Memories from my trip to the island of Lesvos

FIRST DAY

July 12, 2004, in the middle of summer, a warm sunny afternoon at the port of Piraeus, waiting for the "Taxiarchis". The ship that will take us to the largest, most beautiful island in the northeastern Aegean, famous for its ancient history and culture, Lesvos.
Months before, we made plans and imagined scenes in our minds like children, waiting for the dream to become reality. We travel quietly, gently, like small boats with sails in the sweet breeze. Many people have filled all the spaces, but most of them are on the deck, there with the seagulls, enjoying the sunset at Sounio.

And the sweet continuation, like the night, with a new companion, the moon, who knows its course flawlessly, guiding us in the sea. A brief stop in Chios, with sleepy lights, as the city is still asleep.

Dawn in Mytilene. A beautiful city stretches in front of us like a painting. At the top, the well-preserved castle, in the center the pine forest, a special jewel in the green.
The imposing bronze statue of Liberty welcomes us to the island. Towering, it gazes at the sea, giving us wings, filling our souls with excitement.
The hills descend, so that our gaze can capture all those mansions along the coast, with their unique rhythm and special colors.

Filled with reverence, we entered the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi, where the cell of the monk Agathon was located. We felt small, as always happens inside us in such places, which have the sanctity of ascetics.
The small church is painted, with 35 local saints of Lesvos as its centerpiece, who intercede daily with our Panagia for the protection and assistance of the faithful. We received the blessing from the marble fountain outside, where initially the Holy Bank of the temple was located, among the fragrant basil and other aromatic plants planted by the devout residents. On our way back, we bought folk art objects as souvenirs to always remember the town of Agiassos, which holds a special place in the heart of every visitor.