Daily Archives: March 23, 2015

Alex Papasimakopoulou and her partner Stephen Fleming are the people behind travel agency Everymatic, which specialises in bespoke holidays in Greece, for all kinds of budget and taste.

Coming from the music industry and having travelled extensively for their work, they found they both had Greece in their hearts more than any other place in the world.

While everything seemed to be crumbling down around them, they went against all odds and financial hurdles, taking the risk to stay in Greece and start over, redesigning their future and working on something inspiring. They loved travelling, taking photos and exploring the hidden beauties of Greece to the point of madness, therefore were proactively able to channel that into a job; a company that treats all clients as friends and creates unique experiences without the 5-star budget that is usually associated with such services.

“It was a risk that paid off,” Alex Papasimakopoulou tells Neos Kosmos.

NS (Nelly Skoufatoglou): How has the landscape of the bespoke travel industry changed in Greece in the midst of a Grexit and the crisis, during the time you have been around?

AP (Alex Papasimakopoulou): We have found that businesses like ours or those opened by similarly minded entrepreneurs – offering bespoke walking tours, funky pads in Athens’ city centre to name but a few – are flourishing in the crisis. Visitors are voting with their feet, they’re not forgetting Greece and if anything are coming in the millions and looking for different propositions, not just the mass tourism options of years gone by.

NS: Are the majority of people accessing your service Greek locals or from abroad?

AP: The majority are definitely from abroad, although they all seem to share a real love for Greece. It’s been harder for locals recently, due to the ongoing economic crisis.

NS: Why did you choose the term Everymatic?
AP: We can’t take credit for that, it was my brother’s idea. It stems from the Greek word ‘ευρηματικος’ as we aim to deal with every issue that comes up in a resourceful and creative way.

NS: What sort of bespoke travel holiday do you offer exactly?

AP: The client can expect a service 100 per cent tailor made to their needs. We listen to who is travelling (a group of friends, a couple, a family), what they enjoy doing whether at home or on holiday, their preferred budget, if it’s a special event like a homecoming, a birthday, etc. What makes us special is our local knowledge, our extensive contacts book and our background, which means that we happily veer off the beaten track to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.

NS: Do you ‘try’ everything beforehand yourselves? Describe your own personal travel style.

AP: Between the two company directors and our various colleagues, we don’t recommend anything without one of us having seen it first hand. It’s important to us that we treat our clients like family so we want the people we work with (hotels, restaurants etc) to have the same ethos we do. As for our travel style, I’d say we are hotel freaks. We love staying in hotels, so when we travel ourselves, we spend a lot of time researching them. Food definitely plays a big part in our holidays. Whether it’s a small Greek island or NYC, finding out the best places to eat is high on our agenda.

NS: Which of the experiences you offer is your favourite and why?

AP: We definitely have places in Greece that we have a soft spot for, mainly because of the people. Crete would be the prime example of that. We are discovering new places all the time though, especially on the mainland, as we want to show all parts of the country, not just the postcard white-washed island type. Not that there is anything wrong with that!

NS: Is your target market financially upscale clients/middle class? Do you think the cost is discouraging for the majority of the working class?

AP: No, not at all. We cater for all types of holidays and budgets, from ultimate 5-star to spartan and remote. We listen to our potential clients and their available budget is one of our first questions so we can offer them something they can afford.

NS: Given that the summer season is fast approaching (and not counting your current packages), where’s a good holiday destination beyond the usual hotspots in Greece?

AP: There is so much to choose from and we don’t want to give too much away. For a quick escape from Athens, islands like Kea and Hydra are a great choice. The south eastern part of Crete is real gem too. Just getting in a car and exploring is our real advice, whether it’s northern Greece or the Peloponnese. You can be on the beach one minute and in the middle of wonderful ancient ruins the next.

NS: Although we are all aware of certain parts of Greece being in the limelight, your photos depict another side of Greece, places most likely unknown to the masses … why have you chosen to highlight this side of Greece?

AP: It’s simple really. It’s the Greece that we love and the one we want to support. The places where you’re not treated as a number but a friend. Places where the accommodation is great but not extortionate, where the food is great and where you can actually find a beach with nothing but the waves for company.

NS: Most Greek Australians and Australians spend very little time in Athens – it’s mostly some kind of springboard for island hopping. Is there anything they might be missing?

AP: Athens is a great city. Full of history, ancient and modern, with great restaurants and bars and above all, amazing people. People who are weathering the crisis and opening interesting businesses making clothes, leather goods, promoting artisan products from all over the country etc. A lot of visitors also forget the amazing coastline just outside Athens. The temple at Sounio is one of our favourite places in the world.

NS: What sets Greece apart as a holiday destination?

AP: Despite what’s been going on here in recent years, people are still warm, supportive of each other and are finding a new creative streak in themselves that we hope will be the little spark the leads the younger generations out of the crisis. After all our years in the music business in the UK, we have to say that we have never come across the creative talent we have seen here. From photographers to graphic designers to jewellery makers and everything in between. It’s a cliché but it’s the people that make Greece.

For more information visit their website here: www.everymatic.com and join them on facebook for news and and many amazing photos from Greece here: www.facebook.com/everymatic

Over 3.4 million taxpayers have either failed to fulfil their tax obligations or have avoided paying their dues to the state in the last couple of years. Since 2013 they have run up debts of 21.6 billion euros to the tax authorities, most of which concern arrears of below 3,000 euros each, which they can now repay in up to 100 instalments.

According to data compiled by the General Secretariat for Public Revenues, new debts of 1.765 billion euros were created in the first couple of months of the year, in line with the debt creation rate of previous years. Unpaid taxes reached 840 million euros in January, rising to 925 million in February.

As many as 231,712 taxpayers decided not to make their tax payments in the first two months of 2015 in anticipation of the new payment programs.

Still, data also suggests that state debtors do not intend to take up the state’s offer of a payment scheme with favourable terms. Some 37,300 taxpayers have abandoned the existing 12-tranche payment plan, leaving about 322 million euros unpaid. Forced collection measures, such as repossessions and auctions, have been activated for 2,749 of those taxpayers.

Finance Ministry officials are not expecting any significant revenues from the above categories of debtors through the express settlement measure which will remain in force up to the end of next week, as they have not yet amassed any notable penalties from the nonpayment of taxes in the last couple of years. The express repayment measure provides debtors with the opportunity to have all their penalties and fines written off if they pay their tax dues in a lump sum. If they pay 50 per cent of their dues they will have 50 per cent of their penalties written off, etc. This measure is aimed at those with older debts which have amassed higher penalties.

It also appears that taxpayers who owe the state relatively small amounts would prefer to wait for the 100-instalment settlement scheme, which is seen providing for just 20 euros as a minimum instalment amount. This measure is expected to clear parliament today and be implemented after Easter (mid-April), once the ministerial decisions determining the terms and conditions for inclusion in the plan are issued. Debtors will have until May 26 to apply, but the minister will be able to extend the deadline by one month.

An amendment tabled in parliament further provides for the inclusion in the 100-instalment program of debts to local authorities. The latter concern non-payment of council taxes, municipal water company bills and other charges such as those for the use of footpaths by catering enterprises.

Inspired by street art and the skate/snow culture of Greece, renowned graffiti artist Dimitris Liossis has transformed the space of Gallery Sarri 12 into a unique skate ramp that looks like an inverted church dome.

Using markers, spray paint, stencils and drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom and the Roman church of Sant’Ignazio, ‘Redefining Transitions’ is one of the most artistic skate ramps to be built.

“It took me five months of extensive work and dedication to finish it, not to mention some much appreciated help from friends,” Dimitris Liossis tells Neos Kosmos.

“The construction took me four months and the artwork one more full month.”

Since the opening, the project has garnered a lot of attention from Greek and international media, not to mention hundreds of art and skateboard lovers, who came to see and even try it themselves.

“The basic reason an artist hosts a show at a gallery is to impart a message,” he says.

“This particular show has three segments, and three divisive timelines so the messages vary.”

“Of course, every viewer is unique and sees things differently and in their own way.”

Dimitris’ goal as British brand ANIMAL’s team manager is to create a good team in various sports with new, upcoming riders, and develop alongside them, especially after the closing down of Skate Plaza in Athens.

“We need to support the scene as much as we can,” he adds.

“I think it’s kind of funny and romanticised to expect the government to do anything at this moment when basic institutions like public education, hospitals, infrastructure (roads, sidewalks etc.) are broken.”

Dimitris stresses that years ago the EU gave money to local authorities in Greece in order to create skateparks. With only few bright exceptions such as the city of Chalkida, most of the municipalities stuffed the money into their own pockets, he believes.

Born in Athens in 1970, Dimitri worked out early on that his love of sport and art could mesh. He has been a skier from the age of four, a windsurfer, snowboarder and BMXer for nearly 30 years. In 1999 he took up surfing, but his love for skateboarding has taken his artistic side to a whole different level.

“From a very young age I took on several board-related sports, from windsurfing to snowboarding and surfing,” he tells.

“Skating came naturally, although I never was a hardcore skater. I always enjoyed bowl-riding, though.”

As a street artist, he has taken part in many art shows and graffiti festivals all over the world. His personal projects include the snowboard park in Kalavryta (2002), in Parnassus (2003-2004), dropin magazine, the skate bowl art installation ‘invert room’ and the digging of the dirt wave.

“Since I can remember, I’ve loved drawing and painting,” Dimitris explains.

“One day, a friend suggested we go and spray-paint a wall. I immediately got hooked. The rest is history.”

Dimitris has organised several graffiti, skate, snowboard and BMX events over the past two decades but his next project is especially dedicated to the sea.
“I will participate in a team exhibition inspired by the surf culture,” he says.

“My goal is to create some art pieces using broken surfboards.”

* The exhibition will be on till 15 April. For more information www.dimitrisliossis.com

Photos: Courtesy of Skateism.com

source: Neos Kosmos

The impending NSW elections are around the corner, with more than 10 Greek Australian candidates.

Voters in New South Wales will be heading to the polls on Saturday 28 March; however they are currently witnessing the most sluggish election the state has experienced in decades.

Political commentators have attributed this to the polls, which give the thumbs up for re-election to the Coalition under Premier Mike Baird.

On a two party preferred basis, the Liberals/Nationals are ahead with 54 per cent public support, against 46 per cent for the Labor Party. Labor leader Luke Foley took on the role just three months ago, struggling to become a recognisable face.

Mr Baird isn’t in a much better position, after he took over the role from predecessor Barry O’Farrell after he forgot to report that he received by donation a very expensive bottle of wine worth $3,000 to the public record. But, alternatively he is enjoying the larger share of the popularity – currently the highest of any other political leader in the country. But, if the polls are anything to go by, his government won’t be achieving the same majority they currently enjoy in the parliament.

The loss of seats for the government will be attributed to the corruption allegations against Liberal MPs, a topic that proved costly for the Labor Party four years ago.

It seems that the majority of voters disagree with the government’s commitment to sell off power poles and wires.

The Labor Party is hopeful it can recover a lot of lost ground after being booted out of government in 2011, which was its most severe defeat ever in the state.

The Greens expect to succeed in the Senate, with two MPs predicted to win seats. It’s a much closer battle in the Legislative Assembly, with a number of independents threatening their reach.

There are quite few parties seeking election, some of them campaigning with a hard line on specific issues. As to who will make it to the chamber, it all depends on the mathematical alchemies of the electoral system.

Commentators believe that the Upper House of NSW will mimic what’s been going in the federal Senate for the last 18 months.

The Greek Australian candidates

The Greek Australian community will lose veteran MP and former leader of the state’s National Party, George Souris, who is retiring from politics.

Shadow minister Sophie Cotsis is almost certain to return to the Upper House as she will be holding the number one position in Labor’s ticket.

Steve Kamper has high hopes to occupy the seat of Rockdale for the ALP.

He contested the seat in 2011, but was a victim of Labor’s backlash. It is expected that this time round he will cross the line.

Mr Kamper enjoys the support of federal leader Bill Shorten and if elected, is expected to have an influential role in the party.

In Wollongong, the well known unionist, Arthur Rorris, hopes to win the seat from Labor. As he recently told the Greek Program of SBS Radio, in 2011 Gordon Bradbery, who is now Wollongong’s mayor, ran as an independent and lost by approximately 600 votes.

Other candidates of Hellenic background include Eleni Petinos (Liberal for the seat of Miranda), Patrice Pandeleos (Liberal – Sydney), Nicholas Aroney (Liberal – Kogarah)John Koutsoukis (Liberal – Heffron), Nomiky Panayiotakis (Liberal – Canterbury), Georgia Constantinou (No Land Tax – Maroubra), Chris Stefandellis (No Land Tax – Campbelltown), Anna Stevis (No Land Tax – Castle Hill), George Capsis (Christian Democratic Party – Cronulla).

For the Upper House, apart from Ms Cotsis, Greek Australian candidates include Marika Kontellis (Greens), George Paxinos (Australian Cyclists Party) and Yvette Paxinos (Australian Cyclists Party).

Lastly, there are three candidates whose spouses are Greek Australians. Julie Passas is running for the seat of Summer Hill with the Liberal Party, Giovina Gouskos has put her name at Myall Lakes with the No Land Tax party, and Courtney Houssos is candidate for the Upper House with the ALP.

source: Neos Kosmos

According to Luke Simpkins, a handful of Greek Australian nationalists have hijacked Australia’s foreign policy.

In a speech made this week in federal parliament, Perth MP Luke Simpkins accused successive Australian governments of taking a “biased” position in relation to the renaming of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and moreover, the Greek government – supported by Australia’s stance – of seeking “instability” in the Balkans.

Alluding to Australia’s long-held position on the FYROM naming issue, Mr Simpkins told the House of Representatives during an adjournment debate that “the failure of successive federal governments to call the Republic of Macedonia by its constitutional name” was because both sides of politics were fearful that a decision in favour of Skopje would “galvanise the Australian Greek community into a block vote against whoever makes this change.”

Mr Simpkins went on to suggest that Australia’s position “to stand with a very small group of nations [who] remain committed to the UN-sponsored process that aims to achieve a mutually accepted agreement over the name issue” was “a smokescreen that is good for hiding behind for a perceived domestic political advantage”.

While the Liberal MP’s support for Skopje’s position has been widely known and reported on in recent years, his latest appeal for the Abbott Government to alter its policy in regard to the naming issue was marked by offering his personal insights into Greek Australians.

“Australians of Greek heritage have bigger issues in their lives than [the naming issue] and they vote like any other Australians on issues that really affect them, such as the economy and opportunities for them and their families,” he said, before adding that there were “a handful of Australians of Greek heritage who do contact members of parliament” but that not enough Greek Australian voters would vote only according to the issue.

In a statement that is likely to enrage many in the Greek Australian community, Mr Simpkins said it was “tragic that literally a handful of nationalists can exert such power as to control the foreign policy of this nation.”

“Those of Greek heritage are pretty much like every other ethnic community…they are not locked into some false and paranoiac belief that Australia officially uttering the words ‘Republic of Macedonia’ will somehow lose territory of the Hellenic Republic. ”

Mr Simpkins said that following Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s reported declaration last year that Skopje’s request to the bilateral name change was “fair enough”, Australia should now “do the right thing and recognise the Republic of Macedonia by its constitutional name.”

The MP added that the Australian Government – by being “unwilling to seek progress” on the naming issue – was responsible for hurting FYROM’s economy.

Unsurprisingly, reaction to the Perth MP’s latest comments on the matter has been immediate and robust.

Professor Anastasios Tamis, President of the Australian Institute for Macedonian Studies, described Mr Simpkins’ statements as “superficial and provocative” and that the name issue “has nothing to do with politics and diplomatic recognitions; it is an anthropological and ethnographic one.”

“The Greeks as a nation – both within Greece and the five million of the Hellenic diaspora – will never compromise their historical and cultural rights as Macedonian Hellenes – hence the name of Macedonia will always remain well rooted within their history…” he told Neos Kosmos.

Professor Tamis added: “The entire population of 550,000 Australian Hellenes are committed devotees of the Macedonian Hellenic legacies, and will never compromise their patriotism to offer to another ethnicity – for unilateral usage, a name which is well-related to their national identity and attested with their history and culture over the last 3,000 years.”

“To claim that a small group of Greek ‘nationalists’ are only keen and sensitive on the issue of ‘Macedonia’ is absurd and fallacious”.

source:Neos Kosmos

Τυλιγμένες μέσα σε μαύρες κάλτσες κάτω από το κάθισμα του αυτοκινήτου του είχε κρύψει 18 ράβδους χρυσού ένας άνδρας από τη Ρωσία.

Τον περσινό Οκτώβριο, ο Ρώσος βρήκε τυχαία κρυμμένες πίσω από θάμνους στην πόλη Ζέγια τις ράβδους μέσα στις κάλτσες.

Δεν παρέδωσε το πολύτιμο εύρημα στις αρχές αλλά προτίμησε να το κρατήσει και να το κρύψει κάτω από το κάθισμα του αυτοκινήτου του.

Η αστυνομία, ωστόσο, ανακάλυψε τελικά τον… κρυμμένο θησαυρό και στις 17 Μαρτίου ρωσικό περιφερειακό δικαστήριο τον καταδίκασε σε φυλάκιση δύο ετών με αναστολή για «παράνομη κατοχή πολύτιμου μετάλλου».

Ο χρυσός τελικά παραδόθηκε στο κράτος.

Πηγή:in.gr

Κάπως έτσι φαίνεται να γίνεται η «δουλειά» στην Ινδία

Σε 1.000 συλλήψεις προχώρησε η αστυνομία της Ινδίας μετά τη δημοσίευση φωτογραφιών στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης και την προβολή πλάνων στην τηλεόραση που έδειχναν γονείς, συγγενείς και φίλους μαθητών να σκαρφαλώνουν στους τοίχους σχολικού συγκροτήματος, την ώρα που διεξάγονταν εξετάσεις, για να δώσουν χαρτιά με απαντήσεις στους εξεταζόμενους.

Οι περισσότεροι συλληφθέντες είναι γονείς και συγγενείς μαθητών, οι οποίοι κρατώντας το κινητό τους τηλέφωνο στο χέρι, είχαν αναρριχηθεί στο τετραώροφο σχολικό κτίριο στο κρατίδιο Μπιχάρ.

Οι συλληφθέντες τέθηκαν υπό προσωρινή κράτηση και θα πρέπει να καταβάλουν 30 ευρώ τουλάχιστον για να αποφυλακιστούν, όπως δήλωσε ο ανώτερος αξιωματούχος της αστυνομίας του Μπιχάρ Γκουπτεσβάρ Πάντεϊ.

Σε άλλες, μάλιστα, φωτογραφίες διακρίνονται μέλη του προσωπικού του σχολείου καθώς και αστυνομικοί, οι οποίοι παρακολουθούν αμέτοχοι τη σκηνή, αλλά και αστυνομικοί να δωροδοκούνται για να κάνουν τα στραβά μάτια.

Τουλάχιστον 750 μαθητές έχουν αποβληθεί, σύμφωνα με το BBC.

Μόνο στο Μπιχάρ περίπου 1,4 εκατομμύρια μαθητές δίνουν αυτή την περίοδο εξετάσεις για να πάρουν το απολυτήριο Λυκείου.

Πηγή:in.gr