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Greece is aiming to end the use of single-use plastics by July 2021, according to Kostis Hatzidakis, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, straws, coffee cups and stirrers, soda and water bottles, and most food packaging.
 
The Ministry has announced its partnership with the AC Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, entitled, "Greece, Free of Single-Use Plastics."
 
Angeliki Kosmopoulou of the AC Laskaridis Charitable Foundation noted that "Greece is taking a great leap forward" to ban single-use plastics and called for new regulating laws as well as a public awareness campaign.
 
"Every day, we use a million plastic coffee cups in Greece," Hatzidakis said. "This cannot continue, so we are moving ahead with this initiative, which the prime minister himself has strongly supported, and which must be done in tandem with citizens," the minister added during the event.


To read this article in full, plese visit: greekreporter.com
Wednesday, 27 May 2020 07:00

So Close Yet So Far Away

Although the measures for COVID-19 have eased, we are still very cautious. We avoid social contact and do not visit friends yet. That's because we adults can keep the necessary, safe distance, but children cannot. Last week we planned a "date" with one of my daughter's friends and her mom in the park. We would all walk together, two moms and two kids, keeping a safe distance between us.
 
We discussed with the children in advance and set the rules upfront about what is and what's not allowed. Of course, we had to remind them several times: "Don't get too close, come closer to me, don't touch this." It was going well until the children decided they wanted to hug, but that was out of the question. My daughter started to cry long and loud! That's certainly not what I would call a relaxing walk.
 
The same thing happened when she met her grandmother; she wanted to run into her arms. And I, the "bad" mom apparently, did not let her. My daughter could not understand why since we've been in the house for so long without meeting anyone and since the measures have started being less strict. "I'm heartbroken that I can't hug my grandmother," she told me and burst into tears. In our family, we have people belonging to the high-risk group, so we are more than careful.
 
Several worrying thoughts came to my mind: "Have we perhaps become hypochondriacs?" "Is it possible we are more afraid than we allow ourselves to feel?" "And how much has all this fear affected us?" I took my daughter in my arms and let her cry as much as she wanted. I wasn't talking to her; I was simply holding her in my arms. When she stopped, she wiped her tears and said: "I know, mom, that this coronavirus won't let us do what we want. Fortunately, I can at least see my grandmother even if it's from a distance."

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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

 
 
Greek cafes and restaurants have opened again, following a 2-month hiatus due to the measures against the coronavirus pandemic.

Cafes and restaurants will operate following a safety protocol that dictates a distance between 70 cm to 1.7 meters between seats, and a maximum of 6 customers per table.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Development & Investments Nikos Papathanassis stated that indoor seating is not allowed before the first half of June.

To read this article in full, please visit: amna.gr
Are you interested in youth exchange programs? Do you want to know more about exciting opportunities to meet and collaborate with peers from other countries in the EU?

Join the webinar ‘European Youth Mobilities explained: Get memorable experiences abroad’ on 28th May, 16.00-17.00, to learn more about Youth Mobilities, financed by Erasmus+ program.

The options are many – for choosing the right one, it depends on your areas of interest!

In the webinar, you will get information about:
  • Topics/thematic areas of Youth Exchanges
  • Typical activities in youth mobilities and learning outcomes
  • What are the expenses covered for you to participate in the mobility
  • Application process: How to write an engaging motivation letter
  • Where to spot youth exchange opportunities
  • How COVID-19 pandemic affects youth mobilities
Mobility projects for young people offer many opportunities to acquire competences and grow as an individual, through non-formal learning. Learn how to prepare yourself and get ready to participate in the near future!

Participation is free of charge. 


To register please click here


For most people, the act of reading is a reward in itself. When reading a book, we stay mentally stimulated and improve our memory, but research has shown that a good book helps to let stress drain away. Immersing yourself in a great book has numerous benefits that range from longevity to career success, including helping with depression and reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.

 
If you're looking for reasons to pick up a book, this list of page-turners will get you reading in no time!

5 Non-Fiction Books:

1. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
This non-fiction book covers the rise and fall of the firm Theranos, the multibillion-dollar biotech startup headed by Elizabeth Holmes.

2. Educated by Tara Westover
This is the real story of Tara Westover who was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. It is an account of the struggle for self-invention, a tale of fierce family loyalty that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers.

3. Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope
Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Financial Times and Fortune, this thrilling bestseller is a tale of white-collar crime revealing how a young social climber from Malaysia pulled off one of the biggest heists in history.

4. Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder
This shocking but true political roller-coaster focuses on Bill Browder's years spent in Russia and his personal transformation from financier to human rights activist.

5. I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa by Charles Brandt
The inspiration for the major motion picture "The Irishman", this book Includes an Epilogue and a Conclusion that detail substantial post-publication corroboration of Frank Sheeran's confessions to the killings of Jimmy Hoffa and Joey Gallo. 

5 Fiction Books:

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This sophisticated debut suspense novel is an exploration of the psyches of both a woman convicted of murdering her husband and the therapist determined to treat her. 

2. The Woman in the Window: A Novel by A.J. Finn
Twisty and powerful, ingenious and moving, this is a smart, sophisticated psychological thriller novel brimming with Hitchcockian suspense. 
This shocking thriller Harlan Coben follows Wilde, a man of a mysterious path, as he tries to find a missing girl. 

4. Little Fires Everywhere: A Novel by Celeste Ng
This riveting novel traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives, exploring the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood.

5. After - The First Book In The After Series by Anna Todd
One of the internet's most talked-about books, now a major motion picture, this story follows Tessa's life and how it changed completely after meeting Hardin. 


All of the recommendations have been ‘tried and tested’ by our friend and contributor Eleni Maria Georgiou. Thank you, Eleni!


About Eleni Maria Georgiou

Eleni Maria Georgiou is an independent writer and publishing professional devoted to creating books that are creative, original, and modern.  

Passionate about Athens and all the city has to offer, for four exciting years, I co-managed XpatAthens. This experience inspired me to write my first book, Eleni’s GREEK PHRASE BOOK: A Beginner's Guide to Greek Culture and the Greek Language in 2018, sparking the birth of Lenacke Press. I continue to write, think about, and publish creative and original books, adding to the Lenacke Press collection

In addition, since 2004, I have been running fixyourenglish.com, a business that provides Editing, Proofreading, and Translation services.

I currently live in Athens, Greece with my husband and two kids. I am fluent in both English and Greek and interested in learning more languages. I like organizing and attending community group events, reading, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, writing, lifting weights, and going hiking.

 

Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:00

SNF Dialogues Webcast: Art on Lockdown


The SNF DIALOGUES discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Arts & Culture


Since the initiation of lockdowns as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, art has served as a way out and an outlet of expression for people confined indoors. From theatrical and musical performances, films, museums, and books made freely accessible from home to individual artistic endeavors, art in all its forms has been critical to sustaining our well-being as human beings.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 18:30 (GMT+3), the SNF DIALOGUES will hold its fourth live webcast, “Art on Lockdown,” to discuss the deep new challenges arts and culture professionals face as a result of the pandemic. Through an open conversation with these professionals and the audience, SNF DIALOGUES will explore the impacts of the pandemic, what comes next, and our collective responsibility to ensure that art and culture do not succumb to lockdown.

Participants in the DIALOGUES webcast on “Art on Lockdown”:

-Foivos Delivorias, Singer-Songwriter, Chairman of the Board at EDEM
-Prodromos Tsinikoris, Director, Dramaturge

Katerina Evangelatos, Artistic Director of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival
Linda Kapetanea, Artistic Director of Kalamata Dance Festival 
Nikos Kolovos, Artistic Director of National Theatre of Northern Greece
Dimitris Lignadis, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece
Thomas Machairas, Artistic Director of Release Festival
Giannis Paltoglou, Artistic Director of Ejekt Festival
Mily Paschali, Artistic Director at SNF
Anna Fonsou, President of the “Actor House,” will contribute video messages that will be streamed during the discussion.

The DIALOGUES are curated and moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou.

About SNF Dialogues

Through its monthly series of events, entitled SNF DIALOGUES, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation presents individuals and representatives of civil society who inspire others through their work, actions and vision, coming from different fields, backgrounds, and countries.

SNF DIALOGUES delve into different themes that cut across the key pillars of the Foundation’s work: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Sports, and Social Welfare.

Through this series of events, which are free and open to the public, the SNF seeks to catalyze conversations around critical issues, create a platform for the exchange of ideas, present individuals who inspire a new way of thinking, and encourage collaboration among individuals and organizations across the globe.


Register online here: dialogues@SNF.org



 

XpatAthens is very happy to welcome Eleni Meraki as an official content contributor!

We're especially excited about sharing some of the inspiring content from her Be Your Own Muse platform which will be published for our readers in our Conscious Living section.

We will also work closely with Eleni to share some of the life-changing stories from her storytelling platform Guts & Tales - this content will be shared with our readers in the People section of our website.

XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content. We're always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors and if you believe that your content would be a positive contribution to XpatAthens, learn more about working with us here.
More About Eleni Meraki
 
Eleni Meraki is a life and business coach, multiple online entrepreneur, and writer, and has devoted her life to assisting people on their journeys to living a more authentic and happy life. She has coached and interviewed hundreds of people on their journeys of transformation towards a more meaningful life and conscious business making.

Visit Eleni's Websites


Eleni Meraki: www.elenimeraki.com
Guts & Tales: www.gutsandtales.com
By Your Own Muse: www.beyourownmuse.com
Monday, 18 May 2020 01:10

Drive-In Cinema To Open In Athens

Drive-in cinemas were very popular during the 50s and 60s, and their popularity has lately been on the rise, due to the global coronavirus outbreak and the need for social distancing.
 
According to the Athens Drive-In website, in a few days, Athens will get a drive-in cinema, after many decades. There is a countdown timer counting down to June 1. The drive-in's location is a secret and is not mentioned anywhere on the cinema's website or Facebook page.
 
On the website, there's one bold question, 'Do you want to be the first to live the drive-in experience?' prompting users to sign-up for updates!

We are looking forward to giving our evenings a dash of retro charm while staying safe at the same time. Stay tuned!

 

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

Picture this: You've just had your first souvlaki in the heart of Athens. You've strolled down a few blocks, browsed at a few shops and cafes along the way when suddenly, something has changed. You've started to crave something sweet, something to put "the cherry on top" of your day.

Luckily, we've put together a list of 5 different pastry shops where you can give your sweet tooth something to remember Athens by.

Afoi Asimakopouloi

Asimakopouloi
Credit: Αφοι Ασημακόπουλοι ζαχαροπλαστείο

This pastry shop dates back to 1915 and is mostly famous for its galaktoboureko, a traditional Greek custard pie baked in phyllo and drizzled with sugar syrup. This pastry shop has been located in the area of Exarcheia for more than 100 years and has used the same recipes since its establishment, keeping its products authentic and fresh. Another fact that makes this pastry shop so unique is that it is one of the few pastry shops in Greece that produces its milk from imported Dutch cows to use in their products. As far as desserts in Athens are concerned, it doesn't get much better than Afoi Asimakopouloi.

Address: 82 Charilaou Trikoupi, Athens, 106 80
Telephone: 210 3610092

Le Greche Gelato

La Greche
@xixios_photo

Le Greche Gelato is a genuinely Italian-style gelato shop, serving more than 28 different flavors of gelato and sorbets, all made from fresh milk, seasonal fruits, and 100% Greek and Italian products. Since 2014 the capital's ice-cream loving crowd has been delighted by their smooth, creamy, velvety gelato and Italian delicacies such as panettone, chocolates, and coffee! If gelato is your dessert of choice, you must try a scoop of their most famous specialty: Pistachio from Sicily. If you're in the mood for more, combine it with an extra scoop of their Stracciatella, or Baklava flavor to create the perfect combination.

Address: 16 Mitropoleos, Athens, 105 63
Telephone: 216 7006458

Lukumades

Lukumades
@lukumades

Everyone loves loukoumades or, in other words, Greek crispy donuts. Loukoumades are a classic carnival treat or traditionally served at yaya's (granny's) house topped with honey, cinnamon, and nuts. At Lukumades, you can customize your serving with a massive variety of chocolate or cream fillings, spreads, toppings, and ice cream. Lukumades is a "heaven on earth" little shop that opened its doors in 2013 and has been delighting customers from all over the world ever since; even Prince Charles of Wales and Duchess Camilla visited Lukumades during their visit to Greece in 2018! Quite the historic visit, for a popular dessert!

Address:  21 Eolou & Aghias Irinis, Athens, 105 51
Telephone: 210 321088

Choureal

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Credit: Choureal - Choux & Profiterole

We have saved the best for last. Everyone loves a good old bowl of profiteroles, but have you ever been able to modify it to your liking? Well, at Choureal, you can! Choureal first opened in Thessaloniki in 2014 and spread its magic to Athens in 2019. This little pastry shop has been the talk of the town for its unique concept and mastery in choux pastries. Everything they make is "à la minute," using top-quality ingredients, such as Valrhona chocolate, fresh dairy butter, and milk to make their crème patisseries and many other fillings. Choose your filling, and extra toppings to make your very own profiteroles, eclair, simple cream-filled choux pastry! At Choureal, your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied..

Address: 2 Diomeias, Athens, 105 63
Telephone: 210 3317883

Main Image Credit: Choureal - Choux & Profiterole

 

The European Commission, in collaboration with the President of the European Council, has put forward a Joint European Roadmap for the gradual lift of measures that were taken during the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
With the lifting of restrictions on travel-related activities, citizens are expected to gradually resume domestic and intra-EU travel. However, lifting measures too quickly may cause a sudden increase in infections, so until a vaccine is available, the need for travel and tourism should be weighed against the risks of a resurgence of the virus.
 
While drafting the 'roadmap,' the protection of the health of citizens, tourism workers, and tourists remains the key priority.

The guidance provides criteria and principles for the safe and progressive restoration of tourism and for the development of health protocols for the hospitality sector.

The EU Guidance for health protocols in hospitality establishments proposes policies to guide Member States in the design and implementation of infection prevention, control measures, and protocols for hospitality services providers, such as hotels and other hospitality establishments, to ensure the health and safety travelers as well as workers in the hospitality sector.

Epigramamatically, the guiding principles are the following:

a) Epidemiological situation, b) The health and safety of guests and workers is a key priority, c) Local arrangements, d) Action Plan in case of infection, e) Training, f) Management of staff, g) Information for guests, h) Physical distancing and hygiene, i) Infection prevention and control measures (IPC measures) such as: Respiratory etiquette, Hand hygiene, Use of face masks, Ventilation, Cleaning and disinfection, j) Potential infections among guests or staff

The European Commission will continue collaborating with the Member States' officials, tourism stakeholders, and international organizations to expedite the implementation of this guidance.

To read the full set of guidences, please visit: ec.europa.eu
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