LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Monday, 06 July 2020 13:04
How To Break Bad Habits
All of us, young and old, have many positive habits. We are happy and proud, and we actively promote them, especially to our children. At the same time, though, we also have "bad habits"; habits that we don't want anyone to know about, not our friends, not our acquaintances, not our partners, and especially not our children. Some of these "bad" habits are minor, while others are dangerous for ourselves and those around us. From the most common, "I throw my dirty clothes on the floor and forget to pick them up" to "I'm addicted to alcohol, but I don't admit it."
Most of us understand what we need to change to be happier, improve our relationship with our family, or have a better job. The problem is that we believe we need hard work and a strong will to achieve this. And that's where we stop. The key here is to work smarter but not necessarily harder. In other words, we need to create the circumstances that will help us bring the desired outcome again and again, so it becomes habitual.
How do we do that? By creating a different and engaging routine. That's the secret to changing our "bad" behaviors. A routine is a sequence of actions that gives us a "reward" that makes us feel better. For example, every Friday after work, I go home, put on my pj's, lay on the couch, eat crisps, and watch a movie. Or every morning, I unlock my car, open the driver's door, put my things on the back seat, put my seatbelt on, put my foot on the brake, the key to the engine, and start. My mind has stored this sequence of actions and repeats it precisely every time (routine). This sequence applies to both good and bad habits.
It is necessary to make changes in our environment to be able to encourage more good habits. For example, to take care of your diet, prepare a plate of fresh fruit, and empty your cupboards of crisps. To reduce smoking, it helps to create obstacles that make it harder for us to buy cigarettes. By working smartly and enthusiastically, we can change our habits.
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Mind
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Wednesday, 08 July 2020 05:20
Spyros Gianniotis & The European Swimming Elite At The Authentic Swimming Marathon
Days are counting down for the historic race The Authentic Marathon Swim, which revives at Artemision 2,500 years later. Following the example of Skylias and Hydna, the first ever-recorded long-distance swimmers according to ancient Greek historian Herodotus, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the authentic marathon swimming route, on September 4-6, 2020.
The noteworthy event will be honored by the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion in open water swimming, and a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. Prominent personalities of international swimming will take part in The Authentic Swimming Marathon. Among them, the Hungarian ultra-marathon swimmer, Oceans Seven holder and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Attila Manyoki, European champion George Arniakos, Greek champions Dimitris Negris, Andreas Georgakopoulos, Stellina Aplanti, Ilektra Lebl, the swimming champion George Skotadis who competes wearing the colors of the Dutch national team, English Channel marathon swimmer Giannis Kotsiopoulos and swimming champion Nikolaos Simantiras.
In the context of his presence at the event, the silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis, stated: “Marathon swimming is once again at the forefront with a historic race. Through our presence, we honor history by reviving the legendary achievements of Skylias and Hydna at the straits of Artemision. I call on all swimmers, regardless of their level and ability, to embrace this effort and experience the legend, while safely enjoying the blue-green waters of Northern Evia”.
Respectively, the Hungarian ultra-marathon swimmer, Attila Manyoki stated on the occasion of his participation in the race: “Open water is my passion. I must fight against nature and also my inner fears and limits. The sea is open to everybody. The only thing that is important is how much you want it. It’s an ancient sport with 2,500 years of history that revives in this event. I will jump in the sea and follow its tradition and great history”.
In the afternoon of Saturday, September 5, the action will begin with the 3km and 1.5km open water swimming races. Respectively, on the morning of Sunday, September 6, the event will culminate with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route, while at the same time the 800m children’s race will be taking place. All swimming routes will be executed with absolute safety at Pefki, Evia, of the Municipality of Istiaia - Edipsos. The Authentic Marathon Swim will be held with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations.
Entries for the event are underway and interested parties can participate by completing the available form. The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until July 31.
Entries for the event are underway and interested parties can participate by completing the available form. The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until July 31.
To register please click here.
Accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos The Authentic Swimming Marathon collaborates with hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is supported with special offers and prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Aenaon Studios, Aktaion Hotel, Alex Spa Hotel, Arethousa Hotel, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Irene Studios, Island, Kochili Apartments, Lito Hotel, Papadioti Apartments.
For special offers and accommodation packages click here.
The Authentic Marathon Swim remains in contact with the state bodies. With its main priority on ensuring public health, organizers work for the event’s smooth and safe operation.
The event will be co-organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos and Active Media Group.
The Authentic Marathon Swim has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.
The event has joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).
Official Clothing Partner: Luanvi
Official Sports Supplier: Mosconi
Official Rental Partner: Avance
Athletic Partners: Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Swimmingclub.gr
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol
Sports Production: Active Media Group
Hashtag: #authenticmarathonswim
Photo Credit: Elias Lefas
Photo Credit: Elias Lefas
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Local News
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Wednesday, 12 August 2020 03:14
Celebrating August 15th At Limani Restaurant
Are you stuck in Greece over the summer? Located in close proximity to Athens, fish restaurant To Limani combines an idyllic setting with mesmerizing sea views, creating the feeling of being on an island! The seaside route to the restaurant, across the entire Athenian Riviera, will enchant you, offering peace and serenity – a much-needed escape from the chaotic city. A restaurant worth a visit to enjoy both a delicious meal with excellent seafood and stunning vistas.
To Limani is a traditional fish restaurant in Palaia Fokaia - one of the oldest in the area. You will always find the freshest fish and seafood at the best prices, and you will have the chance to enjoy its delicious delicacies while savoring the sunset. For those who have not visited yet, there are lots of reasons to do so, for instance, the great variety of premium Mediterranean flavors and the friendly service of its staff. The aim of the Kopsolemis family is for every visitor to leave satisfied. Its people carry the "baton of taste" from generation to generation, since 1980 at the picturesque harbor of Palaia Fokaia.
To Limani is a traditional fish restaurant in Palaia Fokaia - one of the oldest in the area. You will always find the freshest fish and seafood at the best prices, and you will have the chance to enjoy its delicious delicacies while savoring the sunset. For those who have not visited yet, there are lots of reasons to do so, for instance, the great variety of premium Mediterranean flavors and the friendly service of its staff. The aim of the Kopsolemis family is for every visitor to leave satisfied. Its people carry the "baton of taste" from generation to generation, since 1980 at the picturesque harbor of Palaia Fokaia.
All dishes are accompanied by fresh and local ingredients, herbs, and vegetables, selected daily from the owners' orchard or local producers, a fact confirmed while tasting fresh, local fish, as well as a variety of Mediterranean & Greek cuisine.
Location: Aghias Eirinis 1, Palaia Fokaia - 52nd km Athens - Souniou Avenue, Palaia Fokaia, Attica
Tel: 22910 41052
For more information click here.
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
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Tuesday, 07 July 2020 17:42
Amorgos Island To Star In A New Film
On June 22, the Cycladic island of Amorgos welcomed the cast and crew of a new German-Greek-Italian production, who will spend 3 weeks shooting a film adaptation of the best-selling German novel, Daughters by Lucy Fricke. The German press has described the book as a "road movie in book form, so comic and touching that you burst at once into laughter and tears."
Until the end of the 1980s, the Cycladic island of Amorgos was a pretty much unknown destination that mostly attracted alternative travelers. But then in 1988, Luc Besson's mesmerizing film The Big Blue put Amorgos on the map, and travelers began to seek out the beautiful places they had seen in the movie.
Despite its sudden rise to fame, Amorgos did not succumb to mass tourism, managed to maintain its identity, and still attracts alternative and bohemian crowds.
The film of the book Daughters is "the first international production to begin shooting in Europe after the pandemic, with a film crew traveling across borders," said Greek co-producer Giorgos Karnavas. "Our cast and crew were among the island's first, if not its first, visitors this summer and the locals were very excited to see us. Amorgos was, in fact, one of the first film-friendly locations in Greece, though admittedly Greek local communities are generally more than happy to host film crews and always eager to help."
The film which will be released under a different title recounts the story of 2 childhood friends, Martha and Betty, who set off from Germany to a Swiss assisted suicide clinic. Traveling with them in the back seat is the terminally ill father of one of the women who wished to end his life. However, the trip will take some surprising turns, leading them to explore Greece and their own families and sense of identity.
On July 13, a French-Greek co-production called On Sourit Pour La Photo will begin filming on the island of Aegina and the Athenian Riviera. Finally, in early September, Swedish Palm d'Or winner Ruben Östlund has also picked Greece to shoot a large part of his new film Triangle of Sadness.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
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Local News
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Tuesday, 07 July 2020 14:53
Great Educational YouTube Channels For Kids
Weird as it may seem, YouTube can be an excellent learning resource for children; in fact, the internet is brim-full with videos that teach and enlighten children. There's so much content on YouTube, that it can be difficult to discover the best kid-friendly, educational channels. Luckily, we are here to help you find the right YouTube channel, where children can get homework help, creatively pass the time, or even learn a new skill. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Alphablocks
1. Alphablocks
Alphablocks are a set of 26 animated alphabet blocks that discover the magic that happens whenever they hold hands to make a word. Alphablocks have already helped hundreds of thousands of children learn to read and bring phonics to life for anyone wanting to learn how to spell in English.
Category: Academic Learning
Ages: PreK-K
2. National Geographic Kids
The National Geographic Kids channel is a fun and educational way to explore the world with a long list of weird, wild, and wacky videos! Here, curious kids will discover awesome animals, cool science, funny pets, and more, so pick a topic you love and start watching with your child today!
Category: Academic Learning
Ages: Grades 1 to 6
The Cosmic Kids Yoga channel teaches yoga and promotes mindfulness and relaxation for kids. Cosmic Kids Yoga is full of interactive video adventures that aim to build strength, balance, confidence, and awareness early.
Category: Fitness & Wellness
Ages: PreK to Grade 6
The lead narrator and writer of this YouTube channel is a homeschool dad-thus the name Homeschool Pop (dad). Homeschool Pop's purpose is to make fun, exciting learning videos for elementary students. The channel covers a wide variety of topics, from math to science and gardening to languages.
Category: Academic Learning
Ages: K to about Grade 4
If your kids love cooking and are old enough to get into the kitchen, visit Messy Hands – Kids Cooking, a YouTube channel that teaches easy breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes.
Category: Crafts & Hobbies
Ages: Grades 1 to 6
Published in
Kids Life
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Tuesday, 30 June 2020 14:02
Avgi – The Girl That Turned A Butchery Shop Into The Hippest Vegan Athenian Hotspot
Avgi grew up in Athens, studied Linguistics on Rhodes island and Bucharest. When she was a little girl, she had two passions; foreign languages and coffee. Her dad bought an espresso coffee machine for our home with a book full of coffee recipes, which triggered her curiosity and passion for preparing coffee for others.
As Avgi got older, she started working in coffee businesses, learning more about the world and the art of coffee. As much as she loved her studies, Avgi didn't see herself pursuing a career in linguistics, so she moved to London to work in hospitality and specifically in, of course, coffee.
5 Things To Know About Avgi
• Optimistic
• Communicative
• Honest (literally she cannot lie for a damn thing)
• Patient
• Sleepaholic
• Communicative
• Honest (literally she cannot lie for a damn thing)
• Patient
• Sleepaholic
I did thorough research in London to learn the craft of coffee from the best in the city, which led me to Campbell & Syme. They offered me a job, and I was lucky to learn from such knowledgeable, passionate, professional, and kind-hearted people. They taught me the art of coffee, but they also allowed me to taste entrepreneurship by giving me a manager position after some time. They have been my biggest mentors and the catalysts for me to start my own business. We are still great friends with the guys. After two and a half years working in London, my boyfriend and I decided it was time to leave the big city and travel. Simon and I went with just a one-way ticket to Bangkok and were dedicated to explore and follow the flow of life. We traveled around, organized chef's tables, worked here and there in hospitality, and generally allowed our minds to wander. While in London, we actually daydreamed of our own business. We had the name already and had turned Vegan. Since we thought that a vegan business wouldn't work in Greece at that point in time, we let the idea ripen in our heads and went on with our lives. Then the day came when we started imagining, creating images in our minds of what this place could look like and be…
Avgi runs AVIT, one of the hippest vegan cafes in town!
Read Avgi's full inspiring story on Guts & Tales.
Published in
People
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Tuesday, 30 June 2020 13:21
Mohegan Ready To Break Ground On Athens Casino Project
The Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment of Connecticut, has acquired a 30-year license to operate a casino at a massive new real estate development project unfolding on the grounds of the former Hellinikon International Airport in Athens. The casino will be part of The Hellinikon Project, an €8 billion development on the Athens Riviera that includes a marina, parks, recreational areas, condos, and sports facilities.
"We have already done a detailed job to ensure that we start as soon as possible," said MGE's CEO, Mario Kontomerkos, at an economic forum in mid-June. Kontomerkos, stated that MGE aims to create the premier entertainment destination in southern Europe.
Greek Development and Investment Minister, Adonis Georgiadis, said that the initial phase of The Hellinikon Project will begin in July and includes site preparation such as clearing the area and demolishing some 900 buildings and structures. Along with the casino resort, The Hellinikon Project will include luxury homes and condos, a marina, a shopping district, office space, a public park the size of Central Park, and a nearly mile-long beach.
To read this article in full, please visit: pappaspost.com
To read this article in full, please visit: pappaspost.com
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 25 June 2020 07:00
Smithsonian Magazine Cover Story: The Legacy of Philip II of Macedon
Alexander the Great, king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia, who created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, by the age of 30, is one of the most famous rulers of all time. But Alexander's achievements would not have been possible without his father's; King Philip's II, legacy. Even though he is not as famous as his offspring, King Philip II was also a remarkable leader.
The cover article of the June edition of the Smithsonian Magazine is dedicated to Philip II of Macedon, who "was a colossus in his own right, a brilliant military leader and politician who transformed Macedonia and built its first empire." To discover more about King Philip II journalist Richard Grant traveled to Aigai, the ancient royal capital of Macedonia and site of Philip's palace, where he met Angeliki Kottaridi, an archaeologist who has dedicated much of her life to excavating the ruins at Aigai.
Kottaridi and her team's work continues to give insight on the rise of this ancient superpower, including how Philip "paved the way for his son Alexander to become a legend." The article focuses on Philip's upbringing and how he came to be the man he was, backing everything up with statements by Kottaridi and other researchers.
The archaeological finds discovered in the area will be displayed in the new "Polycentric Museum of Aigai," which will open for the public in 2021. In addition to the Museum, the partial restoration of Philip's palace will enable visitors to appreciate the grand scale of the building, which covered 4 acres.
The archaeological site of Aigai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is slowly rising from obscurity. It is almost sure that in the next few years, it will become an unmissable destination for history buffs and cultural travelers.
To read this aricle in full, please visit: greece-is.com
To read this aricle in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 22 June 2020 14:37
A Simple Trick To Get Things Done!
Some of my friends managed to clean everything from lofts and warehouses to closets and drawers. They not only cleared up clothes, toys, and lots of other stuff but also set real priorities for their lives. Others enjoyed their peace at home, read the books they had piled up for a long time, took online classes, and pampered themselves with extra hours of sleep. Still, others did very little or did nothing of what they said they could or wanted to do; because they simply didn't have enough time as they had their family to take care of, young children and grown-ups complete with a lot of "noise," and a lot of nerve-racking situations. Another reason for remaining idle could be that they just didn't want the indirect pressure of "since you're at home use your time wisely and do yoga, dance, meditation, paint walls ... do something anyway."
Which of the two groups do you identify with? And most importantly, how do you feel about it? Let me assure you that regardless of whether you did or did not do what you said or wanted to do, it's okay. It's more than okay. There is no reason to feel apologetic or guilty. You accomplished some of the things you wanted to do and some others you just didn't. Maybe because you were tired or bored, perhaps because the pressure was too much, or better yet because you chose not to do anything. And that's okay. Don't torture yourself with thoughts like "I should have done it; I shouldn't have just wasted my time."
Instead of getting frustrated with negative thoughts and feelings, why not take some action now. Get a piece of paper and a pencil or use your computer, whatever works for you, and do the following exercise: Start by observing what you did and didn't do during the quarantine. Think about the reasons. How did you feel? What did you say to yourself, and what were the actual words you used? How much did you allow yourself to be affected by other peoples' feelings? Are you happy with the result? If so, great! If not, what would you have done differently? What would you change?
When you complete this exercise, you'll have a priceless tool in your hands. Not only will you recognize the behavioral pattern you usually follow in similar situations and the direction it is taking you, but you will also know what you need to change to get the result you want! ☺
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Mind
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Saturday, 20 June 2020 20:39
Global Young Shipping Forum: What Now?
On Friday 5th June 2020, 14 Youth Shipping Organizations from 13 countries united at the 1st Open E-dialogue after the initiative of Young Executives Shipping (YES) FORUM (Greece) and in partnership with Youngship Cyprus, Youngship Turkey, Youngship Panama, Youngship Venezuela, Youngship Singapore, Youngship Texas, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Honk Kong, Young Shipping Professionals New York, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Shanghai & Beijing, Maritime SheEo India, Shipping Professionals Network London, The Ocean Opportunity Lab (TOOL) and It's All About Shipping UK.
This virtual global gathering managed to have an impact on over 10k viewers with all speakers discussing shipping as an ideal career path and what are the right steps for the young generation to enhance their career in it. The main topics included but not limited to: mentoring, digital transformation, networking while social distancing, attract talent pool, technical roles, development of skills, role models, onboard experiences, and the value of volunteerism.
Fotini Papachatzaki, Youngship Cyprus, stressed the importance of the human contact even during social distancing through mentoring and urged young people to practice their listening skills and to brainstorm with their mentors in order to build a positive future for our industry and oceans. Danae Bezantakou, Moderator of the forum and concept founder of YES FORUM, underlined that it is important to act local but continue to think global.
Taking into consideration that Big Data and IoT are hot topics these days, Sumit Sharma, Maritime SheEo (INDIA), advised the youth to Innovate themselves and acquire the skills needed to excel in their professional lives as the human capital is irreplaceable. The concept of Technology was also supported by Maria Dragoumerli, Shipping Professionals Network London, who urged young people to undertake more technical roles, as Shipping is broad and there are many opportunities to explore in the technological field.
Therefore, we should exploit the use of technology to build our online presence even at times of social distancing commented Tabitha Logan, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Honk Kong. Because "we need to be braver, bolder, not shy to tell our story and be more visible telling positive stories", Wei Zhuang, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Shanghai & Beijing, advised in order to attract young professionals to the Greenest Industry, i.e. Shipping. Also, Eli Ginsberg, Young Shipping Professionals New York, underlined the use of social media as a great tool to develop our skills and have our say in an industry connected to climate change and diversity.
Because after all, "without young talent you cannot sustain Shipping and the environment" Gina Panayiotou, It's All About Shipping UK, said. Dr. Sinem Ogis, Youngship Turkey, underlined the importance of being part of an organization since Organizations can enhance members’ professional performance. Also, young people have the chance to voice their thoughts through an organization, Maria Laura Salazar, Youngship Venezuela, said and have access to many sources of information needed to continue their business, as usual, Nelly Elder, Youngship Texas, commented.
Birgit Liodden, the founder of YOUNGSHIP INTERNATIONAL, stated that “Never waste a good crisis" and “We can empower and inspire and create the foundation of a thriving industry for young people; two statements that depict the mentality and common goal of all organizations participating to create the future of Shipping industry.
Danae Bezantakou, YES FORUM & the representatives of the organizations committed themselves to continue the open dialogue among them and the audience by given the chance to the next generation of the shipping industry to exploit the opportunities that arise locally and globally.
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Local News
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