XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Thursday, 07 July 2016 07:00

Ginger Lemonade

This Ginger Lemonade is the perfect drink to keep you cool during those hot summer days!

Ingredients
  • 1 piece (10 cm. or 70g) of ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup (250 ml.) of lemon juice (about 3 to 4 lemons)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml.) of maple syrup
  • 4 cups (1 liter) of water
  • 2 lemons cut into slices for garnish
To read the directions on how to make Ginger Lemonade, please visit: The Buddhist Chef
When the weather is rainy and cold and a walk to the park or playground isn’t possible, a visit to the Hellenic Motor Museum is an excellent alternative for a fun outing for the whole family. The Hellenic Motor Museum, that is owned by the Theodore Charagionis Foundation, first opened its doors in 2011 and has been welcoming car enthusiasts from all over the world, ever since.

The museum's collection consists of almost 300 cars (of which about 110 are displayed at a time due to space limitations) and covers more than 100 years of automotive history. In fact, the museum's oldest exhibit is a 1895 horse drawn fire engine from Hungary while the most recent exhibit is a 1996 Aston Martin DB7 Volante. Apart from its jaw dropping collection of cars, the museum is home to an authentic old car workshop, a gift shop, and a Formula 1 simulator!
 
The museum is located a few blocks from the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and occupies the 3 top floors at the 'Athenian Capitol' building.

Address
 
Ioulianou 33-35 & 3is Septemvriou 74-78, Athens

Opening Hours
 
Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 14:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00

Photo Credit: Hellenic Motor Museum

Monday, 15 April 2019 18:38

May 1 - Protomagia

The first day of May - known in Greece as ''Protomagia'' - is a special holiday filled with cute and playful traditions! From making flower wreaths to having picnics and flying kites, learn all about celebrating this special day in this week's newsletter!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletterFacebookTwitter and Instagram!
On Thursday 15 August 2019, at 9 p.m., the Acropolis Museum invites visitors to its entrance courtyard on a musical journey under the August Full Moon. Exceptional artists Eirini Toumpaki, Andreas Lafis, Maria Anamaterou and Sotiris Karistinos and their orchestra will perform beloved songs by great Greek songwriters and composers.

On this day, the Museum will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight with free entry from 8pm onwards, and visitors will be able to enjoy the permanent exhibition galleries as well as the temporary exhibition ‘Chisel and Memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments’.

The restaurant of the second floor will be open during the same hours (telephone reservations on +30 210 9000915) and also the ground floor café.

Source: The Acropolis Museum

Don't forget that clocks in Greece will be turned back one hour on October 31.

On Sunday, October 31st at 04:00:00 clocks in Greece will be turned backward 1 hour to 03:00:00 local standard time as Daylight Saving Time ends, the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry announced.

Following an EU survey where 80% of Europeans said they were opposed to the clock changes, the time changes were supposed to end this year, however, this initiative has not been made official yet, as it has not been finalized by the European Council.

Greeks will turn their clocks back to 'summer time' on the last Sunday of March 2022.
Internationally awarded wellness event returns in Messinia & Costa Navarino!

The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge; distinguished last year as the 2nd best event in the world in the “Best In Wellness” category at the World Travel Market in London (the only Greek event to have achieved this overall to date), returns for the 8th consecutive year on October 16-18, 2020 in Messinia, Pylos and Costa Navarino.

Through its central message “sports unite people”, Navarino Challenge last year gathered more than 2,700 professional and amateur athletes from 40 countries. This year the event will once again unite people of all ages and abilities in a rich schedule with more than 25 activities and over 10 Olympic sports. Navarino Challenge is the only event in Greece that successfully combines alternative forms of tourism such as sports, cultural, gastronomic, sea and wellness tourism to this degree.

Navarino Challenge will be held for the first time this year along with the celebration of Navarinia fest in Pylos and the 193 years since the Navarino Naval Battle, honoring and reviving one of the most remarkable events in modern Greek history. Participants of the event will have the opportunity to attend this major celebration in person, as a free shuttle service will be provided.

The event follows the ideals of the Olympic Movement, contributing towards the development of a peaceful and better world without any discrimination, through sports, promotes the benefits of exercise and raises awareness on the Mediterranean diet. Furthermore, considering the global issue of inactivity of youth, the event exhorts young people to get involved in games and sports, through the Active Kids program, by adding even more kids’ activities.

Navarino Challenge, annually demonstrating its charitable nature, announces Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) as this year’s first CSR partner, reinforcing the breast cancer prevention and information campaign that takes place in the month of October. FTBC through its successful journey in Greece over the past nineteen years has been openly speaking about breast cancer. Operating through the invaluable work of many of its volunteers, it has funded various public information campaigns, helped more than 9,000 women get free breast screening and 25,000 women get free mammograms.

Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality.

More information on the activities and opening of registrations will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
Enjoy some highlights from last year’s Navarino Challenge!



#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

XpatAthens Is Proud To Be A Media Sponsor Of Navarino Challenge

The bountiful islands of Greece feel like a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Life by these seas is slow-paced and indulgent, simple but breathtakingly beautiful. Time seems to have slowed down here, and when things at home get hectic, that’s often just the thing we need. Nothing brings a family closer together or creates longer-lasting memories than spending a week or two just living in the moment.

One of the best things about Greece is that there are so many islands to visit (227, in fact) and that each one brings something unique to the table. You can’t go wrong choosing any of the islands for a holiday, but doing a bit of research beforehand never hurt anyone – especially when you’re bringing the kids along. 

Corfu
Spectacular Corfu is an island of lush greenery, dramatic hills, and quaint little villages where beautiful and varied beaches abound. In the west, you’ll find Glyfada and Saint Gordios with their stretches of soft sand and the pebbly playground of Paleokastritsa. Meanwhile, the island’s north side offers warm shallow waters for swimming and stunning rock formations on beaches like Sidari. From sandcastles to water sports, beaches are always a hit with the kids.

The UNESCO-ranked Corfu Town is where kids tend to love running through the mazes of traditional kantounias, winding alleyways that encircle the city’s distinctly Venetian architecture. It’s the perfect place to introduce the kids to some local cuisine and scope out a restaurant serving pastitsada (best enjoyed with some local ginger beer).

Crete
The Greeks call Crete Megalónisos – The Great Island – and it’s well worth a visit to find out why. Crete’s sunny beaches and sparkling coves mingle with ancient caves and ruins that could make anyone’s fantasy run wild. This is where you’ll find the heart of Europe’s oldest civilization, Knossos, and its spectacular palace ruins. Thanks to the efforts of modern archaeology, visiting Knossos in the twenty-first century is like walking the kids through a history lesson come to life. And for even more learning about the history and culture of Crete, head to the capital city of Heraklion and explore the interactive kid-friendly museums there. 

For a beach day, Chania on the west side of the island is the place to go. The white sandy beaches there feel like they’re on a desert island but are just a stone’s throw from the city’s gorgeous Venetian harbor and waterfront restaurants where the kids can have a taste of freshly caught calamari. Kids will particularly love the lagoons of Elafonisi and playing in the rock pools at Kato Gouves.

Rhodes
The gorgeous island of Rhodes has much to look forward to, not the least of which its magical east coast covered in beaches. For thirty miles, all you’ll see is soft golden sands and warm shallow waters. If you came to Greece looking for rest and relaxation, you’ve found it. Faliraki beach is one of its most family-friendly stretches, with plenty of recreation for kids like the Faliraki Water Park and a Luna Park. But if you’re after something more slow-paced and quieter, try Agathi and Kallithea Springs as well. A bonus is that Rhodes has the longest-lasting summer of all the Greek islands, so if you’re lucky enough to get away in the off-season you can enjoy these places when the biggest crowds haven’t arrived yet. 

Rhodes Town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed haven of car-free cobbled streets and medieval fortresses which feels like taking a walk through history. You can even wander along the walls of the old town and take in all the great views from up high. At sunset, head to the harbor and watch the fishermen reel in their catch of the day (then head to one of the local restaurants for a fresh taste). Kids will also love getting up close to the underwater world of the eastern Med at the Marline Aquarium.

Naxos
With crystal clear waters that are completely safe for children to play and swim in, as well as soft golden sands, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna are all great central options. They’re perfect for when you want to be close to the sights as well as the affordable shops and restaurants in town. For something a bit more adventurous, head to Plaka Beach for windsurfing lessons accompanied by the prettiest sunset on the island.

Inland, you can hike 40km worth of trails that take you past the islands many ancient villages – each of which is well worth exploring but the former capital of Haldiki especially so. Take a tour of one or more of these stunning mountain villages where you’ll come across the heart of the local culture and fascinating historical monuments to match. Since Naxos is rare in that the island still produces most of its food locally, you know that no matter where you choose to dine, you’re going to get the really good stuff for yourself and your little ones.

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






















 
Ohi Day is commemorated each year on October 28th by Greeks throughout the world and is undeniably one of the proudest moments in Greek history. It was the day when Ioannis Metaxas, on behalf of the Greek people, bravely shouted “No” and resisted the Italian occupation. 
 
Here are five lesser-known facts regarding Ohi Day you may haven’t heard of!
 
 
Metaxas didn’t actually say “No”
 
When Grazzi delivered Benito Mussolini's message asking that the Italian forces be allowed into Greek territory, the Greek general responded in French. He famously said, "Alors, c’est la guerre." (Well, this means war). A newspaper called the Greek Future was the reason why the word “Ohi” was associated with this day. In its issue of October 30, 1940, the newspaper coined the word “Ohi” on the front page title of the article reporting the events. 
 
The fascist orientation of Ioannis Metaxas
 
Fascism had a certain appeal for Ioannis Metaxas long before he became a dictator in 1936, and his "4th of August" regime had similarities with the fascist regimes of Italy and Germany. He didn't dream of a fascist Greece though; what he wanted to achieve was “The Third Hellenic Civilisation”, an unspecified concept for which we still do not have enough information. However, he understood well enough that the country’s interests lay with Great Britain and tried not to join the war until he didn’t have a choice.  
 
Famous Greek artists fought in the war
 
Poet Odysseas Elytis might be among the most famous Greek artists who fought in the Greco-Italian War, an experience that inspired some of his works, including Axion Esti. Other artists who served as soldiers include painters Yannis Tsarouchis, Spyros Vasileiou, and Aleksandros Aleksandrakis; writers Nikiforos Vrettakos, Aggelos Terzakis, and Yorgos Theotokas; and beloved comedy actors Lampros Konstantaras, Dyonisis Papagiannopoulos, and Ntinos Iliopoulos. 
 
Greece was the first nation to win a battle against Axis powers
 
At first, it may seem weird that we “celebrate” the beginning of the war instead of the end of it, but it is not: only Greece could celebrate the beginning of the war since it was the only country that managed to defeat the enemy during this first phase of the war. In fact, it was the first victory of the allied forces that revitalized the morale of all allies since, until then, there had only been defeats.
 
Metaxas’ guard mistook Grazzi for the French ambassador
 
Although there is nothing fun about war, we could say that this one is quite a “fun fact” about Ohi Day. When Italy’s ambassador, Emanuele Grazzi, arrived at Metaxas’ residence in Kifisia, it was 3 a.m. As reported, one of the guards mistook the Italian flag on Grazzi’s car for a French one. Hence, Metaxas originally woke up thinking he should urgently meet the French ambassador. 
 
Running on the Caldera with a View of the Volcan

The unparalleled natural beauty of Santorini, the enchanting sunset, the volcano with the impressive Caldera and the breathtaking view of the Aegean, together with the island’s unique Cycladic architecture create an explosive setting for a distinctive sports and tourism experience. The exquisite sports tourism event Santorini Experience returns for the 7th year from October 3 to 6, 2024, attracting professional and amateur athletes from all around the world, back to the island.

Running enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy three stunning trail running routes on the Caldera, on the path that connects Oia with Fira, with the magical view of the volcano beside them. The 5km route “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele is for those less initiated in running and those who love dynamic walking. The 10km route powered by SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS GROUP, is for more experienced distance runners, and the 15km route powered by HOKA is for those who love strength and endurance. All routes start at the desalination plant in Oia, featuring sections of dirt paths and finish back in Oia.



Great Gifts for Participants

Each participant will receive his/her participation package, which will include: a bag, a technical T-shirt, a medal (for finishers), a timing chip, a swim cap (for the swimming race), a race number (for running), a waterproof race number (for swimming), personal item storage services, refreshments at the start/finish and along the running route, refreshments at the finish of the swimming race, medical coverage with the presence of rescue teams for the running races, lifeguards for the swimming race, and special gifts from sponsors.


To register, please CLICK HERE!

The schedule also includes the traditional open water swimming event. Specifically, participants will swim from the Volcano and finish at the old port of Fira, facing the imposing view of the island, in the 1.5-miles (2.4 km) race.

Free Participation for Thira Municipality Citizens

The citizens of Thira Municipality can participate for free. Thira residents can register for free from Monday, July 8, exclusively at Alafouzos Sport, the event’s Official Sports Store.

Travel to Santorini with a 30% Discount on Ferry Tickets

Those visiting Santorini by ferry for Santorini Experience can travel with the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries, the event’s Official Sponsor. The top Greek shipping company offers a 30% discount on ferry tickets (all seats except cabins) from Piraeus, Cyclades, and Dodecanese to Santorini on round-trip tickets and 30% on vehicles for those visiting the event and the island from October 1 to 8, 2024. Each person who has completed their registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 additional people (if they are their escorts).

Premium Mobility Partner of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group.
GoPro is the event’s Official Action Camera.
Miele, and Athina Luxury Suites are the event’s Bronze Sponsors.

Blue Star Ferries
is the Official Sponsor.
HOKA
is the Official Footwear Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water
is the Official Water.
Alafouzos Sport
is the event’s Official Sports Store.
Luanvi
is the Official Technical T-shirt.
Kois Optics
are the Official Optics Partner.
PHEE, Messinian Spa, Santorini’s Best Driver,
and Nobu Hotel Santorini are the event’s Partners.
π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention
is the Sustainability Partner.

The event will be implemented with the invaluable support of our Hospitality Sponsors, who promote the island with special prices and offer enormous support to the event. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, Nobu Hotel Santorini, NOUS Santorini, Katikies Garden Santorini Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, West East Suites, Lydia’s House, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, Blue Dolphins, De Sol Hotel & Spa, Neoklassiko Koukouli, Noni Studios, Santoriviera House, Ifestau4, En Plo Boutique Suites, Epavlis Grace, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.
 

Check HERE the available special offers from the hospitality sponsors for the participants of Santorini Experience, which are only valid, during the event’s days!

Santorini Experience is organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

For more information visit: santorini-experience.com
Thursday, 05 February 2015 13:29

My Week in Athens… Nov 29

The other night I went to a concert – a performance of Ara Dinkjian and Eleftheria Arvanitaki at the Pallas theatre. Dinkjian is an Armenian-American musician; Arvanitaki is a well-known Greek singer. The combination of the eastern musical sounds of his oud, and her beautiful ethereal voice (not to mention the 20euro ticket price), made this a beautiful night out…

The Pallas theatre is tucked away behind the Attica department store near Syntagma square. It’s a classic theatre, and judging by the program pamphlet they gave out, there are lots of interesting shows coming up…

The evening was an unexpected mixture of two distinct but related cultures – the music was both familiar and ‘exotic’, and the blending of Armenian and Greek vocals with the perfect-English commentary of Dinkjian, created a wonderful international performance.

The night was full of beautiful music, music with a subtle message of ‘hope’ for everyone there. The classic songs and lyrics of this duo took on a different tone in today’s Athens – the hand clapping and cheers of the audience means they probably got the message.

Check out Elliniki Theamaton for the Pallas and other theatre listings.

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…

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