Andros is mountainous and it is criss-crossed with a number of mountain ridges. All of these ridges run parallel to one another from southwest to northeast. Between the ridges there are deep valleys and sometimes steep gorges. The highest summits are the Kouvára (with the Profítis Ilías at 997 m) and the Pétalo (990 m), in the centre of the island, between the towns of Ano Aprovátou and Vourkotí. Because of this relief the north-south connections on the island are rather difficult. Except for the main coastal road, most of the roads thus run into the valleys, from the southwest of the island to the northeast.
Andros is a unique island for a number of different reasons. First of all, in comparison with many of the other Cycladic isles, there is a lot of water – and this thanks to the relative high amount of rainfall and the multitude of sources. As a result, some of the valleys are remarkably green. Especially the pine tree dominates the landscape (for instance in the neighbourhood of Ménites). There are also lots of remnants of watermills in the valleys of the Dipotámata (between the towns of Exo Vouní and Sinetí), in the valley of the Mégalo Révma (in the north), etc.
The second remarkable characteristic is the architecture of some of the villages, which is not really Cycladic. Andros is a very wealthy island and this is partly the result of generations of ship owners. The villages of Chóra and Steniés are therefore striking because of the large and wealthy houses. The red roofs resemble the Italian cities and also some Greek islands such as the island of Sími near Rhódos.
To read more, please visit cycladen.be
XpatAthens
Monday, 23 November 2020 12:23
XpatAthens Welcomes MASARESI As An Official Content Contributor
XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media houses in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content.
We are always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors. If you believe that your content would be a positive addition to XpatAthens, click here to learn more about working with us!
We are very happy to welcome MASARESI
as an official XpatAthens content contributor.
About MASARESI
Masaresi.com was founded by Maya Cornelissens-Andreadi, who shares her experience about how “to integrate in Greece and feel like a local”. Masaresi = μας αρέσει = we like it! Discover the “real Greece," while delving into all the aspects of Greek life – from modern lifestyle and culture to history, literature, traditions, and many more.
Explore Greece - Read About Greece - Buy Greek - Learn Greek
Published in
Local News
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Wednesday, 06 October 2021 21:56
Gordon, Gino & Fred Go Greek: Yiayia's Hilarious Reaction To Gordon Ramsay's Food
Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix Go Greek!
Their RV hits the beautiful Greek islands and historical city of Athens, for a big fat Greek adventure, together again behind the wheel on an epic odyssey like no other.
The guys begin their adventure in Crete, Greece’s largest island, before navigating their way to stunning Santorini, making their way to the party island of Mykonos and finishing their trip in the Greek capital Athens and the monasteries of Meteora.
One of the series' highlights is when Yiayia Catrina from Santorini, renowned for her legendary Moussaka tastes Gordon’s Salsa Verde and criticizes how much salt Gordon has added.
The guys begin their adventure in Crete, Greece’s largest island, before navigating their way to stunning Santorini, making their way to the party island of Mykonos and finishing their trip in the Greek capital Athens and the monasteries of Meteora.
One of the series' highlights is when Yiayia Catrina from Santorini, renowned for her legendary Moussaka tastes Gordon’s Salsa Verde and criticizes how much salt Gordon has added.
Gino says: “Today there is one thing that we all learned, even god can make mistakes. If he can make mistakes like that - we all have a chance in life!”
Originally posted on itv.com
Originally posted on itv.com
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Monday, 28 March 2022 07:00
Greece Adds Zeibekiko Dance & Bouzouki To Intangible Cultural Heritage List
The zeibekiko dance and the popular musical instruments bouzouki, tzouras, and baglamas have been included on Greece’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the Greek Culture Ministry recently announced.
“The zeibekiko dance, the bouzouki, and similar musical instruments identify with Greece and its folk tradition. They played a leading role in Greek folk music during the 20th century,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.
According to Mendoni, the bouzouki, tzouras, and baglamas are the most renowned Greek musical instruments abroad.
The zeibekiko dance
The zeibekiko was developed in large urban centers of Greece, mainly port cities including Piraeus, Patra, Syros, Thessaloniki, Volos, Chania, and Kavala among others, and the eastern Aegean islands.
The bouzouki instrument
The bouzouki was brought to Greece in the early 1900s by Greek refugees from Anatolia and quickly became the central instrument to the rebetiko genre and its music branches. It is now an important element of modern laïko pop Greek music.
The tzouras and baglamas instruments
Also added to Greece’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List are the tzouras and baglamas. The two musical instruments are both connected to Greece’s folk tradition and associated with the zeibekiko dance.
The tzouras is related to the bouzouki. It is made in six-string and eight-string varieties.
The baglamas is a smaller version of the bouzouki pitched an octave higher, with unison pairs on the four highest strings and an octave pair on the lower D. Musically, the baglamas is most often found supporting the bouzouki in the Piraeus city style of rebetiko.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
“The zeibekiko dance, the bouzouki, and similar musical instruments identify with Greece and its folk tradition. They played a leading role in Greek folk music during the 20th century,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.
According to Mendoni, the bouzouki, tzouras, and baglamas are the most renowned Greek musical instruments abroad.
The zeibekiko dance
The zeibekiko was developed in large urban centers of Greece, mainly port cities including Piraeus, Patra, Syros, Thessaloniki, Volos, Chania, and Kavala among others, and the eastern Aegean islands.
The bouzouki instrument
The bouzouki was brought to Greece in the early 1900s by Greek refugees from Anatolia and quickly became the central instrument to the rebetiko genre and its music branches. It is now an important element of modern laïko pop Greek music.
The tzouras and baglamas instruments
Also added to Greece’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List are the tzouras and baglamas. The two musical instruments are both connected to Greece’s folk tradition and associated with the zeibekiko dance.
The tzouras is related to the bouzouki. It is made in six-string and eight-string varieties.
The baglamas is a smaller version of the bouzouki pitched an octave higher, with unison pairs on the four highest strings and an octave pair on the lower D. Musically, the baglamas is most often found supporting the bouzouki in the Piraeus city style of rebetiko.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 11 April 2024 10:43
Ancient Greek Roots Of The Olympic Torch Relay
In the cradle of civilization, where mythology intertwines with history, the flame of the Olympic Games first flickered to life. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Greece, the Olympic torch relay stands as a modern-day homage to the sacred bond between humanity and the divine.
The origins of the Olympic flame date back to ancient Olympia, where the Games were first held in 776 B.C. to honor Zeus, king of the gods. According to legend, a flame burned perpetually on an ancient shrine, erected by the ancient Greeks to honor Hera and nestled within the cypress-shaded sanctuary of Olympia, symbolizing the eternal spirit of the Games and the enduring pursuit of excellence.
Before the start of each Olympiad, a procession of priestesses, clad in flowing white robes adorned with laurel wreaths, would ignite a torch using the rays of the sun, carrying the sacred flame to the host city of the Games. Legend has it that they used a skaphia, a crucible positioned to capture the sun's rays. As sunlight converged within the vessel, it set ablaze on the dry grass, birthing the eternal symbol of the Olympic spirit.
The tradition of the Olympic flame was rekindled in the modern era during the 1928 Amsterdam Games, where it burned fervently at the entrance to the Olympic Stadium, captivating the public's imagination. Conceived by Dr. Carl Diem of Germany, the modern Torch Relay drew inspiration from ancient Greek depictions and the writings of Plutarch. Dr. Diem's vision materialized in the form of the first relay, stretching from Olympia to Berlin as part of the grand Opening Ceremony of the 1936 Olympic Games. On July 20, 1936, a Greek torchbearer named Konstantin Kondylis embarked on a historic journey, igniting a tradition that would become an integral facet of every subsequent Olympic Games.
Before the start of each Olympiad, a procession of priestesses, clad in flowing white robes adorned with laurel wreaths, would ignite a torch using the rays of the sun, carrying the sacred flame to the host city of the Games. Legend has it that they used a skaphia, a crucible positioned to capture the sun's rays. As sunlight converged within the vessel, it set ablaze on the dry grass, birthing the eternal symbol of the Olympic spirit.
The tradition of the Olympic flame was rekindled in the modern era during the 1928 Amsterdam Games, where it burned fervently at the entrance to the Olympic Stadium, captivating the public's imagination. Conceived by Dr. Carl Diem of Germany, the modern Torch Relay drew inspiration from ancient Greek depictions and the writings of Plutarch. Dr. Diem's vision materialized in the form of the first relay, stretching from Olympia to Berlin as part of the grand Opening Ceremony of the 1936 Olympic Games. On July 20, 1936, a Greek torchbearer named Konstantin Kondylis embarked on a historic journey, igniting a tradition that would become an integral facet of every subsequent Olympic Games.
Since its revival, the Olympic torch relay has paid homage to its Greek roots, tracing a path from Olympia to the host city of the Games, passing through historic landmarks and ancient ruins along the way. The torchbearers, adorned in ceremonial attire reminiscent of ancient Greek athletes, don traditional tunics and sandals, their heads crowned with wreaths of olive leaves, symbolizing victory and peace.
Memorable moments from past torch relays harken back to the glory of ancient Greece, evoking the spirit of Olympians who once competed in the shadow of Mount Olympus. From the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean Sea to the rugged peaks of the Peloponnese, the torch has journeyed across the land of its birth, echoing the footsteps of ancient athletes who once vied for glory in the stadium of Olympia.
As the flame passes from hand to hand, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of generations past and present, uniting people in a shared celebration of human achievement. In its flickering light, we find a timeless connection to the spirit of ancient Greece, where the pursuit of excellence was not merely a competition but a divine calling, worthy of the gods themselves.
In reviving the ancient tradition of the Olympic torch relay, we pay homage to the legacy of ancient Greece, where the flame of the Games first illuminated the hearts and minds of humanity. Today, as we gather to witness the passing of the torch, let us remember the enduring spirit of the Olympians who came before us, and the timeless ideals they embodied.
Main Image Credit: @xws.studio
Main Image Credit: @xws.studio
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Saturday, 07 February 2015 13:28
Hopscotch International Kindergarten
Established in 1997, Hopscotch International Kindergaten is located in a quiet area of Vari behind Jumbo, surrounded by 1000 square metres of garden. We are a dedicated English speaking Nursery and Kindergarten. With our open door policy and small groups, we offer a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents alike. We accept children from the age of two and offer a fun packed, full, activity based day, either on a full time or a part time basis and we accept registrations throughout the year.
By following the British Early Years Foundation Programme, we fully prepare our reception/kindergarten children for entry into all the English speaking schools' first grades.
If you would like to experience our unique environment for yourself, please feel free to call and make an appointment.
Contact: Helena Scott
Published in
Private Nursery Schools
Tagged under
Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:48
Andros
Andros is the northern- most island of the Cycladic isles. The islands of Kéa, Kýthnos, Sérifos and Sífnos can be seen as a natural continuation in the sea of the peninsula of Attika; in the same way, the nearby islands of Andros, Tínos and Mýkonos can be seen as the foothills of the mountain ridge of the island of Evia (Euboia).
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:05
Thousands On The Streets Against EU Austerity
Under the organizing title "Breath of Dignity", standing in front of parliament, protesters unfurled banners reading "Bankrupt but Free" and "Stop Austerity, Support Greece, Change Europe." Satellite demonstrations took place in Brussels, at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, in Venice and elsewhere in Europe.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras tweeted a picture of the Athens protest, saying: "In the cities of Greece and Europe the people are fighting the negotiation battle, They are our strength."
Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis was attending a meeting of his euro zone peers in Brussels to press for a new debt deal and an end to many of the tough reforms required by the bailout deal.
Protesters in Athens singled out German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has led demands for Athens to keep promises made by the last conservative-led government under the deal.
To read more, please visit thetoc.gr/eng
By Theo Ioannou
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 29 April 2015 09:53
Good News For Greek Olive Oil
Warehouse wholesale company Costco has switched the sourcing of the extra virgin olive oil that goes into its Kirkland Signature 2-liter bottle from Italian sources, to providers from Greece.
This is good news for providers in Greece who have felt the punch of the financial crisis and even better news for the recognition Greek olive oil deserves.
The move across the Ionian Sea comes amid an apocalyptic season for Italy’s olive groves. A hot spring, a rainy summer and a pesky olive-eating fly conspired to create what Italian daily La Repubblica called “the black year of Italian olive oil.”
Production in Italy is expected to drop 34 percent this year, according to the International Olive Oil Council.
Prices have gone up accordingly: Italian extra-virgin olive oil in March was sold by producers for about $2.97 a pound, 84 percent more than a year earlier, according to the council.
For Costco, the reasoning appears to be purely financial— and not because Greek olive oil is far superior to its Italian counterpart. That drastic price hike must have been tough to swallow for the company that’s always looking for a good deal.
Costco Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti said the availability of the extra-virgin olive oil Costco usually purchases from Italy is down to one-tenth of the normal level.
To read more, please visit: PappasPost
Published in
Local News
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Friday, 27 November 2015 07:00
Yussuroum, A Slang Term That Hides Fragments Of History
The stories about Athens and its people are endless. Many of them have faded from memory over time. Others are remembered in fragments that come together at some point for the story to be told. The case of the Yussuroum family is one such Athenian tale. As charming as it is distant, the family name has retained its currency in everyday usage: Yussuroum (also rendered as giousouroum) in Greek has come to mean flea market.
The Athens Jewish community held an event in October in honor of Mois Yussuroum, aged 95, for his voluntary service over the decades. A garden in the community’s synagogue was named after the benefactor and the event, held on the initiative of the Jewish Museum in Athens and the Jewish community, was an occasion to bring back to light the history of the Yussuroum family.
While many Greeks use the term yussuroum when referring to a flea market, few know that it stems from this family and, in particular, from the antique market it created in the Jewish quarter of central Athens. Mois Yussuroum is the descendant of a long line of successful merchants with a presence in Athens. The Yussuroum home on Karaiskaki and Ermou streets was located in the middle of the city center’s commercial district and also housed the capital’s first synagogue. This was the heart of the Jewish quarter, which lay between Aghion Asomaton Square, Sarri and Ermou streets.
To read more, please visit: Ekathimerini
Published in
People
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Tuesday, 20 February 2018 07:00
How To Have An Enjoyable, Memorable, & Educational Family Trip In Greece
For those families who live in the Diaspora, trips back to Greece are often a favourite family tradition. Many families will have a particular time of the year (for example Greek summer or Greek Easter) when they like to go back to Greece to visit their ancestral village or town, usually staying with relatives. Sometimes the extended family will go elsewhere in Greece together, such as one of the beautiful Greek islands, so that everyone can have some relaxing time away from work and routine. The common ingredient, regardless of family, destination or time of year, is quality time spent as a family, enjoying one another’s company and building precious lifelong memories.
Many parents like to turn the family holiday into an exciting opportunity for their children to explore their cultural heritage. Living in the Diaspora, our kids will most certainly already have a “taste” of their heritage and language, often by participating in events within the Greek community, and socialising with other Greek families. However, when visiting Greece on holiday, kids will discover many differences, and even more similarities, between their own life, and that of their peers who live in Greece. Visiting the country of birth of their parents or grandparents offers them an appreciation and connection to their own heritage. They will begin to form a deeper understanding of many of your family traditions and celebrations they witness in the Diaspora, and these will take on a whole new meaning when they return home. It is certainly a new feeling to enjoy Greek Easter with the entire town and country, than it is with only a small group of others back home – when most of their classmates eat their chocolate eggs on a different weekend altogether!
There are lots of fun and age-appropriate ways to help your child make the most of his/her holiday back to Greece. Firstly, prepare in advance by showing children pictures and discussing your destination. Talk about the sites you will visit back home and why they are special, such as the house you were raised in, or a cultural landmark in your town. Show them photos of their relatives that you will visit, as well as any family friends, and explain the family connection. If Greek isn’t already spoken at home, your child will get a real buzz out of learning, and then trying out, a few key Greek phrases when they arrive. Start with the basic greetings, and depending on your child’s interest and ability, introduce him/her to more words and phrases as the holiday draws closer. You can also purchase colourful activity books aimed at kids to assist the process, such as ‘Trip to Greece’, which features an interesting narrative in English, and Greek keywords to practise and learn. Each page offers multiple fun opportunities for your child to hear, speak, read and write Greek.
When planning your travel itinerary, it’s always a good idea to include plenty of child-friendly activities, as most kids will find long days of visiting monuments and museums, as well as relentless visits to aging relatives, quite tiring. They will get more enjoyment out of the trip (and learn more too) if you spread out your cultural visits over the duration of the holiday. And of course, they will always have more fun during visits to relatives and family friends who happen to have kids around the same age. It is certainly important that kids do visit and spend time with their older relatives too – but, depending on your child’s age, consider bringing along some games or activities for when their attention span during the visit starts to wear out.
Make sure to include some unscheduled time too. An agenda that is too full unfortunately eliminates opportunities for those unplanned adventures that so often are the highlights of the entire holiday. Leave plenty of time to explore at leisure, or simply enjoying relaxing in your relatives’ home. Remember that children are fascinated by the small things – they will spend hours absorbed in exploring the kitsch souvenirs at Monastiraki or watching the Evzones guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier, chasing pigeons, tasting gioconda chocolates while visiting, or eating vanilla fondant by the spoonful!
As many of us have experienced, when travelling overseas, not everything always goes to plan. Museums or attractions you had planned to visit may be closed, or bad weather may force you to cancel some excursions you were hoping to make. Travelling with kids just adds to the unpredictability of the holiday. However, don’t see this as a deterrent. Leave some room in your holiday schedule for some spontaneity, and (depending on their age) let your kids decide on some of the activities you do together. Often, the things that you didn’t plan turn out to be the most memorable.
Enjoy your family holiday – these memories are the most precious and the building blocks of your family. Hopefully your trip back to Greece will awaken your child’s curiosity and interest in his/her cultural heritage, and the desire to learn Greek more fluently for the next visit!
For more information about the author and her children's books, please visit: Melina Mallos
For more information about the author and her children's books, please visit: Melina Mallos
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under