TRAVELING IN EUROPE / STOCKHOLM: The city with the bridges!

Stockholm, a city built on the sea, the pearl of Scandinavia. Besides, it hasn't been characterized unfairly "Venice of the North". The capital with its numerous bridges, of which once took its name, as it means "City of the Bridges", the city with its beautiful cobbled streets, with the colourful buildings and the mysterious atmosphere. The city which, if is characterized by many people beautiful during the day, then, it is definitely magical at the night. Sweden's capital, world first in terms of quality of life, Stockholm meets every expectation of visitors, while providing an ideal environment for the residents.

THE ATTRACTIONS of the city present great historical and cultural interest. Starting from the heart of the city, Gamla Stan, we find the Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet), built in the 16th century, a very impressive building which worths a visit. Walking through we meet the Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan), then the Great Square (Stortorget) with the colourful, narrow houses that stand out for their particular architecture, the building of the Stock Exchange (Börshuset) and finally the German Church (Tyska Kyrkan) with the tall tower so named because of the origin of manufacturers. Next to Gamla Stan, the area Riddar Holmen, home to the Temple Riddarholm, stands out thanks to its beautiful appearance. From there, one can admire in the opposite bank, the City Hall, an impressive building. Then, walking Northern, we find the Parliament (Riksdagshuset), also a remarkable building whose architecture refers to a palace. Continuing the walk towards the area Blasie Holmen, we can see the National Opera, the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern) and just next to it, we can admire the view from the harbour with its luxurious yachts. Finally, just outside the city, we can visit the TelevisionTower (Kaknastornet) on top of which there's a terrace overlooking the beautiful capital.

THE MUSEUMS of the city are numerous and thus cover every wish of a visitor. The Museum of the Swedish warship Vasa (Vasamuseet), located in Djurgården, along with the Nordic Museum (Nordiska museet), offering a historical, ceremonial and cultural knowledge, not only of Stockholm but of the whole Scandinavia, thus forming the heart of the city's museums. Still, the Historical Museum (Historiska museet) and the National Museum (National museet) complete the review of the history of the area. In addition, the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna museet), the Nobel Museum (Nobel museet), the Museum of Photography (Fotografiska museet) and the Technical Museum (Tekniska museet), target at those looking for something more contemporary. These museums are both different from each other but all of them excellent.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK Djurgården, in the Eastern side of the city is probably one of the most important sights of the Swedish capital. This region also hosts the Park Skansen which was founded in 1891, which depicts the life in Sweden during the centuries with rigged original buildings which were collected from different regions of the country and restored, using authentic traditional costumes and other items. Indeed, talented actors impersonating throughout the daytime the local residents, like the baker and the maid, and takes visitors to the various buildings. The same area also houses the zoo of the city, home to a large number of animals, mainly Swedish, and if you're lucky you might be able to feed hungry squirrels who boldly climb on you, or even petting reindeer when they get close. The ticket for the park is single, but does not include the portion of tropical animals and museum of Biology, which is located outside of the park. Finally, from various points on the top of the park, you can admire the incredible view of the city.

ENTERTAINMENT in Stockholm does not bordered in clubs or in the, objective, very nice pubs. Visitors have the opportunity to watch some theatrical performances at the Opera or at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, if the dates coincide, they can also attend the Sweden Rock Festival or cruising around the city centre to admire the diamond of Scandinavia in the light of moon, to dine in one of the traditional restaurants in the streets of Gamla Stan or if they thirst for adrenaline, the best choice is the theme park Gröna Lund, where they will find fast roller coasters, free fall games etc. For younger guests, finally, the aquarium at Djurgården is the perfect choice for an enjoyable afternoon.

TIPS & USEFUL

1. The currency: of Sweden is the Swedish Krona. The best thing to do is to make currency in any of the exchange stores near the train station, so you will enjoy a better rate and will not have much waste. BE CAREFUL! At Skavsta Airport there is NOT any exchange store but you can withdraw money directly on Swedish Krona from ATMs.
2. To and from the airport: The cheapest way is to use the bus Flygbussarna. LINK: http://www.flygbussarna.se/en
3. Transportation: Public transport in Stockholm is too expensive and once as the city is small, you can walk among the main attractions so as to avoid to waste a fortune on the subway or tram. If you are not lovers of walking prefer daily or weekly cards instead of single tickets. Link: http://sl.se/en/Visitor/Tickets/Visitor-tickets/
4. Museum entrance fee: The admission to the most of the museums is quite expensive. Generally Stockholm is an expensive destination. So if you plan to visit several monuments a good solution is the Stockholm Card! Links: http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/stockholmcard/
5. Air tickets: Many low cost companies, like Ryan air and Wiz air, frequently flying directly to Stockholm. Link: www.ryanair.com. Links: http://www.ryanair.com/en , http://www.wizzair.com/
6. Διαμονή: Stockholm offers a wide variety of accommodation that can range from 10 euros per night (including hostels). Good deals can be found both in Booking and Venere, as well at Hostelworld. Links: http://www.booking.com/ , http://www.venere.com/ , http://www.hostelworld.com/
7. The climate: The climate of Stockholm is particularly cold, the most of the months the temperature is very low and there is snow. Before your trip be sure to check the weather conditions prevailing there.
8. People & language: Swedes are extremely hospitable people and the main concern for guests is to have a comfortable stay in their country. Most speak English and are very helpful.
9. Souvenirs: Souvenirs and other gifts can be purchased either from small shops in Gamla Stan or in the train station.
10. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem.. LINK: http://www.freetourstockholm.com/

...by Odysseas Karamitros!

NEWS / The "phenomenon" Lena Manda!

The Greek more commercial writer in recent years, with sales of one million copies, which gets angry when they call books her "children", who clouds when talks about George, Alexander and Maria, her family, who received the title 'Writer of the Year 2009 " by the magazine Life & Style, with books translated into Turkish, Albanian and Chinese, who do not like her biggest success "To spiti dipla sto potami", the professional who knows how to speak to people, the woman with the magic writing pen who succeeded to put in each home at least one book ...

Due to the opening of the first Reading Club of Police in Greece, Lena Manda attended Thessaloniki's Police Headquarters on Thursday 31/1/2013 morning and talked about her life and her work. The event was about her book "Theano, i likena tis Polis" published in 2005 by Psichogios, had a great impact to the people who rushed to meet the famous author and to sign their books. The author arrived at the venue with her husband, George, and her daughter, Maria, and after making a brief reference to her life from the first years in Constantinople, to her economic destruction and her successful marriage, she replied with pleasure to the questions of the people, and did not forget to mention her new novel to be released soon.

Lena Manda was born in 1964 in Constantinople, at the age of five she moved with her ​​parents in Athens where later she met her husband. From young she liked writing, at the age of nine she wrote her first fairytale. Her mother then bought her her first typewriter to computerize her manuscripts. Studied kindergarten though never worked in this field. At the age of nineteen years she met and two years later married the businessman George Mandas. In a difficult period of her life she returned to her old love, writing. And if then was a recourse, today is her favourite habit. For a few years she was working a puppet troupe that was playing stories written by her, as well as  famous folktale adaptations. She also worked as program director at a big radio station and also edited commercials. Today is mother of two children, Alexander and Maria. Since 2001 she published her first book entitled "Ti mera pou se gnorisa", published by Livanis, has never stopped writing and every year, in May, publish a new book. After the first success she "moved" to Psichogios and sincenow she released eight more novels and one collection of short stories. Her second novel, "Vals me dodeka Theous", released in 2005 and recently moved to the small screen, is her favourite one. Followed by "Theano, i likena tis Polis" in 2006, "To spiti dipla sto potami" in 2007, "I alli pleura tou nomismatos" in 2008, "Erotas san vrohi" in 2009, "To telefteo tsigaro" and the collection of short stories entitled "De mporei, tha strosi" in 2010, "Horis Hirokrotima" in 2011 and "Oso antehei i psihi" in 2012, while in may 2013 release her new book which describes the life of the murderous Dada.

As she declared, the first reader of her work is her polite husband, who reads them every night, page by page, who's joking at her that she's lazy, the days of not doing much writing.

Finally, those who accuse that she writes soft books and Harlequin, Lena Manda answers "I do not care if they say that Manda writes childish or writes Harlequin, so much I've heard..." and continues "People write a lot to me and say:  "I had never keep a book in my hands, and because of you I walked to the bookstore". If I'm a stepping stone for people to love the internal process of reading, let them say whatever they want."

The author of the mad sales, a support mother, a good wife model, a self-made professional, courteous, amazing, unique... Because Lena Manda foremost is... A HUMAN!

...by Odysseas Karamitros!

 

TRAVELLING IN EUROPE / Dresden: the city of the chosen!

City of the chosen, the few and good, because few know and visit Dresden, a small but beautiful town in East Germany, just 200 km southern of Berlin. A city that has nothing to envy from the great and famous capitals of Europe. A city jewel for the Germans, which even if the 85% of the historic centre was destroyed during the Second World War, worth a visit, even if brief.

THE ATTRACTIONS of the city, imposing and significantly. Starting from the historic Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), which was completely destroyed during the Second World War and her debris, which formed a hill of twelve meters, remained in the area intact until 1994 when it was decided the costly renovation, which based on donations from private organizations from all around the world and so since 2005 the residents of Dresden can celebrate again the "resurrection" of it. Then the famous Balcony of Dresden (Brühlsche Terrasse) or otherwise Balcony of Europe, located between the River Elbe and the Old Town, offers a fantastic view. Palace Zwinger is worth visiting, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture in Germany, built in 1728, is now the most important museum of the town and contains great artwork. Moreover, the Opera Semper in the theatre square, which was completely destroyed, which presented when opened in 1985 after an extensive renovation, the same play with which closed before the bombing. Grünes Gewölbe, the house of one of the greatest collections of royal treasures in Europe, which is housed in the Palace of Dresden and exposes the largest green diamond in the world. Finally, the Court Church (Hofkirche), a temple with a total of 78 statues of biblical figures, built in 1751, which also destroyed during the Second World War and erected again in 1979.

THE RIVER ELBE, ideal for a carefree cruise on one of the famous Coffee-Cruise, where you can eat unlimited authentic German cakes, as you navigate to the city Meissen, famous for its porcelain or relax watching the landscape of Saxony Switzerland. If the weather permits, resort for picnic on the river banks, which offer a unique view of the historic city.

SHOPPING can be either the flea market of the city, either at the Mall Altmarkt Galerie, which houses more than 100 stores. Do not forget to visit the store Pfund Molkerei, which was voted from the Guinness Book of Records as the most beautiful milk shop in the world.

ENTERTAINMENT even if limited to local Pubs and bars offered at very affordable prices. Even if one prefers something alternative, can watch Opera or Theatre.

TIPS & USEFUL

1. Air-tickets: Easyjet and other low cost airlines offer direct flights to the airport of Dresden at very low prices. Also, Dresden is easily accessible by bus and train from many major cities like Prague and Berlin. Link: http://www.easyjet.com/en
2. Transportation: The town is small and easily stepped. If you wish to use public transport, tram, bus and taxis are the best option.
3. Currency: Euro.
4. Communication: Here is a small difficulty as like throughout Germany people speak German even when are willing to help tourists.
5. Secure: The city is quite safe and you can surf safely. Of course it is good to have in any case eyes on your personal items.
6. Discounts: There are almost everywhere students discounts.
7. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem. LINK: http://www.dresdenwalks.com/lang/en 

...by Odysseas Karamitros!

TRAVELLING IN GREECE / ATHENS: The city that created the democracy!

Difficult to choose only one designation for the capital of Greece, which is a centre of culture and history, culture and modernity, life and fun, flavours, aromas and sensations. The city which hosted Aristotle, Platon, Socrates, Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Pythagoras and Homer ... The city which, even if today is a reception centre for illegal immigrants and gangs, doesn't cease to lose its prestige and dignity. Athens, the Lady of the world, as a good hostess, waiting with open arms to welcome all visitors from every corner of the world.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, landmark of the city is the first thing to visit. Starting from the "Sacred Rock", Acropolis, in the heart of the capital, with Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon - the epitome of ancient classical art, temple of the goddess Athena, Erechtheion with the Caryatides, the Theatre of Dionysus and Herodes Atticus Theatre. Then, the Roman Forum, the centre of politics, commerce, philosophy, religion, arts and sport, from the 6th century BC, with the Stoa Vasileios, the Temple of Hephaestus and Tholos. After, the Roman Forum and the Tower of the Winds - the octagonal tower with personifications of winds on each side. Still, Kallimarmaro or Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was the largest temple in Greece during the Hellenistic and Roman times.

THE ATTRACTIONS of the city are equally important, pioneered by Syntagma Square, which also hosts the Greek parliament, the National Gardens, the picturesque neighborhoods Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, Psyrri, Gazi - with its numerous café-bar and the famous "Technopolis ". Even, from one hand Exarchia - an infamous area which hides real big surprises for anyone interested to discover - and from the other hand Kolonaki - the haunt of Athens' enfant gateaux. Then, Piraeus - the biggest port of Greece, with the famous Pasalimani, the beautiful neighbourhoods and the Stadium of Peace and Friendship. Aso, Lycabettus, the hill in the centre of the capital that provides a panoramic view of the city, the Olympic stadium and, finally, the Hill Filopappos, offered for a few hours of relaxation.

THE MUSEUMS numerous and highly significant, offering full knowledge of the history and culture of Greece. Most notable is the New Acropolis Museum - which opened its doors to the public in 2009 and houses more than 4,000 objects of great archaeological importance, the National Archaeological Museum - with a large Cycladic and Mycenaean collection, the Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum - which houses among other, paintings of the famous painter El Greco and Thessally Treasures, the Byzantine Museum, the National Gallery, the Museum of War etc.

THE ENTERTAINMENT in Greece never stops, thus Athens offers many options for every taste. So one can choose any of the hundreds of bars and clubs in the city, or if he prefers something more traditional, he can have fun in the famous "bouzoukia", watching some of the greatest Greek singers, attend a theatrical performance - perhaps an open theatre during the summer months, go to a concert or cinema, or even choose one of the famous Ouzo - Taverns and taste some of the traditional dishes of Greek cuisine. For younger fans of adrenaline, what better than the Allou Fan Park, the largest theme park in the country.

THE GREEK CUISINE is famous worldwide for its delicious flavours and it would be almost "blasphemy" not to honour it in an excursions in Athens. The most traditional dishes worth trying are the Mousakas, Greek salad, Gyros, Souvlaki, Pastitsio, Fasolada, Tzatziki and naturally the Greek feta.

THE MARKET for those wishing to do "Shopping Therapy" is located in the heart of the capital. Ermou Street is full of clothing - footwear, cosmetics, gifts, accessories and any other store you can imagine. A little further north are the Shopping Centres "The Mall" and "Golden Hall". And for the more wealthy visitors, the market of Kolonaki is the most chic choice.

CLOSE TO ATHENS are located for anyone who wants to go to a trip, Delphi - the navel of the Earth, Arachova - the perfect winter destination - and the islands Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, the beautiful Hydra, Spetses, Poros and Andros.

TIPS & USEFUL

1. Tickets: Book in time your air tickets, direct. International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, through www.pamediakopes.gr or gr.skyscanner.com and take advantage of low prices. Low cost companies fly from various foreign destinations to Thessaloniki, Volos, Crete, Corfu, Kefalonia, Kos, Patras and Rhodes. Between the towns of Greece the movement can be made in several low cost ways like buses (KTEL), trains (TRAINOSE) and boats, between the islands and the various ports of the country.

2. To and from the airport: The best option is the Metro or the buses X93 (Kifisos - Athens International Airport Express), X95 (Syntagma - Athens International Airport Express) and CH97 (Station Daphne - Athens International Airport Express).

3. Accommodation: You can find a budget hotel room on Google. You can even consult www.booking.com!

4. Transportation: In Athens you can move with a single ticket with all means of transport such as the metro, city buses, night buses, tram, trolley, Electric or Interurban. You can even catch a taxi (expensive for very long distances and Airport Eleftherios Venizelos).

5. Discounts: Almost everywhere accept student identity cards and unemployed cards. Ask!

6. Currency: The official currency is Euro. For visitors with a foreign currency there are 2 options. Or would you put money into your account and you can withdraw from any ATM in Athens in EURO or  have in an account a small amount and make a withdrawal from the ATM at the airport just to buy a ticket or a transportation card, and then change currency at some currency stores in the centre which benefits too. DO NOT change currency at the airport, no interest at all.

7. Safety: Beware of Omonia Square, Attiki Square, Theatre Square, America and Koliatsou Square, Victoria Square and Agios Panteleimonas, especially during night-time. IN NO EVENT SHALL I avoid them. Just be careful! Athens is considered of the most secure cities in Europe and if you don't provoke there is no fear.
8. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem. LINK: http://www.athensfreewalkingtour.com/

... by Odysseas Karamitros!

PHOTO GALLERY / Paxi & Antipaxi!

Paxi & Antipaxi!

... by Odysseas Karamitros!

PHOTO GALLERY / Paros!

The famous island... Paros!

...by Odysseas Karamitros!