An Afternoon in Skala Kalloni in Lesvos Island and the Very Helpful Locals
The Greek Islands are a favourite summer holiday destination of Dutchman and I. There’s something about these mythical islands, and I am not just talking about overly touristy and beautiful places such as Santorini, Crete and Mykonos. I think it’s a combination of the laid-back beach, the island life, the rich culture and history, stunning architectures and panoramic landscape, and how could I not forget, the food?
Despite the fact that tourism has taken over almost a quarter of the country’s GDP, the rural way of life in the islands still hang in the air.
Last summer we were in Lesvos Island, part of the North Aegean group of islands near the border to Turkey. Dutchman and I rented a scooter and a car as well to see the island. One of the places we discovered is Skalla Kalloni.
Skalla Kalloni is located on the Kalloni Gulf (in the center of the island) and is a popular area for bird watching. Due to its shallow waters birds tend to flock here in the wetlands and take shelter. Well, Dutchman and I took shelter at one of the lounge beach cafes from the heat while we left our scooter parked in the village square.
If you were like me, you would in no time be checking out the whole place—the harbour, the village square, the beach, the outskirts and of course the Orthodox church, while Dutchman found a spot to tie himself up for the rest of the afternoon. Either on to a sun bed or on to a lounge beach chair. It was a lounge chair this time. It was when I was in the church that two local Greek guys found me.
‘You are the owner of the scooter on the square right?’
‘Uh, what scooter?’ My mind was racing—Who are these people? Do they know me? What do they want from me? Why did they follow me here in the church?
OK, I AM PARANOID. Haha! But really it’s a bit awkward to have two male strangers come up to you in the middle of a very still church.
‘The black scooter on the square. ‘ says the man. ‘The police are coming, you need to move the scooter otherwise you will be fined.’
My eyebrows raised, ‘Oh yes, right!’
I thanked the guys and rushed off to the square. Unfortunately I do not have the keys of the scooter, so I went to the lounge beach café where the Dutchman was relaxing and told him the good and bad news about the scooter.
Good news—We were warned by the locals ahead of time that the police are coming.
Bad news—We need to move the scooter ASAP. Like now.
Such gracious and helpful people! It’s experiences like these that makes me smile and go back again and again to the Greek Islands =)
Next: Our evening in Skala Kalloni
Travel Period: June-July 2012
Destination: Skala Kalloni (Lesvos – North Aegean), Greece
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Despite the fact that tourism has taken over almost a quarter of the country’s GDP, the rural way of life in the islands still hang in the air.
Last summer we were in Lesvos Island, part of the North Aegean group of islands near the border to Turkey. Dutchman and I rented a scooter and a car as well to see the island. One of the places we discovered is Skalla Kalloni.
If you were like me, you would in no time be checking out the whole place—the harbour, the village square, the beach, the outskirts and of course the Orthodox church, while Dutchman found a spot to tie himself up for the rest of the afternoon. Either on to a sun bed or on to a lounge beach chair. It was a lounge chair this time. It was when I was in the church that two local Greek guys found me.
‘You are the owner of the scooter on the square right?’
‘Uh, what scooter?’ My mind was racing—Who are these people? Do they know me? What do they want from me? Why did they follow me here in the church?
OK, I AM PARANOID. Haha! But really it’s a bit awkward to have two male strangers come up to you in the middle of a very still church.
‘The black scooter on the square. ‘ says the man. ‘The police are coming, you need to move the scooter otherwise you will be fined.’
My eyebrows raised, ‘Oh yes, right!’
I thanked the guys and rushed off to the square. Unfortunately I do not have the keys of the scooter, so I went to the lounge beach café where the Dutchman was relaxing and told him the good and bad news about the scooter.
Good news—We were warned by the locals ahead of time that the police are coming.
Bad news—We need to move the scooter ASAP. Like now.
Such gracious and helpful people! It’s experiences like these that makes me smile and go back again and again to the Greek Islands =)
The Skala Kalloni harbour.
This is the nice lounge beach cafe we spent the afternoon at.
This dog loves me =). I have horrible toes due to wearing high-heels at an early age, but I do not care. There are other things in life to be worried about.
The beach and the rainbow straw parasols.
Friendly and helpful locals. I think one of the guys who warned me was the far left guy in the picture.
Skala Kalloni village square.
Interior of the Greek Orthodox Church in Skala Kalloni.
Cat says: What are you looking at? You just woke me up from my nap!
Black dog says: Piss off you pale-looking dog.
Next: Our evening in Skala Kalloni
Travel Period: June-July 2012
Destination: Skala Kalloni (Lesvos – North Aegean), Greece
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
