ATHENS
weekly
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • www.insider-publications.com • No 117 • Friday, September 30, 2016 Orlando
The Departed
G. Lappas Happy Birthday
Virginia Woolf’s gender-blurring fantasy Orlando is staged from Sept 30-Dec 4 at Skrow Theater. Orlando is a creature without human limitations of old age and death, who begins life as an Elizabethan nobleman and becomes an emancipated modern woman. Tickets €12. Archelaou 5, Pangrati, 210.723.5842, skrowtheater.com
A tribute to 28 contemporary European artists who are no longer with us. By reconstructing the creative schemes of their social, political, ideological and artistic pursuits, the Departed shows us that their artworks are still very much alive. Entrance €6. Frissiras Museum, Monis Asteriou 3, 210.323.4678, frissirasmuseum.com
One of the 20th century’s most important Greek sculptors, George Lappas, who died this year, is remembered in an arresting exhibition of his ouvre, titled “Happy Birthday”, (from Sept 22-Nov 20), at the Benaki Museum in collaboration with the DESTE Foundation. Tickets: €7, Vas. Sofias & Koubari 1, tel: 210.367.1000, benaki.gr
TV THIS WEEK
business
Deutschland 83
Martin is ordered to break into the hotel room of a high-ranking NATO official and steal a top-secret report. Thursday at 11pm on OTE Cinema 4HD
Happy Valley
The New Capital Controls Explained! Confused by the new capital control rules and what your Greek cards will or won’t buy you abroad? Here’s what you need to know. An Insider’s guide. A year after being imposed, Greece’s strict capital controls were recently relaxed (on July 22) by the Greek Central Bank in a bid to replenish the country’s drained liquidity and to restore consumer and investor trust in the banking system. It’s hoped that these changes will prompt depositors to return some of the €45 billion in cash that exited the Greek banking system.
amount fully or partially at any time during the two week period (from Saturday 00.01 until the second following Friday midnight) from the cashiers, ATMs or through instant cash service.
BUT WHAT DO THE NEW CAPITAL CONTROLS ACTUALLY MEAN? How much cash can I now withdraw from the ATM? The maximum cash withdrawal limit has been increased from €420 a week to €840 bi-weekly, per depositor, per institution. This means you can withdraw this
If I return my deposits to the bank or make a new cash deposit, will my withdrawals still be restricted? No. One of the main aims of the new regulations is to encourage “new” cash – that is, funds pulled from accounts in last year’s bank run and stashed under mattresses or in safe deposit boxes - back
Can I use my Greek credit card to make cash withdrawals now? No. Greek credit cards and pre-paid cards may still only be used to pay for transactions.
into the banking system. All restrictions Yes. The early, partial or total, prepayment of on withdrawals of “new” cash, deposited a loan to a credit institution is now allowed. after July 22, 2016, have been abolished. Is it possible to use my Greek cards to What about funds transferred to Greek pay for my purchases or services when bank accounts from abroad? abroad? Can I still only access 10% immediately? Yes you can. Foreign transactions with a No. There is now a 30% limit for immediate card present are permitted for all categories except these: Securities-Brokers/Dealers, cash withdrawal. Gambling Transactions, Money Transfer. What about Greek pensioners living abroad? Can they now access their en- What about using my Greek cards to purchase foreign goods and services titlements? The opening of an account for pensioners through Amazon or online hotels and residing abroad is now allowed for the pur- flight bookings? pose of receiving their pension payments. Yes. Foreign transactions through the Internet/Telephone are permitted for all catHave there been any changes to the egories except: Wire transfer and money rules regarding the repayment of loans? orders; Art dealers and galleries; Dating
and escort services; Recreational services & betting; Jewelry stores; Telemarketing services, Charitable organisations; and (for some reason!) Food services. The good news is that previous restrictions preventing the use of Greek cards to buy foreign clothing and accessories; home décor and furnishings; cosmetics; and electronic gadgets and accessories have now been lifted! Can we expect a complete lifting of cash withdrawal limits any time soon? Probably not. The Greek Central Bank has made it clear that the relaxed remaining restrictions on cash withdrawals need to stay in place to encourage more widespread use of plastic cards and POS card machines to reduce VAT evasion.
Catherine Cawood is the sergeant on duty when flustered and nervous accountant Kevin Weatherill comes into her West Yorkshire station to report a crime. Monday at 10pm on OTE Cinema 4HD. Watch FOX and FoxLife on NOVA, OTE TV, Vodafone, CYTA
CINEMA THIS WEEK
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children where dangers deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers.
Deepwater Horizon A story set on the offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, which exploded in April 2010, creating the worst oil spill in U.S. history. With Mark Wahlberg, and Kurt Russell.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Theatre
restaurant review
Community
Athens Singers Wanted! Popular choral ensemble The Athens Singers is putting out the call for more tenors and basses to swell its ranks. Interested parties can call 6972 634348 or 6938 325088 or e-mail: kimsuepreston@hotmail.com
Encore Piaf! One more chance to hear the haunting anthems of France’s “Little Sparrow” on October 6 at 21.30 at Herodion Atticus Theater, Dionysiou Areopagitou. Tickets from €20-70 at viva.gr or 13855.
BOOK nook
Hislop’s Odyssey within an Odyssey Insider’s literary expert Anna Roins delivers her verdict on Victoria Hislop’s latest paean to Greece, Cartes Postale from Greece, published last week: Costas, from Dodoni, works on his plot of woman he loves, S Ibbotson. He embarks land, his ‘kipo’, from morning to night to on his journey alone starting off with the avoid his malodorous wife. One day, he incredible Peloponnese. discovers a piece of shimmering white “The fundamental difference between marble under the hardened soil. ‘By mid- the UK and Greece is that no one treats afternoon, he realised he was looking you like a stranger here,” observes Vicdown at the plump cheeks of a woman’s toria Hislop;Anthony wants to be left by bottom.’ It was the Goddess Aphrodite. himself in his sorrow, but everywhere he Unrequited love began. This is one of the goes he’s offered company; a story. ‘For many stories featured in Cartes Postale the Greeks, the worst thing in the world is to be alone, so someone always comes from Greece. in a love affair that has spanned 40 to talk to me, to ask me or tell me someyears, Victoria Hislop weaves her latest thing.’ novel with grit and humility. It’s a ground- He purges his grief by writing his experibreaking precedent; a work of short sto- ences down on postcards sending them ries interspersed with vivid postcards back to his love in northwest London. The taken by Alexandros Kakolyris. They in- problem is that S no longer lives there. Elfuse the reader with the contradictions lie Thomas now does. that stronghold this place; its whimsy, Week after week, the postcards arrive and dilapidation in equal measure. at Ellie’s dinghy flat without a return adIn essence, it is a travel diary of a broken- dress, signed ‘A’. They startle in their hearted man, ‘A’, for Anthony Brown, a brightness and illuminate the narrative 45-year-old art historian who has been capturing the light, colour, and sounds, of stood up at Kalamata airport by the Nafplio, Sparta, and Ikaria, to name a few.
Festival 4th Little Paris of Athens Embrace the Gallic spirit as Athenian streets with French names around central Athens are swept up in French music, café theatre and photo exhibitions at the 4th Little Paris of Athens Festival, October 6-16. Visit athensartnetwork.gr.
Ellie, uninspired by her work selling advertising space, creates a colourful montage on her wall until, six months later, the postcards stop. A spell has been cast, and she is resolved to see Greece for herself. On the morning she leaves for Athens, a blue notebook arrives. At this point ‘A’ takes control of the narrative in the form of extracts from his ‘spiritual’ journey. The tales reflect the social, political and financial pillage the Greeks had suffered, past and present, from when the Turks invaded the country, to the introduction of capital controls. Some are nostalgic and without guile, others are downright horrifying. Sometimes, it feels like Hislop wants to express some of her frustrations at Greece. About the lack of implementation of regulations; corrupt governments; the injustice of the German reparations; the undercurrent of misogyny, and the distrust of foreigners. These stories unravel not only the culture but also the ‘pneuma’ or spirit of this majestic country, as well as Anthony’s desire to live life to the fullest again. Hislop’s writing in this latest release may not deliver the skilful potency of her earlier efforts but Cartes Postale from Greece offers a perfect symposium in storytelling – an odyssey that contains a story within a story, unfurling artful anecdotes graced by brilliant images. Cartes Postale from Greece, Headline Review, published September 22, 2016
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Ballaro, Take a Bow! Voula’s newest Italian arrival offers sophisticated street dining with surprisingly the best she’s ever eaten. Service throughout the evening was atfriendly prices, discovers Amanda Dardanis. tentive and conscientious – even at its Time was when one’s culinary ambitions they do, they do extremely well. The busiest peak when all the tables were in Voula square rarely exceeded a lazy range is pasta-centric (don’t go if you’re full. (Definitely book ahead on the weekSunday lunch with family and friends at craving pizza) and focuses on well-ex- end.) A well-priced and curated selection a modest taverna. Or a mid-week break ecuted and presented regional Sicilian of Italian wines notched our satisfactionfrom the kitchen at one of the southern dishes – alongside instagram-fodder level up even higher (we went for a wonsuburb’s perfectly capable souvlaki joints. charcuterie boards showcasing the Ital- derful Valpolicella Classico). Sadly, we’ll But now, this cosmopolitan seaside ham- ian deli range available inside. have to get back to you about the deslet is increasingly being seen as a Sat- We ordered 2 starters for the table: the serts (time defeated us on the night). urday night destination – and a viable vitello tonnato (veal with tuna and caper In just a short few months, Ballaro has alternative to neighbouring Glyfada. It’s sauce) and a caprese salad – both terrif- successfully cultivated a delightful, buzzy all thanks to an influx of new internation- ic and a portent of good things to come. and convivial vibe – and currently offers ally-tilted wine bars and eateries that The most popular main choices at our ta- one of the best quality for value, elegant are dishing up quality, atmosphere and ble of 8 were the vongole with cuttlefish dining options on the southside. value for money. ink linguine (delicious but a tad under- Ballaro, you are a very welcome addition Newcomer Ballaro is a prime example. seasoned); the porcini risotto (marvel- to our Voula Village. Opened early this summer, with the rus- lous - perfect texture & seasoning); and tic cuisine of a Palermo street market as a stand-out tortellini al ragu loaded with Ballaro Deli Italian Restaurant, Posidonos its muse, Ballaro Deli & Restaurant has tender shredded beef in lieu of mince 12, Voula, tel: 210.899.4464. Find them on introduced a stylish new note to the mag- that felt more like a fragrant light stew Facebook. netic Posidonos pocket of Voula Village. (superb value at €9 – in fact many of (There are Ballaro branches also in Thes- the pasta plates come in at under €10). Has a great new restaurant, café or bar arsaloniki and Mykonos). Meanwhile, my vegetarian friend report- rived in your neighbourhood? Let us know at After getting rave reviews from a number ed that Ballaro’s white truffle pasta was whatsnew@insider-magazine.gr of fellow Voula natives, we gave the restaurant a spin ourselves last Saturday night. Annexed off in a charming sunken enclave behind pretty planter boxes, (opposite the hugely popular Vergera wine bar), dining on the pavement at Ballaro feels like more of an intimate “date night” experience than eating out over in the main square across the road, where most of Voula’s restaurants are situated. Its elegant seating mish mash of white wrought iron and blonde wood, and the well-dressed tables enhance the mood of exclusivity. It’s not a huge menu. But it’s a sophisticated one and what