XpatAthens

Thursday, 04 June 2020 11:55

Drive-In Concert: Social-Distancing In Style

Hundreds of Greeks danced and sang from inside their cars at a drive-in concert, the first concert since the ban of mass gatherings in Greece. The show took place in a football court at the seaside suburb of Glyfada on Tuesday night.

Cars were parked on designated spots to safeguard the health of the concertgoers who came to enjoy a free performance by famous Greek singer Natasa Theodoridou. The 300 car spaces were raffled in a lottery of more than 7,000 applications.

I have never done something like this before, it's a nice experience, a new experience,' affirmed a spectator.

'This is an example to all of us that nothing stops, we can do everything if we have patience and positive thoughts,' said the performer on stage.

Live concerts in Greece are expected to resume on July 15.

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

Published in Greece In The News

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Thursday, 18 November 2021 08:00

The First-Ever Japanese Garden In Athens

The Municipality of Athens created the first-ever Japanese garden in Greece, located in Nereidon Park, in Pangrati, just behind the National Gallery.

With a total area of 3,500 sq.m, the new thematic park is fast becoming one of the most important recreational areas in the Greek capital. Part of Athens' "Adopt Your City" program, this project was realized with the support of JT International Hellas, under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan in Greece. The idea behind the design of such a special meeting point between Greek and Japanese culture was inspired by the President of the Greek - Japanese Association, Demosthenes Vratsanou.

Based on the “biophilic design”, an architectural concept aiming to increase connectivity between people and the natural environment, the garden includes various elements from different eras of the Japanese tradition, featuring spots with lush vegetation and water, set in accordance with the principles of Japanese culture for a balanced shift between earth, water, and fire.

The selection of plants has been based on the local climate. The garden includes both Japanese and Mediterranean plants. Japanese maples, cherry blossoms, and bamboos coexist in harmony with laurels, myrtle trees, and daphnes. The garden also features shrubs, rocks, and pebbles forming beautiful paths, as well as charming relaxation areas made from granite.

A ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the project was held last week in the presence of the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakoyannis, the Ambassador of Japan, Yasunori Nakayama, and other officials.

“Athens is dynamically evolving into a metropolis that looks forward. The newly upgraded park of the city, covering an area of 3.5 acres, creates a green "oasis" in the dense urbanscape of Athens, radically changing its appearance. We invite Athenians to visit the park, walk along its paths, and discover the feeling of peace that this special place offers. Big projects for the city are ahead. Athens will continue to become greener, more beautiful, and more sustainable.", Costas Bakoyannis stated.

XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to 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.

Published in Local News

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Monday, 19 September 2022 07:00

4 Greek Universities Included In QS Employability Rankings

Degrees from four prominent Greek universities are considered among the strongest in the world labor market, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) Graduate Employability Rankings for 2022.

The National Technical University of Athens occupies positions 201-250, the Athens University of Economics and Business and the University of Athens rank 301-500, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is 501+.

In the report, data was initially collected for 758 universities, from which, after evaluation, a list of 550 emerged. The rating of each university results from five indicators: reputation among employers (weighting 30% of the total score), results from graduates (25%), collaborations with employers by department (25%), the ratio of employers to students (10%), and graduate employment rate (10%).

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Published in Greece In The News

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Saturday, 27 May 2023 12:19

“Il Giardino Segreto” in the Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge

The ATRIUM of Alexander's Lounge, an outdoor "secret garden" located on the first floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, is the ideal meeting point at anytime of the day. Olive trees, laurels, small cypresses and flowers perfectly blend with the elegant surroundings, away from the city’s soundscape while still in the heart of Athens.

As the sun goes down, Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and his culinary team invite you to discover the “Il Giardino Segreto” in order to enjoy a unique aperitivo while savouring authentic Italian accompaniments prepared in his open kitchen using carefully selected Mediterranean ingredients that elevate the taste. No one can resist the delicious aroma wafting from the garden’s oven while baking six different styles of handmade sourdough pizza with fine organic tomato sauce and special international cheese varieties and crispy focaccia with olive oil and sea salt for the bruschetta of your choice.

The cheese selection of the menu features Greek cheese specialties including truffle graviera, manoura from Sifnos, aged kaseri from Sohos, and is served with the special cold cut of the day featuring Jamon Iberico, Prosciutto San Daniele, Sbriciolona among others. Thinly sliced on the spot with the impressive red vintage machine, it will land on your table paired with artichokes from Tinos island, ‘salami’ made of fig and olives. Not to be missed are the delicious panzanella salad with sweet cherry tomatoes and buffalo burrata from Kerkini as well as the famous Spanish anchovies with your bruschetta.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas prepares daily a velvety handcrafted gelato selection with high quality natural ingredients and fresh seasonal fruit as well as the renowned Baba Napoletano dessert with citrus syrup, Aegina pistachio and vanilla-mascarpone cream.

In this unique atmosphere, the award-winning bartenders of the historic hotel, compose refreshing aperitifs and cocktails to complete the experience while the remarkable wine list features selected wines from Tuscany, Piemonte and Sicily, also available by the glass. For the cigar aficionados, the ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge features a worth-exploring variety of perfectly preserved cigars.

Visit the ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge, the most elegant summer city escape to unwind and recharge.

Discover the Il Giardino Segreto Menu

OPERATION HOURS

ATRIUM OF ALEXANDER’S LOUNGE | 11.00 - 02.00

IL GIARDINO SEGRETO MENU | 17:00 – 00:00

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:38

Sightseeing on Kythira Island

Kythira has had its name since antiquity. It is also called Tsirigo as the official name Kythira can be spelled out also as Cythera, which can be simplified and be pronounced as Tsithera. The everyday use of this name has formed it to eventually be “Tsirigo”. The name Kythira, though, derives from the Greek word “Akyhteros”, which means the person who does not have any charms. Since Kythirawas highly connected to Goddess Aphrodite, was the Goddess of love and beauty was called Kythiria, it finally took its name from her. In various periods in history the island was also called “Porfirousa”, as the sea algae “Porfira” used to be collected here, and “Foinikounta”, as it used to be a colony of the Phoenicians (Foinikes in Greek).

Castle of Hora
The castle of Hora is important because of its strategic location observing the Ionian, the Aegean and the Cretan Sea at the same time. It was constructed on the 13th century A.D. during the Venetian Domination but its main part was finished in 1503 A.D.

Right in the front of the Church of Pantokratoras the headquarters of the castle is found which nowadays hosts the Historical Record of Kythira. On the headquarters’ square the former Catholic Church “Panagia of the Latinos” which was changed in 1806 A.D. to an Orthodox church under the name “Myrtidiotissa”.
You could definitely visit the castle which also provides a wonderful view from the top and combine it with a walk around Hora in the evening.

Moudari Lighthouse

The biggest lighthouse that was ever built by the English on Greek grounds is encountered on the northern spot of the island, cape “Spathi”. It was built in 1857 and is 25 metres high. The visitor is provided with a panoramic view of the surrounding place.

Kataraktis (Waterfall)

To get there you must first reach the village of Mylopotamos and take it from there on foot. There is a sign that leads you to this overgrown and wonderful place with paths, brooks and large plane trees.

The waterfall of “Neraida” or “Fonissa” is 20 metres high and forms a small lake underneath it. The place is surrounded by abandoned watermills that used to work by the force of the river water for the grinding of the grains.

Finish this amazing tour into this unspoiled and blessed place with reaching the wonderful Kalami beach.

Hytra Islet

At the south east of Kythira island, right opposite the port of Kapsali, Hytra islet is found or else referred to as Avgo (meaning “Egg”). On its north part there is a water cave that is a refuge for seals. The islet is also a place where a special and protected kind of falcon called Mavropetritis (Falco eleonorae) has built its nest.
On its steep and rough ground grows the plant called Sempreviva (helichrysum orientale) which is collected every summer by the locals and is used for handicrafts.

There is a boat to take you there from the port of Kapsali.

Published in Travel Greece

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Friday, 20 February 2015 15:50

Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

With Halloween coming up I have been thinking about pumpkins a lot more and when I was wondering what to do for breakfasts this week, a pumpkin bread seemed like a great way to go! Although I already have a recipe for a pumpkin bread that I really like I wanted to try to incorporate some of the ideas from the recently successful strawberry Greek yogurt banana bread into it.

The Greek yogurt banana bread uses bananas and Greek yogurt to completely replace the oil or butter in an attempt to make it a little healthier while leaving the bread nice and light, fluffy and most importantly, moist. For my pumpkin Greek yogurt banana bread I pretty much took the Greek yogurt banana bread recipe and added pumpkin spices and pumpkin puree while removing some of the bananas to keep the moisture level consistent. In addition I replaced some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and since pecan go so well with pumpkin I added some of those as well. The pumpkin Greek yogurt banana bread turned out amazingly well, having one of the best textures that I have ever had in a quick bread! I am looking forward to breakfasts this week especially on Halloween!

Even after spending the time making a healthier pumpkin bread recipe I could not resist topping it with a vanilla bourbon caramel sauce!

I like to wrap my leftover quick bread in aluminum foil and store it in fridge. When I want another slice I simply pull one out and put it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to warm it up and it is almost just like the day that it was made.

This pumpkin Greek yogurt banana bread with vanilla bourbon caramel sauce makes for such an amzing breakfast!

Servings: makes 1 loaf

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (homemade or store bought)
2 large over-ripe bananas
2 eggs
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

Directions

Mix the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves in a large bowl.
Mix brown sugar, pumpkin puree, bananas, eggs and yogurt in another large bowl.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients followed by the pecans.
Pour the mixture into a greased 12 x 24 cm loaf pan.
Bake in a preheated 180C oven until golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, about 60 minutes.

By Kevin Lynch

http://www.closetcooking.com

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Thursday, 22 September 2016 07:00

48 Urban Garden - Dinner At The Gallery

A food truck in a restaurant? A cocktail bar with its own herb garden? A gallery that is all about fun? All this and more is the word at 48 Urban Garden, which filled in a small vacuum in the Athenian restaurant scene with its fresh, original and unaffected concept.

48 Urban Garden shares a roof with the Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Center, with the two operating in conjunction with each other. The Airstream food truck located in the restaurant’s dining hall is not just a pretty piece of the décor, it serves as the kitchen. The dining area’s big windows look out onto an urban garden that enlivens the grey apartment blocks surrounding it. It is built on different levels and has picnic tables as well as herb patches and a lemon tree.

The food is inspired by street staples with a more creative and “restauranty” approach. Try the tuna tataki, spicy burritos, the beautifully roasted picanha beef and the rib-eye steak, a mix-and-match of the elements that define Asian and ethnic cuisines. Over at the bar, the cocktails are designed to complement the food, light and refreshing. The music is the cherry on the icing, bringing together the whole ambiance.

Facebook Page
Where: Armatolon ke Klefton 48, Ampelokipi

Telephone: 213 028 1866

Article Source: Greece Is

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Thursday, 24 May 2018 07:00

Meet The Greek Women Climbing The World's Highest Peaks

Meet Vanessa Archontidou and Christina Flampouri, two "ordinary Greek women," who weightlift and climb nearby mountains four times a week, all before going to work. So far, they have reached the highest peaks on four continents, including North America, Europe, South America, and Africa.

As part of their ‘Seven Summits’ challenge, the two women are aiming to reach their fifth peak this summer 2018. This is their “Hellenic dream”; the dream of being the first two Greek women to scale these dangerous peaks.

Trained by fellow Greek climber Nikos Mangitsis (who has led more than 42 mountain expeditions to the world’s tallest mountain ranges), Christina and Vanessa combine training at Parnitha or Ymittos in Athens with gym work.

“Because we are not rich, and we do this as a hobby, we try to make this a symbolic action to help other people understand,” Vanessa comments. “When you have a goal, even if it’s not a mountaineering goal, if it’s something that you truly believe in and even if you have obstacles in your way — like being a parent, or ‘I’m working a lot and I cannot do it’ — there is no obstacle.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

For more information and how to support Vanessa and Christina's 'Seven Summit Challenge,' please visit: A Woman Can Be

Photo credit: Greek Reporter

Published in Greece In The News

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Tuesday, 16 October 2018 13:16

October 16 - Autumn Rhythm In Athens

Whether a local or a visitor, Athens is an extremely vibrant city. Discover some of the absolute best restaurants and cocktail bars in this popular and bustling Mediterranean capital, as it was described by the NY Times!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

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

Published in Newsletters

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Friday, 27 September 2019 14:15

Co-Working Is The Innovation That HR Can't Afford To Ignore

The great skill in human resources is having a sixth sense for how people want to work. It takes a certain amount of clairvoyance to know what the talent of today is thinking – how, where and why they want to turn up to the office.

In today’s world, the increasingly apparent truth is that employees value flexibility, convenience and vibrancy – all great benefits of moving to a co-working space.

“The war on talent is really in full force,” says Sharon Edmondson, IWG Vice President of Human Resources – Americas & Global LSCs. “To be competitive, you have to be able to offer more to your employees than just competitive compensation and benefits. People are wanting more of a sense of community and vibe, to be able to find more to connect to than just the job role itself.”

Employees who are considering a change of employer, then, are looking at a much wider range of considerations than salary alone. And rewarding that desire quickly feeds back into productivity.

“If you've got segregated employees sitting in remote spots, or working from home,” adds Edmondson, “then that isolation leads to drops in both productivity and engagement. What I love in IWG spaces is that you start to see employees from all different companies eating together or grabbing a coffee. You start to leverage the benefits of other employers to build that community and brand within your own organization.”

Employees increasingly want to be in a flexible, lively, dynamic environment. It’s no secret that a trusted, engaged employee is a productive one. In the 2019 IWG Global Workplace Survey, 85% of employers confirmed that productivity had improved as a result of greater flexibility.

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“Employees want to go to an environment that's lively and vivacious and drives energy and change,” says Edmondson. “People want the ability to collaborate and the ability to get stretched beyond where they are. We're living in a society where people want to continue to learn and grow. If you're not feeding the employees, then that tends to reduce productivity and talent retention.”

“If you don't have that kind of space to offer, then you're really missing out on driving the most out of your workforce and gaining that engagement and productivity, which in turn creates innovation, and ultimately ties directly into revenue and profitability for the organization.”

Another crucial factor is geography. Offices with huge, city-center headquarters that pull employees from miles around are forcing many of those workers to endure long, thankless commutes, which are not only environmentally unfriendly but also ultimately a chunk of personal time they can’t get back. “People won’t want to commute so far,” says Edmondson. “You risk losing employees, and you also lose a ton of productivity time because employees are spending that time commuting.” Co-working spaces closer to where workers actually live can give them the professional setting of the office, keep their work and productivity up – and extra free time each day.

There’s also the consideration that the work/life balance doesn’t have to refer to being at work vs being at home – perhaps if work was that bit more vibrant, it wouldn’t be such a necessary contrast. As Edmondson says: “Through leveraging the benefits of a co-working environment, work doesn't seem like work all the time. If you have a frustrating moment, you’re able to go and catch a break, to go up to the patio rooftop terrace and play a game of ping-pong – something your traditional employment spaces don't offer.”

When it comes to the value of flexible working to employees, the results are in. In IWG’s survey, over 80% of respondents said that if faced with two similar job prospects they would turn down the one that didn’t offer flexible working.

And what if HR doesn’t catch up? “The reality is you'll miss out on having the ability to stay competitive in terms of talent. Certainly, from an attrition and engagement perspective, there's no doubt that will start to impact potential employees and the organization as a whole.”

Can you afford to lose out? Find out more about how co-working can work for your company.

This content has been sponsored by IWG - an XpatAthens Brand Partner.

Published in Business News

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Drive-In Concert: Social-Distancing In Style

The First-Ever Japanese Garden In Athens

4 Greek Universities Included In QS Employability Rankings

“Il Giardino Segreto” in the Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge

Sightseeing on Kythira Island

Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

48 Urban Garden - Dinner At The Gallery

Meet The Greek Women Climbing The World's Highest Peaks

October 16 - Autumn Rhythm In Athens

Co-Working Is The Innovation That HR Can't Afford To Ignore

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