Kids Club at astir palace Summer Camps 2014
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • insider-publications.com • facebook.com/insiderpublications • No 12 • Friday, May 30, 2014 ATHENS FESTIVAL STATIONS
FESTIVAL EN LEFKO FESTIVAL 2014
Athens Festival presents a fusion of dance, music and visual arts. The moving body is used as a projection screen to an endless journey through space and time. June 1 and 2 at the Peiraios 260 venue. Tel. 210.327.7200, greekfestival.gr
Following last year’s success, the 2nd En Lefko Festival presents an impressive line-up of favourite acts like Boy George, Simple Minds, Hooverphonic and many more. June 20 and 21 at the Technopolis, Gazi. More info: enlefkofestival.gr
SPORTS
CITY DESTINATIONS
Greece’s Brazil-bound 23 hope to upset the odds
A NATURAL WELLNESS RETREAT
By Graham Wood
The countdown has begun. The World Cup is just 20 days away. Excitement is already building on a global scale and the enthusiasm is as strong as anywhere here in Greece. The competition marks the third participation in the finals for Portuguese coach Fernando Santos’ team, for whom Brazil 2014 marks his swansong as he has decided not to renew his contract. The 59-year-old selected his final squad of 23 this week, and as expected he sprang more than a couple of surprises. A man who keeps his cards closer to his chest than most, he was forced into revealing his provisional squad several days earlier after a leaked version appeared on the BBC website. All the secrets were out on Monday though, with Olympiakos Piraeus centre back Avraam Papadopoulos was among the leading players cut from the provisional group of 30. The 29-year-old, who has been an integral part of the squad since making his debut in 2008 has been left out for the trip to Brazil with 32-year-old Evangelos Moras of Hellas Verona taking his defensive spot. The main talking point though, is the inclusion of Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou, who has barely played this year due to a knee injury. Mitroglou, who joined the London club from Olympiakos Piraeus for 11 million pounds in January, played for only two hours in three matches as the club were relegated. However, his three goals in the 4-2 aggregate playoff victory over Romania that took Greece to the finals have obviously kept him in favour. “For me the selection criteria was personal
and has to do with the players that make me feel secure in terms of tactics, competitiveness and fitness,” said Santos on Mitroglou’s selection. “This team is about more than names on paper and I believe the group can defy the odds and do even better than we expect.” The 26-year-old’s team-mate Giorgos Karagounis, the Greece captain with 132 caps but who played only 14 times for Fulham this season, was also named in the squad, along with other experienced campaigners such as midfielder Kostas Katsouranis and Georgios Samaras, who is leaving Celtic this summer. Santos also had the local press confused with the quirky selection of a symbolic ‘24th player’ in amateur midfielder 33-year-old Manos Sergios. The part-time player at amateur team APE Antirriou in western Greece, who was born in Brazil to Greek parents and is a marketing professional, it is hoped, will contribute to a positive atmosphere among the players and ease some pressure. “I still cannot believe it. When [Greece team manager Takis] Fyssas called me last night to inform me about me being invited to the national team, I was sure he was having me on. I was actually at work and I
almost passed out,” Sergios said. Greece face Colombia, Ivory Coast and Japan in Group C in Brazil, the first match against the Colombians scheduled for June 14. Before that, they will play warm-up friendlies against Portugal (31.5.14), Nigeria (3.6.14) and Bolivia (6.6.14).
Roll on Rio!
Greece squad: Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis(Granada), Panaglotis Glykos (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos) Defenders: Kostas Manolas, Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas (all Olympiakos), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Giorgios Tzavellas (PAOK), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Vasilis Torosidis (Roma), Vangelis Moras (Hellas Verona). Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor), Andreas Samaris (Olympiakos), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Ioannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna) Panagiotis Kone (Bologna) Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgios Samaras (Celtic), Konstantinos Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor)
The Vouliagmeni Lake is a jaw-droppingly magnificent setting with its craggy rocks rising high into the ‘faskomilia’ slopes so named after the profusion of sage and thyme bushes that grow wild here. The emerald-green brackish water that flows into the sea is blessed with healing and therapeutic properties that have drawn scores of visitors seeking relief from their worldly ills. At a warm and inviting average temperature of 24 Celsius year-round, its waters offer an alternative for reluctant swimmers to enjoy a swim 12 months a year, without the hesitant toe-dipping, water-patting ritual sea-swimmers need to engage in. The biggest challenge that Nicholas Papazissis, the restless General Manager of Vouliagmeni Lake Tourism Enterprise SA faced, was ‘to transform the jaded, senior-citizen reputation the Lake had acquired over the years into an attractive natural leisure retreat for all ages.’ And he has done so in a remarkably short span of time.
EXHIBITION POSEIDONIA
The bi-annual gathering of the international shipping community gets underway from June 2 to June 6 at Posidonia for five days of business, debate and social gatherings.
The Astir Westin Kids Club launches its summer camp that combines sports and creativity in an incredibly beautiful and safe environment at extremely affordable rates. Open for toddlers from May 1 - Sept 30 and for children upto 12 years from June 16 - Sept 30 from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and from 10am to 7pm on Saturdays. Baby Summer Camp: (1.5 - 2.5 yrs) awareness and communication through creative play and activities. Junior Athletic Summer Camp, Mon-Fri (3-6 yrs) including train rides at the resort, swimming lessons, lunch, creative play, painting, pastry and cooking lessons, team sports and outdoor activities. Athletic Summer Camp, Mon - Fri (7-12 yrs) includes daily swimming lessons, tennis 3 times a week, sailing 2 times a week, basketball, soccer, dance and team sports. Brunch included in the package. For more info, contact the Westin kids club at Astir Palace: 6981030500-501 and 2108901528. westinathens.com/en/westin_kids_club; bizparty.gr
With a flurry of activities lined up throughout the year, the Lake now attracts music lovers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts at its events including jazz concerts, Yoga and Pilates classes and Runs around the Lake. The energy is palpable and young Athenians are re-discovering their natural heritage through another prism. The lush green lawns at the Lake are usually booked ahead of time for receptions and corporate parties after eight, when the last of the bathers have left. In fact, it is the venue for the awards ceremony of the 7th Posidonia Cup Yacht Race in Faliron Bay. A stunningly beautiful terrace that skirts the lake doubles as a restaurant in the evenings – and is open throughout the summer until late September. This is the place you want to declare undying love to your beloved or come by for a drink to soak in the serenity. A café-restaurant that serves snacks, coffee, salads and ice-creams is open all day long as are its spa facilities. A sand-free alternative to the hustle of a regular beach, the Lake also offers Loyalty Cards to those wishing to wallow in the lake’s hot springs and enjoy its various activities all-year round. For tourists, the Lake is exactly half-way between Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, and a pleasantly different proposition from the usual sand-and-sea formula. And for long-term residents, here is a natural, urban retreat where you can swim, get a massage, dine by moonlight (catered by Varsos, the century-old Kifissia institution) or work, by simply moving your office to a more serene setting and connecting to the Lake’s free wi-fi. Add it to your bucket list of places to visit and things to do. For more info: 210.896.2239, limnivouliagmenis.gr
ATHENS STATE ORCHESTRA: COLOURFUL SOUNDS The 21st concert of the Athens State Orchestra in collaboration with the French Institute as part of the Greece-France Alliance 2014’on May 30 at 8.30 pm at the Megaron. Tel. 210.728.2333, megaron.gr
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
© ABC Studios Irresistible TV
Vincent and Cat have to work together on Valentine’s Day to track down who caught Sam. Cat starts doubting whether she wants to be in a relationship with Gabe. Tune in Fridays @ 22.20
THE BRIDGE
© Shine International
Sonya and Marco are close to finding the killer while Charlotte takes drastic measures to save her ranch. Frye’s ghosts of the past came back to haunt him. Tune in this Saturday @ 21.50
ONCE UPON A TIME 3
© ABC Studios Irresistible TV
With Mary Margaret ready to give birth, Storybrooke’s residents are on the lookout, fearing that Zelena will try to steal the baby and change her destiny. Tune in this Saturday @ 21.00 Watch FOX on NOVA, OTE TV, HOL, CYTA Watch FOX Life on NOVA, OTE TV, CYTA Watch National Geographic Channel on NOVA, HOL, CYTA
CINEMA THIS WEEK BAD NEIGHBOURS:
Starring Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco and Lisa Kudrow, Bad Neighbours, directed by Nicholas Stoller is an energetic, colourful comedy that will have many rolling in the aisles this summer.
Godzilla:
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Music
TV THIS WEEK
Exhibition
Oenophilia
Lindo maravilhoso! The Brazilian Embassy hosts an exhibition‘by Dimos Flessas, ‘When Art Meets Football,’ on the eve of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil from June 6 to July 20. Mon-Fri, from 10am to 2pm at the Brazilian Embassy, Vas. Sofias 23 210.721.3039
Wine Weekend: Vineyards and wine estates across Europe remain open this weekend. If in Attica, head to Domaine Vassiliou, next to the airport in Spata (vassilioudomaine.gr) for a wine degustation or if you’re inclined to take a drive up to Nemea, make the most of the trip with by stocking up on good labels.
Festivals
The world’s most famous monster is pitted against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
ATHENS FESTIVAL
UP The long-awaited summer festival is back on Pori Beach with an eclectic music programme and parallel activities from July 17 to 19 at Ano Koufonisi island. upfestival.gr
GASTRONOMY
Authentic Napoli Pizza in Greek Piazzas By: Christina Michele Rios
Off the bustling main street of Kolonaki lies Capanna, a small but impressive Italian refuge from hectic Athenian life. Upon entering the trattoria, the first thing you might notice is the charming interior design which is an ode to tradition while still maintaining a modern and minimal aesthetic. The collage of vintage wooden shutters lining the wall gives it a rustic edge, one that is reminiscent of the restaurant’s natural, authentic Italian home-style cooking. Capanna was built around the concept of outdoor alfresco dining, all of it’s windows slide upwards allowing the interior to spill out onto the sprawling and spacious sidewalk which is lined with tables positioned next to fragrant lemon and orange trees. After all, we are blessed with sun and warm weather approximately 350 days a year so why not take advantage of it? Capanna’s outdoor seating paints the ambiance of an Italian courtyard in summertime. The specialities della casa are the one-of-a-kind Caprese salad, refreshing Beef Carpaccio and of course the bonafide, delicious Napoli-style pizzas. Capanna’s menu, fresh ingredients and combination of flavours rivals some of Napoli’s best pizzerias. Light, chewy, airy crust, nicely charred on the edges and underside with the perfect ratio of cheese-to-pomodoro (which is their own house recipe, made fresh daily)--the head pizzaiolo Enrico Boffoni has won multiple Pizza competitions worldwide and uses his own secret recipe for the flour, intricately and carefully preparing it for up to 36 hours. The focaccia breads and pizzas are cooked to order in a brick wood-burning
oven, their flavour profiles reflect the pizzaiolo’s careful attention to detail. Insider’s favourites were the Pizza Melanzane, a thin and fluffy dough with mozarella, parmigiano, aubergines and aubergine puree + Pizza Parma with sweet homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, fresh locally sourced roka and tomatinia. The Caprese salad is not to be missed, the mozzarella di bufala is a generous portion-perfect for sharing with a group of 3-4--and the best one we have ever tasted (in and
out of Italia). If you’re looking for a place to entertain friends or to head for a romantic date night, Capanna is the perfect hidden gem and escape into the Italian countryside. Insider’s tip: Do make reservations at least 4 days in advance, especially if you would like a table outdoors. Do ask your server for their assistance with the wine pairing, the attentive and knowledgeable staff are especially helpful with the wine descriptions. Capanna, 38 Ploutarchou St & Charitos 42, Kolonaki, 2107241777
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A SUMMER OF CULTURE As Athens’ annual summer festival gets underway, Insider Weekly picks three must-sees until June 15. George Loukos, the Artistic Director of the festival pulls all stops to retain a rich repertoire of highprofile and small-budget productions. Watch out for our festival highlights every Friday to plan ahead and book tickets. For more information, visit greekfestival.gr Luc Bondy The False Secrets by Pierre De Marivaux 12 - 14 June, 21:00 (14/6 on 14:00) Onassis Cultural Centre This Paris-
ian production is directed by Luc Bondy, a director who has built a successful career in the French and German theatre and currently the artistic director of both the Odéon theatre and the Wiener Festwochen—on giving his actors space to practice their art. Freed from the stereotypes that plagued older readings, the director pulls the work into the present and reveals the play’s verbal elegance— the celebrated marivaudage—as well as its pauses. The great Isabelle Huppert— a modern Araminte who negotiates the role’s emotional shifts with bravura—returns to the Athens Festival after her unforgettable performance in Heiner Muller’s Quartet directed by Bob Wilson. Dorante is played by Louis Garrel, an actor equally at home on the stage and screen.
CIRCA – Debussy String Quartet Opus 7-9 June, 21:00 Peiraios 260, Building D
Inspired by the music of Dmitri Shostakovich for string quartet, the renowned Australian circus company Circa joins forces with the French Quatuor Debussy ensemble in Opus: an unexpected, hybrid spectacle based on daring feats of acrobatics, music, and poetic performances. 14 acrobats and 4 musicians explore with stunning power, sensitivity and virtuosity the faint boundaries that separate body and soul, individual and group, and the tragic from the comic. Dada Masilo Swan Lake 7-9 June, 21:00 Peiraios 260, Building H Dada Masi-
lo, a young artist born in Johannesburg, is one of the most renowned dancers in South Africa and a graduate of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s school in Brussels. Essaying an unconventional and daring version of Swan Lake, the most famous romantic ballet of them all, she makes a splash with a reading that smashes the stereotypes of classical ballet along with the homophobic tendencies that dominate the people in South Africa and elsewhere. Fourteen swans, men and women, barefoot and in tutus, appear with their back to the audience making a hip movement reminiscent of African dances.