Mytiln and the Island of Lesbos

We arrived at the Mytiln Port via the SS Mariner's tender boat. Jim and Shirley saved our seats as we almost missed the launch, fortunately they made new friends from Scotland and we made it aboard just in time.

We arrived in the port under the watch of a local medieval castle where we embarked on our tour of Lesbos. We visited a local Orthodox Church and made a longer pilgrimage to a quaint village deep in the interior of the island. Once there we walked around the narrow streets and toured another Orthodox church which I would describe as exploring the attic belonging to a wealthy, eccentric, and crazy Aunt.

A clanging church bell and the chatter of the villagers was the backdrop in the streets shaded by overhanging grape vines. We bought baklava from a local baker and drank Turkish Coffee that was brewed over a charcoal pit. Lesbos has more olive trees than anywhere in the world, around 29 million at last count. Noreen and I spent the afternoon swimming in the Aegean Sea, avoiding Sea Urchins, and making new friends from Ireland who were also on our boat. For dinner we had lobster and watched a Broadway musical before retiring for the evening.

Summary: Lesbos is a wonderful visit if you love olive trees, Greek Orthodoxy, cigarettes, and orzo...but know the Aegean Sea is always there to take a break with an invigorating swim.