LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Wednesday, 15 December 2021 16:34
The Ark Οf Τhe World
The «Ark of the World» is a Charitable Nonprofit Organisation providing special care and protection to mothers and children.
It is first and foremost intended and addressed to young unprotected children, most of whom come from single-parent families, and to many children without parents, who experience difficult circumstances, neglect, abandonment, lack of medical care and uncertain future.
The Ark fully covers and takes care of unprotected children.. In collaboration with Prosecutors for Children, protection agencies and services for children’s rights, it undertakes to raise children in its four (at present) accommodation homes. They are children (infanthood to adulthood) who have been subjected to abuse, neglect and very bad living conditions. Children live in large homes with instructors and care givers for their everyday life, like a large family, without any reminders of institutional care.
A primary concern of the Ark is not to separate the family when there is parent interest in and capable of taking care of the child. Single-parent families with serious financial and social problems calling on our services can find support for their very basic needs, such as food, clothes, medical care and everything they need to live with dignity. At the same time, families receive counseling services, take part in parents’ groups led by family relations specialists and receive information on training programmes in order to be empowered to take responsibility of their children.
A primary concern of the Ark is not to separate the family when there is parent interest in and capable of taking care of the child. Single-parent families with serious financial and social problems calling on our services can find support for their very basic needs, such as food, clothes, medical care and everything they need to live with dignity. At the same time, families receive counseling services, take part in parents’ groups led by family relations specialists and receive information on training programmes in order to be empowered to take responsibility of their children.
The Ark of the World was established in 1998 in Athens by 26-year-old Father Antonios Papanikolaou, who was armed with love for children, a selfless need to give and the desire to create a nest of affection and care for children, young people and parents in need, living in the crevices of society, in “another” Athens at the region of Akadimia Platonos.
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Charities & Groups
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Wednesday, 15 December 2021 13:15
Τhe Meet Market | 10 Days Of Christmas
The holiday season is upon us, and considering all that we’ve been through over the past 2 years, and to make up for 2020’s lack of festivities, we wanted to do something extra special (and extra Covid safe) this year. And so this December, The Meet Market proudly presents our biggest event to date: 10 days of Christmas at the Palio Amaxostatio OSY.
Come join us for holiday festivities and merry market celebrations as we head for the first time to this super central venue in Gazi, and fill it with 150+ stalls of beautiful products made & sourced with love from designers, artists, producers and selectors from all over Greece.
Come join us for holiday festivities and merry market celebrations as we head for the first time to this super central venue in Gazi, and fill it with 150+ stalls of beautiful products made & sourced with love from designers, artists, producers and selectors from all over Greece.
And because we couldn’t fit all these talented makers in one event, this year’s Christmas Meet Market is essentially 2 events in one. From Friday 10 – Tuesday 14, we will be featuring our first round of participating brands and exquisite products, and then switching it up with an new artisan lineup from from Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19. You’ll want to visit us twice to witness the fitness of all these makers, including plenty who will be participating for the first time.
We also be featuring our usual non-stop dj sets from start till finish each and every day, interactive games for all our little friends, Christmas cocktails & Glühwein, street food, gift cards, free prizes, super duper Yultide vibes and a whole lot more!
Opening Hours: (Weekdays 18:00 – 22:00 & Weekends 12:00 – 22:00)
Friday 10/12 from 18:00 – 22:00
Saturday 11/12 & 12/12 from 12:00 – 22:00
Monday 13/12 – Friday 17/12 from 18:00 – 22:00
Saturday 18/12 & Sunday 19/12 from 12:00 – 22:00
Opening Hours: (Weekdays 18:00 – 22:00 & Weekends 12:00 – 22:00)
Friday 10/12 from 18:00 – 22:00
Saturday 11/12 & 12/12 from 12:00 – 22:00
Monday 13/12 – Friday 17/12 from 18:00 – 22:00
Saturday 18/12 & Sunday 19/12 from 12:00 – 22:00
The Meet Market: A monthly celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit… A nomadic market place of local goods, fresh ideas and friendly folk. An audio-visual jigsaw of handmade & independently designed clothes, accessories, art, objects, organic body products, home ware, tasty food, vintage & retro collectables, records, interactive games, free prizes, dj sets and good vibes!
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Community
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Wednesday, 15 December 2021 14:32
New Ice Rink Opens In Central Athens
A new 400-square meter ice rink opened on Tuesday, December 14th, in Kotzia Square in Athens, as part of the festive events organized by the City of Athens. Skating at the rink, which will be open until January 6th, will be free of charge, though electronic pre-booking is required, through here (beware, link only in Greek).
Several more ice rinks have already opened around the city. Worth visiting for example is the rink set up in the middle of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center canal, which will be open until February 6 this year (skating there is also free, with obligatory pre-registration here), and the rink at Village Shopping & More, in Renti, which will also stay open until February (skating here costs €10 including skate rental, and you can skate for as long as you want). You’ll also find rinks at many malls, at the Megaron Music Hall, and at the some of city’s Christmas markets.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Several more ice rinks have already opened around the city. Worth visiting for example is the rink set up in the middle of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center canal, which will be open until February 6 this year (skating there is also free, with obligatory pre-registration here), and the rink at Village Shopping & More, in Renti, which will also stay open until February (skating here costs €10 including skate rental, and you can skate for as long as you want). You’ll also find rinks at many malls, at the Megaron Music Hall, and at the some of city’s Christmas markets.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
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Local News
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Wednesday, 15 December 2021 07:00
Experience Park To Open At Elliniko On Monday
Lamda Development announced that on December 20, just six months after the listed construction company signed the contract for the development of the plot at the old Athens airport, it will open a part of the Elliniko Metropolitan Park to the public.
The “Experience Park” covers an area in excess of 70,000 square meters and constitutes an integral part of the Metropolitan Park. Five hundred trees have been planted on the site alongside 55,000 other plants – all Mediterranean species.
It further features a water fountain, a children’s playground, and the Zen Garden, ideal for relaxation.
It also has a Christmas tree, which will remain in place until January 9.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
The “Experience Park” covers an area in excess of 70,000 square meters and constitutes an integral part of the Metropolitan Park. Five hundred trees have been planted on the site alongside 55,000 other plants – all Mediterranean species.
It further features a water fountain, a children’s playground, and the Zen Garden, ideal for relaxation.
It also has a Christmas tree, which will remain in place until January 9.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
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Local News
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Tuesday, 19 December 2023 07:00
Diples - Greek Honey Rolls Recipe
Christmas on a platter, drizzled with honey syrup and topped with chopped walnuts! Diples get their name from the Greek word for “fold” and are a traditional Greek honey pastry dessert that is very popular around Christmas time throughout Greece. They may be rather challenging to make, but you have to give them a go!
Ingredients
1. Place the egg whites into the bowl of the electric mixer, along with a pinch of salt. Whisk the egg whites until the mixture is very thick and glossy.
2. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whilst mixing. In a cup add the orange and lemon juice and baking soda and blend, until dissolved, and pour in the egg mixture. Add the white wine vinegar and the sugar and mix.
3. Pour the mixture in a large bowl or basin and sift in the flour; add the oil and knead the dough using your hands, until smooth and elastic.
4. Separate the dough into four pieces, cover with some plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll out each part of the dough into thin rectangle sheets.
6. Using a rolling cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into rectangular pieces or square pieces. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, and deep fry the diples in batches of 3-4 at a time, pushing them down with a fork and flipping their sides until colored.
7. Prepare the syrup for the diples. Pour in a pot all the syrup ingredients and bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved.
8. Place the diples on a serving platter and drizzle with the syrup (or if you like them extra syrupy, soak each one in the syrup for a few seconds). Sprinkle with ground walnuts and cinnamon.
To read the recipe in full and discover another, more traditional but a bit harder way to make the diples, please click here: mygreekdish.com
Ingredients
- 2 flat tbsps sugar
- 2 flat tbsps baking soda
- 350–400g all-purpose flour
- 5 eggs (divided into yolks and whites)
- juice of 1 lemon
- juice of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup corn oil
- a pinch of salt
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 of a cup sugar
- 1/4 of a cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 150g chopped walnuts, for garnish
1. Place the egg whites into the bowl of the electric mixer, along with a pinch of salt. Whisk the egg whites until the mixture is very thick and glossy.
2. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whilst mixing. In a cup add the orange and lemon juice and baking soda and blend, until dissolved, and pour in the egg mixture. Add the white wine vinegar and the sugar and mix.
3. Pour the mixture in a large bowl or basin and sift in the flour; add the oil and knead the dough using your hands, until smooth and elastic.
4. Separate the dough into four pieces, cover with some plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll out each part of the dough into thin rectangle sheets.
6. Using a rolling cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into rectangular pieces or square pieces. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, and deep fry the diples in batches of 3-4 at a time, pushing them down with a fork and flipping their sides until colored.
7. Prepare the syrup for the diples. Pour in a pot all the syrup ingredients and bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved.
8. Place the diples on a serving platter and drizzle with the syrup (or if you like them extra syrupy, soak each one in the syrup for a few seconds). Sprinkle with ground walnuts and cinnamon.
To read the recipe in full and discover another, more traditional but a bit harder way to make the diples, please click here: mygreekdish.com
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Monday, 13 December 2021 07:00
Arachova - The Perfect Winter Escape In Greece
White landscapes, cozy corners, hot chocolate, and moments by the fireplace. Yes, this time of the year has come! So, what if there is a place that combines all of the above, it’s cosmopolitan, and at the same time, you can find peaceful escapes that will set your mind and soul free?
Arachova is the one and during winter is transformed into a bustling little city. This beautiful mountainous village that is known for its breathtaking nature and historical background is situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos in Viotia (the highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus), Southern Greece.
The tourism facilities of Arachova, which are fully developed, make it an ideal destination for ski lovers or the ones who are seeking other outdoor facilities, such as snowboard, hiking, and mountain bike or just walking through the cobblestone streets. Furthermore, even if you don’t belong to the adventurous visitor category and you just want to relax in cute cafes and cozy guesthouses, again, Arachova is perfect for you.
At the same time, though, we should not forget that this picturesque village carries interesting history and cultural heritage. Byzantine churches and monasteries hold their own place in Arachova, whilst in really close proximity you will find Delphi, the ancient sanctuary that is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be by the Greeks the center of the world, the ‘navel of the world’, ‘Omphalos’. Questions were asked to the Oracle Pythia (modern-day Google!) in a will for consultation on crucial decisions. Delphi was also the center of worship of the God Apollo. Delphi is undoubtedly a must-visit while in Arahova.
Arachova also offers traditional Greek food, namely presenting ‘trahana’, a traditional Greek and Cypriot dish, usually found in the villages and is made with either semolina, wheat flour, or cracked wheat and ‘hilopites’, Greek egg pasta. Moreover, it stands out for spoon sweets, yogurt with honey, olives, dry wines, the ‘formaela’ cheese, and grilled meat. You can taste all these in restaurants and taverns, but you can also buy many of the above from local shops.
Last but not least, you may as well pay a visit to Eptalofos or Agoriani, a charming mountain village that lies at the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus. Its central square is a beauty and there are many options for dining, coffee, and dessert all around. Agoriani is only 11 km far from Parnassus ski center and it's a quiet escape from the bustling Arachova.
Main image: @arachova_greece
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Arachova is the one and during winter is transformed into a bustling little city. This beautiful mountainous village that is known for its breathtaking nature and historical background is situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos in Viotia (the highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus), Southern Greece.
The tourism facilities of Arachova, which are fully developed, make it an ideal destination for ski lovers or the ones who are seeking other outdoor facilities, such as snowboard, hiking, and mountain bike or just walking through the cobblestone streets. Furthermore, even if you don’t belong to the adventurous visitor category and you just want to relax in cute cafes and cozy guesthouses, again, Arachova is perfect for you.
At the same time, though, we should not forget that this picturesque village carries interesting history and cultural heritage. Byzantine churches and monasteries hold their own place in Arachova, whilst in really close proximity you will find Delphi, the ancient sanctuary that is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be by the Greeks the center of the world, the ‘navel of the world’, ‘Omphalos’. Questions were asked to the Oracle Pythia (modern-day Google!) in a will for consultation on crucial decisions. Delphi was also the center of worship of the God Apollo. Delphi is undoubtedly a must-visit while in Arahova.
Arachova also offers traditional Greek food, namely presenting ‘trahana’, a traditional Greek and Cypriot dish, usually found in the villages and is made with either semolina, wheat flour, or cracked wheat and ‘hilopites’, Greek egg pasta. Moreover, it stands out for spoon sweets, yogurt with honey, olives, dry wines, the ‘formaela’ cheese, and grilled meat. You can taste all these in restaurants and taverns, but you can also buy many of the above from local shops.
Last but not least, you may as well pay a visit to Eptalofos or Agoriani, a charming mountain village that lies at the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus. Its central square is a beauty and there are many options for dining, coffee, and dessert all around. Agoriani is only 11 km far from Parnassus ski center and it's a quiet escape from the bustling Arachova.
Main image: @arachova_greece
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Published in
Travel Greece
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Wednesday, 13 November 2024 00:11
ELPIDA Association Of Friends Of Children With Cancer
The "ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer" was founded in 1990 by a group of dynamic women, with Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyiannis as its President.
From its founding unitl today, "ELPIDA" has actualised a comprehensive framework of treatment and support for children suffering from cancer and for their families, raising the awarness of the Greek people. who emrabrace its vision and support its work.
From its founding unitl today, "ELPIDA" has actualised a comprehensive framework of treatment and support for children suffering from cancer and for their families, raising the awarness of the Greek people. who emrabrace its vision and support its work.
To learn more about the organization click HERE!
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Charities & NGOs
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Tuesday, 06 December 2022 22:51
Christmas Theater - The Nutcracker Christmas Ballet
Labrys presents one of the most famous ballets in the world, the Kiev City Ballet in the most beautiful Christmas fairy tale, The Nutcracker.
The Kiev City Ballet is internationally recognized as one of the most important interpretations of the beloved fairy tale and has been performed in the world's biggest theaters to rave reviews.
The ballet started its world tour just two days before the start of the war in Ukraine and has not returned to the country since.
The Mayor of Paris offered them hospitality and the well-known theater of Chatelet hosted their performances and to this day they are artists in residence at the theater of Chatelet.
After their shows in Chicago and New York, Athens will welcome them on Christmas Day, for only 3 shows, on December 25 & 26 at the Christmas Theater.
The Kiev City Ballet is internationally recognized as one of the most important interpretations of the beloved fairy tale and has been performed in the world's biggest theaters to rave reviews.
The ballet started its world tour just two days before the start of the war in Ukraine and has not returned to the country since.
The Mayor of Paris offered them hospitality and the well-known theater of Chatelet hosted their performances and to this day they are artists in residence at the theater of Chatelet.
After their shows in Chicago and New York, Athens will welcome them on Christmas Day, for only 3 shows, on December 25 & 26 at the Christmas Theater.
Published in
Performing Arts
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Thursday, 09 December 2021 12:59
Chocolate Truffles Recipe
If you are looking to make a sweet edible treat this Christmas, also ideal as a small gift, try these decadent Sokolatenia Troufakia (chocolate truffles) with dark chocolate, walnuts, and Petit Beurre biscuits.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for over a week, as long as they are in an airtight container.
Ingredients
160g dark chocolate
180g Petit Beurre biscuits
1/2 cup full cream milk
1/3 cup fresh cream
1 tablespoon liqueur
1 & 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Method
- Chop chocolate into small pieces and completely melt over low heat in a double boiler.
- Place biscuits in a large bowl and crush them into very small pieces. Add a quarter of a cup of chopped walnuts.
- Pour melted chocolate over biscuits and walnuts and mix together with a wooden spoon.
- Add milk, fresh cream, and liqueur and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover bowl with cling wrap and place in refrigerator (not freezer) for 1.5 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and take a teaspoon of the mixture and begin forming them into ball-like shapes by rolling the mixture in your palms. It makes it easier by wearing food handling gloves, otherwise wet your hands with water in between each truffle.
- Roll each truffle into the chopped walnuts and place them back in the refrigerator covered tightly until ready to serve.
Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Tuesday, 05 December 2023 07:00
The Scent Of Christmas: 4 Athenian Cafes To Put You In Festive Mood
It's that time of the year again when friends and family gather around and give thanks and good tidings and cheer. It's a magical season; a season of joy, love, and happiness! If you find yourself in Athens this Christmas, make sure to visit the following cafes that go all-out for Christmas and are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Little Kook
@littlekook_
Little Kook
@littlekook_
Located in the heart of Athens, in the area of Psyrri, Little Kook is perfect for fairytale enthusiasts and dessert lovers. Little Kook serves a variety of delicious sweets and features dreamy decor. This well-known cafe is busy all year, but it shines even brighter during the holidays!
Location: Karaiskaki 17, Athina
Telephone: 210 3214144
Noel
@thenoelbar
Telephone: 210 3214144
Noel
@thenoelbar
Christmas is celebrated all year round in Noel! The cafe is tastefully adorned in a retro-vintage style, the music is delightful (mainly swing and jazz), and the food is outstanding. Noel is ideal for everything from early coffee and breakfast to late wining and dining. The atmosphere is as festive as it comes, and it is, without a doubt, one of the best places to be during the holiday season.
Location: Kolokotroni 59B, Athina
Telephone: 211 2159534
Fairytale
@fairytale_athens
Telephone: 211 2159534
Fairytale
@fairytale_athens
Do you believe in Christmas magic and fairytales? Then you must pay a visit to this location! The decorations are incredible; it's as if you've walked inside Hansel and Gretel's home! Desserts, on the other hand, are delightful. It's tough not to indulge in inventive and delectable treats.
Location: Leokoriou 16, Athina & Tripia 48, Nea Philadelphia
Telephone: 210 2582341
Cap Cap
@capcapgr
Location: Leokoriou 16, Athina & Tripia 48, Nea Philadelphia
Telephone: 210 2582341
Cap Cap
@capcapgr
Cap Cap, one of the best themed coffee shops in Athens and, actually the first one to open in the city, in Egaleo, is well hidden in the neighborhood's alleys but it is loved by the locals and widely renowned for its exquisite themed menu, especially the desserts, and magical décor. Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Christmas, Fantastic Beasts, Alladin and 90's are only few of the themes Cap Cap has hosted!
Location: Panormou 26, Egaleo
Telephone: 210 590 4116
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Pubs, Bars & Cafes
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