TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

During an afternoon in Lesvos, Dutchman and I went for a ride in the eastern part of the island. We visited Mantamados and then we rode further to the direction of Pedi when we saw this huge signboard with red ‘KKE’ letters and the familiar sickle and hammer logo on it. Dutchman was very quick to notice it. He said it’s the sign for the Communist Party of Greece. I haven’t been following the Greece situation recently except for the random news that passes by from time to time, but I am just wondering—with the current political and economic catastrophe (that has no end in sight) the country is facing, are the Communist Party rallying now its people to strengthen their cause? Is the Communist Party (KKE) actually alive in Greece? Or has it gradually evolved into reformed socialism? With most radical groups, I always keep seeing back a distinctive trend. They are usually supported by young and willing people, mostly intellectual students who are very passionate and innocent with...

When we were done with our light lunch at Taverna Vafios   in Vafeios, Dutchman and I were again on the road with the scooter. We are going to Mantamados. It was a very quiet afternoon when we arrived in Mantamados. The traditional village is known in the island for its pottery and ceramics, olive oil press, the Taxiarhis Monastery dating back to 1700’s and it’s patron saint Archangel Michael bringing pilgrims yearly to this place, and lastly, the beautiful circa 1750 Saint Vasilios Church with a remarkable black wood carved iconostatis. The church was closed when I initially inspected it from its gate tower, when out of the blue, an aged man came rushing to my aid. He greeted me with a big smile and opened the gate for me, ushering me to follow him. I realised that he is the church keeper and he is actually opening the church for me to see it. Now that’s very nice. Greek Orthodox Churches have beautiful, colourful and mysterious church interiors. When I stepped inside th...