XpatAthens

Saturday, 01 September 2018 10:17

Registrations For Navarino Challenge 2018 Will Soon Be Completed!

The registration period for those wishing to take part in “Navarino Challenge” comes to an end September 14th ; The award winning sports tourism event will be held for the 6 th consecutive time in Messinia and in Costa Navarino, October 12 th to 14 th 2018.

The open water swimming race of “Navarino Challenge” will be held for the first time with timing at Navarino bay, the place where the historic naval battle that changed the history of Greece was held. The Olympic sport of swimming will be organized with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the supervision of the Greek federal coach Nikos Gemelos.

Nikos Gemelos highlighted on the event: “A few days before Navarinia, we celebrate the opening of the events with the activity of swimming at the splendid landscape of the bay, at the very beautiful port of Pylos with the valuable assistance of the Mayor of Pylos-Nestor and the local businesses that really stand as helpers and support Navarino Challenge for the 6th year. The race is held with complete safety thanks to the efforts of the Port Authority of Pylos and the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, the lifeguards of the credible Lifeguard Patrol School, the stunning Explore Messinia team, Surf Salad and the conditions and regulations set by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and FINA.

The second day of Navarino Challenge with sport activities such as sup, swim and sailing with optimist & laser boats gives the motto of this year's event, which is that Sports Unite People (#sportsunitepeople)! Come and swim this year and experience the magic of Navarino Challenge!”.

Registrations continue for a few more days and can be completed through the special form available HERE!

The pre-sale is available also via www.viva.gr , by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre-sale points of the Viva network

One of the biggest online gaming companies worldwide, Bwin, consistent with its efforts to enhance Greek sports, supports the event as the Grand Sponsor of this year's Navarino Challenge. By promoting actions of public good, Bwin recognizes the goal of Navarino Challenge, which is to raise awareness of the issue of childhood obesity and to promote physical and mental well-being through the message “sports unite people”. Bwin will be

there to welcome the participants of Navarino Challenge by organizing the Bwin Welcome Party with the voice of Penny Baltatzi, in retro swing and jazz music rhythms (#sportsunitepeople #bwincares).

For the second consecutive year “Navarino Challenge” innovates with Samsung the event’s official technology partner. Samsung will enrich the experience of those participating and attending the event with the innovative Samsung Galaxy ecosystem services such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ coupled with the Gear 360 and Gear VR with unique content at 360 degrees, as well as the QLED TVs with their outstanding picture quality and stylish design. For the days of the event, Samsung will create a special Samsung Business Lounge and a Samsung Gaming Corner and offer endless fun, information and entertainment to the Navarino Challenge participants. At the same time, it will sponsor the Samsung King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena that will be held at Costa Navarino.

Everything you know and love on the Ford Focus. Add a brand new level of smart design, a modern style and more space than ever before. Combine them now with the highly advanced connectivity and a range of impressive technological driver assistance systems that you will truly appreciate. This is the new Focus. At Costa Navarino you can discover them all... driving it!

At Navarino Challenge, we believe in the ancient saying of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and this year, with the support of the Hippophae of Meteora, Hippocrates Farm, we realize it.

The Greek Hippophae of Rezos Brands is grown on the model multifunctional farm Hippocrates Farm in Meteora and aims to promote the hippophae as a top Greek super food with unique beneficial quality for the human body. An excellent food, a fruit with 190 beneficial elements!

Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge, including:Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids’ athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.

More information about the accommodation packages may be found HERE!

Official sponsors of the event are for another year the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford Motor Hellas. Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for the first time.

Official supporters are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.

Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia. Navarino Challenge will take place with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

Grand Sponsor: Bwin

Official Technology Partner: Samsung

Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas

Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi

Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Hippocrates Farm, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor

Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy, Fysiotek Sports Lab

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers, Anazoe Spa, Kayak, Collective Resort, Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell

Photo credit: Elias Lefas

Published in Local News

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Wednesday, 21 April 2021 07:00

Updated Coronavirus Safety Measures In Greece

With the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), governments and organizations around the world have been enforcing emergency measures to keep the general public safe.

Even though it is sometimes hard to keep up with the ever-changing measures in Greece, we do our best to stay on top of the headlines and inform our readers in as much detail as possible.

Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself, symptoms, and where to seek medical treatment. Click here to read about how to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in Greece.

Measures Against The Coronavirus In Greece - Updated on May 13, 2021

General Measures

The Greek government announced that Greece will be lifting most lockdown restrictions. From Friday, May 14th the "SMS System" along with the "Click-Away" & "Click Inside" methods for shopping at retail stores will no longer exist.

As of May 14th, the curfew will be in effect from 12:30 am to 05:00 am. During these hours, citizens will be able to send an SMS to 13033 only with codes 1 (going to a pharmacy or visiting the doctor) and 6 (only valid for pet walking).

Until today, the government has decided to re-open:
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes, only for outdoor dining.
- Primary and secondary schools.
- Organized beaches, under measures that include social distancing and hygiene rules

Upcoming re-openings:
- Museums in Greece on May 14th.
- Movement between regions will be allowed again from May 15th to coincide with the country's opening to all international visitors.
- Nurseries and day care centers on May 17
- Conservatories of music on May 17
- Open-air cinemas on May 21 (operating on a 75 percent capacity to ensure social distancing of customers)
- Live cultural events and shows in outdoor areas (only with seated guests) on May 28

There are 3 ways to inform authorities about being outdoors:

1. Filling-in a form on the government website forma.gov.gr.
2. Sending an SMS to the number 13033 see details here.
3. Stating your reason in a simple, signed personal declaration.

Due to coronavirus measures, Greeks will celebrate Easter for a second time at home this year, with several restrictions applying to religious services.

Public Transport

Means of public transport will continue to operate on 65% occupancy; commuters still need to use the SMS service.

Public Services

Public service offices will remain open but will serve the public by appointment only to avoid overcrowding.

Education

Schools will close and students will attend classes via e-learning.

Tutoring and language centers will only operate with distance learning.

Workplace Measures

Mandatory teleworking (work from home) for 50% of public and private sector employees has been applied.

Employees must arrive at their workplace in 3 groups (7 am, 8 am, and 9 am) to prevent public transport congestion.

Employees must depart from the workplace in 4 groups to prevent congestion on public transport.

Frequent checks will occur at workplaces of public and private sector services, and fines imposed on supervisors/employers and employees who do not comply with personal protection measures in the workplace—namely, the mandatory use of a protective mask.

Rapid Covid-19 tests will be carried out at workplaces of the public and private sectors, public service buildings, and congested areas of Attica, such as schools, public transport, and hospitals.

Important Notice from XpatAthens

It is important to remind our readers that XpatAthens is not in any way a media source. While we do our best to keep our readers informed, we advise you to consult Greek media outlets such as ekathimerini.com, amna.gr, naftemporiki.gr, and protothema.gr and/or international news sites for up-to-the-hour updates on the coronavirus. Be wise and stay safe.

Article sources used above: www.gtp.gr and www.who.int/ and ekathimerini.com

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 13 August 2020 13:37

Reminiscing The 2004 Athens Olympics

On the 13th of August, 2004, Greece shared its history and culture with the rest of the world with a spectacular Olympic Games opening ceremony.

It was a remarkable evening for the 72,000 spectators who watched the ceremony live at the Athens Olympic Stadium and the hundreds of millions who watched it live on the television.

The ceremony received significant recognition and featured cutting edge technologies such as a giant pool with slip-proof fiberglass flooring, innovative lighting design, and awe-inspiring floating pieces of sculpture. Even though it was widely thought that a small country like Greece would be unable to successfully host the Olympic Games on the evening of the 13th of August 2004, doubters were finally silenced.

A few years later, 2 Americans who worked on the Athens 2004 bid and the Athens Organizing Committee wrote about the fantastic experience they had working for the success of the Games: “The sight of Greeks coming together and delivering a world-class event was deeply impressive and not to be forgotten or dismissed,” Mark Steitz and David Dreyer, wrote in Greek daily Kathimerini.

“We had heard stories of Greek problems, of past bids for the Games gone awry, of negative national traits. We saw the opposite. We were met with humor, patience, and goodwill. Philoxenia was quite for real,” they added.

To read more about the Athens 2004 Opening Ceremony, please visit: greekreporter.com

Published in Local News

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Tuesday, 07 June 2022 07:00

English Words You Probably Didn’t Know Came From Ancient Greek

There is a popular perception that words derived from Greek are long, exotic-sounding, and mostly only used in discussions of science and philosophy. It’s true that there are a lot of Greek words that fit this description. For instance, very few people would use words like otorhinolaryngology, homoousian, ataraxia, or peripeteia in casual conversation.

There are, however, a lot of really simple Greek words that people use nearly every day. Some of these words don’t sound Greek at all because they have passed through so many languages that they no longer bear any of the distinctive sounds or spellings that we normally associate with Greek words, but they are still of Greek origin.

Here is a list of commonly-used words in English that don’t sound Greek, but are ultimately of Greek origin:

The word box comes from Late Latin buxis, which comes from earlier Latin pyxis, which comes from the Greek feminine noun πυξίς (pyxís), meaning “box.”
The word church comes from the Old English word cirice, which comes from Proto-West Germanic *kirikā, which comes directly from the Greek adjective κυριακόν (kyriakón), meaning “belonging to the Lord.” This word, in turn, comes from the masculine noun κύριος (kýrios), meaning “Lord.”
The word idea is derived from the Latin word idea, which is derived from the Greek feminine noun ἰδέα (idéa), meaning “form,” “shape,” “appearance,” “sort,” or “idea.” This word is, in turn, derived from the verb εἴδομαι (eídomai), meaning “to be seen” or “to appear.”
The word lamp comes from Middle English lampe, which comes from Old French lampe, which comes from the Latin word lampas, which comes from the Greek feminine noun λαμπάς (lampás), meaning “torch.”
The word machine comes from the Latin word machina, which comes from the word μαχανά (machaná), which is the Doric Greek form of the feminine noun better known by its Attic Greek form μηχανή (mēchanḗ), meaning “machine,” “contrivance,” or “device.”
The word paper comes from Old French papier, which comes from Latin papyrus, which comes from the Greek masculine noun πάπυρος (pápyros), meaning “papyrus.”
The word place comes from Old English plæce, which comes from Latin platea, which comes from πλατεῖα (plateîa), the singular feminine form of the Greek adjective πλατύς (platýs), meaning “flat and wide.”
The word plate comes from Old French plate, which comes from Medieval Latin plata, which comes from Vulgar Latin *platus, which comes from the Greek adjective πλατύς (platýs), meaning “flat and wide.”
The word problem is derived from Middle French probleme, which is derived from Latin problema, which is derived from the Greek neuter noun πρόβλημα (próblēma), meaning “hindrance,” “obstacle,” or “matter for discussion.”
The word sock comes from the Old English word socc, which comes from the Latin word soccus, which comes from the Greek masculine noun σύκχος (sýkchos), which referred to a kind of buskin shoe worn by comic actors.

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

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:12

My Week in Athens… Mar 19

Another week of work and more work... Apart from a few visits with my 9month old nephew - and a few overdue visits to the supermarket - this was another week lost to emails, reports and phone calls. Skype is a life saver...!

I know spring is on its way, some say it has already arrived. But I can't help but feel that ever-present longing for the heat of summer, the warm sun on my face. I want to complain that it is 'just too hot'...!

This will have to wait. But in the meantime, maybe I can steal a few hours of escape...

I've always loved Nafplio. It's cute, it's just small enough, it has something for everyone, and it's close enough for a day trip and far enough away to feel that you've actually gone somewhere!

For those who haven't been, I highly recommend a trip. For those who have been, you'll know what I mean...

So I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and join my XpatAthens friends on the day trip next weekend. Good destination, good people, nice lunch, I don't have to worry about driving - my pre-spring break. Well-deserved, I'd say.

Interested? More info click HERE

Should be fun!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Published in My Week In Athens

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Monday, 16 February 2015 11:49

Rosebud - Vegetarian Restaurant in Kolonaki

This restaurant needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular places on Skoufas Street. The atmosphere is inspired by one of the best films of all time "Citizen Kane"-with a little intrusive "Tintin" - the bar is loud and the console "plays" a mix of soundtracks, '40s-'60s jazz, bossa nova and sometimes Americana. 'Citizen Kane' is now a vegetarian. He prefers a humus-rich millefeuille of beetroot with a little orange, and molasses from a Samos Muscat, special linguine with crispy wakame leaves, onion and saffron or a delicious burger made with bulgur and grilled pleurotus mushrooms. Do not miss that broccoli velouté soup with coconut milk and a little curry!

Omirou 60 & Skoufa 40, Kolonaki
Tel: 2103392370

Prices: € 20-25
Details: Open for lunch.

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 11:27

Greece Has Improved In Reducing Bureaucracy

The reforms implemented in recent years with the aim of reducing bureaucracy in Greece appear to be paying off, as the country has improved its ranking in the latest Doing Business chart from 65th to 61st position among 189 countries.

Greece had originally ranked 72nd last year, but the revision of the methodology employed brought it up to 65th. Singapore remains on top.

Greece has climbed 48 spots since the 2010 report, according to the Doing Business 2015 chart, but it still has a long way to go in terms of making entrepreneurship easier as the country ranks near the bottom among European Union member states.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

By Dimitra Manifava

Published in Local News

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Friday, 20 February 2015 22:16

Never Made Spanakopita? This Is How It's Done

Spanakopita or spinach pie is a Greek savory pastry in the burek family with a filling of chopped spinach, feta cheese (sometimes in combination with ricotta cheese, as it is less expensive, and adds creaminess), onions or green onions, egg, and seasoning. The filling is wrapped or layered in phyllo (filo) pastry with butter and/or olive oil, either in a large pan from which individual servings are cut, or rolled into individual triangular servings (see burek).

Spanakopita is golden in color when baked, the color often enhanced by butter and egg yolk. Other white, fresh, preferably salted cheeses may also mixed with, or substituted for, the feta cheese. It is mostly eaten as a snack in Greece, and it can be an alternative to tyropita. There is a "fasting", or vegan, version of spanakopita, eaten during the Great Lent and other religious fasts, and composed of spinach, onions or green onions, other green herbs like dill, parsley or celery, olive oil and a little wheat flour, but without eggs or dairy products; the mixture is oven-baked until crisp.

Non-traditional vegan versions are available that typically use tofu instead of cheese. In rural Greece, smaller amounts of spinach are used, with the missing part substituted with leeks, chard, and sorrel.

Trim the roots from the spinach, or if using silverbeet, remove leaves from tough stems. Wash leaves and drain well. Coarsely shred the leaves and tender stalks of the spinach and set aside. Place the feta in a large bowl and coarsely mash with a fork. Add the ricotta, kefalograviera, eggs, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, pepper and oil.

Mix with the fork to combine. Add the spinach and set aside while preparing the pastry case. Preheat oven to 180C. Lightly grease a 20cm x 30cm x 5cm deep baking dish. Lay the filo out on a bench. Cover with a dry tea towel then a damp one to keep it from drying out. Line dish with a sheet of filo and butter the filo.

To read more, please visit 43things.com and leaveroomfordessert.com

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Thursday, 29 October 2015 07:00

Athens Restaurant Ranks In World's Top 25

The people have spoken. Well, at least the millions of users of Tripadvisor have, whose restaurant ratings were analyzed for the 2015 Travelers' Choice Awards.

According to the rankings produced by the site drawing on millions of user reviews the Athens based restaurant Funky Gourmet is the 21st best on the planet.

In the Europe-wide rankings Funky Gourmet came in 13th place.

It is not the first time that the restaurant co-owned by the chefs Argyro Hiladaki, Georgianna Hiladaki and Nick Roussos has been singled out by Tripadvisor for excellence, having been named best restaurant in Athens every year since 2011.

The restaurant was also awarded its second Michelin star this year.

Funky Gourmet topped the top Greek resaurant list, traced by Eleas Gi (Kifissia), Tamam (Rhodes), Lotus Eaters (Elounda, Crete), Sea Side by Notos (Perivolos, Santorini), Manimani (Athens), Prima Plora (Rethymno, Crete), To Psaraki (Vlychada, Santorini), Kerasma (Rhodes) and Melenos Lindos Restaurant (Lindon, Rhodes).

Sources: The TOC and eKathimerini

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Monday, 07 March 2016 12:54

Free Things To Do In Athens

Athens is a vibrant and multifaceted city with over 3.000 years of history. There are truly many things to do and see, and many things can be experienced on a budget. Some can even be enjoyed for free! Below, TravelPassionate shares some great ideas for discovering Athens for free.

Book A Free Tour With A Local

This Is Athens has a great program where you get in touch with locals, and depending on your needs and interests you can arrange a free tour with them. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a shopping enthusiast or an outdoor enthusiast you are bound to find a tour that suits you. Discover the great city of Athens through the eyes of a local.

Watch The Changing Of The Guards

One of the most popular and interesting things to do while in Athens is to watch the changing of the guards. This takes place every hour in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square. There you will see the guards called 'Evzones' wearing traditional uniform and standing guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. there is a big group of Evzones, accompanied by a small band that marches down Vassilis Sofias Avenue to parliament. It is a ceremony worth seeing if you are in central Athens on a Sunday.

Have A Picnic At The National Gardens

Located just beside the Parliament building is the National Gardens - an oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens were designed by Queen Amalia and completed in 1840. It is home to many plants and animals. Inside the garden you will also find a small lake with ducks, ponds with fish, a playground for the children, the botanical museum, a small zoo, a children’s library and a coffee shop. Also spread inside the park are monuments of antiquity and the busts of important Greek personalities like poets and politicians. So grab a snack or prepare a picnic and relax at the National Gardens in Athens.

Visit The Archaeological Sites On Free Admission Days

There are some days that some of the most important archaeological sites and museums of the city, like the Acropolis, have free admission. These days include, the first Sunday of each month from November to the 6th of March, the 18th of April, the 18th of May, the 5th of June, the last weekend of September, and the 28th of October. Also, ask about free admission to young people, typically for people under the age of 18.

Climb The Hills Of Athens

For the most astounding views of the city, head to one of the two hills in the center of Athens. Filopappou Hill, also called the hill of Muses has an incredible view of the whole city that stretches until the Saronic Gulf. The view of the Acropolis is pretty spectacular from there too. At the top of the hill you will find the Filopappos monument built in 115 AD in honour of Julius Antiochus Filopappos. As you climb up don’t forget to stop at the beautiful church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbadiaris with its incredible frescoes. Another hill that offers great views of the city is Lycabettus Hill. You can reach it by taking the foot path from Loukianou street or by taking the funicular. At the top of the hill you will find the chapel of Agios Georgios and a cafe, as well as, of course, an incredible view of the entire city.

For more ideas, please visit: TravelPassionate

Published in City Discovery

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LOGIN

Registrations For Navarino Challenge 2018 Will Soon Be Completed!

Updated Coronavirus Safety Measures In Greece

Reminiscing The 2004 Athens Olympics

English Words You Probably Didn’t Know Came From Ancient Greek

My Week in Athens… Mar 19

Rosebud - Vegetarian Restaurant in Kolonaki

Greece Has Improved In Reducing Bureaucracy

Never Made Spanakopita? This Is How It's Done

Athens Restaurant Ranks In World's Top 25

Free Things To Do In Athens

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