GREECE 2012
Your adventure is about to Begin. We have the pleasure of wishing you a warm welcome to our country and we kindly request you to prepare yourself for one of the most exciting experiences of your life! "Have been in Greece will be watershed in my life. It sounded crazy at first but now I feel the happiest person in the world for have had this great experience!" Marco Sosa Mexico.
What can you expect of the country and its people? What do you need to do to prepare for your impeding journey? What do you definitely need to see and do while you are here in Greece?
If any of the above questions have crossed your mind, we'll try to answer them in this handy booklet. It's filled with essays on various aspects of Greece. It also includes several useful details about how you can make the most out of your stay in your country. We intend this booklet to be the first step of an excellent stay here! We will be more than glad to show you our country and hope to learn as much about yours.
It always seems impossible until it is done!!!
MAP OF GREECE
On the edge of Europe (Balkan peninsula): a bridge between the East and the West
70% of the territory is Mountainous
2000 Islands (160 inhabited)
Approximately 15.000km of coastline (half of Africa’s)
Official name: Hellenic Republic
Capital: Athens
Currency: Euro
Population: 10.7 million
Religion: Orthodox
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. Due to the country's geographical position, its rugged relief and its distribution between the mainland and the sea, there is great variation in Greece's climate. In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the meltemi, while mountainous regions have generally lower temperatures. The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and ice, yet, mountains are usually snow-covered. Moreover, a common phenomenon is the occurrence of different climactic conditions during the same season (for instance, mild heat in coastal areas and cool temperatures in mountainous regions).
MONEY MATTERS Payphone card: 5 euros Beer: 4-6 euros Newspaper: 1.5-2.5 euros Coffee: 2.5-4.5 euros Entrance in a club: 10-15 euros Cinema: 5-8 euros Packet of cigarettes: 2-4 euros Fast food meal: 2-6 euros Bus tickets: 0.7-1.4 euros Refreshments: 0.8-1.4 euros Water (500 ml): 0.5 euros Restaurants: 7-15 euros Souvenir: 2-5 euros
HEALTH a. Medication If you use any prescription drugs in your country regularly, you should bring to Greece a copy of the prescription together with the generic name of the drug- this will help should you need to replace it and also avoid possible problems with Customs officials.
b. How to recognize a Greek pharmacy Pharmacies are quite many in Greece. They have a distinctive white label with a cross. The cross is a green one. In every pharmacy, there is a label at the front noticing which one stays open daily during the night, in the whereabouts. http://www.vrisko.gr/en/pharmacy-duties
GREEK FOOD Good Greek food is generally not very expensive. Fast food is always cost-friendly and doesn't have to be unhealthy if you choose something appropriate. Everest the coffee and sandwich chain (www.everest.gr) has sandwiches and is open late; Goody's (www.goodysnet.gr) has pasta, burgers and sandwiches, Gregorys and Coffee light (www.gregorys.gr). Another very late night Athenian thing to do after clubbing (something like eating a Philly cheesteak in the United States) is eating at a Vromiko (loose translation, cool dirty food). One of the most famous is at Plateia Mavili in the district of Abelokipous near some of the watering holes (potadika) nearby. Good souvlaki can be had at several locations in Monastiraki some popular are Thanassis in Monastiraki Square, Savvas www.kebapsavvas.gr; and Bairaktaris at Monastiraki Square; also downtown are Pitta tou Pappou; Pitta Pan www.pitapan.gr and in Kolonaki, Kalamaki. Some traditional food are: souvlaki, pasticcio, tzatziki, mousakas, greek salad, feta. Our traditional greek coffee (Turkish coffee) and the most famous “frappe” which is a refreshing ice coffee. Other drinks that you can taste are our greek wines and of course “ΟΥΖΟ” which is a drink that is considered to be one of Greek’s favorite drink!!!
Shopping Opening Hours: Monday and Wednesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Thursday, Tuesday and Friday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 am Malls are open Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Suggested places:
Mall of Athens (Neratziotissa metro station line 1)
Athens Metro Mall ( Agios Dimitrios metro station line 2)
Ermou Street (Syntagma metro station line 2)
Athens Flea Market (Monastiraki metro station line 1,3)
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
March 25th Greek Independence Day and Annunciation Day The celebration of the successful Greek revolution against the Ottoman occupation coincides with the religious holiday of the Annunciation of Mary. Throughout Greece major Independence Day parades are held. May 1st (Protomayia) Labour Day - The Feast of Flowers A delightful spring holiday that often allows for day trips near or far. Tradition has it that on this day you collect flowers and create a wreath to decorate your front door. Flower vendors help out with wreaths to buy. June-Pentecost Monday – Holiday of the Holy Spirit (Agio Pnevmatos) Depending on Easter, this holiday, (50 days after Easter Sunday) usually falls in early June. August 15 -- The Day of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) November 17th: “Polytechneio”, anniversary of the students’ protests against dictatorship
December 25th: Christmas
October 28th: “Ochi day” , celebration of the Greek refusal to the Italian ultimatum of 1940 (ochi means no in greek)
Transportation
Public Transport -Buses -Trains -Tram
Ticket price: 1.40 € (for 1 and half an hour) Tickets are provided in all metro stations and kiosks on the streets.
Taxis
Car Rental
BUS IN ATHENS
Thermal Buses S.A (ETHEL) The Ethel buses are the core lines that connect the Athens and Piraeus city center with the centers of surrounding municipalities.There are several express bus routes to and from Athens International Airport. Thermal Buses run daily from 5:00am to 23:00pm. For more information: call 185 or +302108836076
The Athens blue bus network consists of more than 320 lines connecting the city center with all the Athens suburbs and with Piraeus. OASA provides information on the best way to reach a destination by dialing 185. Blue buses run daily from 5:00am to 00:15am. For more information: www.oasa.gr Trolley or Electric Buses (ILPAP) The trolleybus is just one more means of transport to take you where you want to go in Athens. Trolleybuses run daily from 5:00am to 00:30am. Intercity Bus Company or Association of Bus Operators (KTEL) The Greek bus companies, or KTEL, serve destinations outside of Athens and have a dense network throughout Greece. Almost every city and village has a local KTEL with routes to main centers and to Athens. There are two bus terminals: Kifissou 100 serves the Peloponnese +302105124910 and western Greece; The Liossion 260 terminal serves central and northern Greece +302108317109; For more information: call 1440; www.ktel.org 24-Hour Bus Lines: 1. 500 Piraeus – Kifissia 2. Χ14 Syntagma – Kifissia 3. 040 Piraeus – Syntagma 4. Ano Patissia– Pagrati – Ν. Elvetia 5. Glyfada-Peristeri (Agios Antonios) 6. X93 Kifissos Interurban Station Buses – Athens International Airport Εxpress 7. Χ95 Syntagma – Athens International Airport Εxpress 8. Χ96 Piraeus – Athens International Airport Εxpress 9. Χ97 Dafni Station – Athens International Airport Εxpress
ATHENS Sites: Attico Metro http://www.ametro.gr, Athens Piraeus Electric Railways S.A. http://www.isap.gr, Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" http://www.aia.gr, Suburban http://www.proastiakos.gr, TRAM S.A. http://www.tram.gr , Thermal Busses S.A. (ETHEL) http://www.ethel.gr , Taxis www.athens-taxi.gr.
Athens Taxis
Greek taxis are inexpensive by European standards and offer an alternative to mass transit. All licensed taxis are equipped with meters (the fare is charged per km and per hour) and display a card detailing the latest valid tariffs and surcharges. In certain tourist areas you may be asked to pay a predetermined (standard) amount for a ride to a specific destination; thus, before boarding a taxi make sure to seek information from another source on the exact fare for the journey. Listed below is a breakdown of taxi rates (per km) in Athens:
The flat rate at the start of the meter: 1.16 € Rate per km inside the city limits (zone 1): 0.66 € Rate per km outside the city limits (zone 2): 1.16 € Waiting time fee (per hour): 10.65 € Minimum travel charge: 3.10 € Night tariff (from 24:00 – 05:00): 1.16 € Holiday tariff during the Christmas and Easter seasons: + 1 €
To/ from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 3.77 € Outward from Athens Port and railways and bus depots: 1.05 € Baggage over 10 KG (22 lbs) each: 0.38 €
The following rates apply to radio taxis:
Regular call for taxi pickup: 1.88 € Taxi pickup by appointment: 3.33 € - 5.55€
The Taxi driver's obligations are as follows:
Driver should carry passenger's luggage from the pavement to the vehicle and vice versa. Driver is not entitled to deny passenger a ride and cannot pick up extra passengers without your permission. Passenger may request a waiting time up to 15 minutes, or more if there is a serious reason. Upon passenger's request, the driver is obliged to issue a receipt stating the route and metered fare paid. For scheduled pick up service you may call any of the taxi companies serving the greater Athens area USEFUL TIPS
Wi-Fi Hotspots. Free wi-fi access can be found at many of the Flocafe, Starbucks and Costa Coffee (coffee chains) locations throughout Attica, but also at several cafes in general such as Balux Café the House Project on the coast, Chocolat in Thisio, Dell'Arte Café Bar in Gazi, the Amada Café near Sintagma and the upstairs café at the bookstore chain Eleftheroudakis on Panepistimou Street. Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos provides free access for a limited time Several municipalities in Athens offer free wifi in their districts including Sintagma, Kotzia sq., Technolopolis in Gazi, Thisio and the malls and shopping centres Golden Hall, The Mall. For a location near you check out www.free-wifi.gr. Crossing the street in Greece is not like crossing the street in other countries. Drivers tend to be careless and do not respect pedestrians as much as they should. SO ALWAYS BE CAREFUL!!!!
Kiosks are located all over the city where at reasonable prices you can buy anything from magazines to water even bus tickets. SMOKING: Greece has implemented a smoking ban since 2010. However, you are always allowed to smoke. In cafes Greeks pay with cash and probably credit cards will not be accepted. Body language is very important in Greek culture. It is common courtesy to shake hands with everyone individually in a group before departing, while kissing is a common greeting once you know its other. Greek people tend to touch and kiss each other a lot, something that can be misinterpreted by someone visiting for the first time. USEFUL NUMBERS General Telephone Information: 11888 and 11880 International Phone Assistance: 139 Emergency numbers: Hellenic Police General Number: 1033 Emergency number to call police: 100 Tourist police: 171 Airport Police: (+30) 210-353-6919 Fire Emergency: 199 Ambulance: 166 Poison Control: (+30) 210-779-3777
ELECTRICITY Notice that electric current in Greece conforms to continental European standard i.e. 220- 240 Volt AC-50Hz out of a double (un-earthed) or triple (earthed) roundpin socket. Therefore, you may need the appropriate plug adaptors. Note also that quality domestic appliances are quite expensive. So, bring along what's really necessary for you, like hair dryer, electric shaver, etc. Of course, if you forget to do so, we will show you around and track down certain goods at very good prices. TIME ZONE Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2).
GREEKS PHRASES AND WORDS
MUSIC Rebetika-Laika: Underground songs from 1920-1950, great impact on music scene. Songs about immigration love, living as an outcast. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsAiLQ6fcVo , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeC7N80wZas, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1FLiZlQuNI ) Modern-Artistic: Non-widely commercial, considered of “higher quality” than pop. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBabLCTXUxs , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5qampgVri8) Pop: Mix of pop-traditional-eastern music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_ilUGMPd84&feature=relmfu)
Athens Monuments
The establishment of Athens as a city dates back to mythological times. Despite the length of the city's history, it is still evident throughout Athens in the form of many Ancient, Roman, Byzantine and Modern monuments. Today's capital is a result of integration of ancient and medieval history into the contemporary era. Ancient Athens monuments can be found all around the city center, side by side with contemporary construction such as buildings, roads and train stations. In the lower level of Monastiraki metro station, the visitor comes face to face with a part of the ancient city. Many Byzantine Athens monuments such as churches still operate as religious venues. Monuments such as the Roman Agora and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus host cultural events. All you have to do is just take a walk in the city and you will find innumerable monuments on your way. Tickets There is a special ticket package at the price of €12 (€6 Reduced) with which you can visit almost all archaeological sites within the Athens City Center, namely:
The Acropolis of Athens The Ancient Agora Kerameikos The North slope of Acropolis Olympeion The Roman Agora and The South Slope of Acropolis
You can get this special ticket package on the entrance of each of the above mentioned archaeological sites.
Free admission days
Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March National Holidays The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August and September (when the first Sunday is a public holiday, then the second is the free admission day)
Museums
Museums operating in Athens can be divided in two categories. On the one hand, there are the important institutions hosting world treasures from antiquity and the Byzantine era. These include the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum and the Byzantine Museum. Next to them, there are a number of state thematic museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the War Museum. One the other, there are a large number of thematic, public and private museums with smaller collections in a variety of fields ranging from history to ceramics and from railway to music instruments.
Nightlife
Athens is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The choices are plenty and they appeal to all tastes and lifestyles. In general, things get started pretty late: after midnight for bars and clubbing and after 10:00 p.m. for dinner at the city's tavernas, Athens Restaurants and bar-restaurants. Hip areas include Gazi, Psirri, Metaxourgio, Monastiraki, Theseion and Kolonaki. Traditional Greek evenings can be spent in Plaka. Athens nightlife is just overflowing with modern, bohemian, ethnic, Latin, dance, rock, fashion and mainstream bars, lounges and clubs. Go out and have fun, Athens nightlife is waiting for you.
Leisure spots
Visa Issues Interns from European Union All interns from countries of the European Union as well as the countries of the European Economic Area, such as Slovenia, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria do not need a visa to enter Greece. Interns outside E.U. Only interns who are undergraduate have the right to take an internship in Greece. Interns need a valid visa D to enter and work in Greece. To get the visa you need the acceptance note and an invitation letter from the company. The visa procedure may take a long time, so interns have to contact the Greek embassy in their country right after the match. We have to mention that we are not allowed to accept interns from some specific countries due to some legal issues among Greece and these countries.
TRAVEL
Agkistri
Evoia-Xalkida
Nafplio Winter Destinations
Mountain Pillion
Zagorochoria
Karpenisi
Araxova
Thessaloniki
ECONOMIC CRISIS Because of the economic crisis many people have many difficulties here in Greece. There is a small group of people (salesmen and taxi drivers) who tend to take advantage of tourists by charging them with prices higher than the usual. SO BE CAREFUL. Always try to buy your stuff from places where they have fixed prices. Also when use a taxi be careful of the taxi-meter. Do not take a taxi without one because they will charge you more money. And it would be better and cheaper to use the public transportation.
So come and live your myth in Greece!!!