cared for by animal lovers.”
“TrustedHousesitters is perfect because it fits with our needs. It is essential that we have sitters who really care about animals and want to have a travel experience which is different. Living in a small Greek village, in the winter for example, is not for everyone,” adds Matthew.
“We always make it really clear to people applying for a sit that they will be experiencing Greek life in a small, simple village and that if they come in the winter, the weather can be challenging as well. Being honest with each other is essential to getting the right fit with a sitter. We’ve been very fortunate and have had some wonderful people to stay. Our last couple said that their time in our home had been life changing. That is so rewarding for me as a creator of nurturing spaces. I believe that life is about being able to move to be creative whenever you feel that you need to be renewed. You should never be afraid of change and of taking on new challenges,” Claire concludes.
Since launching in 2010, the site has arranged more than two million nights of house and pet sitting globally, saving its members more than half a billion dollars in accommodation and pet care costs.
Unlike a home rental, no money changes hands. Unlike a house swap, there is no need to have someone stay in your home if you simply want to travel as a sitter. All arrangements are made through trust, with members building their trust profiles through references, recommendations and police background checks. The site has more five-star reviews than any other travel or pet company on TrustPilot.
Claire Lloyd, author of My Greek Island Home published by Penguin Lantern.
http://www.clairelloyd.com
Instagram @clairelloydloves & @mygreekislandhome
Claire Lloyd, author of My Greek Island Home published by Penguin Lantern.
http://www.clairelloyd.com
Instagram @clairelloydloves & @mygreekislandhome
My Greek Island Home: www.bookdepository.com and www.wordery.com
Matthew Usmar Lauder
http://www.matthewusmarlauder.com
Instagram @offthebrush
About TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters was founded in 2010 by Andy Peck and Rachel Martin and is based in Brighton, England. It is now the world’s largest house sitting business with more five-star reviews than any other travel or pet company on TrustPilot, facilitating more than two million nights of house and pet sitting globally, and saving its members more than half a billion dollars in accommodation and pet care costs since its inception.
Its community, which is nearly half a million strong, is spread across more than 130 countries.
Membership to TrustedHousesitters is available for €89 per year, in return for which members can find unlimited free house sitters or unlimited free house sits all over the world. Because no money changes hands between owners and sitters the business has one of the strongest and most trusted reputations in travel.
Image Credits:
Matthew Usmar Lauder
http://www.matthewusmarlauder.com
Instagram @offthebrush
About TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters was founded in 2010 by Andy Peck and Rachel Martin and is based in Brighton, England. It is now the world’s largest house sitting business with more five-star reviews than any other travel or pet company on TrustPilot, facilitating more than two million nights of house and pet sitting globally, and saving its members more than half a billion dollars in accommodation and pet care costs since its inception.
Its community, which is nearly half a million strong, is spread across more than 130 countries.
Membership to TrustedHousesitters is available for €89 per year, in return for which members can find unlimited free house sitters or unlimited free house sits all over the world. Because no money changes hands between owners and sitters the business has one of the strongest and most trusted reputations in travel.
Exclusive 50% off Membership for Xpat Athens Readers
Use code ATHENSPET at the TrustedHousesitters.com checkout.
Image Credits:
Photo of Claire Lloyd by Carla Coulson
All other images have been provided by Claire Lloyd
Published in
People
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Thursday, 07 June 2018 07:00
First Heat Wave Of The Season- Recommended Precautionary Measures
The first heat wave of the year is officialy upon us! According to weather forecasts, temperatures will rise up to 38 degrees Celsius in Athens during the week of June 5, 2018 and 34-37 degrees in various parts of Greece.
Although weather like this perfectly resembles Greek summer and tempts us to a quick refreshing escape to the beach, precautionary measures are advised by the Ministry of Public Health.
Since such high temperatures can cause headaches, tiredness, high blood pressure and even fainting, it is recommended for all people to visit a hospital immediately in case similar symptoms appear in severe form. However, light clothing, using ice to cool down and frequent cold showers can help keep the body within normal temperatures.
Since such high temperatures can cause headaches, tiredness, high blood pressure and even fainting, it is recommended for all people to visit a hospital immediately in case similar symptoms appear in severe form. However, light clothing, using ice to cool down and frequent cold showers can help keep the body within normal temperatures.
In order to avoid dangerous overheating, it is also advised for everyone to avoid or limit sun exposure, heavy physical exercise, seek shady places, use hats and umbrellas and most importantly stay hydrated!
Especially for elders and anyone with heart and other medical conditions, immediate medical help should be considered necessary in order to prevent symptoms caused by the high temperatures and receive help regarding any potential changes in medicine doses.
Stay cool and stay safe, everyone!
Originally posted on Kathimerini
Stay cool and stay safe, everyone!
Originally posted on Kathimerini
Translated by XpatAthens
Published in
Local News
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Wednesday, 06 June 2018 18:51
Reverend Billy And The Stop Shopping Choir
In an intriguing event both at St. Paul's Anglican Church, as well as Syntagma Square, Reverend Billy wishes to spread an enlightening message after realizing a long time ago that the world needs saving from consumerism and to that end he founded the Church of Stop Shopping in New York.
Together with the members of the Stop Shopping Choir he preaches and sings against the alienation of our capitalist societies, joining local activist groups, preaching on the streets, as well as inviting the audience to gospel shows on stages and museums around the world.
Bill Talen is not only a renowned performer and activist – he has protested against neoliberalism, consumerism, Trump’s pipeline plans and climate change – but was also the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of New York.
The Church of Stop Shopping will come on a pilgrimage from New York to Athens to listen to and connect with the current social and political situation in Greece. The choir will perform together with local artists both in public spaces and on stage, seeking an analogy between Athens and New York – both pre- and post-crisis.
Time Schedule:
- St. Paul's Anglican Church from July 9th to July 11th at 19:00
- Syntagma Square from July 12th to July 13th at 19:00
Together with the members of the Stop Shopping Choir he preaches and sings against the alienation of our capitalist societies, joining local activist groups, preaching on the streets, as well as inviting the audience to gospel shows on stages and museums around the world.
Bill Talen is not only a renowned performer and activist – he has protested against neoliberalism, consumerism, Trump’s pipeline plans and climate change – but was also the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of New York.
The Church of Stop Shopping will come on a pilgrimage from New York to Athens to listen to and connect with the current social and political situation in Greece. The choir will perform together with local artists both in public spaces and on stage, seeking an analogy between Athens and New York – both pre- and post-crisis.
Time Schedule:
- St. Paul's Anglican Church from July 9th to July 11th at 19:00
- Syntagma Square from July 12th to July 13th at 19:00
Published in
Performing Arts
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Thursday, 07 June 2018 07:00
US Ambassador Pyatt Promotes American Tourism In Greece
In his message to Americans encouraging them to travel to Greece, US Ambassador Pyatt reflects on his travels and shares his favorite places to go, what to experience, and to explore the lesser-known parts of the country.
"Over the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure to explore Greece, from its cities to its islands, from its mountains to its archaeological sites and cultural gems."
"Reflecting on my travels in Greece, here’s my advice to Americans: dive deep into Greece and let yourself be amazed by the options available. We learn from a young age that Greece is the birthplace of democracy, the cradle of western civilization, and so many people plan their whole lives to go to the Acropolis and the various monuments in Athens that record the birth of democracy. Do not miss them, but I would encourage you to venture further, to visit ancient Dodoni or ancient Olympia, just a couple of the dozens of UNESCO world heritage sites in Greece that are still largely undiscovered by American tourists."
"I also advise Americans to expand their horizons beyond the customary island stops like Mykonos and Santorini. They are incredible places for a holiday, but many of Greece’s lesser-known islands, like Syros, Naxos, Andros or Chios, will also take your breath away."
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Online
Published in
Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 05 June 2018 18:01
Lecture On The Ceramic Sidelight About The Archaeology Of Cyprus In The Roman Period
The Danish Institute at Athens is pleased to invite you to a fascinating lecture in English by John Lund, Senior Researcher at the National Museum of Denmark.
The main aim of this event is to contradict the theory that the distinctive "Cypriot character" has been deluded, especially after the political union of the island by the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Romans.
Based on the ceramic evidence and distribution of local and imported pottery in Cyrpus, a continued existence of regional exchange networks during Roman times is indicated.
The paper will continue with what some might imply is actually an early sign of globalization, that being the engulfment of the island by mass produced and standardized ceramic fine wares from the 1st centrury BC onwards, putting the indigenous makers of such products out of business.
The experienced researcher will conclude with a fresh look at the period when ceramic fine wares were scarce, in an attempt to explain this intriguin phenomenon.
Published in
Art
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Tuesday, 05 June 2018 07:00
Greece's Bathing Waters Are Among The Cleanest In Europe
According to the latest annual bathing water quality report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Commission, Greece ranked 4th in Europe for having 95% or more of "excellent" quality bathing waters. This means that Greece's bathing waters were free of pollutants that can be harmful to a person's health and the environment.
Based on information from 2017, 95.9% of the 1,598 sites that were assessed in Greece reached "excellent" quality. Luxembourg ranked first, Malta second, Cyprus third, and Austria fifth.
Nearly all bathing water sites (over 21,000) monitored in Europe met the minimum quality requirements under EU rules according to the report.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 04 June 2018 18:08
European Music Day At The Athens Concert Hall
For the past 36 years, European Music Day has united millions of people through thousands of events in over 700 cities.
The Athens Concert Hall participates once again with a mosaic of musicians and ensembles, and many different kinds of music.
Enjoy a fantastic summer night full of music and culture at the our garden venue, right in the heart of Athens.
Performing artists include:
- Camerata Junior – The Friends of Music Youth Orchestra
- The Athens State Orchestra
- ‘Nikolaos Lavdas’ Athenian Mandolin Orchestra
-
Yanna Vasileiou and Band
Published in
Music
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Monday, 04 June 2018 17:42
S/S Apoikia By Vangelis Artemis
At the Cheapart artist-run gallery space, the latest work of Vangelis Artemis is a series of wooden sculptures and also drawings which visually render the precariousness of the social self, caught between the gravity that defines us and the anticipation of overcoming it, between the need to belong and our existential homelessness, between the desire for setting sail and our longing for rest.
A sculptural installation that invokes the modernist idiom via a reference to the ghost ship from Yannis Scarimbas' "Figaro's Solo", using a similarly melancholy, yet playful, mood to reflect the unfulfilled vision of a utopian world.
The improvised flight from relentless reality but also its perpetual procrastination make up the space of the game. Materiality in a suspended state conjures a passageway, which is the artistic activity itself.
Time schedule:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 18:00 pm - 21:00 pm
- Saturday 13:00 pm - 16:00 pm
The improvised flight from relentless reality but also its perpetual procrastination make up the space of the game. Materiality in a suspended state conjures a passageway, which is the artistic activity itself.
Time schedule:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 18:00 pm - 21:00 pm
- Saturday 13:00 pm - 16:00 pm
Published in
Art
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Monday, 04 June 2018 07:00
These Cities Around The World Created Their Own Versions Of Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is unique in that there are not many places in the world where you can enjoy clear waters while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano in the middle of the sea. Because Santorini has such a strong brand and presence in Greece and abroad, places like Turkey, Latin America, and South Korea have created their own cities to emulate the Greek island.
For example, in the Turkish town of Izmir, Park Life Santorini occupies an area of 21,000 square meters and borrows features from Santorini, like the windmill. Some critics say its features resemble Mykonos or Holland, rather than Santorini.
Located in Uruguay, is the "Santorini of Latin America." The Casapueblo, a magical sculptured hotel and museum, sits on a high rocky point jutting over the sparkling water of Punta Ballena, Uruguay. The Cycladic-inspired architecture and Punta Ballena's stunning sunset is what gives the Casapueblo a Santorini-feel.
To read this article in full, along with pictures, please visit: Greek Reporter
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Published in
International Travel
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Monday, 08 July 2019 07:00
The First Mobile Laundry Aims To Help Homeless Population In Athens
In response to Athens' increasing number of homeless and refugee population, a group of volunteers has created the first mobile laundry van, called the 'mobile street laundrette.' By washing clothes, the mobile laundry's goal is to improve the life conditions and self-esteem of about 20,000 homeless people living in Athens. The mobile street laundrette goes out 5 days a week and so far, has washed 42 tons of clothes!
Our goal is to help homeless people to find their Ithaca. We aim at increasing the level of social integration of the homeless population, whose number has increased significantly in the last few years due to the socio-economic crisis. Given the lack of adequate hygiene services for the homeless, we decided to create a mobile laundry. Through our free provision of services, we intend to improve the hygiene conditions of homeless people, as well as to restore their dignity and self-esteem.
Since April 2016 we have been providing social services with dedication in order to ensure proper hygiene conditions for people in need. The main goal of our work is the social reintegration of individuals from vulnerable population groups. Through the operation of the mobile laundry at different but stable spots in Athens and Piraeus we are able to provide hygiene services to the homeless, so as to restore their dignity and self-esteem. Alongside, since January 2017 we have created part-time jobs for people from vulnerable social groups. By employing them for a specific time period and providing them with certain skills, such as work, counseling and guidance, we aim at their reintegration in both work and social life.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please click here.
Published in
Videos
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