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XpatAthens

Wednesday, 05 December 2018 16:46

Dec 5 - 'Tis The Holiday Season

Food is a vital part of Greek culture... and it's delicious! So if you ever wondered how to adjust your diet accordingly, let us show you 3 simple steps to do so. Also, if you love coffee like most Greeks, but are not a fan of smoking... no need to worry! Check out our list of cosy and smoke-free cafes in Athens.

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The EU Votes Against Single-Use Plastic Products
 
The use of 10 single use plastic items such as straws, cotton buds, plates, cutlery, and plastic coffee stirrers will be banned in the European Union in 2021.
 
Along with abandoned fishing gear, single use plastic items constitute 70% of all marine litter items. Plastic takes a very long time to decompose which explains why eight million tons of plastic waste end up in the sea each year. In fact, plastic residue, including micro plastics, have been detected in fish and other marine species, consequently entering the human food chain.
 
Greek Islands Make Efforts Towards Plastic-Free Seas

Following the example of the small island of Sikinos – the first Greek island to ban plastic straws in 2018 – the island of Donousa has also joined the SeaChange Greek Islands initiative. The SeaChange Greek Islands is an environmental program made possible with the help of the A.C.Laskaridis Charitable Foundation and aims to tackle marine pollution in Greece.
 
Under the auspices of the Municipality of Naxos and the Small Cyclades, Donousa will become the first island in the Aegean to completely ban single use plastic products like cups, straws, bags and take-away packaging.
 
The initiative made its debut in Donousa on Friday April 5, with the briefing of the citizens and other informative events. All residents received a starter kit containing a SeaChange Donousa reusable cup while local businesses also received biodegradable bags and straws.
 
To learn more about the SeaChange Greek Islands initiative, please click here (Greek only).
Greek tax authorities have extended the deadline for submitting returns for the 2018 fiscal year to July 29. The extended deadline concerns individual taxpayers, legal entities, all types of businesses, non-profit organizations, etc.

Until now, 2.2 million tax returns have already been submitted online. Out of a total of 2.93 million statements, more than 334,000 indicate a tax rebate, nearly 1.8 million indicate a zero balance, and 790,000 show a debt to the state.

Article source: Naftemporiki.gr

The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that the National Gallery of Art will reopen in March 2021, following the renovations and expansion works that have been underway for the last few years. More specifically, the National Gallery of Art will be inaugurated on March 25, 2021, signaling the launch of a series of commemorative events to honor the bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence.

The ministry issued a statement declaring that the amphitheater and the entrance hall are complete, while "the next phase involves the floors, the seating, and the necessary equipment."

The renovation of The National Gallery of Art has been made possible through funding from the Ministry of Culture, EU co-funding for the Attica Region, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and private donors.

To read this article in full, please visit: AMNA
The holidays have passed while the coronavirus is well and alive. Do you expect something to change now that the New Year has begun? "Of course not! Things will just continue as always," said Anna, a client of mine with two young daughters. "Every year, I say to myself that something will change. Perhaps this year my husband will recognize how difficult it is to be a working mom. Perhaps my best friend will have fewer expectations of me. Perhaps my mother will not worry so much every time I forget to call her back. Something will finally change."

What do you think? Do people change because you want them to? Or because you keep on bugging them on the same subject all the time? "It's not like I sit still. I repeat the same things over and over again, but nothing happens. What else can I do?" wondered Anna.

However, it's not about how many times you repeat something. It's about changing the way you do it and trying different approaches. Otherwise, you will not get the results you want. Your behavior may influence the behavior of others but not towards your desired direction. The most you may succeed is to get angry, indifferent, or grumpy responses. You cannot change someone unless they want to. The only one who can change - if you desire to - is you!

So think about what changes you can make for yourself. To do so, you need to take some distance from yourself. If the issues that are bothering you, were bothering a friend of yours instead, how would you perceive them? By changing your perspective, you realize how much easier it is to offer advice to someone else than to yourself, no matter how difficult the situation. Yet, the advice we give to others is what we most need for ourselves. So, if you would like to welcome some changes in your life, do not expect others to make the first step - start with yourself.


ypografi-nadia-georgiou-eng.jpg

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!

 
Stunning digital reconstruction of the site of the ancient Olympic Games by Microsoft’s Augmented Reality app “Ancient Olympia: Common Grounds.” the project allows visitors to travel back in time, to the site of the Ancient Olympic Games and find Common Ground in values inspired by Ancient Olympia.

The digital revival project allows viewers around the world to explore the site of the Ancient Olympia as it was more than 2,000 years ago. It is an exciting experience through an interactive mobile app, the PC, and the exhibition of Microsoft HoloLens 2 housed in the Olympic Museum of Athens.

The project restores digitally and in 3D a total of 27 monuments in the area, among them, a Gymnasium where athletes trained and a Stadium that was home to the Olympic Games in honor of Zeus, the Temples of Zeus and Hera, the workshop of Pheidias.


To download the Microsoft Augmented Reality app “Ancient Olympics" please visit the Microsoft website or olympiacommongorunds.gr

Digitally recording and accurately representing all the details of everyday life in Ancient Olympia was no small task. In the 3D experience, buildings are recreated in lifelike detail, painstakingly researched by the Hellenic Ministry’s expert archaeologists to be as true as possible to their original forms. This includes historical timelines of the site’s changes over time and depictions of artifacts from each period, the Microsoft notes.

Through its AI for Cultural Heritage initiative, Microsoft partnered with technology company Iconem, which specializes in digitizing historic sites in 3D, to create the foundational model of Ancient Olympia. Using both on-the-ground cameras and drones to take hundreds of thousands of images of the site, Microsoft AI then processed the pictures to create models so precise, they render as photo-realistic, the company said.

To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com


For Greeks, Easter is the most important religious holiday of the year, celebrated in different ways throughout the country.

If you’re looking for a great excuse to escape the city for a while and enjoy the traditions and local customs that accompany this solemn occasion, the below destinations make for an unforgettable Greek Easter!


Corfu

Corfu
@giwrgoskatehis

Easter in Corfu is a one-of-a-kind experience that attracts hundreds of visitors every year. Corfu is home to an array of traditions and customs, some of which have Venetian influences. The most famous tradition is the throwing of the large jugs, known as botides. The botides are filled with water and thrown one by one from the balconies of Liston, a historic neighborhood in the island’s center.

Patmos

Patmos
@lifeispatmos

Patmos, the island where John the Evangelist received the visions found in the Book of Revelation, is considered a sacred place and offers a truly unique Easter experience. Among the numerous century-old rituals and customs, the most famous traditions include the Washing of the Feet ceremony in Chora and the reading of the Gospel in seven languages in the Monastery of Saint John the Evangelist.

Chios

Rouketopolemos
@trazeetravel

Except for the delicious mastic, Chios island is also famous for its lively Easter celebrations. Every year, in the village of Vrontados, a variation of the Greek custom of throwing fireworks after the Anastasi takes place, known as rouketopolemos or rocket war. Two rival church congregations engage in a rocket war, firing thousands of homemade rockets across town in an attempt to hit the bell tower of the other church.

Leonidio

Leonidio
@aris.messinis
 
Leonidio is a historic town in Arcadia, in Eastern Peloponnese, and is an excellent destination to spend the Easter holidays away from the crowds. The most famous Easter tradition, dating back to the 19th century, is the colorful, homemade hot air balloons released by the villagers on the night of the Resurrection. An impressive spectacle to watch as the sky is filled with hundreds of twinkling lights resembling the stars.

Main image
: 📸 @photobyosmansilahyurekli
 
Monday, 03 February 2025 13:13

February At The Maria Callas Museum

The Maria Callas Museum, under the Athens Municipality, is welcoming visitors of all ages with activities and events for everyone. The bold drag baritone Nina Nay will perform two groundbreaking shows, while a children’s dance-theater performance will explore the theme of diversity. Sundays at the Museum continue with family-friendly programs for infants, children, and parents, and every Thursday, those over 65 can enjoy free guided tours through the museum!

Events & Activities

A Piece of Me...: Nina Nai at the Maria Callas Museum
Wednesday, February 12th

The internationally acclaimed drag baritone Nina Nay presents her groundbreaking performance “A Piece of Me… 8 Songs from the Last Pages of Richard Strauss”, specifically designed for the Museum. This personal exploration delves into toxic relationships and the quest for authentic individual expression. The performance blends the art of Lied (set German poetry and more) with drag to create a dialogue on the lasting impact of toxic relationships and the empowerment that comes from reclaiming one's identity.

Inspired by letters from Maria Callas’ parents to her, the performance touches on their attempts to claim a part of her, each in their own way. But it’s not just about Callas... It's for anyone who might identify with or see parts of themselves in this story. 

With the renowned conductor Giorgos Ziavras on piano and the revolutionary fashion designer Daglara for costumes.

Details:
  • Date: Wednesday, February 12th
  • Showtimes: 19:30 & 21:00
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Price: €25 (includes Museum entry before the show, optional)
  • Required reservation via more.com. Book your tickets HERE!
  • Note: Part of the performance will be standing.
Parallel Yellow Lines
Sunday, February 16th

A dance-theater performance for children aged 4-12 about diversity. Presented by the A(r)CT Performing Arts Group at the Maria Callas Museum.

What defines "normal"? How does comparison affect us? How can we discover our own abilities or "superpowers"? What do these parallel yellow lines lead to?

"Parallel Yellow Lines" is an interactive physical theater and dance performance that allows us to understand how a child with autism experiences daily life, focusing on details that may cause confusion or excitement. It invites us to reflect on each person’s uniqueness. 

Details:
  • Date: Sunday, February 16th
  • Time: 12:00
  • Duration: 65 minutes
  • Ages: 4-12 years
  • Price: €10 per child & €10 for a companion
  • Required reservation via more.com. Reserve your spot HERE!
Guided Tour for Adults
Saturday, February 22nd

Explore the fascinating world of opera and the legendary Maria Callas with a guided tour through the museum. Discover her art, legacy, and personal life through audiovisual tools, historical documents, and new technologies in this immersive experience.

Details:
  • Date: Saturday, February 22nd
  • Time: 12:30
  • Duration: 50 minutes
  • Price: €14 (Discounts available)
  • Required reservation via more.com. Book your spot HERE!
Free Guided Tours for Seniors (65+)
Every Thursday in February

Every Thursday, the Maria Callas Museum offers free guided tours for visitors aged 65 and over, included in the ticket price! Discover the museum’s treasures dedicated to the diva’s life and career, and immerse yourself in the world of opera. 

Details:
  • Dates: Thursdays (6, 13, 20, 27 February)
  • Time: 12:30
  • Duration: 50 minutes
  • Price: €7 for 65+ (Tour is free)
  • Call to reserve: 210 44 04 204
Family Programs

MCM KIDS: New Creators at the Maria Callas Museum – Nature
Sunday, February 9th

Inspired by the aria Casta Diva from Norma, children and parents will explore the natural world through music. This program encourages creative expression and connection to nature, as families compose their own music inspired by natural sounds like wind, bird songs, or rain. The compositions will be recorded and given to the participants as a keepsake. 

Details:
  • Date: Sunday, February 9th
  • Time: 11:30-12:30 & 13:15-14:15
  • Ages: 4-8 years
  • Price: €13 per child and companion
  • Required reservation: 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-18:00)
Games with Opera & Light: Twirl Through Rays of Light
Sunday, February 23rd

Discover the magic of opera and light! Children will engage in creative games with light, exploring how light transforms images, expresses emotions, and alters the meaning of an artwork. How does light relate to the space we’re in? To ourselves? 

Details:
  • Date: Sunday, February 23rd
  • Time: 11:30-12:30
  • Ages: 4-10 years
  • Price: €10 per child and companion
  • Required reservation: 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-18:00)
MCM BABIES: Baby Walks
Sunday, February 23rd

How do infants react inside a museum? How do they perceive exhibits and communicate with them? Designed for parents with infants, this unique experience combines art, sensory exploration, and interaction, offering a special chance for parents and babies to connect with the museum’s world of colors, sounds, and shapes. 

Details:
  • Date: Sunday, February 23rd
  • Time: 9:30 AM
  • Ages: 8 months to 2.5 years
  • Price: €10 per child and companion
  • Required reservation: 210 44 04 204 (Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-18:00)
Note: Space for strollers is available. For safety and space, infants should be held or in carriers throughout the program.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:33

Ithaca

When Odysseus set off for glorious days in Troy, his beloved wife, Penelope, was left alone to unwittingly excite the appetite of men for a gorgeous queen. Before long, the palace was brimful of odious suitors who would flirt with the queen persistently. What is more, they made Penelope promise she would marry one of them.

 

To keep them at bay, she came up with a devise: she promised she would come to a wedding with the best of them when she had finished weaving a shroud. So, she spent the daytime weaving it and the nighttime unweaving it. Thus doing, she managed to stay clear of the suitors for 20 whole years, until Odysseus returned to Ithaca.

“Keep Ithaca always in your mind. Arriving there is what you are destined for” Cavafy, Ithaca, translated by Edmund Keely/Philip Sherrard

Worldwide famous as the home of Odysseus, Ithaca symbolises the return to the haven; discovery and fulfillment. Despite its proximity to Kefalonia (Cephalonia) (2km northeast) it is much more peaceful, quiet and undiscovered, thus being an ideal place for alternative activities and a holiday living up to the standards of the most demanding among us. With its 27-kilometre long and 6.5-kilometre large mountainous surface, it boasts plenty of hiking as well as mountain bike trails in a sequence of blue and green alongside the coast and through olive, cypress, pine, oak, arbutus and carob trees up on the hills.

Scuba diving and sea kayaking are some of the options too, while the Cave of the Nymph will give you the chance to combine an exciting visit with a myth: Odysseus had hidden there the gifts he had brought along from the land of the Phaeacians.

Beaches

Beach lovers will take pleasure in a multitude of choices covering all tastes, from sand to pebbles, from rocky to green-clad backgrounds, from peaceful to busy ones. Some of them are: Lootsa, Filiatró, Sarakínniko, Dexá, Minnímata, Yidáki, Aetós, Áspros Yalós, Afáles, Kourvoólia.

To read more, please go to visitgreece.gr

Bifteki is the Greek word for hamburger patty. I think it comes from the French word bifteck which literally means beef steak, but I am not entirely sure. The biggest difference to a hamburger patty is the fact that the ingredients are bound together with soaked bread. The same principle applies when you make soutzoukakia or meat balls. This particular dish, that is biftekia with potatoes in the oven, is a staple of Greek cooking and it is a very tasty, easy, everyday meal. The recipe is my mother’s and has been receiving complements for years and years now.

The secret lies in the cooking, which entirely takes place in a clay pot with lid or a similar dish, hence ensuring that the patties won’t dry out and the potatoes will become buttery soft. The tomato sauce adds a bit of flair to the meal and binds the flavours nicely together. I must warn you though that this dish is highly addictive (especially the potatoes), so make sure you have enough for seconds!

Baked hamburger patties (biftekia) with potatoes

INGREDIENTS for 3-4 people as a main dish

• 500g lean beef mince
• 3-4 slices of white bread, about a day old, crusts removed
• 3/4 from a 500ml tin of tomato pulp
• 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise into thick-ish chips
• Olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the hamburger patties place the bread slices into a bowl of water to soak. If your bread is not old, just toast the slices a bit.
2. In a large bowl combine the beef mince, olive oil, oregano (approx. 1-2 tsp), salt, pepper, 2 tbsp mustard and the bread (squeeze out excess moisture before you use it). Knead everything together. The mixture should be neither too hard nor too soft. If it is too hard, just add s bit more water. If you can eat raw meat, taste the mixture for salt/pepper and adjust seasonings accordingly. Make six fat hamburger patties.
3. Use any type of baking dish you want, as long as it has a tight lid. Spread the potatoes at the bottom of the dish, drizzle with olive oil and season well. Place the patties on top and finish with the tomato puree, some more olive oil and a bit of water (100ml).
4. Preheat the oven to 230 C and bake for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 200 C. Open the dish, turn the patties, replace lid and continue baking for another 30 minutes. Remove lid completely and continue baking for perhaps another 20 minutes or until the patties have turned a nice brown colour and there isn’t much water left in the dish. Just make sure not to dry the patties out.
5. Let the dish stand for a bit before serving, as it comes piping hot out of the oven.

Source: Foodjunkie.eu

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