XpatAthens

XpatAthens

About The Book
 
Athens is a place renowned for its history and culture. It is also the most famous city of ancient Greece, a part of the world where Western science is said to have been born. Many remains providing evidence of this period can be found all around, together with more contemporary scientific displays such as science museums and planetariums. The author is a native of Athens who loves travelling and writing about science. While on trips he also enjoys seeking out hidden cafes that help him relax and digest his new discoveries. This scientific guide to Athens combines all the above passions. It introduces you to little known scientific monuments such as an ancient carved calendar and the site where astronomical measurements were taken 2,500 years ago. It also informs you of museums with scientific themes, planetariums and star observatories. For each site introduced, a nearby cafe is recommended as one of the author’s favourites. A map is provided on the companion website with the locations of all cafes and places of interest. If you are a keen traveller, with an interest in science and also enjoy a good cup of coffee, this guide is definitely for you.

About The Author

Dr Vassilios McInnes Spathopoulos graduated from the University of Glasgow (UK) with a joint honours degree in Aerospace and Electronic Engineering, in 1995. The following year he completed a MSc course in Flight Dynamics at Cranfield University (UK). In 2001 he obtained his PhD from the University of Glasgow. He is currently a lecturer at Glasgow International College and is the author of several popular science and engineering books.

 

To purchase Vassilios' book, please visit: Amazon

Wednesday, 28 July 2021 07:00

3 Delicious Summer Smoothies

Serves: 1 
Difficulty: Easy
Cooks in: 5 min

 

 

 

Ingredients

Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

• 200 ml of coconut milk
• 1 tsp peanut butter
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 banana, peeled
• 1tsp grated chocolate

Melon & Cucumber Smoothie with Mint

• 150 g strained yogurt
• 2 slices melon, chopped
• 1 small cucumber, chopped
• 20 ml maple syrup
• 3 fresh mint leaves and some extra leaves for garnishing

Mixed Berry & Pineapple Smoothie

• 200 ml of milk
• 90 g berries (frozen) and some extra berries for garnishing
• 100 g pineapple, chopped
• 1 tbs berry marmalade

Cooking Instructions

Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

In a blender combine the coconut milk, the peanut butter, the banana, and the honey and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass and garnish with grated chocolate.

Melon & Cucumber Smoothie with Mint

In a blender add the cucumber, the melon, a few leaves of mint, the yogurt and the maple syrup and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass and garnish with mint leaves.

Mixed Berry & Pineapple Smoothie

In a blender combine the milk, the pineapple, and the marmalade and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass and garnish with berries.

  

Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:22

Sun Seeker – Athens Corona Nomads Series

Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.

This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.

The Sun Seeker
Safiya Mary Rose,
 35, British-Indian
Conscious Copywriter & Creatress

One of the main reasons we wanted to get out of the UK was the low light levels. I’m a sun worshipper, so Athens is perfect for me. There are so many days like today with flawless blue skies. It opens up something inside me creatively and makes me want to go for nature walks and gaze at ancient temples and buildings. London can make you want to huddle indoors; Athens inspires you to go out and become more expansive.

In London, I was working in ethical finance in a very corporate setting and felt very removed from the real world so I decided to go freelance about 2 years ago. Now I do copywriting and editing and my focus is on ethical organisations and individuals working to make a difference in the world. I also have a textiles practice, do embroidery, make clothes and paint. My partner is Indian and works with medicinal spices from India, so he can do that remotely from anywhere.

Even though we had never stepped foot in Athens before, when we saw a short window between lockdowns in the UK and Greece, we decided to jump through it. We’d wanted to relocate to Europe for a while, and while we visited many places in France, Italy and Spain, we never really found ‘our place’. Athens felt a bit below radar, but we’d heard some great things about it from people who’ve been. So in late October—simply guided by an inner intuition that Athens might just be the city for us—we packed up our stuff and drove all the way here to escape the London winter.

We are renting a gorgeous neoclassical flat in Thissio near the Acropolis Museum, with two big bedrooms and a banana tree outside our window, for half of what we were paying in Crystal Palace in London. Our place is so nice and spacious, we don’t need to go hunting down cafes or co-working spaces. I do think we have the lockdown to thank for that. Otherwise it would have been full of air bnb guests.

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Photos: Thomas Gravanis
I love wandering around Athens during lockdown. You can somehow feel the architecture more and connect with the monuments on a deeper level. Athens is full of light and colour—even in the winter, even in quarantine! The creative energy is palpable: from the street art to the cafe culture and galleries. It’s an inspiring and highly multicultural place: with all the modernity of a capital city, yet there are ancient temples literally peppered all over the place. There’s also this deep sense of history, culture and spirituality. I love seeing people sitting together, drinking coffee, playing music or chess. For me, the sun, blue skies and all those olive trees provide endless creative inspiration. The lower cost of living also means there’s more time and space to breathe.

It’s brilliant to have the central food markets of Athens so close to us with all their wonderful flavours, textures and spices. We cook every day. My morning walk right up to the top of Philopappou Hill with my coffee to receive the light of the sun also makes me feel like a proper Athenian. Being able to see the wide horizon and the sea eases that feeling of enclosure that lockdown gives us all. I go up there on the full moon and new moon as well to get a sense of time passing. Summer will return and when it does, we’ll be in a really beautiful place.

My parents and sister are still back in the UK. It can be quite overwhelming at times to know how much more difficult things are back home. But we both just got our residency permits last week so we’re planning to stay in Athens until at least the spring. Then we might check out some parts of the mainland; buy a place and settle down.

To read more, please visit This is Athens

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! 

This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an 
XpatAthens Partner.
Ironically, Greek mythology is itself the subject of many myths that are widely believed by many people around the world.

Some of this misinformation stems from action-packed Hollywood movies, while other such myths about mythology have been passed down from generation to generation.

No matter how the stories are told, the end result is the same: the stereotypical personifications of ancient gods and creatures are often very far from the truth.

Medusa wasn’t the only woman in ancient Greece with snakes for hair

When you think of Medusa, you immediately picture her horrific hair made of snakes. However, Medusa is wrongly singled out as being the only woman in Greek mythology to have this look.  Don’t forget that Medusa was merely the only mortal of the three Gorgon sisters; the other two sisters, Stheno and Euryale, also had reptilian locks.

Artemis held a grudge and would kill over it

The goddess of hunting is known for her shrewd skills and for being the protector of animals. However, while she is known as the goddess of childbirth in Greek mythology, she is also the destroyer of many young women. In fact, she killed six of Niobe’s daughters for insulting her mother, Leo. Clearly, you didn’t want to get on her bad side!

Ares had a soft side in Greek mythology

Apparently, the god of war had a soft spot: his sister Athena, the goddess of war. Ares obeyed his sister’s orders as she was also the goddess of defense and righteous battle. This can be seen in the “Illiad,” when Athena often intervenes to ensure a fair battle and Ares always bows to her command.

Hades wasn’t such a monster 

The god of death and the underworld wasn’t really such a bad guy. Specifically, it wasn’t his choice to rule the underworld; he was stuck with the job that no one wanted. After all, Hades wasn’t the one who was responsible for the redemption of souls; the three demigod brothers, Minos, Aiakos, and Rhadamanthys had that fun job!

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Friday, 19 November 2021 07:00

Iconic Movies Set In Greece

With its sparkling blue seas, sunny skies, spectacular landscapes, and rich history, Greece, over the years has inspired many filmmakers to choose the country as a backdrop to their movies. From action movies to rom-coms, here are our all-time favorite films set in glorious Greece!




Zorba the Greek (1964)

Stavros Beach Crete
Stavros Beach in Crete. Credit: @the_pics_of_crete

Starring Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates, this iconic film follows the story of Basil, a wealthy, educated, English gentleman who forms an unlikely friendship with Alexis Zorba, an uneducated, coarse, Greek peasant. Based on a novel by Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, the film was shot in various locations in Crete, including Chania, Apokrounas, and Akrotiri. Quinn's iconic sirtaki dancing scene was filmed on the beach of Stavros. Mikis Theodorakis composed the film's music, which became legendary. 

Boy on a Dolphin (1957)

Boy on a dolphin Hydra
The Sophia Loren windmill in Hydra. Credit: @lucydodsworth

Sophia Loren’s English debut happens to also be the first Hollywood movie filmed in Greece. The majority of the film was shot in Hydra, but there were some scenes shot in Athens, Rhodes, and Delos as well. This was the first movie to showcase the stunning beauty of the Greek islands. On the western tip of Hydra Harbour lies Phaedra's Windmill, also known as Sophia Loren's windmill, and right opposite stands a statue of a boy on a dolphin to commemorate this historic cinematic event. 

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Agios Ioannis Skopelos
Agios Ioannis Church, Skopelos. Credit: @skopelos.gr

Skopelos, Skiathos, and Pelion provided the lovely scenery for the 2008 rom-com-musical blockbuster, starring Mery Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Amanda Seyfried among others. The church of Agios Ioannis in Skopelos, where the wedding scene was filmed, became the reason for many people to visit the small charming island of Sporades. 

Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)

Antisamos Beach Kefalonia
Antisamos Beach, Kefalonia. Credit: @vibrant_kefalonia

Based on the book ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ by Louis de Bernières, is a romantic drama set during the Italian occupation of Greece during WWII. Starring Penelope Cruz and Nicolas Cage, the film tells the story of a Greek woman who is abandoned by her fiancé and an Italian captain stationed on the island. Exclusively filmed in Kefalonia, particularly in Sami, Antisamos, and Fiscardo, it goes to show how abundant and majestic this Ionian island is. 

The Big Blue (1988) 

Panagia Hozoviotissa Amorgos
Panagia Hozoviotissa, Amorgos. Credit: @giannistsou.1

Starring Jean-Marc Barr and Jean Reno this is a story of the rivalry between two childhood friends, but also an anthem to the endless blue Greek Sea. Directed by Luc Besson, this French film was mostly shot in the Cycladic island of Amorgos, though some scenes were also shot in the neighboring islands of Ios and Mykonos. The movie featured a lot of underwater scenes, wonderfully promoting the Aegean Sea and its seabed.

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

Kanoni Corfu
Kanoni, Corfu. Credit: @mykerkyra_com

Starring Roger Moore as Agent 007, the scenic shooting locations of this film will absolutely amaze you. The movie is shot in Corfu island and the tiny islet of Kanoni and in the impressive cliffs of Meteora and the Monastery of Agia Triada in particular. 

Greece is among the world’s top 10 luxury destinations this summer, according to the “Holiday Habits Luxury Travelers Guide 2023” released by Condé Nast Johansens.

More specifically, the annual study placed Greece among the world’s leading destinations for luxury travelers. The list also includes the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Ireland, Croatia, the United States, and the Caribbean.

Study findings also reveal that 38 percent of luxury travelers said they plan to spend an average of 8,000 euros on their holidays in the coming months. Overall, luxury travelers take three to four vacations a year generating up to 32,000 dollars in revenues annually.


To read this article in full visit news.gtp.gr
Nestled in the vibrant Panormou area, right next to the serene Kapaps Park, lies a hidden gem that has been captivating hearts and changing lives since October 2013. Myrtillo Café, more than just a place to grab a delicious coffee, is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community.

A Café with a Mission

Myrtillo isn’t your typical café. It’s a Social Cooperative Enterprise with a Special Purpose, designed to integrate vulnerable groups into the labor market. Established in 2013, Myrtillo has become a cornerstone of inclusivity and empowerment in Athens. With 16 dedicated employees, 13 of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds, the café embodies the spirit of resilience and collective responsibility.

Walking into Myrtillo, you’re greeted by a warm, cozy ambiance that immediately feels like home. The staff, baristas, waiters, food preparers, and general employees, work together seamlessly, each contributing to the café’s unique charm. We met Michalis, the soul of service, and Aris, a kind soul who has been welcoming guests with open arms since day one. Their genuine warmth and hospitality make every visitor feel like family.

myrc 5094

More Than Just Coffee

During our visit, we were treated to freshly made coffee, accompanied by two delightful little biscuits. The experience was enhanced by the café’s inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and connecting with others. As we savored our drinks, we couldn’t help but notice the joyful interactions around us. A couple with their child and dog, an older couple enjoying their time together—everyone seemed to know the employees by name, a testament to the close-knit community Myrtillo has fostered.

A Hub for Creativity & Learning

Myrtillo isn’t just about coffee; it’s a thriving arts center. The café regularly hosts seminars, courses, live concerts, book presentations, and exhibitions, thanks to the generosity of student volunteers, interns, artists, and specialists. This continuous influx of creativity and learning opportunities enriches the lives of everyone involved and makes Myrtillo a cultural landmark in Panormou.

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Why Myrtillo Matters

Places like Myrtillo are vital for our communities. They promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has a place where their skills are appreciated and nurtured. Myrtillo stands as a shining example of how businesses can make a difference, not just economically but socially, by creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. 

myrd 7366

Join the Myrtillo Family

Everyone is welcome to volunteer and become a part of this incredible journey. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a great cup of coffee, volunteer your time, or simply soak in the positive energy, Myrtillo Café is the place to be. We left Myrtillo with full hearts and a promise to return soon, inspired by the kindness and community spirit that permeates every corner of this wonderful café. This is the kind of café we need more of in the world—a place where every visit is a reminder of the good we can achieve together.

Images Credit: myrtillocafe.gr
Thursday, 12 June 2014 00:00

Typography

Το Lorem Ipsum είναι απλά ένα κείμενο χωρίς νόημα για τους επαγγελματίες της τυπογραφίας και στοιχειοθεσίας. Το Lorem Ipsum είναι το επαγγελματικό πρότυπο όσον αφορά το κείμενο χωρίς νόημα, από τον 15ο αιώνα, όταν ένας ανώνυμος τυπογράφος πήρε ένα δοκίμιο και ανακάτεψε τις λέξεις για να δημιουργήσει ένα δείγμα βιβλίου. Όχι μόνο επιβίωσε πέντε αιώνες, αλλά κυριάρχησε στην ηλεκτρονική στοιχειοθεσία, παραμένοντας με κάθε τρόπο αναλλοίωτο. Έγινε δημοφιλές τη δεκαετία του '60 με την έκδοση των δειγμάτων της Letraset όπου περιελάμβαναν αποσπάσματα του Lorem Ipsum, και πιο πρόσφατα με το λογισμικό ηλεκτρονικής σελιδοποίησης όπως το Aldus PageMaker που περιείχαν εκδοχές του Lorem Ipsum.

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Το Lorem Ipsum είναι απλά ένα κείμενο χωρίς νόημα για τους επαγγελματίες της τυπογραφίας και στοιχειοθεσίας. Το Lorem Ipsum είναι το επαγγελματικό πρότυπο όσον αφορά το κείμενο χωρίς νόημα, από τον 15ο αιώνα, όταν ένας ανώνυμος τυπογράφος πήρε ένα δοκίμιο και ανακάτεψε τις λέξεις για να δημιουργήσει ένα δείγμα βιβλίου. Όχι μόνο επιβίωσε πέντε αιώνες, αλλά κυριάρχησε στην ηλεκτρονική στοιχειοθεσία, παραμένοντας με κάθε τρόπο αναλλοίωτο. Έγινε δημοφιλές τη δεκαετία του '60 με την έκδοση των δειγμάτων της Letraset όπου περιελάμβαναν αποσπάσματα του Lorem Ipsum, και πιο πρόσφατα με το λογισμικό ηλεκτρονικής σελιδοποίησης όπως το Aldus PageMaker που περιείχαν εκδοχές του Lorem Ipsum.

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Το Lorem Ipsum είναι απλά ένα κείμενο χωρίς νόημα για τους επαγγελματίες της τυπογραφίας και στοιχειοθεσίας. Το Lorem Ipsum είναι το επαγγελματικό πρότυπο όσον αφορά το κείμενο χωρίς νόημα, από τον 15ο αιώνα, όταν ένας ανώνυμος τυπογράφος πήρε ένα δοκίμιο και ανακάτεψε τις λέξεις για να δημιουργήσει ένα δείγμα βιβλίου. Όχι μόνο επιβίωσε πέντε αιώνες, αλλά κυριάρχησε στην ηλεκτρονική στοιχειοθεσία, παραμένοντας με κάθε τρόπο αναλλοίωτο. Έγινε δημοφιλές τη δεκαετία του '60 με την έκδοση των δειγμάτων της Letraset όπου περιελάμβαναν αποσπάσματα του Lorem Ipsum, και πιο πρόσφατα με το λογισμικό ηλεκτρονικής σελιδοποίησης όπως το Aldus PageMaker που περιείχαν εκδοχές του Lorem Ipsum.

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:48

Samothrace: The Island Of The Great Gods

Referred by mythology as island of Aeolus, Samothrace (you’ll see it spelt “Samothraki” too) is wreathed by mount Saos, the highest mountain on the Aegean islands; legend has it that Poseidon sat on its top to watch the Troy war. The attractiveness of the island is now made up of the steep peaks of the holy mountain of the ancients (the highest of which – 1.611 metres- is called “Fengari” = “moon”) the pebbly beaches, the streams and rivers, the pristine natural beauty, the famous healing sources, and the archaeological finds.

An island pregnant with history
There is evidence of human activity on the rich with archaeological treasures island since the Neolithic times. But it’s the Kaviria Mysteries – religious event of great importance, equal to that of the Eleusinian Mysteries - that brought the island’s fame to the top. The grandeur of the archaeological prominence of Samothrace stretches over the 50-square-kilometres site of Palaiópolis, at 6,5km from the port of Kamariótissa.

Hundreds of crystal watered streams flow from mount Saos to rush through the forests all the way to the sea. On their way, they form waterfalls and stone basins, the so called “váthres”. As a matter of fact, the streams and the waterfalls are the landmarks of the island. A pair of the best of those are the stream of Foniás (=”killer”) and its tallest waterfall (Kleidwsi – 35m high). A nature wonder in the form of a waterfall is situated in the Northeast; it’s Kremastó. The water there goes through some iron rocks to obtain a sweet, reddish colour before fiercely ending into the sea. Behind the water mass there is a cave to be explored. Other well-known waterfalls are Kakiá Pláka, Karyá, and Griá Váthra.

Along the north and the eastern coastline there are wetlands formed seasonally. Migratory birds call at the mouth of Foniás, at the wetland of Vdelolimni, whereas the lagoon of Agios Andreas near Kamariótissa is popular with birdwatchers.

But don’t forget you are on an island with rugged, mostly pebbly beaches, some of which are accessible only by boat. The beach of the Gardens with the black and gray shiny pebbles stands out. In the south, there is the only sandy –thus most cosmopolitan- beach of the island, Pachia Ammos (= “thick sand”) where you can marvel at the –perched-on-a-steep-rock chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa. Rent a boat here for a tour around the otherwise inaccessible areas of Katárti, Spiliés, Váto, Kremastó, Grias ta Paniá, and Gyalí. The fascinating bottom of the sea and the underwater life abundance appear transparent through the crystal clear waters.

An alternative tourism paradise

The imposing mountainous heart of the island paired with its pristine nature are just what explorers and adventure lovers could ever wish for: crossing gorges, trekking, mountaineering, mountain bike, paragliding, rafting, kayak, diving will be amongst your choices if you want to go active.

But Mother Nature has been generous to Samothrace in geothermal richness too: sulphurous therapeutic thermal springs welcome you to the village of Therma and to the spa facilities, where Greeks and foreigners seek and find health and wellness.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

Friday, 20 February 2015 16:08

Kourkoumpinia Recipe

Old traditional and easy sweet that I hope is liked if not by all at least to most … if you haven’t tried them this is the occasion therefore to make them for your family, to offer them as a gift to your loved ones and friends, and especially for the fasting period elapsing as they’re ideal. As sweets they are cheap to make as they don’t need many ingredients. Try them!!!

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

  1/2 kg crust phyllo (for pastries and pies)
  2/3 tea cups olive 

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SYRUP:

  425 gr. sugar
  200 ml water
  2 vanilla
  1 pinch cinnamon
  few drops of lemon juice

  A few drops of orange juice
 

To read the rest of the recipe, please visit deliciousrecipesofgogo.blogspot.gr

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