This is an exciting project of finding the heart of Athens from the concrete jungle.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Christmas in Athens!

Nothing to do in Athens during the holiday season? Check again.

Friday, December 16th 2011

Klaythmonos Square
18.00
"Music of the World" Festival
Municipality of Athens Symphonic Orchestra, with solist Christos Tsiamoulis, Kyriakos Gkouventas and Vaggelis Vergotis with the participation of Martha Moreleon
20.00
Encardia Concert
21.00
Katia Gonzalez Concert

Saturday, December 17th 2011

Kolonaki Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas workshops and other children activities from the "Magikes Svoures" group and the Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra with Christmas Songs.
Plyta Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and children activities form the "Anemoskala" group
Iious Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas workshops and other children activities from the "Morphes Ekfrasis" group and the Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra with Christmas Songs
Petroula Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas workshops and other children activities from "Pantomime Spectacles" group
Thermidas Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas workshops and other children activities from "Sfyrichtroules" group.
Agiou Demetriou Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas workshops and other children activities from "OSCAR" group, with the participation o f the Choir of the Cultural Center of Y.S.O. Of Vafeiochoriou.
Amerikis Square
12.00
Christmas Songs from the Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.
Pedestrian Walk Fokionos Negri
(at the level of Megistis and Skyrou streets)
11.30-14.30
Christmas workshops and other children activities from "Paichnidokamomata" group
13.00
Christmas Songs from the Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.
Y.S.O. Sepolia Cultural Center
(4, Lampovou street)
18.30
Excerpts from "the Little Match Girl" theatrical team and the children choir of the Y.S.O. Sepolia Cultural Center
Y.S.O. Kato Petralona Cultural Center

(61, Athinadorou street)
19.30
"Kay and Gernda in the Elf Land"--Children team and children choir of Y.S.O. Kato Petralona Cultural Center
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-22.00
"Music of the World" Festival
10.00-12.00 Music of the World from Kosmos Radio 93.6
12.0 Takim1
13.30 European Taxim
15.00 Eleni & Souzana Vougioukli
16.30 Zoi Tiganouria
18.00 Athens Hot Club
19.30 Socrates Sinopoulos& Christos Tsiamoulis
21.00 Christos Tsiamoulis & Kyriakos Goubentas in Greek traditional christmas carols
Kotzia Square
10.30-12.00
Christmas Workshops-Children Environmental Program Y.S.O. (visual, music and kinetic treatment workshops)
14.15 Dance School Eleni Christofilou
15.15 Dance School Bailarte Salsa Studio
16.00 "Pedion Olisthiron phase II" from the Dance theater Dagypoli
Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square of Children"

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

"Anna and Maria Kalouta" Athens Municipality venue
(6, Timokreontos Street, Neos Kosmos)
12.00
Christmas concert by the Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra at the Neos Kosmos Venue.
Y.S.O. Evelpidon Cultural Center
(18, Evelpidon Street)
11.00
"Tonight Jesus Christ is Born"--Children Theatrical Team & Children Choir of the Evelpidon Y.S.O.
Y.S.O. Kato Patissia Cultural Center
(Kourtidou and Stratigou Kallari street)
19.00
"Christmas Tricks", from the Kato Patissia Y.S.O. Cultural Center children theatrical team.
Y.S.O. Agios Eleftherios Cultural Center
(5, Anavritis street)
18.00
"A gift for Santa Claus"-- from the Agios Eleftherios Y.S.O. Cultural Center children theatrical team
Y.S.O. Gravas Cultural Center
(60, Taygetou street)
19.30
"Holly night & the Trolls" from the Gravas Y.S.O. Cultural Center children theatrical team
Mets (Panagiots Gkazgkas) Closed Gym
(70, M.Mousourou street)
09.00-14.00
Multicultural Fest-Co-organized by the Y.S.O and the Greek National committee of UNICEF
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-22.00
"Music of the World" Festival
10.00-12.00 Music of the World from Kosmos Radio 93.6
10.30 "Rodina" Choir of the Greek-Bulgarian Cultural Link
12.00 Melios Balkana Mama
13.30 Tangarto
15.00 Adriatika
16.30 Babuba
18.00 Colpo Grosso
19.30 Martha Mavroidi
21.00 Andre Maia
Kapnikarea Square
11.00-14.00
Nickelodeon invites children in a parade along with Sponge bob, Patrick and Dora the Explorer to Syntagma Square!
Syntagma Square
14.00-19.00
"The magical square of Children"
Kotzia Square
10.30-12.00
Christmas Workshops-Children Environmental Program Y.S.O. (visual, music and kinetic treatment workshops)
11.14.30
Dance School Performances:
11.00 Anastasia Bofiliou Dance school
12.00 "Star Dance" Dance School Christmas Show
13.00 "Christmas Wishes" from De Petrillo-Varlamou Dance school
13.30 "Happy Merry Christmas" from Kallikaki Dance School
16.00 Scissor-modeling workshop by the Sotiris Charidemos repertory
17.00 Karagiozis Performance by the Sotiris Charidemos repertory

Monday, December 19th 2011

Klaythmonos Square
18.00-21.00
Young Student Group Concerts (Y.S.O)
18.00 Contra Limit
18.45 Maybe in Heaven it Doesn't Rain
19.30 The Overjoyed 32
20.15 ROCKAMORA
Syntagma Square
12.00-15.00
"Pantomime Days & Nights of Magic, Puppetry" Festival
Kotzia Square
16.00-20.00
Christmas Workshops from the Nurseries of Athens Municipality
17.00-19.00
"Pantomime Days & Nights of Magic, Puppetry" Festival
Tuesday, December 20th 2011
"Technopolis" complex (Aggelos Sikelianos hall)
(100, Pireos Street, Gazi)
13.00 Presentation of the "The yard of Paintings" program, by the Solidarity and Invitation Center of the Athens Municipality (children painting exhibition -refugees from Afghanistan and interpretations of their approaches by specialized scientific personnel of the Municipality of Athens Solidarity Center )
Agios Meletios Square
12.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra (Athens Municipality Cultural Organization)
Klaythmonos Square
18.00-21.00
Young Student Group Concerts (Y.S.O)
18.00 - 18.30 2 NIGHT
18.40 - 19.20 THE D.E.AL
19.30 - 20.10 WHITE STAIN
20.20 - 21.00 Violent Cartoons
Syntagma Square
12.00-15.00
"Pantomime Days & Nights of Magic, Puppetry" Festival
Kotzia Square
16.00-20.00
Christmas Workshops from the Nurseries of Athens Municipality
17.00-19.00
"Pantomime Days & Nights of Magic, Puppetry" Festival
"Athina 98,4" Amphitheater
(100, Pireos Street)
Les jours les plus courts
Short length film festival in collaboration with the French Institut of Athens and the Drama Festival
09.30 Children french short length movies: cartoons and science fiction movies for children 6-10 years old
20.30 "The Power of Image" A selection of short length movies from all over the world from the International Drama Festival archive.

Wednesday, December 21st 2011

Klaythmonos Square
18.00 El Culture day with theater, AMSTER perform in art and music!
Syntagma Square
12.00-15.00
"Pantomime Days & Nights of Magic, Puppetry" Festival
Kotzia Square
16.00-20.00
Christmas Workshops from the Nurseries of Athens Municipality
17.00-19.00
"Pantomime Days & Nights of Magic, Puppetry" Festival
French Institute of Athens
(31, Sina street)
22.00
Les jours les plus courts
Short length film festival in collaboration with the French Institute of Athens and the Drama Festival
Thursday, December 22nd 2011
"Technopolis" complex 
(100, Pireos Street, Gazi)
"Athina 98,4" hosts the Child Care Center "Mitera" and organizes the annual Christmas celebration for foster families and children hosted by Mitera.
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-21.00
«Jazzie Christmas» Festival
10.00 -12.00 Μusic Selections by "En Lefko" 87.7
12.00 Black Jack
13.30 Trio Puente
15.00 Soul Station
16.30 GoJam Group
18.00 Blues Revenge & Dioni
19.30 Vassilis Gouzios Quartet
Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square of Children"
15.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra Musical walk, Ermou street-Varvakeios Market-Kotzia Square.
Kotzia Square 
14.00
"The Meeting" performance by the Modern Circus Team Cirque Petit
16.00-17.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra
16.00 -20.00
Christmas Workshops from the Nurseries of Athens Municipality
17.00
"Metropolitan Stories" Modern Athenian stories.
Acropolis Museum (2nd Floor balcony)
17.00 European Taxim

Friday, December 23rd 2011

Y.S.O Kipseli Cultural Center
(18, Kalogera street)
19.00
"Christmas Story" by Charles Dickens from the Y.S.O Kipseli Cultural Center children theatrical team.
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-21.00
«Jazzie Christmas» Festival
10.00 -12.00 Μusic Selections by "En Lefko" 87.7
12.00 Atheneum Swinging Jazz
13.30 Jazz Bastards
15.00 Slice of Jazz
16.30 Vette Michelle & SouLuv
18.00 Jan Van de Angel
19.30 Anakata
21.00 Voyage Jazz Trio
Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square of Children"
15.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra Musical walk, Ermou street-Monastiraki -Kotzia Square.
Kotzia Square 
16.00 -20.00
Christmas Workshops from the Nurseries of Athens Municipality
15.00-17.00
"Choir Day"
15.00 Carols by Non Canon
16:30 Choir Festival-Y.S.O Choir
17.30 Choir Festival-P.P.C S.A. Choir
Acropolis Museum (Ground Floor)
17.00 Municipality of Athens Symphony Orchestra Performance.

Saturday, December 24th 2011

St. Paul's Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Anemoskala" group.
Mesologgiou Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Morphes Ekfrasis" group.
Merkouri Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Pantomime Spectacle" group.
Kolymvitirio Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Sfyritroules" group.
St. Andrew's Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Magikes Svoures" group.
Kanari Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Oscar" group.
St. Thomas' Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for Children by the "Paichnidokamomata" group.
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-22.00
«Jazzie Christmas» Festival
10.00 -12.00 Music Selections by "En Lefko" 87.7
10.30 Egg Lemon Sauce
12.00 Atheneum Swinging Jazz
13.30 Martha Moreleon
15.00 Paradoxonia
16.30 Biri Biri
18.00 Happy Dog Project
21.00 Municipality of Athens Big Band Concert, with the Participation of Nastazia Beikof
Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square of Children
Kotzia Square
13.00
Pedro & Salsa Sinners
15.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra Musical walk ,Syntagma Square-Varvakeios Market-Kotzia Square
15.00
Athens Swing Cats
16.00 - 16.30
Municipality of Athens Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, December 25th 2011

Rouf Closed Gym (Peireos and 69, Ehelidon Street)
13.00
Festive Lunch for the homeless with the participation of the Greek Music Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens.
Tuesday, December 27th 2011
Melina Cultural Center
(66, Herakleidon Street, Theisio)
17.30- Scissor-modeling workshop by the Sotiris Charidemos repertory
18.30 Karagiozis Performance by the Sotiris Charidemos repertory
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-21.00
"New Musical Scene" Festival
10.00 -12.00 Μusic Selections by "Diessi" 101.3
15.30 Guilotinas Project
17.00 Dilemma
18.30 Soul Mates
20.00 Ismene Pepe
Syntagma Square & "Panagiotis Gkazgkas" Closed Gym, Mets
11.00-16.00
Juggling Festival "The Toy Neighborhood"
and music selections from "Athina 98,4"
14.00 - 21.00
Juggling Seminars (Panagiotis Gkazgkas" Closed Gym, Mets-70, M.Moussourou street)
Κotzia Square
13.00-15.00
Puppetry Workshops from the Hellenic Union of Puppetry center (UNIMA Hellas)

Wednesday, December 28th 2011

Municipality of Athens Cultural Center
(50, Akadimias Street)
13.00
The Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra-Christmas Songs.
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-21.00
"New Musical Scene" Festival
10.00 -12.00 Μusic Selections by "Diessi" 101.3
13.30 Sofia Kourtidou
15.00 Gaudi
16.30 Eva Loukatou
18.00 Spirits Alike
20.00 Funkey
Syntagma Square & "Panagiotis Gkazgkas" Closed Gym, Mets
11.00-16.00
Juggling Festival "The Toy Neighborhood"
and music selections from "Athina 98,4"
14.00 - 21.00
Juggling Seminars (Panagiotis Gkazgkas" Closed Gym, Mets-70, M.Moussourou street)
Κotzia Square
13.00-15.00
Puppetry Workshops from the Hellenic Union of Puppetry center (UNIMA Hellas)
18.00
"Lyric Night» with the participation of Athens State Orchestra Solists (excerpts from Operettas and Musicals )

Thursday, December 29th 2011

12.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra Musical walk ,Kanelopoulou Square-Ambelokipoi-Metro Exit Alexandras Avenue and D. Soutsou street.
Klaythmonos Square
10.00-22.00
"New Music Scene" Festival
(«Technopolis" Complex, Athens Municipality.)
10.00 -12.00 Music selections from "Diesi" 101.3
13.30 Theologos Kappos
15.00 NOMISMA
16.30 Demetra Mastoridou
18.00 Salata Band
19.30 Schooldrivers
21.00 DJ party από τον Tareq
Syntagma Square & "Panagiotis Gkazgkas" Closed Gym, Mets
11.00-16.00
Juggling Festival "The Toy Neighborhood"
and music selections from "Athina 98,4"
14.00 - 21.00
Juggling Seminars (Panagiotis Gkazgkas" Closed Gym, Mets-70, M.Moussourou street)
Kotzia Square
10.00-17.00
"Classical Music" Festival
10.00 Classical Melodies by the 3rd Program of E.R.T.
12.00 Modern Music E.R.T. Orchestra Concert (Conductor A. Pylarinos)
14.00 Tzeni & Zisimos Soultouki
16.00 Echo Quartet
Acropolis Museum (2nd floor Balcony)
17.00 Audio Strings Quartet

Friday, December 30th 2011


Klaythmonos Square
19.00
Best 92.6 Radio Station Party
Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square" of Children

Kotzia Square

10.00-19.00
"Classical Music" Festival
10.00 -12.00 Classical Melodies by the 3rd Program of E.R.T.
12.00
Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra Musical walk ,Syntagma Square-Monastiraki-Varvakeios Market-Kotzia Square
15.00 Alexandros Botinis-Zacharias Tarpagos
16.30 Metallon (Brass Ensemble of the Athens State Orchestra)
18.00 Theodoris Economou

Saturday, December 31st 2011

Exarcheia Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happening for children from "Anemoskala" group
with the participation of the Music Team AmEA and the Y.S.O. Exarcheia Cultural Center with Christmas songs.
Heltraich Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for children from "Paichinokamomomata" group.
St. Katherine's Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for children from "Anemoskala" group.
Athanasiou Diakou Square (Thymarakion)
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for children from "Oscar" group.
Ag. Eleftherios Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for children from "Pantomima Spectacles" group.
Kalliga Square (ex Karamanlaki Square)
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for children from "Morfes Ekfrasis" group.
Gyzi Square
11.30-14.30
Christmas Workshops and happenings for children from "Sfyrichtroules" group.
Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square" of Children
Omonia Square
22.30 Municipality of Athens Philarmonic Orchestra
Kotzia Square
Classical Music Festival
12.00
Chalkeion Brass Quintet
14.00
Athens Strings Quartet
23.20
Arrival of Municipality of Athens Philharmonic orchestra
Start of New Year's eve program
Presenters: Larissa Vergou-Leonidas Antonopoulos
23.30
Municipality of Athens Symphony Orchestra
00.00
Mayor of Athens Greeting
0.20
Musical Performance of the "Mousika Synola" of The Municipality of Athens with the participation of Doros Dimosthenous, Stamatis Beris and Gina Poulou
(The presentation will be done by Sign language interpreters from the NGO "Dro")

Sunday, January 1st 2012

Rouf Closed Gym
(Peireos & 69, Ehelidon Street)
13.00
Festive Lunch for the Homeless
Monday, January 2nd 2012
"Anna and Maria Kalouta" Athens Municipality venue
(6, Timokreontos Street, Neos Kosmos)
20.00 - 22.00
"Expression, arts meet" Festival
Video Art - Animation, new artists
1. 1. Konstantinos Lianos
2. Sotiris Fokeas
3. ΒΑ17 Team
4. Sophia Ladeni, Giorgos Tsakalis, Panagiotis Grizos
5. Emilia Liontou, Villy Hisnaki, Alexia Psaradeli
6. Stela Vula
7. Theodoris Vogiatzides
8. Manolis Daskalakis, Menelaos Kouroudis
9. Mmine group
10. Olga Evagelidou
11. Pavlos Margaris, Christos Tsiamis
Performance
Olga Evagelidou, , Alexia Psaradeli
12. Pantelis Giannakis
13. Vassilis Papageorgiou
14. Giannis Mouradas
15. Natasha Efstathiade
16. Pantazis Tselios, Fotis Varthis
17. Veronika Marioglou-Malagon
18. Aliki Souma
19. Eleni Fountoulaki
20. Stephanos Athanatos
21. Nikos Hatzikostantis

Tuesday January 3rd 2012

Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square" of Children
"Anna and Maria Kalouta" Athens Municipality venue
(6, Timokreontos Street, Neos Kosmos)
18.00 -18.30
anasa-African dance and drums (Μusic Performance)
19.00 - 20.15
Opera Chaotique Tenorman & Voodoo Drummer (Jazz- Cabaret-Opera)
20.45 - 22.15
"Όrnithai»" by Aristophanes, A rock Performance for teenagers by Georgina Kakoudaki
Klaythmonos Square
"Expression, arts meet" Festival
16.30 - 17.30
«The forgetful bee»Theatrical Performance by the 2+2 Team
17.30 - 18.00
«Drawing toys» performance by Sotiris Fokeas
18.00 - 18.15
Video Art - Animation
• Κonstantinos Lianos
• Sotiris Fokeas
• ΒΑ17 team
18.30 - 20.00
«How can I remain silent» Theodoris Economou (Piano and vocal symphony)
20.00 -20.15
Video Art - Animation
• Sophia Ladeni, Giorgos Tsakalis, Panagiotis Grizos
• Emilia Liontou, Villy Hisnaki, Alexia Psaradeli
• Stela Vula
20.15 -20.45
Tango Verse (Tango Performance)
20.45 - 21.00
Video Art - Animation
• Theodoris Vogiatzides
• Manolis Daskalakis, Menelaos Kouroudes
• Mmine group
21.00 - 21.45
Μorfeas (Intercultural theatrical team)

Wednesday January 4th 2012

Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square" of Children
Old People's Home of Athens
11.00
Municipality of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra Concert
"Anna and Maria Kalouta" Athens Municipality venue
(6, Timokreontos Street, Neos Kosmos)
"Expression, arts meet" Festival
17.30 - 18.30
«The forgetful bee» Theatrical Performance by the 2+2 Team
19.00 - 19.45
Μorfeas (Intercultural theatrical team)
20.00 - 20.45
Tango Verse (Tango Performance)
21.00 - 22.30
«How can I remain silent» Theodoris Economou (Piano and vocal symphony)
Klaythmonos Square
"Expression, arts meet" Festival
16.00 - 16.30
"The bow and the word" Musical and Theatrical Performance by Alekos Vassilatos
17.00 - 17.30
Capoeira Group Cordao de Ouro
18.00 - 18.30
"Strange Animals" Theatrical Performance by Margarita Amarandidi
18.40 -18.50
Video Art - Animation
• Olga Evaggelidou
• Pavlos Margaris, Christos Tsamis
19.00 - 20.00
«Drawing toys» Performance by Sotiris Fokeas& Performance with Olga Evaggelidou
20.15 -20.30
Video Art - Animation
• Pantellis Giannakis
• Vassilis Papageorgiou
20.30 - 21.00
«Eipan» Street Theater by Katerina Vardakastani.
21.00 -21.15
Video Art - Animation
• Giannis Mouradas
• Natasha Efstathiadi
21.15 - 21.45
African Drums & Dance

Thursday January 5th 2012

Syntagma Square
10.00-17.00
"The magical square" of Children
"Anna and Maria Kalouta" Athens Municipality venue
(6, Timokreontos Street, Neos Kosmos)
"Expression, arts meet" Festival
19.00 - 20.00
"The bow and the word" Musical and Theatrical Performance by Alekos Vassilatos
20.00 - 20.30
«Eipan» Street Theater by Katerina Vardakastani.
21.00 - 21.30
"Strange Animals" Theatrical Performance by Margarita Amarandidi
Municipality of Athens Directorate of Social Welfare in the context of its social policy is organizing Christmas Celebration for the members of the Friendship Club in the "Technopolis" Complex from the 8th until the 20th of December 2011 with the participation of the the Municipality of Athens Greek Music Orchestra.
Atenistas NGO is also participating in the "Athens Celebrating" program with three activities. For the dates and time of these activities we will inform you through our site www.christmasinathens.gr


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The snoring Santa

Copyright 2011 Jan
You can find (and hear) this hilarious snoring Santa from The Notos Galleries Christmas window.


Copyright 2011 Jan
More precisely the place is on the corner of Aiolou (Αιόλου) and Stadiou (Σταδίου) Streets, nearest metro station is Omonia. 
Ho Ho Ho!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Hitchcock moment in Athens

Copyright 2011 Jan
My little Hitchcock moment at the neoclassical Kotzia Square (Greek: Πλετεία Κοτζιά), formerly know as Loudovikou Square. 

The square is from the 19th century and surrounded by
 some nice neoclassical buildings. You can find it south of Omonoia Square (Πλατεία Ομονοίας) or north from Monastiraki Square (Πλατεία Μοναστηράκι).

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Kolonaki Church Entrance

Copyright 2011 Jan
This spectacular church is named after Saint Dionysios Aeropagite, who was the first bishop and one of the tree protectors of Athens.

Copyright 2011 Jan
You can see this church entrance from Skoufa street. It is in the heart of the Kolonaki district in Athens. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Nine lives calendar launch party

Nine lives (Greek: Οι Εφτάψυχες) helps stray cats of Athens by feeding, caring, neutering and rehoming them. The very famous Nine lives is actually a handful of volunteers, who are working very hard for the welfare of cats.

They are very proud to have an official Calendar 2012 launch party over some cocktails. The party is on November 25th from 19.00 to 22.00 at the Astra Galerie (Karyatidon 8, Acropoli, nearest metro stop is Acropoli). This year the rescued 
stray cats were modeling for the camera held by photographer Carlo Raciti. 

Source: www.ninelivesgreece.com/2012calendar.html 
The association receives no state funding whatsoever even it is a member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals and an affiliate of the Greek Cat Welfare Society. Volunteering or buying the Calendar 2012 is a great way to show your support to their priceless work.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A door and a story

Copyright 2011 Jan
I have passed by this old door many times at Plaka. This time I took a moment to actually look at it and the details are awesome.
 

Copyright 2011 Jan
The door is like an old story book opening on front of your eyes. I give you the the beginning of the story. On the center point you can find the primordial Titan Atlas (Greek: Άτλας) from the Greek mythology holding the celestial spheres. He supports the heavens and is identified with the Atlas Mountain in north-west Africa. 

... and the rest you can find out from the picture or imagine by yourself. Have an interesting day with Greek mythology!



Monday, November 21, 2011

Paradise for a homesickness

Every foreigner around the world knows the days when they are ready to make whatever it takes to get that specific bar of chocolate, box of cereals or jar of fruit jam from their home country. There is a very special pilgrimage to greater Athens you can do on those days. It only takes an hour from the downtown, two busses and little walking, and Sim Sala Bim you are there! The biggest Dimitrios Thanopoulos super market (Greek: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ ΘΑΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) is etymologically in the heavens above of Athens in Nea Erithrea.

Copyright 2011 Jan

There you can find shelf after self stocked with quality brand products from all over the world (mainly from UK and USA). Beverages, jams, chocolates, candies, chips, dips, sauces, meats, cheeses, berries... all that your heart desires and makes you feel a bit better again. I even found some products from tiny little Finland from there! Well, that´s something, even I found these two exported items quite funny choices. I could have given my right arm easily for example to get some Karl Fazer chocolate, Halvas´ salty liqourice or fresh berries from Finland, but never mind.

Copyright 2011 Jan

Of course this personal salvation has its cost like everything in this life. Most of the heavenly products are pretty pricy, but the owner of this supermarket chain knows the secret. When a foreigner is wounded by a homesickness the price is not an issue. All I am saying is that try to keep your head straight with your budget while strolling between the shelves of the super paradise. Now we are just left into the darkness waiting for this sight to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.


Sunday, November 20, 2011

No, no, thank you!

There has been an increasing number of readers here lately. You are one of them, thank you. You have a special place here as being a heart of this blog. This blog would not breath or even exist without you.

It has been awesome to see that this blog page has been 
recommended further from one friend to another and more people follow it and join to the Facebook fan page almost daily. The truth really is that without a person like you there would be no blog like this from lovely Athens.


Copyright 2011 Jan
Thank you once again and have a good evening. <3

Good evening! / Hauskaa iltaa! / Bonne soirée! /  Guten Abend! / Καλησπέρα! / Labas vakaras! / Bună seara! / Добрый вечер! / ¡Buenas tardes! / 晚安 / Buonasera! / God kväll! / Dober večer! / Tere õhtust! / สวัสดีครับ / God aften! / Chào buổi tối! / Goede avond!
(These are the languages used by most frequent visitors on this blog. Can you spot yours?)


Friday, November 18, 2011

The smell of gingerbread on the air

There is a little church by the street at Plaka in Athens. When you enter inside from the door you can smell the aromas of Christmas on the air: mullet wine, gingerbread and candles...
Copyright 2010 Jan
It is time for the annual Christmas Bazaar in Scandinavian Church! The house is going to be full of happy people to meet, little café to sit down and tempting Christmas ideas, from the birthplace of Mr. Santa himself, on display.
Copyright 2010 Jan
From there you will find a selection of Scandinavian food, Christmas decorations, cards, presents and much more. The money will be used to support different activities run by the Scandinavian Church.
Copyright 2010 Jan
The Christmas Bazaar is open only on November 25.-27. from 12.00 to 8.00 p.m. The address is Daidalu 18. You can find the place from the downtown of Athens, near Syntagma.

Καλό χειμώνα και καλές γιορτές!

Copyright 2010 Jan

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Student´s legacy, Nov. 17th

The Anniversary of the Student´s uprising on November 17th is a holiday of all Greek students. It is one of the most important moments for Greek people, especially youth, in the history of Greece.
Copyright 2011 Jan
The main place to be (or not) is the campus of National Metsovion Polytechnic (Πολυτεχνείο, Polytechneio) where it all happened in 1973. At 3.00 a.m. on November 17th there was a brave act of resistance against the Greek military junta and extreme right wing dictatorship ending up to bloodshed of several youngsters hanging on the main steel gate of the campus, when an army AMX 30 tank crashed it all down.

Copyright 2011 Jan
Nowadays killed civilians are remembered with wreaths and a demonstration that begins from the campus area and ends at the United States Embassy. After all of these years the messages has remained the same: let there be a freedom, an independence and love for life in Greece. The day is also celebrated all over the world as The International Student´s Day.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Christmas is cancelled?

During this Christmas holidays there are probably more homeless and poor people in Athens than 70 years ago after German occupation. New people join them every day. For example outside the soup kitchen of the Aghia Triada church in Piraeus you can witness more and more poor people lining up for some food and handouts.

Copyright 2011 Jan
Many people in Greece had already a yearly tradition to give some food, clothes and Christmas gifts to churches, orphanages and hospitals. Especially this year it is easy to say “how do we give anything out of nothing”, but stop for a minute and think if your Christmas would be cancelled this year? 

Copyright 2011 Jan
No home, no loved ones, no food or expensive luxury like Christmas presents or decorations. Isn´t there few coins, cans of food or good old clothes you could give away to make someone´s Christmas more human this year? Isn´t the Christmas spirit all about giving, sharing and fulfilled dreams, after all?

Copyright 2011 Jan
I decided to give a  small donation this Christmas to the poor and homeless people of Athens. I challenge you to reach out your hand, too, and put the good word about this Christmas challenge around to your circle of friends and loved ones. Even a small donation to the charity can be received as a true Christmas miracle by someone in need.

Copyright 2011 Jan
Your next chance is in November 19th from 12.00 p.m. to 16.00 p.m. During that time Atenistas help to collect food and medicines to those in need at the Thon building in Ambelokipoi (intersection of Alexandras Avenue and Kifissias Avenue, nearest metro stop is Ambelokipoi). 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Waste of (y)our time

Okay, I admit it. This blogging can be a bit gross, yucky and need some parental advisory because its explicit content. 

Anyway, here we go! While strolling on the streets of Athens or walking to the trash bins many times per week, you just can´t go by wondering what on earth people throw away or want to recycle... or can you? ;)

5th place: a teddybear

Copyright 2011 Jan


4th place: a shopping cart

Copyright 2011 Jan 

3th place: a part of the restroom
Copyright 2011 Jan

2nd place: a chest x-ray film

Copyright 2011 Jan

1st place: a car

Copyright 2011 Jan

Saturday, November 12, 2011

History at Monastiraki

 The Monastiraki Square (Μοναστιράκι) is a historic place named after the monastery to which the Pantánassa church belonged at 10th century.


Copyright 2011 Jan
The history of Athens, and all of its different phases, are presented there. ;p

Copyright 2011 Jan 

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Let Allou Fun Park dazzle you

Copyright 2011 Jan
Are you bored to see historical monuments, hanging around in some-hole-on-the-wall bars in Athens or worry about the economic crisis? Allou Fun Park is not only fun but a dazzling place to spend a night or day of escapism. 

Copyright 2011 Jan
A Greek word Allou means either that you want to go somewhere else or that you are a bit high in your own world. That is exactly what we all need every now and then - to be lost in the map of the fairy tale land.

Copyright 2011 Jan
Well, Allou Fun Park has it all taken care of. You can have some fun with the rides and eat, drink, play and have a dose of adrenalin while doing it. 

Copyright 2011 Jan
Dive into the amusement park from one of the three gates free of charge (a fee is charged for using the rides and games) and find yourself taking the coolest thrill rides of the park. Let 6G shoot you into the sky or come down 40 meters with Free Fall.

Copyright 2011 Jan
There are also rides like Crazy Mouse roller coaster, New York bumper cars, Water Tunnel or Panorama, the largest observation wheel in Greece, for those who are more of traditional amusement park seekers.

Copyright 2011 Jan
The Allou Fun park has carefree environment with lots of greenery and quality service but, wait, it does not stop here. The whole Entertainment Park covers 40,000 square meters and right next to Allou Fun Park you can find Kidom. 

Copyright 2011 Jan
It is a classic fairy tale park for little children for ages 6-12 years old. there you can find the magical carousel, a small pirate ship, trampolines and cotton candy for the smaller ones of the family.

Copyright 2011 Jan
When you look a bit further you find a multiplex Village Park mall with coffee shops, restaurants, stores and a movie theater. There is everything for everyone.

Copyright 2011 Jan
Sounds tempting? The location of the Allou Fun park is Kanapitseri Street 5, Agios Ioannis Rendis. It is about 7 kilometers from Acropolis, near the junction of Kifissos Avenue and Petrou Ralli.

Copyright 2011 Jan
Allou Fun Park is open Mon-Thu 17.00 – 24.00, Fri 17.00 – 01.00, Sat 10.00 – 01.00, Sun and holidays 10.00 – 24.00. (Kidom is open Mon-Fri 17.00 – 23.00, Sat Sun and holidays 10.00 – 23.00).

You can get there from Omonia with busses: B18, Γ18, and trolleybus 21 (until KAN KAN). From Metro Egaleo with busses: 829, 802, 803, 804, 845, 703 and 909 (until Νεκροταφείο). From Piraeus Metro with busses: 703 and 909 (until Νεκροταφείο). 


On summer time you can also take a free Allou Park bus from Syntagma. A taxi will cost about 6-8 Euros from the centre of Athens.
Copyright 2011 Jan