AthenStyle Extended Family Dinner..

Some home cooked food for staff and guests.. we will definitely be doing this more often!

INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE CAFE @ AthenStyle

AthenStyle LOUNGE CAFE is open!!

Coffees, hot rakomelo, draft beers, wines & snacks.. all for 1-3 euro ONLY!! FREE wi-fi, travel inspiring environment.

           

The only place in Athens where you can relax and chat to people from all over the world. Feel the international atmosphere!

Daily 18:00 – 00:00

See you there!!!

New Years Eve Party 2011

Let’s party!!!

Merry Xmas Everybody!

For ALL of you our dearest travellers and backpackers..

We wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy, full of joy and love NEW YEAR 2012! May your travels be always safe and give you loooads of positive energy and smile!

Merry Xmas!

AthenStyle Crew

Backpacker recipes guide..

Do you remember the Hostel Kitchen Recipe Competition which was held few weeks ago on Hostelbookers.com? Thumbs up to everybody who helped us to take second place! Thanks to you wonderful people our Creamy Feta Bake will be promoted in Backpacker Recipe Guide, which means all backpackers and travellers from all over the world can have one more idea for easy, cheap, quick in preparation and yummy breakfast! Check it out.. 10 best rated hostel kitchen recipes! Bon appétit! ;)

What’s on in Athens, vol. 116

December’s highlights.. pt. II

16 December 2011 

 BEST of the STREET Fest vol. 2

Best of the Street Fest means: diverse styles, multicultural atmosphere and spirit of the street. On one stage you will hear the best Athenian street musicians, e.g.: African Heritage, Schoolboy, Bob Boyle, Bill Lee Erikos, Oldman and many others. Location: Spirit Bar (Miaouli 13, Psirri). Start: 21:30. Entrance: 1€! More details @ www.buskinginathens.com.

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16 -18 December 2011

Music of the World Festival

Special Xmas Edition! During three days you will have chance to enjoy plenty of artists in a really worldwide and multicultural atmosphere! See details below:

16 December: 18:00 Athens Symphonic Orchestra’ show, 20:00 Encardia Concert, 21:00 Katia Gonzalez Concert.

17 December: 10:00 Music of the World by Kosmos Radio 93.6, 12:00 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!

18 December: 10:00 Music of the World by 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.

Location: Klauthmonos Square. Entrance: FREE!

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18 December 2011

UCreate Athens vol. 5

 Xmas Exhibition! Handmade jewellery / Clothing / Art / Design / Music.. everything in Christmas atmosphere. UCREATE is a kind of vehicle in which everyone is invited to participate and present his own ideas in unique and individual way. Acting as a moving exhibition hall it aims to present various art works, keeping the ‘do it yourself’ aesthetics and philosophy. The event is addressed to all creative people, no matter their age or culture. Just Do It Yourself! Location: TΩRA K44 (Konstantinopoleou 44, Gazi). Visiting hours: 16.00 – 00:00. Entrance: FREE.

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22-24 December 2011 

 Jazzy Christmas Festival

 Celebrate last days before Christmas in a really jazzy style! See below what’s on in Athens during Jazzy Christmas Festival:

 22 December: 10:00 Jazz Music Selection by En Lefko 87.7, 12:00 Black JACK, 13:30 Trio Puente, 15:00 Soul Station, 16:30 Go Jam Group, 18:00 Blues Revenge & Dioni, 19:30 Vassilis Gouzios Quartet.

23 December: 10:00 Jazz Music 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, 21:00 Voyage Trio Jazz.

 24 December: 10:00 Jazz 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 participation of Nastasia Beikof.

 Location: Klauthmonos Square. Entrance: FREE!

Christmas Boats – Karavaki, a Greek Tradition

The Christmas Boat (Karavaki- Little ship) is part of a very old Greek tradition. It comes from the Islands where each year children go door to door singing ‘kalanda’ (Christmas Carols) usually accompanied by instruments such as triangles, guitars, accordians and harmonicas. The children on the islands carry small wooden boats, either illuminated to light the way or with enough space to store treats given to them by the residents they sing for. Some claim that this custom’s roots are linked with the December 6th Celebration of Agios Nikolas (Saint Nicholas) who is the Patron Saint of Sailors in Greece.

The tradition also dates back hundreds of years when many Greeks were working as seamen. During Christmas time, when many were returning home after a long time at sea, their wives would celebrate by decorating small wooden boats as a way of saying welcome home.

This tradition has gradually spread inland with people all over the country beginning to decorate model wood or paper boats with lights and ornaments at Christmas time. Traditionally the boats are placed near the door or fire with the bow pointing inwards, this symbolises the boats making their journey towards the mainland. Sometimes coins or gold objects are also placed in the boats to symbolise riches entering ones home.

Surprisingly the Christmas Boat tradition has only become popular in the mainland in and around the last 30 years and is comparativley new compared to the Christmas tree. The reason for this is that the Greeks are aware that the Christmas tree is not traditonally part of their culture and was actually imported by their first king, Otto of Bavaria. They wanted to begin their own tradition using the boat, and by the number of people that seem to have taken up this tradition it has been very sucessful.

Here at our hostel in Athens we have decorated two boats to display in our window. But instead of welcoming seafarers we welcome our guests to spend Christmas with us, who will hopefully find a home away from home during the festive season :)

Merry Christmas from the crew here at Athenstyle! x

Christmas in Athens..

Sooo..Christmas is coming! Also to Athens ;) Decorations and preparations in our beautiful city have already started! This year the most important Square in Athens, Syntagma, is going to have a really unique and eco-friendly art piece. Most of the decorations will be made by children and students of Athens’ primary schools. Using only recycled material they will decorate the trees in the Square in their own way, so you can expect lots of creativity and spontaneity! On the 9th of December everything will be ready, at 6:00 pm the Mayor of Athens (Yorgos Kaminis) will officially announce the start of the Christmas Celebrations and all the festivities will begin! It means that for 1 month every day and night you will have a chance to enjoy lots of free shows prepared voluntarily by hundreds of musicians, actors, dancers and many other artists! Doesn’t it sound niiiiice? Come to Athens and enjoy! Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

 

Winter @ AthenStyle Rooftop Bar

AACA tells you what’s on in Athens, issue 104

This week’s highlights

Saturday, 07.05

Encardia Gruppo – Women of the South
Music & Dance between Greek and Southern Italy, special guest Franca Tarantino, Tarantella e Pizzica Location: Eliart Address: Kostantinoupoleos 127, Botanikos Start: 22:00 Entrance: 15€

9-11 May, 21:00-00:00

@ ATHENSTYLE: part of “Against All Odds Project”, we are glad to host the Art Projection on the Left Window of our Lounge

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Saturday, 07.05

.:: Xstatic Presents: Deep Down & Dirty ::.
The popular radio producers BEST 92.6, Dimitris Papaspyropoulos and Spyros Payatakes, excite us with their musical choices in a place where anything can happen! Location: Barouge Club Address: Andronikou 4 & Tzaferi, Gazi Start: 23:30 Entrance: 12€

.:: Real Cuban Music ::.
Enjoy the LIVE performances of real Cuban music in the pleasant atmosphere of The Party. Location: The Party Address: Karaiskaki 31, Psiri Start: 21:00Entrance: FREE

Sunday, 08.05

.:: Position 90 – 9MM – In A Testube – Radio Sol ::.
A versatile concert sound and light of good rock music produced successfully by older and younger groups Location: An Club Address: Solomou 17-19, Exarchia Start: 21:00 Entrance: 10€

Monday, 09.05

.:: Trifono & special guests ::.
A concert with the occasion of the presentation of the band’s new work ‘The cicadas winter’, a concert with several well-known triple resonance, but also separate four voices, all together now on stage! Location: Southern Cross Club Address: Frantzis and Tharipou 35-37, Neos Kosmos Start: 21:30 Entrance: 12€

Tuesday, 10.05

.:: Jeniferever ::.
Jeniferever from Uppsala in Sweden, one of the most emerging names in Swedish independent scene and perhaps the greatest post rock figure in Scandinavia, will be in Athens to offer us a unique post / indie rock experience. Location: NOW K44 Address: Constantinople 44, Gazi Start: 21:00 Entrance: FREE

Wednesday, 11.05

.:: Crazy Lazy live ::.
The Crazy Lazy is a dynamic pop-rock format that combines classic and modern sounds in a fun program. Favorite songs from the Greek and foreign rock Location: Void Dance Bar Address: 26 Eymolpidon, Gazi Start: 22:30 Entrance: 5€

Thursday, 12.05

.:: Empty Frame Live ::.
Special compositions, with influences from the whole spectrum of independent rock (from indie and post up folk and gypsy) creates a dark and romantic atmosphere while in a different, yet very pleasant music proposal. Location: An Club Address: Solomou 13-15 Exarhia Start: 21:00 Entrance: 5€

Friday, 13.05

.:: UNDERGROUND STREAMS live ::.
The undercurrents are a live speaking with electric rock, with songs from their albums and remixes that promise to be memorable both to public and the performes. Location: Southern Cross Club Address: Frantzis and Tharipou 35-37, Neos Kosmos Start: 22:30 Entrance: 12 € (with drink)

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Ongoing Exhibitions

.:: Myth and Coinage ::.
One hundred and thirty-five coins, twenty-two medals and fifteen banknotes from the Numismatic Museum collections will be on display. Moreover, on temporary loan, ancient Greek coins from the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection, fourteen works-of-art from the National Archaeological Museum collections and two paintings from the National Gallery, will be also presented. Start date: 15 Apr 2011 Location: Athens Numismatic Museum Address: Iliou Melathron, El. Venizelou (Panepistimiou) 12 (Metro stations: Sintagma, Panepistimio, Trolleys nr.: 2, 3, 4, 11, 13) Visiting hours: Tue – Sun 08:30 – 15:00 Tickets: Full: 3€, Reduced: 2€ End date: 30 Nov 201

.:: Dance of Shadows ::.
The exhibition will include 100 works on paper of the contemporary New York artist Carol Wax. The majority of these works are mezzotints; however a number of pencil and mixed media drawings will also be shown. Start date: 5 Mar 2011 Location: Herakleidon, Experience in Visual Arts Address: Herakleidon 16, Thissio Visiting hours: Tue-Sat 13:00- 21:00, Sun: 11:00- 19:00 Tickets: 6€, 4€ for students

.:: Woven ::.
The exhibition presents the work of ten artists who re-examine traditional handicraft techniques and integrate into a modern context. Through the manual aspect of the project / work participants and the use of different materials formed a conceptual field that interprets the particular world of weaving and tissues. Start date: 10.05.2011 Location: TAF – The Art Foundation Address: Normanou 5, Monastiraki End date: 30.05.2011

.:: Art-Athinia ::.
ART-ATHINA is the largest annual visual arts event in Greece attracting 16,000 visitors. Launched in 1993 by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association, ART-ATHINA stands today as one of the longest-lasting contemporary art fairs in Europe. Opening date: 12.05.2011, 19:00 Location: Faliro Pavilion Address: 2 Moraitini Str., Faliron Delta Visiting hours: 13.05, 14:00 – 21:00 & 14 – 15.05, 12:00 – 21:00 Tickets: 10€, 5€ for students End date: 15.05.2011

Riots, Strikes and in Recession.. is it Safe to Travel to Athens?

So you’ve probably been watching the recent news on Greece and let’s face it, it doesn’t look good, but is it really that bad?

In my opinion, speaking as a foreigner, honestly, no. I feel at this point I should state that I’m from Northern Ireland. To some the name of my country conjures up images of ghetto warfare, however, much like Athens, this isn’t really the case.

The images on your screens are of a troubled city, which there is no doubt about. However they project an image of city unable to function when the transport system comes to a halt. Protests getting out of control with civilians hurling stones while police retaliate with tear gas. Even these words paint a worrying picture, though this news will come as nothing new to the Greeks.

These protests and strikes have been happening for years and the Athenians are very well versed in being able to deal with the effects. Currently the economic spotlight is on Greece and it seems from the concerned calls from friends and family that the media are making it out to be some kind of war zone. Which of course it isn’t.

So what happens if you’re unlucky enough to be travelling in Athens on a day there’s strikes..

No public transport? You can just jump in one of the hundreds of taxis, we also organise taxi shares on days of strikes so the cost is reduced. So what happens when there’s no public transport and no taxis? To be honest, you have to be really unlucky for that to happen, but even in this case you can just ask around and a friend, local or even some taxi drivers (who will take you in their private cars) will be more than happy to offer a ride. The Athenians are generally pretty helpful when it comes to giving a lift to the airport or ferry port, for a small fee of course!

So you can get to the airport but not really much point if the plane is staying grounded. Yes, this has happened in the past two months but only once have all the planes actually stopped for 24 hours. On the other couple of occasions some flights have been delayed by a few hours and this isn’t anything out of the ordinary from my perspective, though maybe I’m just unlucky.

Then there comes the question about the riots, what’s the likelihood of getting caught up in the stone throwing tear-gas spraying war? Well if you’re the type of person who goes looking for cheap thrills then it’s probably pretty easy. Otherwise, you’re not even going to realise it’s happening. All the protests are concentrated at Syntagma Square directly opposite the parliament building and when protests are on the area is blocked off by police so, unless you really want to get a closer look, you’re not in any danger. I’ve been here for nearly three months now and although I’ve witnessed lively protests I have yet to be caught choking on tear-gas.

So whether or not me telling you things from my perspective reassures you or not remains to be seen, but rest assured, should you decide to come to Athens, you will be well looked after by all of us here at AthenStyle. ;)

AthenStyle Halloween Party 2011

So today is the 1st of November.. the Ancient Celts celebrated this day as the beginning of the ‘season of darkness and cold.’ Though I think most of us here at AthenStyle are nursing our hangovers after our Halloween Party last night..

Fantastic effort with the costumes but I’ll let the photos do the talking..

Hostel Kitchen Recipe..

If you’re  backpacking across countries and continents you’re probably pinching your pennies, counting your cents and economising your euros and while that may mean you can’t always afford to eat out, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy good local food!

Here at AthenStyle we have come up with an easy meal packed full of flavour that you can make right here in our kitchen. And all the ingredients can be bought fresh from local farmers just around the corner at the Meat and Vegetable Market on Athinas Street, not to mention that it’s seriously cheap!

Creamy Feta Bake

Price for 2 – just under €4
Preparation time – 20mins

What you will need..
Freshly Diced Tomatoes
Sliced Red Onion
A Baguette
Tomato Pureé
Sausage (optional)

Oils and Seasoning.. (we usually have these here!)
Olive Oil
Finely Chopped Garlic (though you’ll have to chop it yourself!)
Oregano
Chilli Flakes (optional)

1. Set the oven to a medium heat of 200deg Celsius (400def F or Gas Mark 6)

2. Wrap the block of feta in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, some freshly chopped garlic, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, a squeeze of tomato pureé, a sprinkle of oregano, quarters of sausage([if you’re of the meat eating variety) and maybe some chilli flakes if you like a bit of spice!

3. Place your packet in the oven for 15 minutes or until the feta bubbles

4. Remove from the oven and serve over a freshly sliced baguette

(5. If you’re like me and can never get enough garlic- try drizzling some olive oil and rubbing some garlic into the sliced baguette before toasting it in the oven)

That’s it.. it’s that simple!

Enjoy :)

Six things to do in the City of Athens on a Sunday

I’ve heard many people complain that there’s nothing to do in Athens on a Sunday as many shops and businesses close, and while it is not a day for ‘getting things done’, I still find there is plenty to do. I’ve come up with a list of six things to do on a Sunday so you can soak in the non-commercial side of the Athens and enjoy a more relaxing day in this controversial city..

On Sundays at 10:30am the Official Ceremony takes place where the whole Presidential Guard march from their barracks to the tomb followed by music from the military band.  While you’re there check out their shoes, those pom-poms may look a bit stupid but they hide a deadly point used for fighting during the war- they also used the pom-poms for polishing their shoes!

If you’re an early riser, before the guard’s ceremony, you could head to one of the many churches to witness a Greek Orthodox service first hand. Each church usually runs a number of services on a Sunday but the most popular time for Athenians is 07:00-09:30am. The Cathedral on Mitropoleos Street and the little church of Kapnikarea on Ermou are not even five minutes walk from here.

In Athens Sunday is often a day that you can see the archeological sites for free. If you happened to be here on one of the Sundays I’m about to mention you can take advantage. The Acropolis and all the Archeological sites are all free for visitors on Sundays between the 1st of November and 31st March each year and during April, May, June and October the first Sunday of every month is free. So you can see everything without spending a penny, except you’ll probably be pretty hungry after all that walking and on the lookout for a good restaurant.  Not to worry though, unlike the shops, the restaurants and cafes stay open so you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink.

If you’re like me and love searching through lots of bits and pieces to find that one off thing you need go no further than Monastiraki Flea Market, which is held literally seconds from here. On Sunday morning to early afternoon jewelery makers to sock sellers to antique dealers litter the streets of Monastiraki selling their wares. If you see something you like don’t forget that the prices are usually negotiable ;)

So if you’ve managed to do all of the above and still have lots of energy you could climb Lycabettus hill to get the best vantage point in Athens. I recommend going just before sunset, you’ll get to see the sun go down beneath the mountains and the city light up beneath you. And if you are a bit tired you don’t need to worry about climbing the whole way as you can take a taxi or the funicular. There’s also a restaurant and a little chapel called Ayios Yeoryios right at the top.

Sightseeing, unorganised shopping and lots of walking not really your thing? Well you could take to exploring many of the bars and cafes around Monastiraki, Plaka and Exarchia. There are loads of little places that double up as art galleries; just poke your head into anywhere that looks remotely interesting (and often even those that don’t) and you’ll come across some interesting places as well as some art. I’ve learnt during my time in Athens that things are not always as they first appear. I’ve found clubs in what I’ve thought were apartment blocks and large art galleries at the back of what I’ve thought were tiny cafes. So it does pay to be nosy, sometimes!

What’s on in Athens..vol. 115

December’s highlights..

1-31 December 2011 

 ONE YEAR BEFORE THE END –

Street Art Exhibition

 Exhibition of the Athenian Art Propaganda Group, PIGS. It’s a group of people with various talents: graffiti artists, musicians, writers, graphic and tattoo artists and many others..whose common aim is to create.. Through their works full of grotesque humor and innocent cynicism they will show their own understanding of the deadlock and claustrophobic feeling of stereotypes ever rising to the west in the era of vanity.. Exhibition opening: 1 Dec, 20:00-01:00. Location: Stigma Lab – Exhibition Streetart Laboratory & Workshop (Andrea Metaxa 4, Exarcheia). Visiting hours: 12:00-21:00. Entrance: FREE.

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2-4 December 2011        

2nd ATHENS TANGO MARATHON

On the beginning of December Athens – the capital of ancient and modern Greece will become also the capital of tango! Join one of the tango workshops leaded by the best choreographers or enjoy this latin dance by taking part in other events during Athens Tango Marathon. More details @ www.tangomarathons.gr. Location: Xoros Technis (Kallirois 10 & Vouliagmenis). Start: 2 & 3 Dec: 21:00; 4 Dec: 20:00. Participation rates start from 10€.

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8 December 2011

48 GO GREEN FESTIVAL

48 Go Green is a short movie competition inspired by 48-hour Film Project. It acquires ecological dimensions and promotes green philosophy. From 8th of December you can see the winning movies of that Project. Location: Pallas Theatre (Voukourestiou 1, Syntagma).

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8-11 December 2011 

BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

Bicycle Film Festival (also known as Bike Film Fest) is an annual international festival that takes place in 20-30 cities around the world – this year also again in Athens! ;) It was established 10 years ago in New York City by Brendt Barbur. The Festival is celebrating and promoting a bicycle culture through various media such as music, arts and of course cinema. Location: Michael Cacoyannis Foundation (Piraeus 206). See more details @ www.bicyclefilmfestival.com.

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Until 11th of December

MOUNT ATHOS by Efthimios Warlamis [Exhibition]

Efthimios Warlamis presents around fifty paintings with landscapes and monasteries of the Mount Athos. Combination of art and music makes you to feel the atmosphere of the ancient monastic community. Location: Byzantine and Christian Museum (Vas. Sofias 22, Evangelismos). Opening hours: Tue-Thu 8:30-15:00, Fri-Sun 8:30-20:00, Mon-closed). Admission: 2-4€.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 2012 @ AthenStyle Rooftop Bar!

New Year’s Eve in Athens? Ohh yeees ;D Join our special party @ the rooftop bar and celebrate the New Year 2012 with us! Great music, great view, entrance FREE;D More details soon.. See you there! ;)