LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Thursday, 05 December 2019 15:04
Festive Season At The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum invites you to a festive season full of activities during December 2019. Creative mobile workshops for children, gallery talks for adults, Christmas music from the Jazz Octet, famous musical songs from the S.T.A.B. saxophone quartet and special gifts at the Acropolis Museum Shops, will offer visitors moments to joy and celebration.
Children’s workshop “Festive stories”
What kind of festivals did the ancient Athenians have and for which were the children looking forward to participate? Let’s discover them at the Acropolis Museum and bring to life the emotions that these feasts were giving birth to children and adults. We will create festive sets and happy compositions that will uniquely adorn the Museum.
Days & hours: Saturday 21/12, Sunday 22/12, Saturday 28/12 & Sunday 29/12, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. in Greek only.
Duration: 90 mins
Ages: 6-11 years old
Participacion: Participation for children is free. A general admission fee (5€) is required for
parents/escorts
Reservations: For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served (25 children per workshop)
The workshops are held by the Department of Educational Programs – Acropolis Museum and the Department of Information & Education – Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA).
Gallery talks “The lost statue of Athena Parthenos”
The Acropolis Museum brings to life, digitally, the statue of Athena Parthenos. Made of gold and ivory, this masterpiece was designed by Phidias for the Parthenon. The Museum invites you on a walk of knowledge about its construction materials and techniques, its myths and allegories, its radiance and its adventures.
Days & hours: Saturday 7/12, Saturday 14/12, Saturday 21/12 & Saturday 28/12, at 11 a.m. in English and at 1 p.m. in Greek
Duration: 50 mins
Participation: The gallery talk is free of charge. Only the permanent exhibition ticket is required (5€).
Limited to 30 visitors per session.
For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.
Gallery talks at the exhibition “Chisel and memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments”
Duration: 90 mins
Ages: 6-11 years old
Participacion: Participation for children is free. A general admission fee (5€) is required for
parents/escorts
Reservations: For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served (25 children per workshop)
The workshops are held by the Department of Educational Programs – Acropolis Museum and the Department of Information & Education – Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA).
Gallery talks “The lost statue of Athena Parthenos”
The Acropolis Museum brings to life, digitally, the statue of Athena Parthenos. Made of gold and ivory, this masterpiece was designed by Phidias for the Parthenon. The Museum invites you on a walk of knowledge about its construction materials and techniques, its myths and allegories, its radiance and its adventures.
Days & hours: Saturday 7/12, Saturday 14/12, Saturday 21/12 & Saturday 28/12, at 11 a.m. in English and at 1 p.m. in Greek
Duration: 50 mins
Participation: The gallery talk is free of charge. Only the permanent exhibition ticket is required (5€).
Limited to 30 visitors per session.
For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.
Gallery talks at the exhibition “Chisel and memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments”
Visitors will have the opportunity to attend presentations of an exceptional exhibition of photographs of the marble craftsmen of the Acropolis at work.
The temporary exhibition was organized by the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments and the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA).
Days & hours: Saturday 14/12, Saturday 21/12 & Saturday 28/12, at 12 noon
Duration: 40 mins
Participation: The gallery talk is free of charge. Limited to 25 visitors per session.
The temporary exhibition was organized by the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments and the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA).
Days & hours: Saturday 14/12, Saturday 21/12 & Saturday 28/12, at 12 noon
Duration: 40 mins
Participation: The gallery talk is free of charge. Limited to 25 visitors per session.
For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. First-in first-served.
Music and carols at the Acropolis Museum
On Sunday 22 December, at 12 noon, the Acropolis Museum will host the Jazz Octet of the Athens Military Guard for a music concert at the Museum ground floor, including jazz and Christmas world renowned melodies.
On Monday 23 December, at 12 noon, the Vrakoforoi Cretan Dance Group will sing traditional Christmas carols at the Museum ground floor.
Music and carols at the Acropolis Museum
On Sunday 22 December, at 12 noon, the Acropolis Museum will host the Jazz Octet of the Athens Military Guard for a music concert at the Museum ground floor, including jazz and Christmas world renowned melodies.
On Monday 23 December, at 12 noon, the Vrakoforoi Cretan Dance Group will sing traditional Christmas carols at the Museum ground floor.
On Sunday 29 December, at 12 noon, the Acropolis Museum will host the well-known S.T.A.B. saxophone quartet for a New Year’s music concert at the Museum ground floor, including renowned musical songs.
On Tuesday 31 December, at 12 noon, the Association of Asia Minor “Nees Kydonies” will sing traditional New Year’s carols at the Museum ground floor.
The Acropolis Museum Charm for 2020
According to myth the tortoise won the race over the hare, the former with his patience and dedication winning over the flippant self confidence of the hare. The ancients considered that the benevolent tortoise protected them from the evil eye and that its blood was an antidote to poison. A tortoise lead weight featuring a tortoise in relief of the 3rd to 1st century BC inspired the Museum’s charm of 2020. You can see the original exhibit in showcase 2 (no.11) of the Gallery of the Slopes at the Acropolis Museum.
Festive meals and Christmas mood at the restaurant
During the festive season, the Museum restaurant will serve traditional festive meals and sweets. Christmas jazz nights are also taking place every Friday night by famous jazz music ensembles. For reservations please contact the restaurant during Museum opening hours on +30 210 9000915.
On Tuesday 31 December, at 12 noon, the Association of Asia Minor “Nees Kydonies” will sing traditional New Year’s carols at the Museum ground floor.
The Acropolis Museum Charm for 2020
According to myth the tortoise won the race over the hare, the former with his patience and dedication winning over the flippant self confidence of the hare. The ancients considered that the benevolent tortoise protected them from the evil eye and that its blood was an antidote to poison. A tortoise lead weight featuring a tortoise in relief of the 3rd to 1st century BC inspired the Museum’s charm of 2020. You can see the original exhibit in showcase 2 (no.11) of the Gallery of the Slopes at the Acropolis Museum.
Festive meals and Christmas mood at the restaurant
During the festive season, the Museum restaurant will serve traditional festive meals and sweets. Christmas jazz nights are also taking place every Friday night by famous jazz music ensembles. For reservations please contact the restaurant during Museum opening hours on +30 210 9000915.
Published in
Community
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 December 2019 02:18
International Team Of Scientists Explore Undewater Santorini Volcano
A team of international scientists researching the submerged Kolumbo volcano off the island of Santorini discovered unknown hydrothermal fountains around which bacterial communities are flourishing.
The oceanographic research mission consists of 30 scientists from the United States, Greece, Australia, and Germany and is funded and supported by NASA.
The scientists tested new 'intelligent' technologies with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). AUVs can be used in the future to explore alien oceans on satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Europe and Enceladus, where submarine traces of life will be investigated in extreme and possibly dangerous circumstances. The researchers were satisfied with the ability of the AUVs to receive and successfully execute orders in an unknown environment such as that of the Kolumbo volcano.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 29 September 2021 07:00
Where To Taste Great Asian Food In Athens
We all know that Greek cooking is so tasty and nutritious that when ex-pats first move to Greece, they savor traditional food as often as possible to get accustomed to the new tastes and flavors!
No matter how great Greek cooking is, there comes a time when you'll need a bit more variety. Luckily in Athens, you'll find countless restaurants serving every kind of food you can imagine! Asian cuisine is very popular, and there is a wide variety of Chinese and multi-Asian restaurants to choose from in Athens. Here are a few of our favorites.
Mr. Dim
@mrdimathens
Mr. Dim invites you to try the most refined flavors of Asian cuisine. This small friendly restaurant takes its name from Dim Sum, the bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or plates usually accompanied by tea. Mr. Dim is a tiny restaurant, a few tables outside, and even fewer inside. Don't let its small size put you off; this little treasure serves delicious bao buns, yummy dim sum, and imaginative noodle dishes! What's best is that if you live near Nea Smyrni, Mr. Dim will deliver to your doorstep!
Address: 9 Kratitos & 59 Evridamantos, 117 45, Athens
Telephone: 210 9356041
E&O
@eandoathens
Located on the panoramic rooftop of the Athens Marriott hotel, E&O serves top-quality, delicious pan-Asian food in a stylish but casual setting with exceptional views to the SNFCC. Only the best ingredients are used to create an enticing fusion of flavors from Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. The food here is innovative, fresh, and beautifully presented. The tasty Thai Beef Salad, the delicious Kimchi Butter Edamame, and the Pork San Choi Bao are only a few of our favorite dishes!
Address: 385 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64, Athens
Telephone: 210 9471234
East Pearl
@eastpearl.gr
Located near Syntagma Square in the city center, East Pearl is one of the best Asian restaurants in Athens. The affordable prices, friendly staff, excellent service, and most importantly, the delicious food make this tiny restaurant a favorite among locals and visitors alike! Traditional dishes such as hot and sour soups, wontons and spring rolls will satisfy your taste buds and have you coming back for more.
Address: 2 Apollonos 2, 105 57, Athens
Telephone: 210 3211218
Know a great restaurant? Share your review with us!
Are you a great restaurant? Get in touch so our tasters can visit!
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
Tagged under
Tuesday, 03 December 2019 15:00
Join The Open Day At The British Residence In Athens
Save the date for Sunday, December 15th, when the British Residence will open its doors for the 3rd consecutive time to welcome old and new friends in Athens in an open day event that will reveal the fascinating history behind this magnificent building!
The British Residence is one of the most elegant neo-classical houses in Athens and the home to Eleftherios Venizelos towards the end of his life. Since 1936, the building has hosted the activities of the British Embassy, while today it is the home of HM Ambassador Kate Smith CMG.
On the day of the event, the residence will be open from 10 am to 5 pm, and an email pre-registration is required.
Note for Applicants
To attend ‘THE BRITISH RESIDENCE OPEN DAY,’ applicants are kindly requested to send an email to events@british-embassy.gr noting ‘RESIDENCE OPEN DAY’ at the email subject, to receive further information regarding the registration process. Admission is granted only following a pre-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To learn more about this event, click here.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 03 December 2019 09:00
Expat City Ranking: The Best And Worst Cities To Move To In 2020
InterNations, an extensive expat network with 3.7 million members worldwide, has published the Expat City Rankings for 2019.
The Best And Worst Cities To Move To In 2020
This year, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore are at the top of the list, followed by Montréal, Lisbon, Barcelona, Zug, The Hague, and Basel. While expats appreciate each city for different reasons, they have some aspects in common: they typically rank highly in the Urban Work Life, the Quality of Urban Living, and the Local Cost of Living Indices. What is more, expats find it (very) easy to get settled in most of these cities, but not so much in the Swiss cities of Basel and Zug.
Expats are unhappiest in Kuwait City (82nd out of 82) as well as in both Italian cities surveyed, Rome (81st), and Milan (80th). Lagos (Nigeria), Paris, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lima, New York City, and Yangon (Myanmar) also join the bottom 10 cities worldwide.
The Expat City Ranking is based on the annual Expat Insider survey by InterNations. With more than 20,000 respondents in 2019, the Expat Insider is one of the most comprehensive reports about living and working abroad. In 2019, 82 cities around the globe were analyzed in the survey, offering in-depth information about 5 areas of expat life: Quality of Urban Living, Getting Settled, Urban Work Life, Finance & Housing, and Local Cost of Living. Together, the first four areas make up the Expat City Ranking, which reveals the best and worst cities to move to in 2020.
Expat Life In Athens
The Best And Worst Cities To Move To In 2020
This year, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore are at the top of the list, followed by Montréal, Lisbon, Barcelona, Zug, The Hague, and Basel. While expats appreciate each city for different reasons, they have some aspects in common: they typically rank highly in the Urban Work Life, the Quality of Urban Living, and the Local Cost of Living Indices. What is more, expats find it (very) easy to get settled in most of these cities, but not so much in the Swiss cities of Basel and Zug.
Expats are unhappiest in Kuwait City (82nd out of 82) as well as in both Italian cities surveyed, Rome (81st), and Milan (80th). Lagos (Nigeria), Paris, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lima, New York City, and Yangon (Myanmar) also join the bottom 10 cities worldwide.
The Expat City Ranking is based on the annual Expat Insider survey by InterNations. With more than 20,000 respondents in 2019, the Expat Insider is one of the most comprehensive reports about living and working abroad. In 2019, 82 cities around the globe were analyzed in the survey, offering in-depth information about 5 areas of expat life: Quality of Urban Living, Getting Settled, Urban Work Life, Finance & Housing, and Local Cost of Living. Together, the first four areas make up the Expat City Ranking, which reveals the best and worst cities to move to in 2020.
Expat Life In Athens
The Cons
In the 68th place, Athens is held back in the Expat City Ranking 2019 by its very poor financial situation and work life.The Greek capital comes last worldwide in the Finance subcategory. Over two in five respondents (41%) feel that they do not have sufficient disposable household income to cover their daily costs (vs. 23% globally), while nearly half (47%) are dissatisfied with their current financial situation (vs. 26% globally). This might be linked to Athens’ poor work life, for which it ranks second to last worldwide, behind only Rome. Almost three in ten expats (27%) are dissatisfied with their job in general (vs. 19% globally), two in five (40%) are unhappy with the job security (vs. 21% globally), and 56% are displeased with the local career opportunities (vs. 27% globally). A US American expat explains that “it is difficult to find steady employment because of the unsteady economy”. Indeed, 68% of expats are unhappy with the state of Athens’ local economy, which is more than four times the global average (15%).
The Pros
In the 68th place, Athens is held back in the Expat City Ranking 2019 by its very poor financial situation and work life.The Greek capital comes last worldwide in the Finance subcategory. Over two in five respondents (41%) feel that they do not have sufficient disposable household income to cover their daily costs (vs. 23% globally), while nearly half (47%) are dissatisfied with their current financial situation (vs. 26% globally). This might be linked to Athens’ poor work life, for which it ranks second to last worldwide, behind only Rome. Almost three in ten expats (27%) are dissatisfied with their job in general (vs. 19% globally), two in five (40%) are unhappy with the job security (vs. 21% globally), and 56% are displeased with the local career opportunities (vs. 27% globally). A US American expat explains that “it is difficult to find steady employment because of the unsteady economy”. Indeed, 68% of expats are unhappy with the state of Athens’ local economy, which is more than four times the global average (15%).
While having significant weaknesses in terms of finances and work life, Athens does rank highly for housing (12th): more than half the expats (51%) find housing affordable (vs. 36% globally), and 60% agree that it is easy for expats to find a home (vs. 50% globally). Expats’ opinions are mixed when it comes to the quality of life in Athens (54th). They are not happy with the availably of healthcare (30% unhappy vs. 13% globally), the local transportation (23% vs. 19% globally), or the political (in)stability (38% negative ratings vs. 17% globally). However, Athens ranks among the top 10 in the Leisure & Climate subcategory (8th). More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) are content with the local leisure options (vs. 74% globally), and over nine in ten (91%) enjoy the local weather and climate (vs. 59% globally). A British expat says that he appreciates the “climate, quality of life, and friendliness of the people.” Indeed, almost three-quarters of respondents (74%) describe the locals as friendly (vs. 64% globally), and 57% believe it is easy to find new friends (vs. 45% globally).
About Internations
With more than 3.5 million members in 420 cities around the world, InterNations is the largest global community and information site for people who live and work abroad. InterNations offers global and local networking both online and face-to-face. At around 6,000 official events and activities per month, expatriates have the opportunity to meet other global minds. Online services include country and city guides created by a team of professional writers, guest contributions about life abroad, and discussion forums to help members with topics such as the local job or housing search.
To read more about this survey, please visit: InteNations.org
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 02 December 2019 07:00
Christmas Tree Illumination At Hotel Grande Bretagne
The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens celebrated the beginning of the holiday season on Saturday, November 30, with its traditional Christmas Tree lighting event in its lobby in a festive atmosphere. The ceremony included Christmas carols performed by the children’s choir of the educational institution “Themistoklis”. Volunteers of ELIZA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children were also present informing guests about the organization’s important initiatives.
Everyone enjoyed themselves within the overwhelming Christmas spirit and had the chance to watch the Hotel’s new Christmas video. As every year, the highlight was the amazing Christmas tree, decorated with impressive garlands, special ornaments and more than 10,000 lights creating a unique festive scene in the lobby.
Being part of a socially responsible company, Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George continue their special fund raising campaign. From December 1st and for four months, €1.50 will be added to each receipt issued at the GB Roof Garden and Tudor Hall restaurants with the customers’ consent and will be donated to support “ELIZA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children” in its pioneering work, aimed at protecting children who have suffered or are in danger of suffering abuse and neglect all over Greece.
Learn more about the Hotel Grande Bretagne, here.
Learn more about the Hotel Grande Bretagne, here.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Sunday, 01 December 2019 03:32
The SNFCC Ice Rink Is Back!
Starting on 30/11 for the third year in a row, the floating Ice Rink picks up the tempo in the SNFCC Christmas World, with skaters gliding in a festive mood, their skates throwing up fire!
This year located at the start of the Canal, in front of the Visitors Center, the Ice Rink will offer all fans of the most Christmassy sport the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic “inside view” of the majestic Dancing Fountains and the illuminated Canal.
The Ice Rink will be open daily from 10.00 to 22.00 until 02/02/2020 (subject to weather conditions), with a maximum 40-minute stay.
Free admission by online preregistration!
Published in
Community
Tagged under
Thursday, 28 November 2019 13:00
Exceptional Drone Footage Of Crete
As the winter is slowly closing in, some warm summer vibes are very welcome! You will feel like planning your next summer vacation after watching this video compilation of beautiful beaches and drone footage of Crete!
Published in
Videos
Tagged under
Thursday, 28 November 2019 01:32
By The Glass: An Exquisite Wine Bar At The Center Of Athens
By The Glass first opened its doors in 2012 following the uprisings and destruction of Athens in 2011. This superb Wine Bistrot was the answer of its proprietor, Fotini Pantzia, to the inactivity and abandonment of the Greek capital in the wake of the Greek crisis.
By The Glass is located Ralli Gallery (arcade) just a few steps away from the entrance of the National Gardens of Athens.
"A refuge to hide, to isolate oneself from the city's buzz, to take a breath and then dive again in the everyday reality of Athens" in the words of the owner, the arcade magically transfers guests to the Old Athens.
Their wine list is one of the most concise and exciting in Greece; it holds a selection of 500+ wines including Greek Vintages, Premium Fine Wines, tried and true international classics, rare collector's bottles, and one-of-a-kind Magnums. Additionally, expect to find a great list of Champagnes and Sparkling Wines, Distillates (Eau-de-Vie), and Dessert Wines.
As its name implies, By The Glass serves more than 200 wines by the glass–using Coravin wine preservation systems and a 36 module wine dispenser. The carefully curated wine list primarily comprises Greek wines but at the same time includes many imported "jewels," such as a French Corton or a legendary Romanée-Conti!
Here you will be able to pair the exquisite wines with a few delicious yet unpretentious dishes prepared by talented chef, Antonis Pechlivanakis! Some of our favorites include the Greek traditional pressed lamb with celeriac puree, baby potatoes, and Porto sauce, the focaccia with mushrooms, cream cheese, and truffle oil and the poached salmon with avocado cream and carob powder.
By The Glass ranks no 41 out of 100 best restaurants in Athens at the Restaurant 100 Awards and has been voted as the best Bar Restaurant in Athens in 2017, 2018, and 2019 by the same organization.
A secret garden in the quaint Rallou Manou square welcomes guests from spring until the end of October with a backdrop of a stone-built church on one side and the statue honoring the unknown artist on the other!
Address: G.Souri 3 & Filellinon, Syntagma, Athens
Telephone: 210 3232560 & 210 3249988
Price Point: $$-$$$
Dress Code: Casual Chic
Photo: By The Glass
Know a great pub, bar, or cafe? Share your review with us!
Are you a great pub, bar, or cafe? Get in touch so our tasters can visit!
Published in
Pubs, Bars & Cafes
Tagged under
Friday, 08 November 2019 17:29
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” At FokiaNou Art Space
One hears about the recent phenomenon of artist-run spaces, but rarely is there the chance to discover more about the work of the artists who run the artist-run space. In their second two-person show at FokiaNou Art Space, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris present “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.
Almost four years after their first collaboration in the space, the two directors will show work with many commonalities: the use of repurposed materials to produce small-scale abstract gems with vibrant, intense colors, which give rise to the euphoric feeling of gazing into a Tiffany’s display window.
Almost four years after their first collaboration in the space, the two directors will show work with many commonalities: the use of repurposed materials to produce small-scale abstract gems with vibrant, intense colors, which give rise to the euphoric feeling of gazing into a Tiffany’s display window.
Mary Cox’s tiny collages and digital prints play with appropriation of work from other artists, rejecting the idea of originality and artistic genius. The appropriated reproductions have been through multiple transformations, scale changes and finally collaging and painting, resulting in a new hybrid metamorphosis.
Mary is an American painter with Greek nationality living and working in Greece since 1993. She holds a Masters in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. Over the years she has taken up different subject matter, and used a range of media, from a mixed-media series on migration which was selected for the Lulea Art Biennial 2011, to a photo-realistic series of paintings of old houses and buildings in the southern suburbs of Athens.
Panagiotis Voulgaris has long used string, thread and masking tapes to create in situ installations, and interventions in natural and man-made environments. As an artist-in-residence in Valletta, Malta, part of the 2018 European Capital of Culture program, his work included many interventions as well as workshops in schools around Malta. He recorded his ideas for his work in an art book that started as a diary and gradually became a stand-alone work. From this book came the idea for small-scale, easily transportable pieces which are autonomous but also can be combined to form a larger whole: collages on paper, using colored tape and layered with bold shapes, charts, drawings and excerpts from old books.
They are both the recording of a journey to real places as well as the iconography of fantastic geometry and chaos, at once beautiful and spooky. Panagiotis Voulgaris is an artist and curator living and working in Athens. He holds a Masters Degree in Art and Architecture from the University of East London and has participated in numerous exhibitions, festivals and residencies in Greece and abroad.
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. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris.
Hours
Wedsnesday - Saturday 17:00 - 20:00
Published in
Art
Tagged under
