Athens is a great place for every age and there are so many options on what to do with young children. Here our friends at Family Goes Out explore some of their favourite things to do with children in Athens.

A walk around the historic Plaka and Monastiraki area is not only a favorite excursion for families visiting from abroad. Winter and Summer, any time of the day, Family Goes Out always love to go there. Our favorite stop in Plaka is the Lisikrati Square. The children love playing safely on the grass around the ancient monument (built in 334 – 333 BC!) whilst we adults enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the restaurants around the square

2) The Athens Zoo - Attiko Parko

We have been visiting the Attiko Parko ever since our first child was a baby. We still try to go there at least once every couple of months, although in summer it can get very hot in the park. Our most recent visit was in January 2016 to see the latest addition of the park: the Asian Elephants.

Children under 3 years old do not pay and on the so called ‘Stroller Friday’, every mom or dad who will come with a baby stroller will pay the discounted price of 10 Euro. The zoo also offers various discounted packages for (large) families and special prices for seniors and disabled persons.

The children can get very close to the animals and the zoo is very stroller friendly.

Maybe not a monthly visit but at least a couple of times per year. One of my greatest passions is history and Archeology and my daughter seems to follow me. Sometimes we just discover a specific selection in the permanent exhibition of the museum and on other occasions do a family tour, or one of the special tours for children with a child friendly guide.

The museum organizes a variety of special events on a regular basis. In summer, we love the museum night. Check out the programme on their website. We also enjoy going to the restaurant or the book corner to relax and learn about the history.

For a full list of ideas, please visit: Family Goes Out

The Greek national open water swimming team will be in Santorini this October under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation!

Additional flights to Santorini and unique offers for the participants in the event! The best island in the world, according to many established travel magazines and reviews of millions of travelers, will become a point of reference of all the visitors from Greece and abroad this October!

‘Santorini Experience’ that focuses once more in the activities of running and swimming, is strategically promoting the island of Santorini as destination, by offering significant benefits and privileges to those wishing to travel for the event on October 7-9 2016!

Great names from our Greek national open water swimming team that made us really proud during Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will give a dynamic presence at this year's event! Among them, the recent Silver Olympic Medalist winner and World Champion in open water swimming, Spiros Gianniotis, the World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou and top athletes of the open water swimming such as Antonis Fokaidis, Giorgos Arniakos and Dimitris Negris, will all attend ‘Santorini Experience 2016.’ The first sports tourism event that will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

Due to overwhelming demand for ‘Santorini Experience,’ Ryanair as the official airline partner added 5 extra flights on its Athens - Santorini service on the 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th and 13th of October with special fares starting from only 19,99€ which are valid from September 1st.

These seats are available for booking on the Athens-Santorini route only from Thursday 1 of September to Sunday 4 of September (until midnight) for traveling between 4 to 13 of October. Since these amazingly low prices will be snapped up quickly, those interested in joining the event as active participants should log into www.ryanair.com and avoid missing out as this is the third flight added by Ryanair which is also expected to be fully booked soon as the previous two.

Registrations in swimming and running continue with an undiminished pace- through the official page of the event in the following link: http://activemedia.com.gr/product/santorini-experience-2/ or alternatively at Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini), the official sponsor of the event supporting it for a second consecutive year.

For your access to the island by ferry, there is always the option of Blue Star Ferries. Participants, supporters, and the spectators of ‘Santorini Experience’ will be able to travel for one more year with the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries. The top Greek shipping company will offer 50% discount on ferry tickets to those wishing to visit the event and the island between 6 to 10 of October.

In addition, for the second consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of ‘Santorini Experience.’

The athletes who will take part in the event will also have the opportunity to quench their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

Once you reach the beautiful island of Cyclades, or a little bit earlier to make the right planning, rent your car from Avance Rent A Car, the official car rental company of ‘Santorini Experience,’ that will serve you with one of the fastest growing car rental networks with presence in all major airports in Greece and Cyprus. Τhe car rental company Avance Rent A Car, as an official supporter of the event, can deliver your car at the airport, the port or directly to your hotel. So do not hesitate to contact Avance Rent A Car, to receive 15% discount on your car rental, during the days of the event.

To complete the services of your travel package enter the official site of the event www.santorini-experience.com and enjoy your trip!

Unroll the incomparable beauty of Santorini at sea with Santorini Yachting Club an established yacht charter company with experienced captains!

The event will receive the additional support of Aqua Vista Hotels, Saucony, Arena and Passagio Santorini.

‘Santorini Experience’ will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Swimming Federation and will receive the international promotion of FOX Sports TV network of FOX Networks Group, participating in this year's event as the Official Broadcaster.

Combine sports with tourism and take advantage of your stay in one of the hospitality sponsors of the event. For more information please address your request to Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas and Sienna Residencies which are available in the following link: http://santorini-experience.com/event_accommodation_en.html. The page will be daily enriched with new supporters.

‘Santorini Experience’ is a collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Official Sponsors: Alafouzos Sport, Blue Star Ferries, Santorini Boatmen Union
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Saucony, Arena, Village Cinemas, Santorini Yachting Club, Passagio Santorini
Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas, Sienna Residencies
Assisted by: Diana “exoplizein”

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization
Under the Auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation

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The move started a few weeks ago and after three long years of preparations, the hundreds of thousands of books and other items in the Greek National Library‘s collections are finally making the journey to their new home at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

The move is expected to be completed in April 2018, when the library will gradually start to go into full operation.

The transfer to the new building entails moving 750,000 items in the general collection and 40,000 in the lending section (10,000 of which are educational games), as well as 30,000 magazines published in the last five years.

"Within its new premises, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the entrance to the Library leads into a large open lobby that provides an immediate visual orientation to all the organization’s functions. The NLG Public Library Section, bolstered by a significant book collection and other media, will include separate areas for adults, teenagers, and children and will offer a wide range of educational and cultural programs. The natural light available throughout the National Library will help create an open hospitable environment for individual and collaborative learning. Events and seminars will be hosted for both children and adults, and classes will incorporate natural learning opportunities originating from collaborative programs at the Stavros Niarchos Park as well."

For more information about the National Library of Greece, please visit: SNFCC

Source: Protothema

It's everywhere, the evil eye. Today, we find it on jewelry, house decor, souvenirs, etc., but what is the history of this iconic cultural symbol? BBC explains...

"In essence, the curse of the evil eye is not a complicated concept; it stems from the belief that someone who achieves great success or recognition also attracts the envy of those around them. That envy in turn manifests itself as a curse that will undo their good fortune. The concept is well captured by Heliodorus of Emesa in the ancient Greek romance Aethiopica, in which he writes, 'When any one looks at what is excellent with an envious eye he fills the surrounding atmosphere with a pernicious quality, and transmits his own envenomed exhalations into whatever is nearest to him.'"

"The belief in this curse spans cultures as well as generations; to date one of the most exhaustive compilations of legends regarding the evil eye is Frederick Thomas Elworthy’s The Evil Eye: The Classic Account of an Ancient Superstition. Elworthy explores instances of the symbol in a number of cultures; from the petrifying gaze of Greek gorgons to Irish folktales of men able to bewitch horses with a single stare, virtually every culture has a legend related to the evil eye."

"Belief in the evil eye has transcended mere superstition, with a number of celebrated thinkers attesting to its veracity. One of the most notable examples was the Greek philosopher Plutarch, who in his Symposiacs suggested a scientific explanation: that the human eye had the power of releasing invisible rays of energy that were in some cases potent enough to kill children or small animals. What’s more, Plutarch claims that certain people possessed an even stronger ability to fascinate, citing groups of people to the south of the Black Sea as being uncannily proficient at bestowing the curse. More often than not, those said to be most adept at delivering the curse are blue-eyed, likely due to the fact that this is a genetic rarity in the Mediterranean area."

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC

Education for all, synergies that give hope for our future and young students who dream of a bright and happy world were celebrated on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The Completion Ceremony of the Youth-to-Youth Educational & Social Integration Programs of the 2018-2019 academic year took place at ACS Athens campus in a warm and inspiring atmosphere.

The Youth-to-Youth Programs are delivered by ACS Athens to unaccompanied refugee minors in collaboration with The HOME Project Organization, with the generous support of the Shapiro Foundation and IKEA Foundation. This academic year is the third year that the part-time and full-time Youth-to-Youth Programs are running, proving in action how educational institutions have the power to respond to the deep problems of today’s world and find reliable partners to do so.

For all participating students and faculty members, this event was a celebration of a year full of knowledge and friendships, a touching celebration of life moving forward. The students shared their experiences from being a part of the Youth-to-Youth programs, either as students or as volunteer teachers, both sides expressing the same thought: “we learned from each other, we learned from each other’s culture and history, we are friends for life.”

Performing dances, singing and smiling, the students shared their talents, dreams, and future aspirations together with their dedication to keeping up their hard work for their next steps in education.

The Director of Youth-to-Youth Educational and Social Integration Programs and Academy Vice Principal, Ms. Julia Tokatlidou hosted the ceremony and proudly introduced the exceptional young participants of the program, some of whom have started only a few months ago but are already part of the ACS Athens family.

The Youth-to-Youth Programs will continue making an impact and will keep growing. For the academic year 2019-2020, the Shapiro Foundation has granted 18 full-time scholarships in ACS Athens for the HOME Project children, securing the opportunity to continue their studies at a leading educational institution

Progress is good, no matter how small. That's why we're excited that our city, Athens, has been in the spotlight for some major changes. From a disabled lift being installed at the Acropolis of Athens to the UOA being the first university in the country to offer an undergraduate degree taught in English!

On the first floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, at THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge, an outdoor “secret garden” has been formed and welcomes you in a new all-day lounge, away from the city’s noise, while still in the heart of Athens.

Olive trees, laurels, small cypress trees, and flowers gift their colors and beauty to the venue, while the guests of THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge are able to relax and savor their coffee or drink in a sophisticated setting with impeccable service.

The Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and the talented culinary and pastry team have also created a menu inspired by the countries of Latin America, which includes a selection of flavorful dishes, such as spicy veggie tacos, chicken tortilla wrap, shrimp salsa salad, organic smoked salmon with organic blue corn nachos and guacamole sauce.

For the highly anticipated summer nights, additionally to a remarkable wine list, the award-winning bartenders of the historic hotel prepare refreshing cocktails and premium drinks. For the cigar aficionados, THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge features a wide variety of perfectly preserved cigars to complete the ritual.

Address: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou A’ 1, Athens
Telephone: 210 3330748

 

This week's newsletter is dedicated to Greek Culture.
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The Greek "panigiri" is a traditional festival that serves as a cornerstone of cultural and religious life in Greece. These vibrant events are deeply rooted in the Orthodox Christian faith, often held to honor the feast days of saints, but they also blend ancient customs with modern festivities. The word "panigiri" itself derives from "pan" (all) and "agora" (gathering), embodying the communal spirit that defines these celebrations.

What is a Panigiri?

A panigiri is much more than just a festival; it is a community gathering that encompasses religious rituals, music, dance, food, and social bonding. Typically hosted by villages or towns, these festivals are often centered around a church or chapel dedicated to a saint. The celebration usually begins with a religious service, followed by communal feasting, traditional music and dancing, and various local customs that have been passed down through generations.

Key Elements of a Panigiri

 

Have there been times you had to force yourself to do something just so you wouldn’t upset your mom or your best friend? How many times have you caught yourself yelling at your kid just because you wouldn’t know how to set your boundaries with love? How many times has your partner told you to stop complaining or whining while the only thing you were trying to say was that you felt uncomfortable or hurt or not respected? More than once, I bet!

Setting our boundaries is something most of us haven’t learned to do. “I wish I could but I can’t say no, there’s no way” is an argument I’ve heard many of my clients say. When I ask them why they answer that the idea alone makes them feel unkind, unhelpful, disrespectful and even arrogant at times. They also believe that if they say “no” there’s a high possibility the other person won’t like them anymore so they’ll be left alone. So they continue to be unhappy and to be taken for granted.

There is an explanation of course. And that is because as children we all wanted to be liked and loved so we would do whatever it would take to please our parents, our relatives, our friends. So even though we’re grownups now we still behave like the little child we were years ago.

And then I tell my clients the good news: “You don’t have to keep on behaving like this any longer and that is ok.” “But how? I don’t have the courage, I feel guilty,” is a typical response I get. Let’s see how.

Saying “no” calmly and with decisiveness is not a talent but something we can all learn. It takes conscious practice and extra time on your part but you’ll be amazed at the results. You can learn to recognize and express what you want and what you don’t want. You can learn to be both assertive and kind.

Here are some questions that may serve as your initial guide:

• What are your personal values?
• In what ways can you respect yourself so that others will respect you?
• What phrases can you use to tell people what you do want instead of what you don’t want?
• How can you express anger in more appropriate ways?
• What are you grateful for?

Once you learn to communicate in a different way you will be able to set your limits with confidence, respect and love towards yourself.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr