A day in Lesbos island

Around this time last year I got the chance to visit the greek island of Mytilene, or Lesbos as it is most widely known. This is a short video from our second day there, when we visited the village of Agiasos, nestled in the slopes of mount Olympus (not the famous one) and then continued to the village of Plomari, at the deep south of the island.

Thanks for watching! (hoping to upload more material soon)

Paros in 10 pictures

This is the backyard. I stumbled upon it during the last days of my stay in the Anatoli appartments in Ambelas, which also include my bff's summer house.
It is early dusk and the wind is calm. Last day's Vardaris has now given its place to a gentle breeze. The stinging silence is interrupted by the clucking of the hens. I reminisce of the omelette I ate that morning for breakfast, cooked with eggs by those same chickens. I feel an inexplicable sense of hope and for a few more moments I know that life is so unpretentiously beautiful.

Those guys have managed in a week to become something for me that others have been trying to be for years. A family. All coupled up, I enjoy watching them discovering each other's soft spots and limits. Love is in the air and in me too.

Naousa, either experienced by day or by night, has a distinct vibe that mesmerizes you from the very first moment. I will not tell you the nature of that vibe because I do not want to set limits to your imagination. I can only assure you that once you get a hold of it, you will never forget it. This photo is taken in a late evening, half an hour before sunset. At night the same spot comes to life, the waves crashing wild and free and the defeaning music from Linardo transports you somewhere mystical. I cannont tell you where that is though... You will have to experience it by yourself.

Secret alleyways of Naousa. You never know what to expect.

That smile.-

When your best friend completes you in every imaginable and unimaginable way.

Salt shining like an electrifying diamond.

Pizzarella - our stamping ground.

Cute cat in Tao's Center.

Chasing Sunrises

"Hurry up, we're going to miss it!", I almost screamed to Katerina as she was pulling up at the parking of her house in Ampelas. It was 6.05 a.m. and we had just returned from an impromptu dip in the chilly sea, while the sun was rising. I run to my room and grabbed my DSLR. Katerina was waiting for me on the terrace and together we walked a little cape by the side of the road, overlooking Ampelas beach, the Aegean sea and the west side of Naxos island. The sun has just started to make its appearance from the horizon. 

At first it was a little shiny dot. In 2 minutes it gradually formed into a gleaming half-disc, spreading the first morning light. The sky went from deep purple to light pink and then to an intense red. As the time passed the sun was cutting its way through the dark clouds of the night that has just waved the world goodbye.  Each second that passed welcomed a new ray of light. The silence was deafening. It seemed that the nature was in total stillness out of respect for this new day's beginning. Katerina and I stood breathless. In moments like this you just sit and marvel.

I suddenly realize that I've forgotten my camera. Instead of bringing it with me I just put on my jeans to battle the morning chill. For just a nanosecond I feel disappointed for not documenting this unrepeatable moment. But just then say to myself that really, it doesn't matter. That this twinkle is mine to keep and that my mind is the only camera I ever need. I take a deep breath and exhale. I haven't exchanged a word with my friend for over 10 minutes. At that point I blurt out: "A new day has come!". She turns to me smiling surprisingly. We stare at each others eyes and then sing ferociously "A NEW DAY HAAAAAS COME!!!", the well-known chorus by Celine Dion. Katerina plays it on YouTube and we start singing and dancing around, doing the "welcome of the sun" yoga position, wide-eyed and smiling. 

At that moment I felt lucky for having witnessed that day's commencement, for being with my best friend and for sharing this intangible experience. 

(Photo of a similar sunset at the exact same place as the one described above, a few days before. You can sense the magic!)

Skyros in a nutshell

Last September I had the chance to visit the island of Skyros, in Greece. Skyros is the southern island in the complex of North Sporades. The island is known for its distinct natural beauty and traditional customs, which are still going strong since the ancient times. This combination made Skyros selective and qualitative tourist receiver, a fact that helped her maintain her traditional character.

Some of the numerous beautiful places of the island are the beach of Yalos (where, according to Homer's epics, Achilles was having his bath), the archaeological site of the Castle (the island's ancient acropolis) and the beaches of Pefko, Agios Fokas and Atsitsa. What really took me by surprise was how green the island was. Since its terrain is mostly mountainous don't miss the chance to hike to certain beaches and not take the car.

The southern, arid and rocky part of the island hides amazing sea caves and deserted islands that are accessible only by boat, and untouched beaches where you can only go by 4x4. Don't forget to visit the small island of Sarakiniko and swim in its crystal clear waters.

If you are looking for something traditional and special to buy, consider a Skyrian hand-crafted embroidery or pottery. You will find many organized folklore workshops full of wood carvings, pottery, basketry etc while strolling around Chora.

As for me, I had the time of my life at this islands. Now, I will let the pictures do the talking.

I really hope you enjoyed the post!

Happy first Monday of the year!!!

Bisous,

Niki