The Greek Utopia
The Greek Utopia
- and where you can find a good therapist to get you through it
First of all, I apologies for missing the last two weeks. Sometimes, taking a break is necessary to ensure you can keep working on a project you love for the long haul. After 36 years of life, I've learned that self-compassion is key to making any activity sustainable over time.
And it has been a hell of a year, huh?
Anyway, I'm (somewhat) back and ready to share my weekly mix of rants and sentimental musings with all 525 of you amazing readers (which one you'll get really depends on my mood when I write).
Here we go.
Weekly Spotlight
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s recent visit to Kandano, a town destroyed by German forces during WWII, has reignited debates over Germany’s responsibility for war reparations to Greece—a demand championed by many Greek towns and villages, especially Kalavryta. In Kandano, Steinmeier expressed remorse, acknowledged German war crimes, and asked for forgiveness in Greek. However, he avoided addressing reparations directly, instead emphasizing reconciliation and shared democratic values.
Kalavryta, one of Greece’s most emblematic martyr towns, also plays a central role in the ongoing demand for reparations. In December 1943, German forces carried out one of the war's worst massacres there, executing nearly the entire male population in retaliation for Greek resistance. Kalavryta’s mayor, Thanasis Papadopoulos, who also heads the Network of Martyr Towns and Villages "Greek Holocausts 1940-1945," described Steinmeier’s stance as dismissive, asserting it undermines both historical justice and reconciliation efforts.
Papadopoulos emphasized that the claim for reparations remains legally valid, fair, and irrevocable, representing more than financial redress; it is a moral necessity to honor the victims of Nazi occupation.
News You Can Use
Honestly, I really liked the previous week in the English language Kathimerini. Greece is fixed, you guys!
A brand new project will revive a Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park!
The brain drain from Greece has been reversed, young Greeks are returning in flocks to the motherland, inspired by, ahem, “family and climate”!
Really, the only problems in this country are the migrants and Erdogan. Look out the window, don’t you see the utopia?
There is a reason why I keep yapping like a broken TV here about reading Greek language content (so, not dedicated specifically to foreigners and expats) and diversifying the sources where you get your news from - and this is exactly it.
Even this story, a harmless article about tipping in Greece, ends it’s last paragraph with:
“The government’s financial team opted for a reasonable solution”
No, our job as journalists is NOT to assess whether something that the politicians did (and that includes all parties, colors, orientations, ruling or opposition, you name it) is reasonable or not.
Our job is to inform you about it.
Ok. Rant over. Moving on to some actual news.
October 28: Images and videos from the military parade in Thessaloniki (here is an explanation of what Greece is actually celebrating on that day).
Starting in 2025, Greece will require mandatory insurance for high-value properties, businesses with over €500,000 in annual turnover, and all vehicles, to cover natural disasters.
Tourism: Applications are open for the 1,250 euro voucher - Who is it for?
The extreme drought, as seen from the sky above the 9th largest lake in Greece, Yliki.
On a related note, at noon next Friday (November 1), the government has called the mayors of the Cyclades islands to Athens, to let them know that they are losing control of their water supply and sewerage companies, which will join EYDAP. The islanders disagree. Who will manage the increasingly precious water supply?
If you have accounts at NBG, be careful of this phishing scam.
How many electric chargers for cars are there in Greece? See where they are
9 new stations are coming to Metro Line 2 - where will they be located?
The 1st micro Forest on Elikonas hill (Alepotrypas) in Ano Kypseli was inaugurated by the mayor of Athens. If you check it out, please send me your thoughts.
What are the humble foods of the Occupation that saved the lives of millions of Greeks?
The new "Passenger Rights" portal for maritime transport was launched this week, which provides guidance on passenger rights, price monitoring, and accessibility support for individuals with disabilities. The "Price Observatory" section tracks real-time ferry ticket prices to ensure fair pricing.
As of September 2024, Greece’s minimum wage has a real value of just 693 euros, so below the 700-euro mark. Inflation has eaten into recent wage hikes, reducing their impact.
And the majority of Greeks over 50 face retirement without pensions.
The delivery personnel from Wolt and efood are going on a 48-hour strike on November 1st and 2nd and a rally on Friday, Nov 1st at 12 noon and Saturday, Nov 2nd at 6 pm.
The Long Reads
The dilemma between buying and renting a house:
“For example, in an area like Ampelokipi in Athens, an 80 sq.m. apartment, aged between 35 and 45 years, is currently rented for €850/month (asking price).”
Yeap. Everything’s great, folks.
My favourite link: a selection of the top platforms for finding a therapist in Greece today, on the The Greek Analyst, another Substack I am very much a fan of and which is very useful for understanding life in Greece.
A very cool interview with the frontman of the Belgian band dEUS, that is returning to Athens this weekend.
And finally, the demystification of high season on the islands. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist.
Wanderlust
I hope you enjoyed the nice, sunny days, because apparently winter is coming soon. In the meantime:
Here are four stunning autumn drives in Greece.
Have you ever heard about the Chestnut Festival in the Peloponnese? Here’s how it looked like this year, so that maybe you can put it in your schedule for 2025.
The 65th Thessaloniki Film festival starts on October 31st, if anyone’s around.
And some great music recommendations, it’s really full of amazing concerts these days:
Have a great weekend and do write back. Even if it’s just to complain.
Ioana
Great post, and thanks for the shout-out!