The Aqua Blue departs the shores of Agios Efstratios in the depths of the pre-dawn darkness. Several hours later she arrives at Lemnos which is already bustling with activity. The sun, although not yet visible, has begun its ascent, lighting the morning sky and tinging the underside of the lightly scattered clouds with pink and…
Several days ago I confidently reported back to Lucy, my wonderful host on Lemnos, that I hadn’t been bored in my five days on Ai Stratis. Far from it. Although I didn’t have an action-packed itinerary, flying from one tourist spot to the other, I found plenty of things to occupy my mind. Much of…
After exploring the traditional houses and what remains of the old Chora, I was keen to see other parts of the village. First, a little background information to give some context. Agios Efstratios consists of just one settlement located in a valley nestled between two ridges and has four main ridges running its length in…
“You’re spending five nights on Agios Efstratios?” Lucy said. “You’ll be bored!” she exclaimed. Sophia also concurred. Little did they know, the word bored doesn’t come into my vocabulary. My grandchildren are well versed in my response to them telling me that they are bored. I tell them that if they are bored it means…
Where did the time go on Lemnos? It went all too quickly that’s for sure. My days have usually started with a simple breakfast on my small balcony overlooking an orchard of pomegranates, oranges and quince, almost all ready for harvesting. Yoghurt, local thyme honey, peaches and a cup of tea will more than suffice….
Myrina has been an absolute delight. After a few days, I felt as though I’d settled into the rhythm of the place and began to feel completely at home. All the difference has been made by my wonderful host at Apollo Pavillion Hotel. Lucy has made me feel very welcome and nothing is too much…
The first week or so of my trip has absolutely flown by. Having company for the first week of the trip was amazing and to be able to connect with so many wonderful, amazing and interesting people has been an unusual aspect to my solo travels. However, it has left me exhausted and with a…
It is impossible to have a Kastro looming above you and not go to explore. I don’t know how difficult it is to climb but I will give it a good attempt. Myrina Fortress is the largest in the Aegean. Having only visited the Kastro in Mytilini less than a year ago, I’d have thought…
The flight to Lemnos was a pleasant 45 minutes. For such a short flight I’m amazed that they still give out a little snack, a bottle of water and a lemon scented hand wipe. I’ve been on longer bus journeys – imagine getting a bag of peanuts and a drink on the Number 42 to…
And before I knew it my time in Pefki had come to an end. I had planned to stay for a week but as two of my compadres were leaving on Monday I decided to cut my trip short by one day and head back towards Athens with them. This is the joy of having…
The morning after the launch event at breakfast, a small group of people staying at the same hotel gathered for breakfast. The simple breakfast of bread, cheese and ham and a little slice of cake was very welcome after a night of merriment – or should I say drinking! We all agreed that there was…
Day 3 on Pefki was quiet and with all the craziness that had happened before flying out, I was still trying to acclimatise to a slower pace of life. I’d decided that today was going to be a nice restful beach day. Breakfast at the Myrtia Hotel is basic. After taking a seat under the…