Alan: On Saturday, 20th we left Athens to fly to Lesvos, only downside was we had to leave the hotel at 2.15 a.m. to get the airport bus! Journey couldn't have been any smoother but we weren’t the liveliest party in the latter parts of the day.

We were met efficiently at Lesvos airport with our rental car, from where we set off north towards Molivos and our villa. This was a scenic and pleasant journey, about an hour’s travelling. We stopped for (self-catering) supplies in one of the few larger supermarkets on the island followed by a reviving coffee in Petra (not far from our destination) as it was still only about 8.00 and we felt a bit guilty disturbing the lady who was to guide us to our villa J

A few text messages later we were carrying our luggage up the steep (but happily short) path to our home for the next 3 weeks. It came well equipped including a lovely view and two comfortable en suite bedrooms. Unpacking didn’t take long (not much to unpack) and then we headed off for a stroll round the town to get our bearings ending up in the harbour for lunch.

Time passed...

It was still a bit cool (wind-chill) with the sun in and out and our return to the villa saw me pleasantly snoozing on the balcony wearing my fleece. The clouds probably saved me from sunburn as lotion hadn’t yet made an appearance, but it was a welcome interlude after our early start. We got no further than the lounge that evening equipped with beer, wine and ouzo we did some music and an early night.

Refreshed the next day we set off to find some bread for breakfast, realising quite quickly it was Sunday. We did manage a very non-Greek sliced loaf that was just about acceptable toasted. Breakfast consumed and first day rucksack packed we set off to the Kalloni area for some birding. Our first stop at the upper Tsiknias river was OK for a stroll but yielded few birds (yellow legged gulls, woohoo). However our second stop at the saltpans kept us occupied for a good 3 hours with a number of lifers for all including ruddy shellduck, glossy ibis, white-winged terns and corn buntings. If you aren’t into birding, trust me, this is excitement.

We dipped out (technical birding term) on a spur-winged lapwing that we were assured had been in the area.

Overall a really good day, as we combined birding with pleasant walking in good weather (much more sun today) through scenic countryside. Just how we like it. A 10 minute drive took us to Skala Kallonis and we were busy spotting open tavernas. This exercise was also successful and food, ouzo, beer and Retsina made a brief appearance although this was Colin’s turn to dip out as the nominated driver for the day. Back to base for showers and a sit down while I type this. Brilliant!



Deb: just a final comment on Athens – the restaurant called "Smile" – just a cafe really – top food! Cheap, well cooked, lovely chatty waitress – meal for Euro 7.50 – two courses and a glass of wine. It’s number 2 on the Trip Advisor top restaurants in Athens. Brilliant. Top tip – don’t bother with the Acropolis unless you get there for 8 am – opening time. We got there for 8 and almost empty – by 9 am on the way out PACKED and that’s in April!

Lesvos – chilly, cloudy then sunny, sunny, chilly cloudy,then chilly cloudy.........all in one day. Very cold at night – thank god for the antiquated boiler for some heat after 7! Great day out today – finished at around 5-pm= time for a late lunch/early dinner. Plagued by cats; waiter appears with what i thought was an extra bottle of water for us – only to see him drench the cats with it and land a few well aimed kicks at them – (alan thought this excellent sport). Back home –ouzos,wine and nibbles all round. It’s a hard life.........

No Wifi though –major calamity – can’t check scores or weather (but have been informed via text of Spurs 3-1 win against City – excellent J)

Deb: Well it’s now Tuesday – or is it? Already in Greek Island mode – not aware of which day of the week it is, never mind the date! No routines to follow; no alarm clock for work. Just get up when we want and decide what to do for the day and then, which taverna? (tough call!) It’s now 6pm and i am sitting on the terrace drinking an ouzo and listening to the swifts wheeling overhead. I think it is 23rd April – St George’s day – who funnily enough is also the patron saint of Lesvos (because he is the patron saint of shepherds), So happy st george’s day everyone – Yamos!

Did quite a long walk today and saw the unpleasant sight of a huge snake with it’s head in a birds nest in a hole in the tree, feasting on young blue tit chicks (i know it’s nature but....ugh). Colin and Alan were quite fascinated by the whole thing – even as you could chart the progress of the birds down the snake’s gullet <shivers>. Oh well, which taverna tonight............?!