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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.

 

Lycabettus Hill, an iconic landmark in Athens, is to undergo a major overhaul designed to make it safer and more attractive to visitors and local residents.
 
The hill's 407 acres belong to the Municipality of Athens, while the other 35 belong to the Public Properties Company S.A. (ETAD), which, until recently, didn't allow the Municipality to proceed with the enhancement works first announced in 2019. 

Through common sense and a mutual spirit of cooperation, the Municipality of Athens and the Public Properties Company S.A. (ETAD) were able to come to an agreement, setting into motion a series of works that will upgrade the hill and its facilities. The project's main goal is the reconstruction and reopening of the landmark Lycabettus Theater, which remains closed for almost 20 years. 

The CEO of the Public Properties Company, Mr. Stefanos D. Vlastos, recently signed an agreement with the Mayor of Athens, Mr. Kostas Bakogiannis, to hand over jurisdiction of the 35-acres area of the hill to the Municipality of Athens, so that the upgrade can be completed. 

Mr. Kostas Bakogiannis stated: "Our cooperation with ETAD untangled a "knot" that has kept us bound to bureaucracy and opens a new chapter for the historic Lecabettus Theater and the surrounding area. It turns out that we can find solutions when we all look for them together and set common goals. Lycabettus Hill is part of an ongoing drive for the overhaul of the Greek capital and its transformation into a modern and sustainable city that respects its residents and invests in free public spaces, improving the daily life of citizens and visitors."

XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.
Although we know Greek history and mythology is loved all over the world, probably not many would guess that a Greek Mythology Museum exists in South Korea. What makes this museum all the more interesting is that it’s not even on the Korean mainland, but on the holiday destination of Jeju Island.

The museum itself is modeled after classical Greek architecture, featuring a row of columns outside and replicas of ancient Greek statues and famous paintings depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

The impressive museum is divided into seven large galleries that are all focused on one aspect of Greek mythology, such as the “Olympus Galley,” the “Love Gallery,” and the “Hero Gallery.”

Each gallery features spectacular white-plaster replicas of imposing ancient sculptures, as well as information regarding Greek mythology and history in both Korean and English.

It even features a replica of an ancient Greek village that visitors can explore, as well as historically accurate costumes they can wear, which help to transport them through time back to ancient Greece.

In the “Olympus Gallery,” replicas of famous ancient Greek sculptures of the gods line the room, along with copies of famous paintings depicting stories from Greek myth. Visitors can learn about each of the twelve gods and admire the artwork displayed in the museum.

The site is also home to a number of replicas of important items from Greek mythology, such as the Trojan Horse, albeit on a smaller scale. The museum also features interactive displays about zodiac signs and the constellations and even explains the Greek myths behind many of the constellations.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Monday, 12 September 2022 07:00

The Municipality Of Athens' Brand New Website

The Municipality of Athens' new portal has been online for a few days now, a modern and simple-to-use digital tool designed from the ground up, focusing on the needs of citizens, professionals, and visitors of Athens.
 
The brand new site is a modern, user-friendly digital tool replacing -after about a decade- the outdated philosophy of the previous website. It features exceptional ease of use, as every piece of information is given to the visitor in a simplified way. This means that you don't need to know the structure and services of the municipality to be able to access the information you are looking for. 
 
Using the search bar located on the main page, the visitor can easily find any information related to the municipality or search for electronic services such as the issuance of a resident parking card or a permit allowing entry to the Athens ring, etc. On the same site, visitors can discover cultural events and programs offered by the municipality, contact the homelessness support services in Athens, etc.
 
The user-friendly experience is enhanced thanks to the organization of information in thematic sections. Thus, users can easily find all the information regarding sports activities, cultural events, cleanliness and recycling, environmental news, parking, health, children, the elderly, accessibility, lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and the homeless.
 
More specifically, at cityofathens.gr users can: 
  • Issue certificates. 
  • Find the electronic services provided by the municipality and those for which a physical presence is required. 
  • Book their appointment with the municipal services online. 
  • Report a problem. 
  • Find information about the cultural, sports and entertainment activities offered by the municipality. 
  • Watch the Municipal Council live and read the decisions that concern them. 
  • Read the municipality’s news. 
The site is available in Greek only for the time being, but an English version is expected to launch soon. 
 
The countdown has begun for the Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour golf tournament, which will take place from May 14 to May 18, 2024, in one of the most beautiful and idyllic landscapes of Greece, at the Porto Carras Grand Resort, on the peninsula of Sithonia, in Halkidiki.

FootGolf with the European champions

The event’s schedule brings several surprises and side activities. With the assistance of the tournament’s Official Airline Partner, AEGEAN, an exciting FootGolf event will be held for the first time at the Porto Carras Grand Resort. On Friday, May 17, football legends and European champions such as among others Kostas Katsouranis, Angelos Basinas, Giourkas Seitaridis, and Takis Fyssas, who won the Euro 2004 with the Greek national team, as well as the international Greek football players Giannis Amanatidis and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos will be invited to place a football into holes larger than those found in golf with as few strokes as possible. The rules of the game closely resemble those of golf, promising an entertaining sport blending elements of football and golf, ensuring a delightful experience filled with fun and joy.

The competition

The schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour, at the award-winning Porto Carras Grand Resort, recognized as the top golf hotel in Greece at the Greek Hospitality Awards 2023, will start on Wednesday, May 15, with a practice round for all participants, while the event will greet its guests at the Welcome Cocktail by Domaine Porto Carras.

On Thursday, May 16, the 1st round of the Pro-Am will take place, and on Friday, May 17, the 2nd round will follow.

On Saturday, May 18, the competition will conclude with the Open Tournament for professionals and the Individual for amateurs starting at 08:30 am.
Participation of great golf professionals

Already, top golfers from Greece and abroad such as Federico Elli (PGA of Italy), Henrik Engdahl (PGA of Sweden), and Boris Chakarov (PGA of Bulgaria) have confirmed their participation. Registrations continue to finalize the number of teams participating.

The format of the Pro-Am tournament

The participating golfers will form teams of four consisting of one professional and three amateurs. The event uses the Stableford system, which rewards both team and individual performance as the basis for scoring. In the team score, the two best scores achieved by each team are calculated in the total score. In the individual score, for professionals, Individual Strokeplay applies, where each professional player competes individually to achieve the lowest possible score throughout the game, while for amateurs, Individual Stableford applies, where they compete individually based on the Stableford system, earning points according to their performance on each hole.

Wine Tasting for a good cause

Domaine Porto Carras, the largest unified organic vineyard in Greece supports the event as a Platinum Sponsor and on Thursday, May 16, will organize two Wine Tasting Sessions for the event’s guests. Participants will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the new era of Domaine Porto Carras and taste the exquisite varieties of the historic vineyard. At the same time, Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour will reinforce, with the support of Domaine Porto Carras, the Parents Association of Children with Neoplastic Diseases of Northern Greece “LAMPSI”.

Golf Lessons for Beginners

On Saturday, May 18, non-golfers will have the opportunity to participate in a Golf Clinic. They will learn the basic principles of the Olympic sport of golf and have fun improving their flexibility, concentration, and mental health.

The schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour will conclude with the Awards Gala Dinner, where the winners at team and individual levels will be awarded.

The only golf course in Northern Greece, with 18 holes and par 72, overlooking the Aegean Sea and the stunning pine forests on Mount Itamos, provides a spectacular setting for all participants. Professionals and amateurs will enjoy the perfect destination, playing golf amidst the vineyards of the estate, the impressive three lakes of the course, pine trees, and olive trees making the game even more exciting.

The first Pro-Am golf tournament held on the renovated golf course is expected to be highly competitive, with participation from professional and amateur athletes from around the world, and professional golfers competing for the total prize money that can amount up to €16,500.

Porto Carras Pro-Am is organized by Porto Carras Golf under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the PGA of Greece, a member of the Confederation of Professional Golf, and the major sponsor, AEGEAN.

The sports marketing agency of the year ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Golf Production.

The Official Airline of the tournament is AEGEAN, a member of the leading airline alliance, Star Alliance. For the 12th consecutive year and 13th overall, AEGEAN is declared the passengers’ top preference and wins the title of “Best Regional Airline in Europe” according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023.

The event’s sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: Domaine Porto Carras
Official Airline: AEGEAN
Gold Sponsors: Lidl, Auto Hellas Hertz, Play Kids
Silver Sponsors: Miele, Quantos
Bronze Sponsors: Souroti, Olga Karaververi


Registrations for the Porto Carras Pro-Am 2024 Aegean Mini Tour continue through the official website of Porto Carras HERE!


Special accommodation packages and flight offers with AEGEAN are available for guests interested in staying at Porto Carras Meliton and participating in the full schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am 2024 Aegean Mini Tour. For the best service of all participants regarding registrations, accommodations, and flight tickets, you can send an email to: reservations2(at)portocarras.com or call: +30 2375 077000.

#portocarrasproam #aegeanminitour #portocarras

Porto Carras

Porto Carras Grand Resort is the historic iconic resort that has contributed significantly to the establishment of luxury tourism in Greece, especially in Halkidiki. For 50 years, it has been offering high-level services and authentic Greek hospitality to its guests in an environment of unparalleled beauty and intense contrasts. Located alongside a sandy coastline of 9 kilometers and surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness center, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.

Website:
www.portocarras.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556927558708 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/portocarrasgolf/
Thursday, 25 June 2020 13:26

Amorgos - The Big Blue

Did you know that the 1988 movie The Big Blue with Jean Reno was shot on the island of Amorgos, at the southeastern edge of the Cyclades? Parts of the island reach a considerable height above sea level, offering superb views out over the Archipelago, Amorgos is one of the most impressive Cycladic islands, boasting marvelous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays and ancient footpaths leading through its steep rocky terrain.

Inhabited since the Protocycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition. Step off the beaten track and visit an island that has preserved its traditional color, where the locals welcome you with a smile on their face and make you feel at home!

Town of Amorgos (Hora)

Built at the center of the island and surrounded by rocky hills, the maze-like Hora of Amorgos is considered to be one of the most picturesque in the Cyclades! Here you can admire a breathtaking setting with scenic squares, traditional Cycladic houses with bougainvillea trees in their courtyards, and Lilliputian whitewashed alleys. In the morning you can wander around the narrow streets, visit the 13th-century castle and the monasteries or relax at a local coffee shop; in the evening pick one of the cozy bars and tavernas scattered around Hora’s streets and squares and enjoy local specialties accompanied by a shot of “psiméni” raki! Don’t be surprised if you come across a big group of people enjoying an impromptu feast - it is a very common event on the island- feel free to join in!

Katapola

Katapola is the main harbor of the island as well as a haven for boats and small cruise ships. Set off on a boat trip from Katapola and explore the island’s sun-kissed beaches!

Aigiali

Aigiali, the second harbor of Amorgos, is popular with young people as it is the site of the island’s campsite. Along its lively waterfront, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants. Perched on a mountain behind Aigiali there are three picturesque villages: Tholaria, Lagkada, and Potamos; visit them at the end of the day when the sunset is beautiful.


To learn more about Amorgos, please visit: visitgreece.gr

Greek crops have been added to the list of the safest fruit and vegetables in the European Union, in regards to excessive use of pesticide residue, according to data released by the Food and Feed Safety Alerts (RASFF), for the first half of 2014.

Commenting on the statistics, the special advisor to the Association of Greek Export and Consignment Enterprises for Fruit, Vegetables and Juices INCOFRUIT – HELLAS, Giorgos Polichronakis, said: “Turkey showed the most cases of excessive use of pesticide residue in fruit and vegetables during the reported period, with 38 cases (34 of which were peppers) followed by Egypt with 16. Ranked third, with 12 cases, are countries such as India, the Dominican Republic and Nigeria. Spain has been reported with 5 cases, while the Netherlands and Morocco have 5 and four 4 cases respectively.”

The most notices for excessive use were submitted in Bulgaria (35), followed by Italy (21), the Netherlands (19), the United Kingdom (19) and France (18).

To read more, please visit greenmed.eu

Friday, 06 March 2015 12:34

Halkidiki Introduces Itself to Europe

There is an old joke that Greeks tell among themselves. A Northern Greek gets to swim in the sea of paradise, but once he comes out of the water and is asked whether he enjoyed it, his reply is "It was nice, but not as good as Halkidiki." People in Halkidiki do not brag for nothing. Home of Aristotle and Mt. Athos’ monastic community, founded in the 9th century, the region’s three peninsulas stand out for their natural beauty, history and spirituality.

Local agents boast an industrious campaign to boost tourism in the area. During the last East Med Tourism Exhibition, in Istanbul (22-25.01), local authorities had forty B2B meetings with Turkish business people, in an effort to raise arrivals above 3,000, which was recorded in 2014. A charter flight from Ankara is expected to accommodate this target. Direct flights seem to have worked well also in the case of the Netherlands.

Halkidiki was visited by 3,500 Dutch in 2014 but the figure is expected to double in the current year. A direct flight from Amsterdam to Thessaloniki made it easier for tourists to reach the peninsulas.

To read more, please visit greeknewsagenda.gr

In terms of greeness, Athens doesn't even come close to other European capitals with their verdant parks and blossoming gardens. The truth is, modern urban development has not been particularly gentle with this city.  Numerous concrete buildings, along with poor road designs, hem in inhabitants and visitors with featureless views.  Thankfully, there are some oases in the cement desert that offer the hungry local or tourist a lush respite in which to enjoy a meal or drink.

Just behind Parliament lies the Ethnikos Kipos, or National Gardens, the indisputable green heart of the city.  Back in 1836, Queen Amalia had envisaged the Royal Gardens to follow the European models of the era, and so agronomist Frederick Schmidt, director of the gardens for almost 30 years, planted native flora from Cape Sounion and the island of Euboea, as well as many species from abroad that were suited to the Attica climate. Today, the gardens are home to more than 50,000 trees and shrubs and are open to visitors from morning to dusk.  The gardens' cafe sits at the Irodou Attikou entrance, with retro green tables arraying symmetrically in the relaxing shade of the alleyway.  After a morning walk, why not enjoy a cup of Greek coffee?  The menu offers dishes such as tzatziki, octopus stewed in vinegar sauce marinated anchovies and meatballs with potatoes.  It's pretty pricey though - be warned.

A few steps from Syntagma metro, a heavy iron gate stands guard over the former residence of the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann.  Desinged by none other than the eminent Ernst Ziller, the architect of many of Athens' royal and municipal buildings, the Renaissance-inspired structure was named Iliou Melathron, or Trojan Mansion, in tribute to the owner's passion for the mythical city of Troy (also known as Ilion).  Iliou Melathron is now home to the Numismatic Museum, and the beautiful garden, where Schliemann spent hours planting and tending his trees, still includes many species of of Greek flora, with reproductions of ancient Greek statues peeking through the folige.

To read more, please visit: Culinary Backstreets 
Thursday, 08 October 2015 07:00

Top Flea Markets In Athens

In the heart of buzzing Athens there are a lot of open markets selling anything from food and spices to vintage clothing, antiques and souvenirs. Even if you don’t want to shop a walk into the flea market is a great way to get the real vibe of Athens.

Here is a list of the top flea markets in the centre of Athens:

Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki flea market starts next to Monastiraki metro station.  It's not an actual flea market, but a collection of small shops.  Here you can buy almost anything, form clothing, jewellery, cheap souvenirs like t-shirts, toy exzone soldiers, marble Greek statues, postcards and quality souvenirs like backgammon sets, Byzantine icons, traditional Greek products, musical instruments and leather goods.  In Monastiraki flea market you will find almost everything.  Near the flea market there ar ea lot of cafes where you can stop for a refreshment and watch the people passing by.  Early in the morning and late at night when the shops are closed, all the shop fronts are covered with street art, which is totally worth checking out.

Platia Avissinias Flea Market
Every Sunday at Avissynias Square, just off Ifaistou Street, the central street of Monastiraki flea market, there is a bazaar.  There are vendors selling antiques from furniture to old books and recornds to anything you can imagine.  Some have no value at all, but you can also find a lot of bargins.  There are some cozy cafes at the square and Avissynias restaurant with live Greek music and traditional food where you can have a bite and watch all the action of the square.

To read more, please visit: Travel Passionate




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