XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Monday, 24 February 2025 07:07

The Wonder Wanderers Retreat

On March 26-30th 2025, the Land Beyond, in NW Greece, welcomes Tania Teixeira and Elpida Trizi, ICF Certified Life and Leadership Coaches, for a different kind of wonder wander!

An opportunity to slowdown and allow a sense of wonder, increase your capacity to be with the unknown and take risks, reconnect with yourself, each other and nature.

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WHY: To learn how to manage stress and improve your wellbeing. To benefit your creativity when you find yourself stuck. To set the foundations for an authentic life through conscious choices. 

HOW: By giving yourself space and time to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. Through conscious breathing, moving and walking. Through narrative and the stories you carry inside. Through meaningful conversations with other participants in a safe, non-judgmental space. 

WHAT: An invitation and a quest to seek answers in a truly magical environment, at the Vitsa village of Zagori. Four nights / full days to disconnect from multiple screens and your “busy” routine.

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For more info CLICK HERE!


 About Elpida

Elpida Trizi brings to coaching more than 20 years of experience in corporate communication and international relations, of which 10 years abroad. Curiosity, growth mindset and her own self-discovery quest led her to coaching. Her coaching focuses on the whole person, heart and mind, body and soul, through a unique blend of storytelling, wellbeing practices and a compassionate presence. Elpida creates a safe space to explore deep emotions, allowing everyone to express themselves and choose from the heart -not only the head. She loves working with people who find themselves burned out or at a crossroads, inspiring them to create a life they love. Her own life experiences taught her the power of slowing down to awaken new possibilities and aligning who we are with what we do. Passionate about people and their stories across the globe, Elpida believes that connection is at the core of who we are and what we do. We all long to connect with ourselves, another person or group, even with something greater than us. More information about Elpida is available here.

About Tania

Tania Teixeira is a life leadership coach with approximately 20 years’ corporate experience, including public health and international relations. She has a passion for people, for experiencing deeper fulfillment and meaning in life, and the power of connection. Through travel, yoga and mindfulness, she discovered the value of slowing down and breathing, the strength in wandering and wondering, and getting "found" in the midst of something bigger, that lives at the heart of all of us. A believer in the gentleness of allowing and becoming, she loves to work with people seeking to be present in their lives, to embrace themselves fully and lead with intentionality and responsibility. Tania holds that everyone is a leader, and we can awaken to embrace our whole selves, especially the parts cast in shadow, with courageous kindness. She brings this integration to coaching and invites people to live their truest expression in the world with lightness and joy. More information about Tania is available here.


For more info CLICK HERE!


 

A Musical Journey to Brazil

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' first English-speaking theatre, presents  “Miranda Verouli Quintet” in their latest musical project, “Brazilian Romance”. Recognized as Greece’s leading ambassador of Brazilian music, Miranda Verouli and her talented ensemble invite audiences on a captivating journey through the vibrant rhythms and enchanting melodies of bossa nova, samba, and tropicalia.

With a repertoire carefully selected from the Brazilian Songbook, the quintet pays tribute to legendary composers such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, and Milton Nascimento. Their unique arrangements, infused with the unmistakable Brazilian jazz essence of the group, create an irresistible atmosphere reminiscent of the iconic nightclubs of Rio de Janeiro.



Adding a personal touch to the performance, Miranda Verouli enriches the audience's experience by sharing translated lyrics and stories behind the songs, offering an insightful glimpse into the era and the creative processes of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians.

About Miranda Verouli: A singer/songwriter with a long-standing presence in the Greek jazz and World scene. In 2018, she was honoured by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil with the «Medal of the Knight of the Order of Rio Branco», for her contribution to the promotion of Brazilian music in Greece.



Event Details

Miranda Verouli: voice, George Tsiropoulos: tenor saxophone/guitar

George Tsolis: piano, George Roulos: double bass, George Maniatis: drums

Credits:

Poster Design: Sotiria Bramou

Social Media: Kallia Gerakianaki

PR & Communication: Eleftheria Sakareli

Performance Date

Saturday 11th January at 22.30

Tickets: 10€

Note: The theatre also offers a bar with affordable prices (beer 3€, drinks 6€)

About THEATRE OF THE NO

Αn international performing arts centre, creating a colourful and multicultural hub for internationals and locals in the heart of Athens by curating a unique repertoire of artistic productions and performances in English  including theatre plays, operas, comedy and music concerts.

An Interview with Dr. Paul Cartledge by Dr. Richard Marranca

What makes the Iliad and Odyssey so pivotal to the ancient Greeks, and to world culture in general now?  Why so enthralling?

All human life is there. The Greeks being non-dogmatic polytheists didn’t have an equivalent of the Christian Bible or Islamic Qu’ran. But they recognized in the two monumental epic tales not just as entertaining stories (they contain plenty of those!) but also as sources of ethical instruction. 

Does The Iliad have a lot to do with the anger of Achilles? 

The Iliad’s guiding narrative thread or theme is the anger of the semidivine (his mother was the goddess Thetis, his father a mortal) warrior hero Achilles. Was Achilles justified in feeling so angry with his commanding officer at Troy, angry enough to withdraw from the fighting (and skulk in his tent) thereby endangering the whole operation to recover the stolen Spartan queen Helen of Sparta? Probably not. But he had a good death!

What are some of the lessons of Odysseus’ seemingly endless journey?

And what did the travels and travails of the hero Odysseus, king of a small rocky isle off western Greece, avail – avail either him (he lost all his men on the way back home from Troy) or his readers? What they did was teach the poem’s listeners and later readers what it meant to be Greek (as opposed to a non-Greek ‘barbarian’) and how to behave towards each other, not least in the matters of marriage, hospitality and sexuality. Odysseus is seduced and seduces more than once along the way back – one reason the journey from Troy to Ithaca took him ten whole years was that he ‘dallied’ for seven of them with a goddess called Calypso on her private island! 

What an ending to the Odyssey! It’s triumphalist, ritualistic and very violent. Was it overkill, so to speak? 

The poem’s climax – after Odysseus takes a singularly bloody, surely excessive (see above) revenge on the 108 suitors (who’d been vying to wed his presumed widow Penelope, another Spartan woman) – is his final reunion and reconciliation with his longsuffering, steadfastly loyal wife. And the poet is careful to remind us that Odysseus’s aged father Laertes is still alive and needs looking after – his mother Anticleia had sadly died during the 20 years her son was away from Ithaca; the only reunion he could achieve with her was with her bloodless shade, deep down in the Hades underworld. So the essentially family saga of the Odyssey perfectly complemented the martial derring-do of the Iliad.


Richard Marranca is an author who teaches ancient world, myth, and religion at Montclair State University. He writes for various print and digital publications, and his upcoming book, "Speaking of the Dead: Mummies & Mysteries of Egypt," will be published by Blydyn Square Books. Richard has had the honor of receiving a Fulbright to teach at LMU Munich and spent a semester in Athens during his doctoral studies at New York University. In his career, Richard has had the privilege of interviewing esteemed classicist Paul Cartledge on topics ranging from Alexander the Great to Greek philosophy.

The dawn of a new year often brings with it a flurry of resolutions, but let’s face it: most fail before February rolls around. For businesses, the stakes are higher—half-hearted resolutions can waste resources and miss opportunities. Instead of recycling tired strategies, why not approach this year with a fresh mindset? Here’s how to make your New Year’s resolutions work for your business in a unique and meaningful way.


1. Stop Setting Goals—Start Identifying Problems First

Before you set lofty resolutions, pause and reflect: What problems need solving in your business?

Once you identify problems, your resolutions become solutions. For instance, instead of saying, "Increase customer retention," resolve to "Identify and address bottlenecks in our customer journey." Problem-solving is far more actionable than generic goal-setting.

2. Think in Themes, Not Targets

Traditional resolutions are often rigid and numerical: "Increase revenue by 20%" or "Hire five new employees." Instead, consider adopting themes for the year—broad areas of focus that guide your decisions. For example:
  • Year of Efficiency: Streamline processes and cut unnecessary costs.
  • Year of Connection: Strengthen relationships with clients, partners, and employees.
  • Year of Experimentation: Test bold ideas, new markets, or innovative products.
Themes allow for adaptability and creativity while maintaining strategic focus.

3. Resolutions Are Dead—Experimentation Is In

Why make a single resolution when you can experiment? Choose one aspect of your business, like marketing or customer engagement, and commit to running small, manageable experiments throughout the year.
For instance:
  • Test new social media platforms for engagement.
  • Experiment with remote work policies to improve productivity.
  • Pilot a subscription model for one of your services.
Track what works and scale it up. Think of this as a scientific approach to growth—data-driven and results-oriented.

4. Flip the Script: Resolve What Not to Do

Sometimes, the most effective resolutions are about subtraction, not addition. Ask yourself:
  • What activities or processes are draining resources without delivering results?
  • What meetings could be eliminated?
  • What products or services no longer align with your mission?
Make this the year of strategic pruning. Letting go of inefficiencies frees up time and energy to focus on what truly matters.

5. Put People at the Heart of Resolutions

Resolutions often focus on numbers, systems, or outputs, but the true engine of any business is its people. This year, resolve to invest in them:
  • Create a "personal growth fund" for employees to spend on courses, workshops, or hobbies.
  • Host monthly brainstorming sessions where every team member can pitch ideas.
  • Recognize and celebrate achievements—big or small—regularly.
A motivated, engaged team will help your business thrive far beyond 2025.

6. The 80/20 Approach: Leverage Your Superpowers

The Pareto Principle—80% of results come from 20% of efforts—can revolutionize your resolutions. Instead of trying to fix everything, focus on the few areas where your business already excels and double down.
For example:
  • If word-of-mouth brings in most of your clients, resolve to amplify customer referrals.
  • If your team shines in creativity, invest in innovative campaigns.
  • If a specific product dominates sales, explore complementary offerings.
Play to your strengths, and let them work harder for you.

7. Celebrate Imperfection

Here’s the thing: resolutions aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. Instead of rigidly sticking to a resolution that’s not working, give yourself permission to adapt. Build a culture where failing fast and learning from mistakes is celebrated.

At the end of the year, success isn’t just about achieving every resolution—it’s about growing, learning, and building a better version of your business.

8. The One-Word Challenge

If all else feels overwhelming, simplify your resolutions into a single, powerful word that encapsulates your business’s focus for the year. Words like "growth," "innovation," or "trust" can serve as guiding principles for every decision you make.
Athens is set to welcome 2025 with a vibrant celebration at Syntagma Square, featuring a blend of music, theater, and innovative displays. The festivities will commence at 10 p.m. on December 31, with a performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra. The main event, titled "Roof of Time," is a time-machine-themed show that will take attendees on a journey through Athens' history from 1945 to the present. This performance is crafted by musician Foivos Delivorias and director Angelos Triantafyllou, with Delivorias serving as the host and performer. He will be joined by artists Natassa Bofiliou, Martha Frintzila, and Thanasis Alevras, who will embody various iconic figures from each era. The show will also feature dancers, soloists, and emerging singers. 

In a first for the city, the night sky will be illuminated by silent fireworks, designed to minimize noise disturbance, particularly for pets and individuals sensitive to loud sounds. Complementing this will be a drone show, adding a modern touch to the traditional celebrations. 

The event is free to the public and will be broadcast live on the City of Athens' official Facebook and YouTube channels, complete with Greek sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility for all. Following the main performance, a DJ set will keep the energy high as attendees dance their way into the new year. 

As Athens prepares to usher in the new year, these celebrations promise a memorable night filled with culture, entertainment, and community spirit.

Thursday, 19 December 2024 11:42

Unique Christmas Gifts In Athens

Athens, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts that carry a touch of Greek heritage. From museum shops filled with artistic treasures to local artisan markets, the city offers countless options for thoughtful and original presents. Here are some of the best places to find distinctive Christmas gifts in Athens, along with specific examples to inspire your shopping.


The Acropolis Museum Shop

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The Acropolis Museum Shop is a must-visit destination for unique and sophisticated gifts. This festive season, the shop offers an exclusive range of holiday-themed items, including:
  • Handmade Festive Ornaments: Inspired by ancient Greek motifs and perfect for decorating your Christmas tree.
  • Luxurious Scarves and Ties: Featuring intricate patterns drawn from classical Greek art.
  • Elegant Jewelry Collections: Designs based on museum artifacts, such as ancient coins and pottery patterns.
  • Holiday Gift Boxes: Beautifully packaged sets including books, decorative items, and themed souvenirs. Visit the shop or explore their online collection.
The Museum of Cycladic Art Shop

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Known for its focus on Cycladic, ancient Greek, and Byzantine-inspired designs, the Museum of Cycladic Art Shop offers gifts with a timeless aesthetic. Their festive range includes:
  • Holiday Cards and Stationery: Featuring artistic Cycladic designs.
  • Cycladic-Inspired Decorations: Perfect for adding a touch of Greek art to your home.
  • Premium Gift Sets: Combining ceramics, books, and exclusive Cycladic figurine replicas. Explore their gift collection.
Benaki Museum Shops

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The Benaki Museum’s shops are renowned for their diverse selection, catering to lovers of art, culture, and history. Their festive offerings include:
  • Christmas Ornaments: Inspired by traditional Greek designs and patterns.
  • Artisan Jewelry: Handcrafted pieces reflecting Greek mythology and history.
  • Decorative Items: Such as vases, plates, and figurines with traditional motifs.
Local Artisan Markets

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Athens’ artisan markets, such as those in Monastiraki and Plaka, are brimming with handmade goods that make unique and personal gifts. Popular shops and stalls include:
  • Melissinos Art-The Poet Sandal Maker: Famous for custom leather sandals made to measure.
  • Trabala Studio: Specializing in contemporary hand-painted pottery.
  • Greek Olive Oil Shops: Offering premium extra virgin olive oil in beautifully designed bottles.
  • Handmade Jewelry Stalls: Featuring pieces crafted with semi-precious stones and traditional techniques.
Greek Designer Boutiques

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For a modern twist on Greek aesthetics, Greek designer boutiques in neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Koukaki showcase contemporary takes on traditional designs. Recommended spots include:
  • Zeus+Dione: Known for its high-end fashion and accessories inspired by Greek heritage.
  • Forget Me Not: A boutique offering unique memorabilia and contemporary Greek items.
  • Apivita Experience Store: Combining Greek natural ingredients in luxury skincare gift sets.
Specialty Food Shops

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No list of unique gifts would be complete without mentioning Athens’ specialty food shops. Gourmet treats make for delicious presents, and standout options include:
  • Mastiha Shop: Offering a range of products made from Chios mastiha, from liqueurs to skincare.
  • Heteroclito: A boutique wine shop specializing in curated Greek wine collections perfect for gifting.
  • Ergon House: Featuring artisanal food products like honey, cheeses, and charcuterie.
Make Your Christmas Shopping in Athens Memorable

Athens offers endless possibilities for finding unique and meaningful Christmas gifts. Whether you’re looking for artistic treasures, handcrafted goods, or gourmet delights, the city’s shops and markets have something for everyone. This holiday season, give gifts that tell a story and reflect the rich culture of Greece.
Thursday, 19 December 2024 10:26

Club Monamour X Pharaoh: NYE Party

Mona Athens is excited to invite you to CLUB MONAMOUR’s most anticipated party of the season co-hosted with our friends from Pharaoh Athens.

Inspired by the pulsating energy of Italo-disco and genre-defying beats, this is an exclusive vinyl-only celebration taking over Mona’s Underground Club in Psirri.

Get ready to dance alongside the city’s most intriguing crowd, all set to an eclectic line-up of DJs spinning deep, irresistible grooves until the early hours.

Special Guest of the Night:­ Sicilian DJ and music producer DJ SCM (Maurizio Schirò), based in Berlin, will be exploring sounds that transcend genres, spinning everything from Balearic, Italo-disco, afro-boogie, and early house. Joined by Maik Nait from the Kasseta Records collective – a cornerstone of the Athens scene for over a decade and serial vinyl collector. Warming up the evening, Yiorgos Koutivas (Polyphonia Project) from Avia in Messinia will set the tone with a signature multi-genre set.

We can’t wait to spend this Vinyl Spettacolare NYE with you!

For more information, please CLICK HERE!

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' first English speaking  theatre, welcomes guitarist Panos Iliou for a special project that tells the story of Blues and its evolution.

On Friday, December 20th at 22:30, the performance will take us on a journey through the early forms of country blues and early blues, which remain the foundation and source of inspiration for countless musicians around the world.

From Dockery Farms, the birthplace of this musical legacy, Panos Iliou will guide us through a musical journey along the paths of Delta Blues, Piedmont Blues, Bentonia Blues, and Hill Country Blues, exploring the regions that shaped the authentic sound of the blues.

His music is not limited to the Mississippi Delta. The journey continues through Texas Blues, the East Coast, Memphis, and reaches Chicago, where modern "electric" blues was born.


Credits

Social media
: Kallia Gerakianaki

PR & Communication: Eleftheria Sakareli

Date: Friday, December 20th at 22:30

Ticket: €10

Note: The theater also has a bar with affordable prices: beer €2.50, drinks €5




Navigating the complexities of the Greek business landscape can be a challenge, especially when it comes to understanding local accounting regulations and tax requirements. 

Choosing to have a local team of qualified chartered accountants and business accounting professionals will ensure you comply with Greek accounting laws while also streamlining your financial management.

 
Comprehensive Business Accounting Services

We provide a full range of services tailored to the specific needs of businesses operating in Greece. These services include:
  • Business Name Registration in Greece: We evaluate your unique circumstances to recommend the ideal business structure, ensuring a smooth and compliant registration process.
  • Company Tax Returns: Specialists can manage the filing of corporate tax returns, highlighting potential deductions and ensuring adherence to Greek business tax laws.
  • Trust Fund Tax: We assist with tax filings related to trust funds associated with your business, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Bookkeeping: Utilizing cutting-edge bookkeeping technology, we offer real-time updates for online bookkeeping services, alongside traditional offline methods, to suit your preferences.
  • Tax Returns for Partnerships: From filing partnership tax returns to managing adjustments during partnership changes, we ensure smooth operations.
  • Financial Statements: Our trusted accountants draft precise financial statements for both business and tax purposes, giving you clarity and confidence.
 
Why a Business Accountant Is Essential in Greece

Accurate financial management is vital for any business’s success. Mishandling funds or failing to comply with tax obligations can lead to significant stress and complications. Having a trusted accounting expert ensures that your financial records are meticulously maintained, helping your business thrive both locally and internationally. Their expertise minimizes risks and enhances financial clarity, allowing you to focus on growth and expansion.

Expertise Across Industries

Our experts have extensive experience in providing accounting solutions across diverse sectors, including:
  • Small Business No matter the size of your business, our trusted partners are here to help navigate Greek accounting so that you have peace of mind knowing your financial management is taken care of.
  • Construction and Real Estate Addressing the specific tax and accounting needs of construction and real estate businesses, our partners offer tailored advice for smooth operations.
  • Pharma and Health Supporting hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers, our experts deliver expert accounting services for the highly regulated health sector.
  • Shipping and Logistics Assisting local and international shipping companies, we streamline accounting processes to manage both Greek and global operations.
  • Manufacturing and Trade Our accountants specialize in serving manufacturing businesses, providing comprehensive solutions for this dynamic sector.
Decades of Expertise

With decades of experience in Greek and international business accounting, our accounting experts have supported countless businesses in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as in local jurisdictions. They have worked with companies from across the globe, including China, Russia, Australia, and the United States, making them a trusted partner for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Greece.

If you’re looking for reliable, professional support to navigate the complexities of Greek business accounting, you can reach out to us for assistance.

This content has been created in collaboration with our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting.

Monday, 16 December 2024 15:15

George Zacharopoulos - Tinder Ruined My Life

The Athens English Comedy Club welcomes back George Zacharopoulos, this time with his solo show "TINDER RUINED MY LIFE" - for one night only!

George met a girl in 2018. The Dream girl. A doctor, a mother of two, beautiful, smart, and funny. And then things happened... This is a show about love and betrayal. And it is 100% true.

This show is Baby Reindeer meets PS I Love You.

Opening act: Katerina Vrana

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About George:

Born and raised in Kalamata, George has gone on to dominate the UK comedy scene, headlining in the biggest comedy clubs as well as appearing on BBC One several times. He has performed sold out shows at both the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. In the last 2 years he has performed in 22 countries, while his videos have millions of views online.

EUROPEAN COMEDY AWARDS “BEST PERFORMER 2024"

International Comedian of the Year, Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2023

"
Very funny, and utterly surprising, go see George Zacharopoulos before he leaves town. It is, without question, one of the best hours of comedy on offer."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Quintessential Review

"This funny and insightful take on relationships has a truly touching, shocking and heart breaking ending. Zacharopoulos is so clever and sharp witted. This is such an important show"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Entertainment Now

"He delivers this with such a wicked sense of humour that you will ache from laughing so hard"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Reviews Hub

"Impeccably structured and wonderfully performed. Cathartic and hilarious."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Corr Blimey

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Sunday December 22nd

Time: 21:00 (Doors open 20:40)

Duration: 1h15

Tickets:
* Early-bird: €10
* General admission: €15
* At the door: €20

Info: 6987994689 // athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com

The theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Recommended for audiences aged 16 and above.

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Find George online:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

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About the Athens English Comedy Club

Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece!

Sign up to our newsletter for direct-to-email updates and exclusive ticket offers!: http://eepurl.com/it6PzQ

Follow us on social media!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

TikTok

Come and laugh! Nay! Come and chortle. Or better yet, guffaw!

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