LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Thursday, 03 October 2019 19:39
“Global Anesthetics” At FokiaNou Art Space
FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present “Global Anesthetics”, a group show bringing together three artists: installation artists, Zach Hart and Alexandra Wilson, presenting their collaborative series, Connect Haven, and sound artist, Anne Gry Friis Kristensen, presenting new sound work made for the exhibition. At what point do aesthetics begin to overlap with anesthetics? Considering hyper-mobility, pilgrimage, the desire to travel for pleasure, “the global village”, and the ever expanding tourist industries we seek to investigate the anesthetizing effects of homogeneity.
Aesthetics conjoining one city to another in completely opposite corners of the world simultaneously welcome and limit visitors who seek a comfort blanket, a blanket which they recognize the warmth from and then desire to stay beneath. As the anesthetic takes hold and puts us under, potential stored energy reserved for randomness and the event is steadily drained. A short program of experimental films will be presented in conjunction with the exhibition, featuring works addressing technology, communications, and mediated realities from artists Mary Helena Clark, Nyle Kaliski, LGHQ, Nina Wiesnagrotzki, Jessica Wilson and Danielle Zorbas.
Zach Hart and Alexandra Wilson are based in New York City and began their collaboration in 2018. Both received a BA in art from Hampshire College in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Their works have been shown at Very Project Space (Berlin), Sunview Luncheonette (NY), Northampton Film Festival (MA), and Peripheral Visions Film Festival (NY). Anne Gry Friis Kristensen (born in Danmark, 1987) is a Danish sound artist, composer and filmmaker, educated from The National Danish Film School in 2013.
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.
The opening will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 19:00.
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 17:00 - 20:00
The opening will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 19:00.
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 17:00 - 20:00
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Art
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Tuesday, 08 October 2019 07:00
Teaching Pools In Athens Ideal For Swimming Lessons
Even though there are may recreational pools in and around Athens, water safety is often the reason why parents decide to enroll their infants and children to swimming lessons. However, swimming provides many other benefits during early childhood. In fact, studies have shown that swimming is good for the health, for body development, for balance and coordination, and social and emotional aptitude.
Do you feel that your child is ready to thrive in the pool? Before you start researching teaching pools in Athens and the suburbs, check-out the list below for some of our favorites.
Holmes Place, one of the most upscale fitness clubs in Athens, offers swimming lessons for both babies and children. Children get familiarized with the water and learn the 4 swimming techniques. For more information on the kids swimming classes, please contact one of the Holmes Place clubs or visit Holmes Place online.
Address: Voukourestiou & 4 Stadiou, Athens
Telephone: 210 3259400
Dais Athletic & Cultural Center
Dais Athletic & Cultural Center Maroussi offers a variety of sporting activities for the young and old. Dais offers an excellent baby swimming program for infants aged 1 and a half to 3 and a half years old. The 25-minute baby swimming lessons take place twice a week in a 31-degree-warm small pool, and the presence of a parent is not necessary. Swimming lessons for older children take place at the 5-lane 25 meters long pool under the supervision and guidance of qualified swimming instructors.
Address: 151 Mesogeion, Paradeisos Amarousiou
Telephone: 210 6186050
Aqualife Sport & Health Center
Located in the northern suburb of Anoixi, Aqualife Sport & Health Center is one of the best teaching pools in Athens. Infants can join a baby swimming class together with a guardian in the indoor baby pool, while children aged 3 years and up swim in one of the large indoor pools. Apart from traditional swimming lessons, Aqualife also offers water polo, synchronized swimming, and competitive swimming classes for children.
Address: Agiou Athanasiou & 17 Souliou, Anoixi
Telephone: 210 8004438
Literally meaning Panda In The Water, this teaching pool is one of the very few exclusively for babies and toddlers up to 4 years old. You can start taking your baby to Panta Sto Nero from 3 months old. The lessons are conducted by certified baby swimming instructors and you will be expected to dip into the pool with your child.
Address: 42 Grammou, Vrilissia
Telephone: 210 8047817
Here's what you need to know before joing a pool in Athens.
Published in
Kids Life
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Tuesday, 08 October 2019 07:00
Monumental Grand Fashion Show Takes Place At The Temple Of Poseidon
The Greek-born, London-based fashion designer Mary Katrantzou made history this week when she became the first to stage a fashion show at the Temple of Poseidon, in Sounion near Athens. It was the first time that the Greek authorities gave permission for a private event to take place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To honor the majestic backdrop of her fashion show, the designer created something suitably momentous.
“The collection was based on the ideas birthed in Greece in the 5th century BC, when the temple was built,” the 36-year-old designer tells Vogue. “From trigonometry to physics, biology to theology and philosophy; I wanted to show how these ideas dating back two-and-a-half thousand years are as modern today as they were then.” “This was the first time I had done something in Greece since I left [for London] and it’s the first time I have done something so connected to the country’s heritage. My emotional barometer has just exploded.”
The proceeds from the ticketed event are going to children’s cancer charity, ELPIDA.
To read this article in, please visit: vogue.com.au
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 07 October 2019 01:55
New Disabled Lift To Be Installed At The Acropolis Of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens, one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, will soon be offering the much-needed improved disabled access.
The central archaeological council (KAS) of Greece has recently approved the installation of a new elevator to provide easier access to disabled visitors. Furthermore, the council has also approved the upgrade of existing lighting for the site and its landmarks.
In terms of lighting, the KAS decision refers back to a 2003 study carried out by renowned French lighting designer Pierre Bideau. The planning will be carried out by Bideau’s collaborator Costas Kapos of the Doxiadis Bureau.
To ready this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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Local News
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Monday, 07 October 2019 01:00
Ouzo: A Beginner's Guide
Care for an ouzaki? Like many other Greek words, ouzo is often referred in the diminutive, which makes it even more charming and appealing. There is nothing severe or pretentious about an ouzaki; it can be an excuse for a break in the middle of a busy day or a staple feature of a Greek summer holiday. No matter what you call it, sharing a carafe or miniature bottle of ouzo is a quintessential Greek experience. While there are no rules about doing it properly, there are certainly ways of getting the most out of it.
Ouzo can is made from grape or grain-based alcohol, which is distilled with anise, fennel, and other herbs, according to the 'secret' formula of each producer. Its alcoholic content ranges from 38% to 48% volume. It is the presence of anethole in the anise that turns the transparent drink to a milky white color when mixed with water or ice cubes.
Tyrnavos in Thessaly was the first place in mainland Greece to make ouzo back in 1856. However, the area most associated with ouzo production is Plomari, a coastal village on the island of Lesvos. There are some 300 ouzo brands throughout the country, of which the best known are Ouzo Plomari, Ouzo Varbagianni, Mini Mytilinis, Ouzo 12, and Tsantali.
The best place to enjoy a drink (or two) of ouzo is at a seaside locale during the summer. However, the custom is not limited to the summer months, a quaint location or a time of day. Ouzo time may continue well into the afternoon or past the dinner hour– which in Greece is a very loose concept anyway.
The most critical factor in the ouzo drinking protocol is the company or parea in Greek. Greeks rarely drink alone and seldom without at least a nibble to eat. Without ordering it, you will usually be served a dish of a simple meze–olives, pickles, salami, cheese–along with your carafe of ouzo. Before you take a bite, clink glasses with your friends and say stin iyeiá mas, which means to our health.
Serious drinkers will order more meze dishes; those are likely to be salty, spicy or sour, to offset the slight sweetness and intensity of the ouzo! If all you want is an aperitif with a snack to precede a full lunch or dinner, these titbits will suffice. Making a meal of mezedes is another very Greek habit. Fish and seafood, fried or salted, rank highestbut garlicky vegetables, spicy meats, minty meatballs, and sausages also complement ouzo very well!
To read this article in full, please: thisisathens.org
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Tuesday, 10 October 2023 07:00
5 Great Destinations To Visit This October
The summer is over, and fall is gradually making its presence with autumn showers and chilly evenings. Even though the memories of the warm Greek summer holidays are still fresh, there is something about the transition between seasons that invites us to explore unknown and remote destinations.
Visit these 5 great international destinations in October to take advantage of the affordable rates and thinner crowds, while being able to visit world-famous attractions in a more relaxed manner.
1. Spain
Visit Spain in October, and you are in great luck. In the fall, you'll be able to go chestnut picking, and wine tasting in Catalonia, surf in the Basque Country, or climb the Teide volcano. Compared to other European countries, Spain is warmer and drier in October, making it an excellent destination for an autumn retreat! Most probably, you'll even still be able to swim as waters are still warm in October.
Great Things To Do: Visit the Alhambra, and explore the cities of Seville and Barcelona
Ideal For: Honeymooners
2. Prague
Prague is one of the most exquisite destinations in Europe. Airfares are more affordable in October, there are many festivals and events happening around the city in the fall, and the temperature hasn't yet started to drop to its low winter grades. Furthermore, the traditional beers, local foods, and delicious pastries will definitely treat your taste buds too.
Great Things To Do: Walk on the Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, cruise Vltava River, and watch a Black Light Theater Performance
Ideal For: Families, friends, and couples
3. Canada
If you have the time and the budget for a more extended trip outside Europe, Canada is an excellent option. Packed with beautiful landscapes and amazing sites, Canada is one of the ideal holiday destinations in the world. Not only is Canada the second-largest country in the world, but it's also home to the breathtaking Niagara Falls and other incredible natural sites. With such a variety of places to visit, don't be surprised if you manage to explore snowy mountains, quaint port towns, and the Arctic Ocean on the same trip.
Great Things To Do: Go to Niagara Falls, visit a maple syrup farm, and explore Toronto's Sugar Beach
Ideal For: Families and honeymooners
4. Dublin
Don't miss a visit to the Guinness brewery and the Jameson Distillery. The top attractions and the cheerful Dubliners will make you forget the infamous rainy Dublin weather.
Great Things To Do: Visit as many pubs as you can, discover Irish music, and take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher
Ideal For: Young travelers and families
5. Greece
Greek locals probably haven't thought of October as a great time to explore our beautiful country.However, October is the best time to visit Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, and Kefalonia. In October, the weather is still quite warm, the crowds are thinner, and travel costs can plummet by as much as 20%! From hiking beautiful island trails to bird watching, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can pursue in Greece in the fall.
Great Things To Do: Climb Mount Olympus, watch the Santorini sunset in peace, or visit a year-round destination like Crete
Ideal For: Couples and families
Published in
International Travel
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Tuesday, 08 October 2019 15:54
KinderDocs Premiere - Benaki Museum
KinderDocs Premiere 2019/2020
Sunday 13 October, 12.00-14.00
Benaki Museum, 138 Pireos St.
Sunday 13 October, 12.00-14.00
Benaki Museum, 138 Pireos St.
Welcome to the fourth edition of KinderDocs – the documentary festival of award-winning films made for children and teenagers, as well as their friends, teachers, and parents, running all year long at the Benaki Museum/138 Pireos St. in Athens and the MOMus- Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki. KinderDocs premieres this year with a documentary on youth, science, and the environment.
Meet passionate teenage innovators from around the globe who are creating cutting-edge solutions to confront the world’s environmental threats. Take a journey with these inspiring teens as they prepare their projects for the largest convening of high school scientists in the world, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Who will be the winner?
Win Family Tickets for KinderDocs Premiere!
Enter our giveaway on Facebook and Instagram and win 4 invitations for this Sunday's Premier on October 13th!
Winners will be announced Friday, October 11th. Goodluck!
Enter our giveaway on Facebook and Instagram and win 4 invitations for this Sunday's Premier on October 13th!
Winners will be announced Friday, October 11th. Goodluck!
Youth, science & environment
Age 12+
Meet passionate teenage innovators from around the globe who are creating cutting-edge solutions to confront the world’s environmental threats. Take a journey with these inspiring teens as they prepare their projects for the largest convening of high school scientists in the world, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Who will be the winner? Watch the trailer here
KinderDocs
KinderDocs International Documentary Festival for Children and Young People presents each year award-winning films made for children and teenagers, as well as their friends, teachers, and parents, running all year long in Greece. Discover the magic of documentaries, explore new ways of communication, get inspired by stories we all care about, have fun. Each film is a story on teenage life – friendship, family, education, social media, creativity, art, music, dance, psychology, migration, environment – an opportunity to enter the colourful world of kids and teenagers, a platform for constructive dialogue and after-screening events, building tomorrow’s thinking viewers today. Founded in 2016, KinderDocs premieres for its fourth season in October 2019, in collaboration with the Benaki Museum in Athens and MOMus – Museum of Contemporary Art - Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and State Museum of Contemporary Art Collections in Thessaloniki, supported by the biggest documentary festivals in Europe – IDFA (The Netherlands) and DOCX! (Germany). In November 2019, KinderDocs Greece will also be featured for the second time at the prestigious Festival dei Popoli in Florence, Italy (est. 1959).
Watch KiderDoc's official trailer HERE!
XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of the KinderDocs Festival
Published in
Kids
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Tuesday, 15 October 2019 23:33
Chocolate Fest Vol.02
ChocolateFest is the first festival in Greece dedicated to chocolate and returns once again for a delicious 4-day event!
From October 17-20 at the old OSY Depot, exhibitions from chocolate manufacturers, famous patisseries, pop-up kiosks, and renowned pastry chefs will take place presenting mouth-watering chocolate creations that will blow you away!
Don't miss the chance to experience the sweetest festival in Athens!
Schedule
- Thursday 17/10, 16:00-23:00
- Friday 18/10, 16:00-23:00
- Saturday 19/10, 11:00-23:00
- Sunday 20/10, 11:00-23:00
XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Chocolate Fest Vol.02
Photo credits: Chocolate Fest
Published in
Food & Drink
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Tuesday, 24 September 2019 23:25
September 24 - A Season Of Change
If you're new in Greece and feeling lost, no need to worry! We've got you covered with some must-know Greek words and phrases you should know and you'll be just fine. Just check out this week's newsletter for more information and other exciting news!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 17 September 2019 23:18
September 17 - Rediscovering Athens In The Fall
Athens in home to thousands of activities and events for people, as well as families to enjoy. If you're curious to find out, nothing beats our children's activities list, filled with fun and educational family outings in the city!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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