Get to know Lucifer, the heatwave that affected Athens, and explore the city with these top roof gardens. BBC also gives us 50 reasons to love the world!

 

   Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

The tourism developments along the Athenian Riviera that have been underway during the past few years will help the city of Athens to become one of the leading leisure and business destinations in the world. More specifically, according to Mario Kontomerkos, CEO of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment a leading developer of integrated resort casinos (IRC), the tourism development of the former Hellinikon airport can place Athens in the ‘center of the world’ in terms of leisure and tourism.

 

The ambitious, 8 billion-euro Hellinikon, project aims to develop the city’s old airport complex into a spectacular hub complete with luxury hotels, museums, malls, theme parks, educational and sports facilities, cultural venues and a yacht marina.

 

 

Apart from the Hellinikon project, there are currently many other projects underway on the Athenian Riviera. Among them is the fully renovated Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, which is expected to start welocomg guests in the next few weeks.

 

‘Our aim is to create a world-class destination for the wider Mediterranean region, and place the Athenian Riviera at the center of the global luxury tourism industry,’ Astir Palace CEO Stelios Koutsivitis said during the Delphi Forum.

 

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Guarantee Sandwich has been serving sandwiches since 1988. Since then, their only goal is to become better and maintain their renowned quality consistently. With the carefully selected fillings and the great variety of sandwich bread and buns, you will be able to create your very own unforgettable sandwich.

Duck Soup Cafe is rightfully considered as one of the best sandwich spots in Europe. It serves sandwiches with creative fillings and only the freshest ingredients as well as great coffee, and fresh fruit smoothies. Even though you can create your own, we suggest you try one of their unique sandwich suggestions, and you won't be disappointed.

Its name derives from John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich who is famous for inventing the sandwich. Here, you will perhaps find the best coffee in Athens (and they use organic milk!) and delicious sandwiches, filled with quality ingredients and freshly sliced cold cuts.

When the word “Greece” comes to mind, one image can describe it and it involves marble statues. For centuries, Greece has been globally famous for its mythology, architecture, and marvelous statues. However, throughout the course of time, many of these artifacts have either been destroyed, lost or taken from their homelands and given new homes in different museums, scattered all over the world. Here is a small list of artifacts that can be found abroad.

 

Venus, originally named Aphrodite by the Greeks was the goddess of beauty and love. This statue was sculpted by Praxiteles around 130-100BC and represents the perfection of Greek female beauty. It was found later in 1820 during the Ottoman Empire, amongst the ancient ruins on the island of Milos. Her arms for unknown reasons were lost and this is the form of the statue we know today.

 

 

Date of creation 420-400BC by potter Meidias and assembled by Sir William Hamilton who sold it to the British museum in 1772. The vase is divided in two zones. The upper zone illustrates the story of the abduction of the daughters of Leukippos by the Dioskouri and the Goddess Aphrodite conspiring in the abduction. The lower zone portrays Hercules’ final labor, Cerberus the guardian of the gates to the Underworld.

 

 

This 29-inch statue, who’s sculptor’s identity is unknown, was influenced by the 40-foot tall statue by the sculptor Phidias made by ivory and gold in around 430BC. The statue was displayed in the temple of Zeus in Olympia and was deemed one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

 

 

This is another statue by Praxiteles, made in the 4^th century BC. This statue is made in bronze and portrays the god Apollo, god of the sun, poetry, and music. According to mythology, Apollo slayed Python, a dragon-like serpent, sent by Hera to harass his mother Leto, while she was pregnant with him and his sister the Goddess Artemis. Python had them on the hunt for a long time, until many years passed and when Apollo was old enough, he went after him and slayed him with the bow and arrow given to him by the God Hephaestus.

 

This statue is one of the 6 pillars of a temple named Erectheion (or Erechteum), located on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens, that was built around 421-406BC. In the early 1800s, Lord Elgin had one of the statues removed from the temple and sold to the British museum. Today, the remaining 5 statues can be found in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

---

 

The Messinian land constitutes a special and historic place for the Greek Revolution of 1821. It is a region where some of the most important battles were given, such as the battle of Sphacteria, in Niokastro, the battle of Maniaki, which cost the life of the Greek hero Papaflessas, but also the naval battle of Navarino which essentially sealed the end of the Revolution and marked the liberation of Greece, resulting in the establishment of the modern Greek state.

Run Messinia is an ultramarathon race of a total distance of approximately 421 kilometers, a tribute to the important events and unforgettable battles of the heroes of 1821. At the beginning of March 2021, during the “Run for Freedom” edition, 10 runners will attempt to run 10 long distances, in 10 days, crossing historical places and monuments of Messinia, which are related to the Greek revolution.

10 runners - 10 marathons in total - 10 days!
Every day, a total of 10 runners will participate in each race. The ambassador of the Run Messinia - Run for Freedom will be the remarkable Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes, one of the 100 most influential people in the world, according to TIME magazine. Karnazes will run all 10 races, in 10 consecutive days. At this point, we should note that a lot of American volunteers fought heroically alongside Greeks during the Greek Revolution.
In the context of his participation in this historic ultra marathon, Karnazes stated: “As a proud Greek-American, it is a great honor to be part of this historic undertaking which recognizes and celebrates Greek independence on this momentous 200-year anniversary. The run will not be easy, though neither was the Greek fight for freedom”.

Maria Polyzou, the Greek running champion, born in Patras, who won the First Gold Medal in the Balkan Marathon race, the first Greek woman to compete in a marathon at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, the woman who holds the Greek record in the Marathon (2:33:40) and completed the Pheidippides Feat Athens-Sparta-Athens 524km run and eventually an endurance running coach, said about this project: “This is an event that honors the great war of 1821. It is very important that the Greek revolution will be recognized by a race like an ultramarathon and that we will honor the cities from which the revolution began in our own way. I wish you good luck in the event. I am by your side”.

We honor history by running!
The region of Messinia led the Greek War of Independence, with chiefs and politicians originating from the specific area, while their descendants still play a leading role in the political and social life of Greece. On the eve of the 1821 Revolution, where revolutionary upheaval prevailed throughout Greece and mainly in the Peloponnese, with the start of the Revolution already being decided, Messinia contributed with a number of warlords and 2 fighters who had been initiated for the purposes of the Philiki Eteria “Friendly Society”, such as Theodoros Kolokotronis, Grigorios Dikaios or Papaflessas, Nikitaras, Anagnostaras, Papatsonis and many more.

The event honors these great heroes of 1821 who led the War battles to the liberation of Greece. The greatest moment in the history of Messinia and especially of Kalamata was the liberation of the city on March 23, 1821, when the Greek chiefs, with the assistance of the fighters from Mani under the leader Petrobey Mavromichalis, entered the city and liberated it.

In collaboration with the world-famous Peloponnesian ultramarathon runner, Karnazes, the event highlights the values ​​of the heroes who covered long distances on foot with great vigor and self-denial in order to fight and move from city to city, comparing these values with the ones that we find today in the long distance running. After all, running is a sport that was born in Greece. A long-distance race demands much more from the athlete than the shorter distance races, not only physically but mainly psychologically and mentally. This race, taking place in the mountains offers the athlete the opportunity to experience situations that no other road race can offer. The challenge is great, as so is the reward. In Run Messinia, each athlete competes not only with other runners but also with the mountain and nature itself, as well as his own personal boundaries. The event came to highlight the importance of overcoming adversities and never quitting, values synonymous with those of the 1821 Revolution and Greek History in general. As the athletes consider it impossible to achieve the 10 long distances within 10 days, similarly, people considered the result of the Revolution historically impossible.

421km run in Messinian land!
The event aims to highlight the history and feature both culturally and touristically all the areas associated with the Greek Revolution in Messinia. The starting point of “Run for Freedom” will be Areopoli. Runners will have the opportunity to pass through historical places of Messinia such as Kardamyli, Verga, Kalamata, Nedousa, Poliani, Skala, Neochori, Katsarou, Solaki, Meropi, Loutro, Diavolitsi, Kallirroi, Ramovouni, Maniaki, Kato Minagia, Koroni, Methoni, Neokastro, the village of Kremmidia, Schinolakka, Paleokastro and of course to finish at the historic Pylos.

Messinian ultramarathon runner Vassilis Koumanakos, who has completed the “Marathon de Sables” 260km race in the Sahara desert, said about his participation in Run Messinia: “It is a special honor to run in the footsteps of great warriors and visit their dens, which were the strongholds of the Greek national liberation war of ‘21. What we will remember is that FREEDOM is not just a word in our national anthem, but it is a situation for which we must fight every day. And this struggle determines our Fate”.

Participations in the race will be by invitation only, while very few spots will open to the public. The event will be held in accordance with the strict health protocol and the approval of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic conditions. Active Media Group has undertaken the event’s Sports Production. More information on the dates, schedule, routes and details of Run Messinia will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

 

Greek stuffed eggplant or Melitzanes papoutsakia as they are called in Greece is a Greek dish that receives its name from the resemblance of its shape with little shoes. The taste and the ingredients used for this ‘Papoutsakia’ recipe are very similar to the popular Greek dish moussaka.

Extra juicy and absolutely delicious, this aubergine-based traditional recipe will certainly amaze you!

• 5 eggplants
• 500g minced beef
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 glass of red wine
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes or tomato juice (passata)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp oregano
• 100g grated kefalotyri or any hard yellow cheese
• olive oil
• salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 2–3 tbsps chopped parsley

For the béchamel sauce

• 100g flour
• 100g butter
• 900ml milk (3 and 3/4 cups)
• 2 egg yolks
• a pinch of nutmeg

For the mashed potatoes

• 4 large potatoes, boiled
• 50g milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 egg yolks

• Cut the eggplants into two pieces and carve them crosswise (the flesh). Season the eggplants and place them in a colander for about half an hour. Wash them with plenty of water and drain them on some kitchen paper.
• Preheat the oven to 200C. Season the eggplants with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Place the eggplants (with the skin facing up) in a baking tray, lined with parchment paper. Bake the eggplants for 40 minutes, until softened.
• In the meantime, prepare the meat sauce for the ‘papoutsakia’. Peel and chop the onions and garlic. Place a large pan on medium heat, add some olive oil and the onions and sauté, until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté. Turn the heat up, add the minced beef breaking it up with your spoon and sauté. Deglaze with the red wine and wait 1-2 minutes to evaporate. Stir in the canned tomatoes, the cinnamon stick, a pinch of sugar, the oregano, and season. Bring to the boil, turn the heat down and simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes, until most of the juices have evaporated. In the end, add 1-2 handfuls of grated cheese and chopped parsley and stir.

To read the full recipe, please visit: mygreekdish.com

Undoubtedly, modern societies are characterized by constant movement and rapid changes that cause intense stress and anxiety. We are always trying to catch up, automatically switch from one activity to another, and practice multitasking, only to end up operating mechanically, almost robotically, not seeing the essence and value of every moment. 

Contrary to this unhealthy and stressful lifestyle, however, mindfulness can be described as the ability to be fully present at the moment, recognizing our feelings, our thoughts, and our bodily senses. This concept was first introduced over 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama himself (Buddha).

Mindfulness can be applied to many aspects of our daily lives, from our diet to the use of technology, in which case we refer to digital mindfulness. Digital mindfulness involves reevaluating the way we use technology so that the latter serves our needs. Instead of turning technology into a way of escaping reality, becoming attached to a fictional online world and a culture that feeds us with substitutes for truth, we utilize it as a tool that makes our lives easier.

Digital mindfulness essentially puts an end to the excessive consumption of digital content. To achieve it, however, one needs conscious practice. Let's take a look at some ways that will help us bring mindfulness to our digital lives.

1. Record Screen Time
 

In recent years, large technology companies, realizing that the risk of Internet addiction is greater than ever, have begun to develop various tools to help users manage the time they spend online. Apple has introduced the Screen Time tool, which informs us about the time we spend on applications and websites, while Google has developed a series of Digital Wellbeing tools, enabling us to use our devices more consciously

2. Turn Do Not Disturb mode on

It is not uncommon that, although we have to concentrate on something important, we end up scrolling on our phones. A simple solution is to activate the Do Not Disturb mode to get rid of unnecessary notifications that distract us. However, according to research, the mere presence of a smartphone can lead to reduced productivity levels and limited cognitive capacity, so it might be better to keep our phones in another room when we have to concentrate on an important task.

3. Declutter your phone

Being organized has numerous mental health benefits. A tidy space helps us put our thoughts in order, while a cluttered room creates a chaotic situation. The same goes for our digital rooms. We should clean up our phones and get rid of everything we no longer need. The list of our emails and the notifications we receive, for example. What is important and what is not? Notification overload can negatively impact our mental health. 

4. Stop using your phone at least an hour before going to sleep

Did you know that the blue light emitted by LED screens deceives our brain, making it think it is morning? Exposure to blue light at night inhibits the release of melatonin, making it difficult for us to fall asleep. Also, exposure to blue light negatively affects our circadian rhythm, impairing the quality of sleep by reducing the duration of deep sleep.

This is an open call for new leadership for XpatAthens. We are dawning a new era and this is a unique opportunity for an organization or an individual to take the reigns of a dynamic, highly relevant, community-based platform.
 
XpatAthens has been serving the international community since 2007 as the main digital resource for foreigners living, working, and traveling in Greece.

 

 

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Greece are 19 enchanting aesthetic forests, each a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored. These forests, are not only vital habitats for diverse flora and fauna but also serve as havens for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Let's embark on a journey through these enchanting woodlands, where every step unveils a new wonder to behold!

Nestled amidst the slopes of Mount Ziria in Corinthia, the Mogostos Oak Forest is a tranquil oasis spanning over 7,000 hectares. Since 1977, a significant portion of this forest has been protected as an 'aesthetic forest,' preserving its pristine beauty for generations to come. Here, towering broad-leaved oaks stand sentinel alongside black pines and Chalepian pines, creating a tapestry of greenery that beckons explorers. With well-maintained forest roads and trails, it's the perfect destination for gentle hikes and nature walks. Don't forget to keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers adorning the forest floor, adding a splash of color to this picturesque landscape.

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise within Greece at the Vai Palm Forest in Lassithi, Crete. This unique sanctuary boasts over 5,000 palm trees, standing tall against the backdrop of golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Legend has it that these palms were planted by Saracen pirates or ancient Egyptian soldiers, adding an air of mystery to this natural wonder. Once a haven for hippies in the 1970s, the forest has undergone restoration efforts and now stands as a protected area, teeming with rare flora and fauna. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the lush greenery, a visit to Vai is sure to leave you spellbound.

 

Tucked away on the southern slope of Mount Dirfys in Central Evia, the Steni Aesthetic Forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts year-round. Spanning 500 hectares, this enchanting woodland astounds travelers with its diverse landscapes and abundant biodiversity. From cascading streams to dense vegetation, including oaks, firs, and chestnuts, it offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Greek nature. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely stroll or seeking adventure through its rugged terrain, the Steni Forest promises an unforgettable experience for all who wander its paths.

On the south side of Tithorea lies a verdant paradise spread across 2,000 acres, known simply as the Tithorea Forest. Here, towering firs, pines, and oaks create a landscape of unparalleled beauty, drawing nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its varied terrain and geomorphological formations, including steep rocks and winding paths, it's a playground for exploration. Venture deeper into the forest, and you'll discover ancient relics, including a tower and remnants of an ancient wall dating back to the 3rd–4th century.

Dive into the rich biodiversity of Greece at the Aesthetic Forest of Ossa, where rare species and diverse ecosystems await. Stretching across extensive mountainous meadows and rocky limestone formations, this forest is a marvel of nature's design. From deciduous broadleaf trees to chestnuts and beeches, each corner of the forest tells a story of resilience and adaptation. Explore the winding forest roads and hidden trails, and you'll encounter breathtaking vistas and encounters with rare wildlife. As you traverse this natural wonderland, you'll be reminded of the importance of preserving our planet's precious ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.