25 minute read
22 School of ATHENS by Raphael
SCHOOL OF ATHENS BY RAPHAEL
Dimitri Laspas
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This is without doubt one of the most spectacular paintings I have ever seen. It truly takes your breath away, not only for its size (5m × 7.7m), but the colours and for the room in which it sits, in the labyrinth of rooms within the Vatican in Rome, Italy.
I wish I had stood for a lot longer absorbing this masterpiece; to really see all the messages and stories it was telling. But visiting Rome in summer 2019 was not for the faint-hearted and so unfortunately one gets swept along in the mass of visitors flowing through the Vatican.
Having said that, it was one of the best holidays I have had and every corner astonished me with Roman beauty. I would not hesitate to go back and see it all over again.
So, the ‘School of Athens’ is a fictional fresco created in 1509-1511 by Raphael. It is on display in the Stanza della Segnatura (Room of the Signature), Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican. Here the Church leaders would sign and seal the most significant documents at the time.
The room was also used as the Pope’s library. Commission to decorate the room, Raphael painted individual frescos of the 4 principal subjects found in the library: law, religion, literature, and philosophy. It is a stunning room!
The ‘School of Athens’ brings together almost all the most influential thinkers across a millennium, from the greatest mathematicians, philosophers and scientists gathered together sharing their ideas and learning from each other. These figures all lived at different times, but here they are seen together under one roof.
Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael)
The Vatican
However looking carefully, it is clear to work out many of the others. Raphael never left notes of who was who, so since its creation, debate on the message and its secrets have been debated.
Plato
Within the painting we can easily identify Pythagoras writing in a large book and with a tablet at his feet, on which a harmonic scale is drawn.
Aristotle
Epicurus
Epicurus was the founder of Epicureanism, a highly influential school of philosophy. He is seen with a green leaf wreath on his head on the left hand side of the fresco.
Left of Plato, Socrates is represented with a brown tunic and in conversation with a young man with a headdress; Alexander the Great.
Hypatia
Just below this group is clearly the only female image in the painting, depicted in an angelic form; this was the only way Raphael could include Hypatia of Alexandria. She was a professor of philosophy, mathematics and astronomy at the University of Alexandria, one of the most famous
students of the school.
She was, for her time, the only woman for whom such claim can be made. Raphael was questioned over the inclusion of her by the Bishop as he believed that ‘knowledge of her runs counter to the belief of the faithful!’ and therefore she had to be taken out of the painting. Raphael was determined to keep her in the painting and so, to get around the issue, he turned her into a more angelic form, dressed in white and she is looking directly at us.
Ptolemy (with his back to us on the lower right), holds a sphere of the earth, and next to him is Zaroaster holding a celestial sphere. Also included in this group is Raphael himself as a self-portrait; he stands next to Ptolemy and looks right out at us.
Seated in the first row with his head resting on his hand is the philosopher Heraclitus, Greek philosopher remembered for his cosmology, in which fire forms the basic material principle of an orderly universe.
Diogenes
Out of interest, the two large statues that sit in niches at the back of the school are Apollo, God of light, archery and music, and Athena, goddess of wisdom in the Roman form of Minerva.
It is clear that the overall message Raphael wanted us to take from this magnificent fresco is that everyone has their moment, everyone has something to say, to teach, to learn, from antiquity to today, if we all come together we can achieve great things.
Airline & Aviation News
Is the objective to make it much more expensive for passengers to fly, so they fly less? That is not sustainability; it just aims to influence consumer behaviour. Are more taxes meant to encourage companies to speed up their sustainability programmes?
The European Commission recently announced its plan to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. It has discussed measures such as taxes on aviation fuel as helping the region to meet that target.
Instead of taxation, the development of biofuels and new generation aircraft should be the way forward. While many EU nations have had to bailout their airlines due to Covid-19, the imposing of taxes is just the same money going round and around.
On a positive note, the European Commission plan sets to improve European airspace, which would reduce emissions by around 10%. In addition the Single European Sky programme aims to digitalise and decarbonise the sector, which is the quickest, best and cheapest possible way to reduce CO2 emissions.
ISRAIR OPERATES BAHRAIN FLIGHT AFTER ISRAELI PACT WITH KINGDOM
After the signing of a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Bahrain, Israeli leisure carrier ‘Israir’ has flown a service to Bahrain from Tel Aviv. This follows another historic deal between Israel and the UAE.
OVER 4,000 JOBS CUT AT SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Singapore Airlines Group, is to cut approx 4,300 jobs across its airlines to help deal with ongoing uncertainty due to the pandemic.
It means that it will need to lay off 2,400 employees at Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Scoot airlines in Singapore and abroad.
The company said that "Singapore Airlines is in an even more vulnerable position, since it does not have an internal market that will be the first to see a recovery. To remain viable in this uncertain landscape, the group's airlines will operate a smaller fleet for a reduced network compared to their pre-Covid operations in the coming years.” For 2020-2021 it expects to operate at less than 50% of capacity, and does not expect to return to pre-Covid levels until 2024, as it relies on international demand.
AEGEAN WATERWAYS NETWORK
The creation of a seaplane network, connecting 20 islands of the South Aegean is taking shape and soon will gain their licence to fly.
Syros Island, Greece
Technical studies have already been carried out to assess the environmental impact, noise levels, landing sites, etc. The Greek islands that will benefit from these routes are: Rhodes, Halki, Symi, Tilos, Karpathos, Kastelorizo, Agathonisi, Nisyros, Astypalea, Kasso, Kea, Mykonos, Santorini, Kythnos, Kos , Andros, Sikino , Serifos, Donousa as well as Anafi.
AIRBUS HEADING FOR COLLAPSE
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has said that Airbus is at risk of collapse due to the ongoing health crisis. In order to survive, the company would need to get rid of 15,000 jobs and may have to put in place compulsory redundancies despite saying that 13,000 of its workforce were undergoing voluntary redundancy.
Airbus has seen a huge decline in aircraft deliveries and a 65% drop in revenue.
HOW TO BUY GET A CHEAP FLIGHT
Getting from A to B can be the most expensive bit of a holiday, and we are all wanting to find the cheapest price possible. There are a number of tips for achieving the best possible ticket outcome.
Compare prices before buying: Use both a flight ticket search engine and the airlines own website.
Parthenon, Athens, Greece
Keep your dates of travel flexible: This can make a big difference to the price. Prices are always more on weekends, and on the eve of national holidays, etc. By just moving your date by one day you can save more.
Put your browser mode in private mode: Make sure to take advantage of your internet browser's incognito mode feature while searching for flight tickets. This means there will be no flight ticket searches in the browser history, so you will not meet increasingly different price options depending on your search.
Clear cookies in your browser: Clearing the history and cookies in your search engine ensures that the plane ticket you searched for before is forgotten in your browser. Therefore an airline will think you are a new customer and offer a good price. Delete cookies and all searches relating to your travel from your internet history!
Check the season of your travel route: For example, flights to the Mediterranean from the northern hemisphere will be very expensive from May-August. If you can travel outside of the school holidays you will still get great weather, but less people and cheaper flight prices.
Buy quickly: The price of tickets changes rapidly, from hour to hour, so when you find the perfect flight at the best price, book it!
Get mobile apps: Be sure not to miss out on last minute deals with instant notifications.
Sign up for mail newsletters: Keep updated on all your travel needs. Keep ahead of any changes or new things to do at your destination.
Shirahige Shrine, Lake Biwa, Japan
Search for mile programmes: Utilise one of the many accumulating miles programmes; so you earn miles while doing your day-to-day shopping so that they can then use the miles later on or give you discounts, upgrades and better hotel prices.
Buy a one-way ticket: Search for your tickets one way, so you can choose the flights from different airlines. This can often be cheaper than a return option on the same airline.
Choose a connecting flight: Instead of travelling direct, opt for a connecting flight. Just be careful that you allow enough time to make the connection, especially if the connecting flight is in a different terminal. If the connection is in several hours, take advantage of seeing the stop-over city as part of your trip!
Use a VPN: Airline ticket prices may vary by country, by using a VPN application, you can purchase air tickets at local prices as the VPN application makes you look like you are in a different country. This is ideal for searching international flight.
CHINESE AVIATION RECOVERING WITH CHEAP SEATS
Global airlines should look to China’s airlines as a potential solution to staying in the air post-Covid. Chinese airlines are attracting passengers with bargain flights as its more cost effective to offer cheap flights than to have aircraft grounded, despite them still making a loss.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China says Chinese daily flights have recovered to 90% of the prepandemic levels with a full recovery by the end of the year. Incredibly, China Southern Airlines saw passenger capacity grow year on year in August.
FASTER REFUNDS FROM NORWEGIAN
Automatic reimbursement will shorten the time it takes to get money back from Norwegian. SAS continues with manual refunds. Automatic refunds Have been closed since March, meaning customers have had to wait a long time for their money back. Norwegian aims to have cleared all refunds by the end of October.
FINNAIR RESUMES ITS FLIGHT TO NANJING, CHINA
Finnair has begun operating one weekly flight between Helsinki and Nanjing. Operated with an Airbus A350 until 18 October combining cargo and passenger demand.
Finnair currently offers connections to 30 destinations in Europe and Finland from its Helsinki hub and serves some 40 destinations in Asia, operating in total 80-90 flights per day.
MC-21 DELIVERIES TO START ‘BY THE END’ OF 2021
Russia’s Irkut MC-21, a medium-haul passenger aircraft will begin deliveries at the end of 2021. It’s first priority will be to Russian airlines and will then accept foreign orders.
VIETNAM AIRLINES RESUMES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WITH SEOUL-HANOI
Vietnam Airlines has just begun to reopen its Seoul-Hanoi route. It’s the 1st official scheduled international commercial flight since the Covid-19 situation destabilised in Vietnam. The Airbus A350 offered over 300 seats, with tickets being sold through its offices and official agents in South Korea and Vietnam.
Passengers are subject to various requirements, including a valid Covid-19 result taken within 3 days before departure; confirming their quarantine details in Vietnam; installing a tracking app on their mobile phone; and completing medical reports.
Upon returning to Vietnam, crew members will be given health checks and quarantined as per regulations. The whole aircraft will be disinfected including the passenger compartment and cockpit in accordance with international standards.
After suspending international flights since 23 March, Vietnam has resumed commercial passenger operations on 6 international routes to Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; Guangzhou, China; Vientian, Laos; Taipei, Taiwan; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There will be no more than 2 flights per week for each destination. China Southern Airlines will operate Guangzhou-Ho Chi Minh City once a week.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways will alternately operate one weekly flight from Tokyo to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
INCREASED FLIGHTS BETWEEN USA AND COSTA RICA
Until 18 October increased flights between the US and Costa
Rican airports will take place. This comes after 5 months of flight suspension due to the health crisis.
United Airlines will fly daily from Houston, Texas, to the Juan Santamaría International Airport 3 times a week; to the Daniel Oduber Quirós air terminal, in Liberia with the alternative of increasing frequencies in October.
The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism, said that United Airlines announced a resumption of scheduled flights from Newark, New Jersey, 4 times a week from October and once a week to Liberia. United also confirmed that they will fly from Colorado from the end of October.
BRITISH AIRWAYS TO FLY BOEING 787 WITH FLAT-BED BUSINESS CLASS TO ATHENS
British Airways is to fly 4 Boeing 787’s between London and Athens in October. The flights are scheduled due to increased cargo demand on the route for selected dates.
Typically European business class is just a comfy seat with no one seated next to you. This new option will see a significant upgrade to the normal business class offer.
CARIBBEAN AIRLINE ‘AIR CARAÏBES’ NEW INTER REGIONAL FLIGHTS
Air Caraïbes will resume flights to Punta Cana from 17 October and Haiti from 26 October, in a bid to offer value connections and to help boost tourism in the Dominican Republic. Air Caraïbes will be the only company to serve Port-au-Prince directly from Paris-Orly.
QANTAS CHANGES IN ITS MANAGEMENT
Qantas Airways has announced that Tino La Spina, International Division Head has been replaced by former Chief Financial Officer Andrew David. With the airline’s international flights grounded until at least mid-2021, the airline decided to consolidate the domestic and international business units under a single divisional CEO.
I write this sitting on the highest place of the city, the Hill of Three Crosses. The air is filled with the smell of pines, bird songs and the curious play of squirrels. In front of my eyes - a sea of red roofs, the castle hill, towers of churches, palaces - the UNESCO-inscribed old town panorama of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
The Hill of Three Crosses, Vilnius, Lithuania
Since 1323, the first time Grand Duke Gediminas mentioned Vilnius in letters to the Roman Pope and Western Europe countries, the city developed as a multi-cultural, multi-religious city and it is now ready to meet You.
Situated among naturally formed hills and two rivers, Vilnius - the greenest capital in Europe with high-quality groundwater is often said to be “a city in a forest”. In the morning and in the evening you can enjoy a flight with a hot air balloon, or discover the city by kayaking, riding a bike or walking.
Down the hill, on the shore of the river Vilnele, 15th century Bernardine monks turned a swampy and springy place into a garden. Today Bernardines’ park is one of the most popular places to relax and get in touch with nature.
Just beyond the park, crossing the bridge and climbing up the stairs to the Jonas Mekas pathway, lies the Bohemian Republic of Uzupis - one of the most interesting and colorful Vilnius neighbourhoods. It is often called the “Lithuanian Montmartre” or “Freetown Christiania of Vilnius”. The Uzupis Angel overlooks some shabby looking, cosy pubs, cafes, restaurants, pottery workshops and, most important, the constitution wall with 41 equally brilliant articles, like “Everyone has the right to understand nothing”, “A dog has the right to be a dog”.
Follow the river to one of the most beautiful gothic church ensembles: St. Anne’s and St Bernardine’s, popular among couples for getting married there. Legend has it that the fragile-looking St Anne’s church made such an impression on Napoleon Bonaparte, that he wanted to take it home “in the palm of his hand”.
A couple of minutes walking through imperfectly cobbled streets and you will find yourself in an amber gallery - museum. In its 15th-century street level premises, you may get acquainted with an outstanding collection of Baltic amber, with items that are 55-50 million years old.
It is a pure pleasure to enjoy the atmosphere of old elegant Vilnius with a tasty bite of hot apple pie with vanilla ice-cream while sitting in the famous creperie-bakery Pilies Kepyklele (Castle Bakery).
Want something more exciting? Indulge yourself in a sweet sin experience at the corner of Pilies and Bernardinu street, enjoy the pleasurable, hot, spicy, gentle taste of chocolate made by AJ Sokoladine experts.
Vilnius’ Cathedral
Vilnius’ University and St. John Church bell
St. John Church bell
Vilnius’ University and St John’s church bell
The city has always been open to foreigners. Famous cultural activists from all over Europe were living here and developed Vilnius as a cultural center. Since that time the cultural life of Vilnius has increased and it is full of fun and events all year round. Baroque makes Vilnius an extraordinary city among many European capitals. Churches and palaces remind of the glory of the city centuries ago, hence Vilnius’ title of “Northern baroque pearl”. St Casimir’s and St Teresa churches are among the first baroque masterpieces in Vilnius, but the most outstanding is the church of St Peter and St Paul’. Here you can marvel at the over 2000 beautifully created stucco figurines that adorn the entire interior of the church. European cultural traditions, history, and science. Vilnius University, one of the oldest in Europe, was established in 1579. It’s buildings encompass 13 different connected courtyards.
Do not miss St John’s church bell tower with Foucault's pendulum demonstrating the effect of the rotation of the Earth, with an observation deck offering a 360° view of the old town panorama.
In a proverb as well as in reality - it’s only one step from a student to a president. The presidential palace is just in front of Vilnius University. In the summertime, the inner garden is open for weekend visitors. The same garden that Napoleon Bonaparte walked in while staying in the palace for 19 days in 1812.
Just a few minutes walk up Universiteto - Dominikonu streets allows you to discover the Church of the Divine Mercy Sanctuary. Every day, 24/7, this place attracts more and more religious and curious people from all over the world. Here is the original of the now-famous image of the Merciful Jesus.
Enjoy a coffee break in the historical surrounding of the Jewish quarter, at Poniu Laime (The Ladies' Delight) in front of the first 5* hotel in Lithuania. Sip your cup of coffee with absolute enjoyment and get pleasure from luxury cakes in this dessertparadise. The best Vilnius restaurants, situated in Old town, offer to discover historical, national and modern cuisine.
Stikliu Street
Vilnius is a city of secrets and miracles. A couple of minutes uphill and you’re in front of the Gates of Dawn with a childless Madonna’s icon, famous for its miracles. It attracts masses of visitors and pilgrims. Silver and golden votive offerings stuck to the walls, as a sign of gratitude and faith, in the testimony of the favors received from the Mother of Mercy. With a silent prayer, people find spiritual help and consolation here. As some people go to church on Sunday mornings, others go to the market. Hales Turgus is the oldest market place in Vilnius and one of the most modern markets in Europe.
Old coty, Vilnius
Authentic architectural constructions make it a unique building throughout all Lithuania. Here you can discover traditional dairy products like white cottage cheese with caraway seeds, cold or hot smoking ham, fats, forest mushrooms, berries, honey, mead, dark rye bread, vegetables, and fruits. Take your time to taste Lithuanian dishes, meet with friends and enjoy a concert on Friday night. I call it a “silent” market, where no one shouts “come to me my friend”, “special price for you” or grabs your hand. If Vilnius could talk, probably it would tell you thousands of different stories. So it’s time for unforgettable meeting with a quirky, lovely city Vilnius. You can experience it too!
The Halles, Vilnius
If Vilnius could talk, probably it would tell you thousands of different stories. So it’s time for unforgettable meeting with a quirky, lovely city Vilnius. You can experience it too!
Must do: Enjoy Vilnius cultural l Visit the life;
newest museums: - the “Samuel Bak Museum”- the first museum in the world devoted solely to the art of this famous painter. - the MO Modern Art Museum - dedicated to the exploration of works created from 1960 to present by Lithuanian artists.
Discover the Hale Market and Lithuanian culinary heritage.
The Castle, Vilnius
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Venues
ATHENS DEMOCRACY FORUM 2020
The 2020 Athens Democracy Forum will be held virtually this year with a small gathering in Athens. Even before the current crisis, democracy was threatened: from hijacked elections to the spread of extreme ideologies to the increasingly sophisticated tactics of strongmen. The effects have become alarmingly apparent: migration shifts, climate change, economic uncertainty and general global unrest. With Covid-19 still among us, democratic values have been even further stretched and calls to reinvent democracy are more urgent than ever.
Themed ‘The New Abnormal: Reimagining Democracy’, the Athens Democracy Forum will convene leaders from government, business, civic society and the non-profit sector to explore real solutions to the most pressing issues facing democracy. www.athensdemocracyforum.com
Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), Pansy Ho gave a keynote speech at the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development recently. Hosted by the World Tourism Cities Federation, the Conference is held under the framework of the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). The Conference is held in collaboration with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and co-organised with over 10 leading international tourism and trade entities
The hybrid onsite and online format, was broadcast to 150 WTCF member cities and other 200 WTCF member organisations in 75 countries and regions.
-Solidarity and Cooperation Brings Recovery to the Global Tourism Economy The Conference theme was ‘Rebuilding World Tourism for Prosperity’ in efforts to provide recovery recommendations to those impacted by the pandemic. Pansy Ho expressed, “Around the world, we see green shoots of recovery with the easing of travel restrictions and an increase in domestic travel. Only through solidarity and cooperation can the global tourism economy recover and harness its powerful multiplier effect.”
She also referenced the profound vision for collaboration stated by President Xi Jinping during his speech at the Virtual Opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly, ‘Mankind is a community with a shared future; solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon for defeating the virus.’ It is in this spirit of a shared future that the international community can find the inspiration to come together and make tourism central to the restart of the global economy to promote prosperity, generate employment and foster new growth drivers.” Furthermore, she expressed, “During the pandemic, closed borders, lockdowns, and a decline in consumer confidence have so far resulted in a global decline of 300 million tourists and UK£248 billion lost in international tourism receipts. This impact is already more than three times the loss suffered during the Global Economic Crisis of 2009. But there are opportunities in all crises and today is an opportunity to rethink the future of tourism and to reinvest in its potential.” Advances in Technology Redefines Travel Continuing, she said that technology and innovation will help the tourism sector overcome its current challenges. “Tools such as facial recognition, digital wallets, biometric surveillance have made travel more of a seamless experience, particularly in transportation and accommodation. At the same time, robotic technology has advanced touchless systems and led to improved hygiene, ensuring safety and boosting traveller confidence. Technology has also helped art, culture, and creativity to continue to thrive. Cultural sites and museums have opened their virtual doors, connecting audiences via livestream to the Palace of Versailles in France, the Palace Museum in Beijing, and the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang City, among many others. Virtual technology has allowed us to continue life’s adventures from our homes as we look forward to traveling again.” Macao Shows Resilience through the Adoption of Innovative Solutions and Cooperative Efforts Pansy Ho highlights Macao’s success at measures adopted in combating the virus and its implications. Several initiatives to support residents, welcome back visitors, and recreate prosperity stand out. She stated, “As a City of Gastronomy and part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Macao has provided support to creative industries and launched financial aid measures to support professionals. This includes free online learning videos to enhance human capital in the gastronomic sector, a ‘Welfare to Work’ programme to create favourable working conditions for artists, and an ‘online handicraft teaching’ with videos to promote Macao’s handicrafts and products. Lastly, to further support SMEs, the government designed ‘Macao Ready Go!’ an e-platform to gather special offers on retail, leisure, and entertainment.” www.gte-forum.com
