US airline companies in 2022 will start direct flights to Greece earlier than in any other year, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced.

Following a meeting with US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the ministry in Athens, Kikilias said that American airline companies this summer will operate 14 direct flights every week between eight large US airports and Athens International Airport (AIA).

According to the minister, direct flights from the US to Athens will start on March 7.

Greece recently lifted the mandatory Covid-19 testing before travel requirement for fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States.

During his meeting with Ambassador Pyatt, Kikilias said he expects Greece to attract more Americans this year after the Greek authorities scrapped the rule.

The Greek tourism minister also said that bookings from the US to Greece this year were up compared to the same period in 2019. He also informed that the ministry is exploring ways to attract more tourist flows from America to Greece.

According to Bank of Greece data, the number of travelers from the US to Greece during January-November 2021 rose by 266 percent (to 382,000) year-on-year and their spending was up by 603.4 percent to 598 million euros.

In 2019, Greece saw over 1.1 million arrivals from the US.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Oenorama, the largest exhibition of Greek wines in the world, returns to the Zappeion Megaron Exhibition Hall after a two-year absence, on March 12, 13 and 14.

Starring wine and winemakers, Oenorama is THE place to be and the yearly get-together of the Greek wine trade.

Thousands of labels from Greece and abroad and hundreds of wineries will be waiting for you in the beautiful halls of the Zappeion Megaron in this, most …postmodern version of a wine festival!

Small and large wineries, wines from famous wine-producing regions but also from the farthest corners of Greece, new releases and labels that have already won hearts and palates, will be at Zappeion for only three days. Greece’s vineyard at your feet!

Because of the pandemic, this year there is a limit to the total number of persons allowed inside the exhibition hall at any given moment. It is therefore necessary to plan your visit in advance.

Date: March 12-14 
Time: 10:00 - 19:00 (two sessions per day: 10:00 - 14:00 in the morning and 15:00 - 19:00 in the afternoon)
Price: Entry to all morning sessions and Monday’s afternoon session costs €12 (students: €7).
Entry to the weekend’s afternoon session costs €15 (students: €12).
Α 3-day Pass allowing free entry to all sessions is available for €30.

To thrive in today's dynamic business world, it's crucial to know how to adapt quickly and embrace change. Excellent planning and organizational skills are fundamental to navigating the business world smoothly. While it's easy to assume that success will come quickly by simply working hard, the reality of starting and growing a business is far more complex.

No matter what type of business you're running or planning to start, here are some helpful tips for your journey to success!

1. Get Organized



One of the best ways to succeed in business is to stay organized. Being organized helps you complete tasks efficiently and stay on top of your responsibilities. A practical approach is to create a daily checklist. As you complete each task, cross it off your list. This not only ensures you don't overlook any crucial tasks but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you see your list of completed tasks grow.

2. Know Your Competitors



Gaining insights from your competition is invaluable. Don't hesitate to study and learn from them. They might be implementing strategies that could inspire you to differentiate your business. By understanding what works for them, you can adapt and improve your approach, staying competitive in your industry.

3. Understand Risk



Taking sensible risks is a golden key to business growth. Always ask yourself, "What's the possible downside?" Understanding the worst-case scenario allows you to take calculated risks that can lead to significant rewards. This approach helps you make informed decisions that can propel your business forward.

4. Maintain Consistency



Consistency is crucial for maintaining long-term success in business. Always strive to provide top-notch service and high-quality products. Staying true to your core values and differentiators will help you build a reputation for reliability. This consistent performance fosters trust and loyalty among your customers, leading to sustained positive results.

5. Think Outside The Box



Always be on the lookout for ways to innovate and improve your business. Embrace the motto: "Think like there is no box." Keeping an open mind to fresh ideas and new methods can set your business apart from the competition. Continual innovation is essential for staying relevant and ahead in the market.

6. Focus on Customer Experience



A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all. Prioritize exceptional customer service and create memorable experiences for your clients. Listen to their feedback, address their concerns promptly, and go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others, driving growth through positive word-of-mouth.

7. Invest in Continuous Learning



The business world is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. Invest in continuous learning for yourself and your team. Attend workshops, enroll in courses, and participate in industry conferences. This commitment to ongoing education will help you stay competitive and innovative, ensuring your business remains at the forefront of your industry.

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Whether you’re starting a new business, strategizing a website build, expanding your products and services, or figuring out what’s next for your business, we love helping businesses and their leaders gain clarity and thrive!

 

Learn more here about how our business professionals can help you.

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Ellinopoula, an award-winning digital platform, solves the problem for Greek diaspora parents and teachers who want their kids to learn Greek from the comfort of their home.

As we celebrate International Greek Language Day on February 9th, Greek diaspora parents worldwide face the challenge of how to pass on the Greek language and heritage to their children.

Ellinopoula is an award-winning e-platform that aims to give second and third-generation Greek kids the opportunity to learn the language in a fun and modern way by harnessing technology.

Many parents want their kids to learn Greek but do not have the means or the time to devote to language lessons. This is where Ellinopoula comes into play. Integrating learning Greek with Greek mythology, history, and culture in fun games, engaging videos, and interactive activities to inspire kids to learn Greek.

The platform’s innovative approach has led to its winning gold at the Education Leaders Awards for the past two years in a row. In 2021, it was recognized as the best Online and Distance Learning Platform, and also won gold awards for Digital Education and Innovation in Teaching.

When it comes to nutrition, for years, mental health specialists and people, in general, have focused more on the negative aspects of it, such as eating disorders and other unhealthy eating habits. In recent years, however, the newly-established trend doesn’t focus on how we shouldn’t eat but promotes a more positive approach to our relationship with food. Intuitive nutrition is a big part of this approach.

The main idea behind ​​intuitive nutrition is developing a healthy relationship with food and with our bodies, in general. It is about recognizing our body’s needs, with the sole aim of optimal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. People that stick to an intuitive diet are not obsessed with food or calories. They enjoy eating whatever they like, have total control over their body, and stop eating when they are full.

According to a meta-analysis published by the International Journal of Eating Disorders, intuitive nutrition is associated with a wide range of benefits, both physical and psychological, in all demographic groups. Those who prefer it show fewer diet-related pathological symptoms. They are less likely to eat emotionally, meaning that they don’t use food as a means of soothing or stifling their negative emotions, and report fewer dietary restrictions.

Intuitive eating is associated with many psychological benefits, such as greater physical satisfaction, better awareness of bodily functions, and a tendency to reject unrealistic, socially imposed beauty standards. People who incorporated intuitive nutrition into their daily lives were more likely to appreciate and love their bodies, gain self-esteem, and achieve well-being. They also showed lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Another important finding is that those on an intuitive diet tended to be thinner. This finding challenges the well-established idea that the key to a lean body is chronic diets or abstention from certain foods. On the contrary, what seems to be of most importance is eating carefully and responding to our body signs instead of strict dietary rules.

A breathtaking adventure about life at sea and whaling takes shape and is brought to the stage at Christmas Theater.

The monumental confrontation of human with God, time travel, and a musical. Culture, as construed by the Onassis Foundation, goes out and travels in the city, comes down to the center of Athens, and stands up for its timelessness. Respecting the past, yet avoiding nostalgia or idealization, Onassis Culture looks to the future.

This time, it heads toward the Christmas Theater, collaborates with two of the greatest Greek artists in the field, and they travel together in time, in one of the most influential novels of all time, the tale of Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Friendship, Human Fate, and God on the stage of Christmas Theater.

“Love is in the air, everywhere I look around. Love is in the air, every sight and every sound.”

Do you remember or have you ever heard these lyrics? They are from a popular song titled “Love is in the air” by John Paul Young. A hit back in the 70s, it still plays strong and it’s often included in Valentine’s musical lists.

Songs are just one of the many gifts people exchange in honor of Valentine’s Day. Hearts, hearts, and more hearts are the symbol of the day. Admiration affection, friendship but most of all romantic love are celebrated.

People love the feeling of being loved and appreciated. It’s a feeling we all crave for and not just on Valentine’s Day. But how do you support romantic love after the first few months and turn it into a life-long relationship? (Assuming that’s what you want of course!).

I’m sure you know there’s no such thing as a recipe and even if there was it wouldn’t work for everyone. There are however some key points that signal a healthy and strong relationship.

Μake your significant other a PRIORITY in your life. This is the foundation of a healthy relationship. This means you spend time learning all about the other person so you may communicate better. And this creates a feeling of security in the relationship.

Treat your partner as an EQUAL. Acknowledge and accept the other person for who they are regardless of their profession, religion, financial situation, etc. Learn to value them and not underestimate them.

Make sure there’s PROXIMITY with your significant other at all times. Touching or some sort of physical interaction is necessary as a way of expressing your intimate feelings. Keep in mind that this is different from a friendly relationship.

And yes, arguing is part of the deal. But as long as we both express our feelings and are true to ourselves, it’s also a way to re-negotiate our limits which change anyway during the course of a relationship.

Don’t just let your relationship take its course. Dance it tenderly to the tune you both love the most.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

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Traditional cafes or kafeneia have been an essential part of Greek living since the 1830s. What many people don’t understand is that kafeneia are not just shops serving greek coffee; during difficult times they served as a meeting point, a place to exchange opinions and ideas, a place to talk about your problems, a home away from home always there to welcome you. 

Although many of these old-school cafes didn’t manage to survive the cappuccino culture, you can still see kafeneia here or there. Almost every neighborhood has its own where men spend endless hours talking politics or playing backgammon. 

Here are 3 of our favorite kafeneia in Athens to embark on a journey through time and discover what Athens was like in the good old days. 

I Oraia Ellas 


@kokenmetelefteria

Operating since 1839, this is more like a museum than a cafe. I Oraia Ellas is intertwined with the political and cultural life of the country and has experienced days of glory in the past century. Walk up the marble stairs and find yourself browsing through old lithographs, engravings, paintings, and rare historical documents. Here, delicious greek coffee is accompanied by mouth-watering spoon sweets. You can also enjoy a glass of ouzo or tsipouro and during spring and summer don’t miss the so-called “liqueur of love”.

Location: Mitropoleos 59, Monastiraki 
Telephone: 2103216850

Svoura 


@svoura_athens

Located in the hip neighborhood of Koukaki, Svoura has it all. It serves strong Greek coffee and a delicious breakfast with omelets and bruschettas in the morning, while in the afternoon, you can choose from a wide variety of local delicacies, traditionally accompanied by tsipouro, ouzo, or raki. There are many Greek recipes from all over the country, homemade with authentic Greek products. One of the best sellers is undoubtedly the stuffed potato - you can’t miss it!

Location: Drakou 8, Athina
Telephone: 21 0922 0919

Kafeneion 111


@kafeneion111

In Monastiraki, in a 1918 building, you will find Kafeneion 111, an amiably scenic cafe retaining its traditional character for more than a century. Its vibrant colors, eccentric decor, and impromptu performances by young and old musicians give out some serious bohemian vibes, adding even more to its overall charm. It is a nice spot to hang out any time of the day or night, nosh on tasty bites, and enjoy a few drinks!

Location: Ermou 111, Athina
Telephone: 21 0323 7967

The tiny, scenic neighborhood of Anafiotika tucked above the Plaka, just below the Acropolis, is often overlooked by visitors to Athens – and even some Athenians.

With patches of cool and quiet, Anafiotika is a hideaway for about 60 residents who want a slow life.

It was built in the 19th-Century by workers from the tiny island of Anafi in the Cyclades, hence the name. In 1841, King Otto I encouraged workers to come and help transform the new capital of independent Greece into a modern metropolis and refurbish his palace.

Carpenters and masons from the Cycladic island of Anafi came, along with other workers from the Cyclades. They took over the rocky terrain located just below the north slope of the Acropolis, hastily erecting houses, taking advantage of an Ottoman law that decreed that if you could put up a structure between sunset and sunrise, the property became yours.

The first two inhabitants were G. Damigos, carpenter, and M. Sigalas, construction workers. Soon, workers from other Cycladic islands also started to arrive there, to work as carpenters or even stone and marble workers, in a further buildings reconstruction period in Athens, but also in the following era after the end of the reign of King Otto.

In 1922, immigrants from Minor East were also established here, altering the population that was up to that time only from Cycladic islands.

In 1950, part of this neighborhood was destroyed for archeologic research and in 1970 the state started to buy the houses.

Anafiotika: Whitewashed buildings in Athens

Today, Anafiotika retains the charm of simple, whitewashed buildings of the island of Anafi with an irresistible lure of Bougainvillea flowers, clay pots, and roaming cats sitting in the sun.

There are only about 45 houses remaining, while the little streets from Stratonos to the Acropolis rock are still unnamed and the houses are referred to as “Anafiotika 1”, “Anafiotika 2” etc.

The neighborhood has small, cubic houses and narrow streets that often end up to ladders or even dead-ends at terraces, places to sit and enjoy the night view of the city.

As one travel site put it: "In this oasis of tranquility, nestled beneath the walls of the Acropolis, the intensity of Athens seems miles away."

Originally published on: greekreporter.com

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present a two-person show entitled “The beheaded researchers present: A crash course on inner reasoning”. The artists, Georgia Touliatou and Nina Kotamanidou externalize fragmented and repeated introverted thoughts as they are triggered by external conditions. Their work refers to their anxietyabout indifference, ignorance and loneliness. In drawings and paintings, they address the contrast of a dream of a happy life with the difficulty of managing their theoretically favorable situation in a culture of abundance.Their research into A.S. Byatt’s Identity and the Writer, and the idea of the personality of the individual as a “knotted subject”, forms the basis for the simultaneous creation of several texts and embroideries, leading to a greater understanding of the concept of culture and social identity. 

Nina Kotamanidou looks at the everyday as a way of understanding the world we live in and what we make out of it. The tension created by the feel-good indulgence of western culture and personal dissatisfaction delineates the field of her interests. She studied painting in Aristotle University, Greece, earned an MA from Winchester School of Art, UK, and a PhD from University of Surrey, UK.

Georgia Touliatou was born in Athens, studied painting at Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece and at Wimbledon College of Arts, University of the Arts London, UK. Most of the time, she lives and works in Athens, Greece. She regularly participates in video festivals in the EU, Russia, Korea, Japan and the US. She currently works on a post-nostalgic point of viewing environment, human behaviors and relationships, constructing an imaginary that unveils protective narratives, in any meta-digital format.

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. www.fokianou247.gr

Opening:  10 February, 17.00
Duration:   10 – 26 February, 2022
Hours:  Thursday– Saturday 17.00-20.00
FokiaNou Art Space, Fokianou 24, 7th Floor, Pagrati  Metro:  Evangelismos