XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Thursday, 09 November 2017 09:29

Athens’ EMST To Be Fully Operational In 2018

The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) located in the heart of Athens will be fully operational next year, its director Katerina Koskina recently announced at a press conference.

Construction on the former 1950s brewery to transform it into an 18,142m2 museum space started some 11 years ago. The legal procedures however have still not been completed, resulting in its losing a significant grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and being unable to open fully to the public. But now, the museum’s regulatory framework is in place with 58 employees and all debts settled. That means that it can re-apply for the SNF donation and the museum can be put into full operation.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
 
Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages
Ryanair has recently launched a new flight connecting Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Airport with Naples, Italy, twice a week for the winter season.

The low-cost carrier is currently flying from Thessaloniki to 14 destinations in Europe, including Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Memmingen, Baden Baden and Dortmund in Germany.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
They are clowns, performers, musicians, dancers, play workers and play specialists - And their focus is to bring play to refugee families living in harsh conditions across Europe. In this video, Ash and his team travel to refugee camps in Greece and beyond to make the “kids feel good, feel daft, and feel playful.” Something so simple can bring so much joy!



Source: BBC Three
Monday, 06 November 2017 08:04

Mid-Season Sales Until November 15th

Fall sales have officially started in Greece, running from November 1st through November 15th, 2017. 

According to legislation, regional authorities are allowed to determine when they want to hold the discounted shopping period, meaning that places such as Evros, Rodopi, the islands of the Dodecanese and part of Iraklio in Crete have set different dates for their autumn sales. In Thessaloniki, meanwhile, the sales period will be shorter, from this Wednesday until Friday, November 10.

 
To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini
Thursday, 02 November 2017 09:08

Greece In The Winter

The tireless Mediterranean sun doesn’t stop to rest even in winter. In Greece, the light warms up the landscapes, people and the chilliest spirit even on the frostiest days of winter. These clear bright days are so beautiful that the Greeks call them ‘the joy of God.’

Discover Greece shares the best destinations to experience winter in Greece, as well as tips to make your winter holiday extra special. From ski resorts to archaeological sites, Greece is still a magical country to visit in the winter months.

During your winter holidays in Greece, wear your warmest clothes and visit one or several of the many winter destinations you’ll find on the map – the famous mountain villages in the north or the Peloponnese. Walk down their cobbled lanes and admire their traditional architecture. In your comfy B&B or cosy taverna, seated by the fire, you’ll find that Greece’s classic products – cheeses, hand-kneaded bread, olives, extra-virgin olive oil – taste even better than in the city.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece
 
Photo Credit: Discover Greece
Thursday, 02 November 2017 08:45

Chasing Cats All Over Athens

While exploring Athens, Travel on the Brain blogger visits the popular historical sights of the city, but while doing so, she is surprised to find so many cats! That led her to creating a fun game of 'counting cats' and seeing a different side of Athens. Follow Travel on the Brain's time in Athens and see how many cats she finds!

Tuesday, 31 October 2017 09:33

Mikres Kyklades - From Island To Table

Born and raised on Schinoussa island, Antonis Kovaios came to Athens when he was 12 years old, returning to Schinoussa every year for holidays. After opening a successful beach bar in 1995 on Schinoussa, Antonis expanded his culinary dreams into Athens, and in 2005 opened Mikres Kyklades (Small Cyclades) in Ilioupoli. Culinary Backstreets tells Antonis’ story of how he incorporated his island upbringing to his Small Cyclades-inspired taverna in the city.

“Just like the seafood tavernas on the islands, Mikres Kyklades is small, warm and simple. Besides the white tablecloths (you’ll find disposable table covers at most island tavernas), the only other sign that you’re not on an island is the restaurant’s location on a quiet, residential street – nowhere near the sea.”

“Antonis is almost always there, with an islander’s smile on his face and a permanent suntan, making sure everything runs smoothly. In the kitchen, you’ll find Stavros Spanelis in charge; another inspired islander (this time from Lesvos), Stavros shares Antonis’s obsession with high-quality and fresh ingredients.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets

Photo Credit: Culinary Backstreets
Over the last year, Athens has been preparing for changes to the public transportation system, most notably the transition from paper tickets to modern electronic tickets. With the new system, the paper tickets will be replaced by paper and plastic smartcards. Starting from November 1st, paper tickets will no longer be available. Please note that as of now, fare prices will stay the same.


Electronic Cards

There are 3 new types of transport tickets:
  • The Ath.ena Ticket - Paper and rechargeable. Can be bought at every Athens transport ticket office or on the automatic ticket machines. Rechargeable at ticket offices and automatic ticket machines.

  • The personalized Ath.ena Card — Plastic and rechargeable w/ card holder’s photo and name. Can be bought from certain Athens transport ticket offices. You can recharge your personalized Ath.ena Card at Athens transport ticket offices, automatic ticket machines, as well as online through a phone or tablet with NFC technology.

  • The anonymous Ath.ena Card - Plastic and rechargeable. Can be bought from every Athens Transport ticket office. Rechargeable at ticket offices and automatic ticket machines.

After October 30th, passengers wishing to avoid the long lines may apply for a Personalized Ath.ena Card and receive it at home. To do so, the following documents are needed:

  • Recent photo, the same type as those used for Greek passports or Greek police IDs

  • A photocopy of an official document showing their AMKA health insurance number

  • A photocopy of their current OASA-issued transport card along with the current paid coupon for October, or a previous month within 2017

  • A printout of their online application and QR code issued through the Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) Site: www.athenacard.gr

On the unsealed envelope, you must include your name and address of preference (home, work) where the e-card should be sent. Please include the postal code. Envelope can be dropped off at any subway station during hours of service.

Please click HERE for more information on how to use the new electronic ticket/card system.

Sources: Tornos NewsAthens Transport

 
Please click HERE for more information regarding the following:
  • Getting to/from Athens International Airport
  • City buses and trolleys
  • Athens Metro
  • Athens Tram
  • Athens Suburban Railway
Doing research on how economic inequality threatens democracy and if America was really at risk of becoming an oligarchy, a journalist for The Guardian opened a book about Classical Greek Oligarchy. While reading, he learns about the ancient Greek world, the division of oligarchs, and the development of institutions.

“One of the primary threats to oligarchy was that the oligarchs would become divided, and that one from their number would defect, take leadership of the people, and overthrow the oligarchy.”

“To prevent this occurrence, ancient Greek elites developed institutions and practices to keep themselves united. Among other things, they passed sumptuary laws, preventing extravagant displays of their wealth that might spark jealousy, and they used the secret ballot and consensus building practices to ensure that decisions didn’t lead to greater conflict within their cadre."

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian
The Athens Ring is back in service from Monday, September 30, 2019, to Friday, July 17, 2020. The Athens Ring or 'Daktylios' in Greek is a specified area in central Athens controlled by an odd/even traffic system to curb traffic congestion and pollution in the center of the city
 
Essentially, private vehicles and trucks are alternately allowed in the center of Athens depending on the current date and the last digit of their registration plate. For example, cars whose registration plates end in an odd number will be allowed in the center of the city on the odd days of the month and vice versa.
 
The measure is implemented from Monday to Thursday from 07:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Fridays from 07:00 am to 3:00 pm.
 
The Athens Ring is indicated with a ‘Δ’ street sign and is bordered by the following streets: L. Alexandras, Zaharof, L. Mesogeion, Fidippidou, Michalakopoulou, Spyrou Merkouri, Vryaxidos, Ymittou, Ilia Iliou, Amvrosiou Frantzi, L. Syggrou, Hamosternas, Peiraios, Iera Odos, L. Konstantinoupoleos, Achilleos, Plateia Karaiskaki, Karolou, Marni, 28 Oktovriou (Patission), L. Alexandras.


Click Here To Read More About The Athens Ring 
Page 251 of 437