SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2013. MYTILENE, LESVOS ( in the Greek Islands)

Oh boy! This was a beauty, and gets a top vote from me! Absolutely gorgeous! On a sun drenched Sunday morning, just picture yourself wandering along a sleepy cobblestone lane peeking into flowery sweet scented courtyards with little tables already set for morning coffee. Oh my gosh...here I could live...Or visit on a regular basis! Me and 3 million olive trees, this island's major trade. (Add Jack in there too!) One little elderly lady stopped Jeff and offered him a piece of bread, but when she saw his camera she decided she would rather have her picture taken...so with a nod of her head she posed for him...a typical Greek grandmother clad in black!

We wandered further into an old stone olive oil manufacturing museum situated in the middle of this darling little mountain village. It was very interesting to hear how olive oil is actually pressed and be able to see all the hand machinery involved. But, more so, it was just a beautifully restored place, quiet, flowery, and serene.

Another stop was an old church in another adorable mountain village where the cobblestones went up, up, up and twist, twist, twist and turn ending in the church's courtyard. In the little lane were many private shops featuring wonderful pottery and wooden bowls and decorative items. I had to pass them by, very regretfully, because Jeff and I had sort of lost each other and he was the cash carrier. There were also some REAL outdoor wine and vine covered eateries so authentically Greek, you'd swear you were there! And we were! They looked more real than the very best movie set...I expected Zorba to wave to me any second! WOW is the best word. And, yes it was hot and we were exhausted by the end of the day, but it was wonderful. I've fallen in love again...with Greece. I didn't expect to, but it happened. Jack, we'll talk about where to celebrate our 50th!!

I took the tender back to the ship while Jeff continued on in Mytilene taking more photos and wandering to his heart's content. I need a long nap so I can dream about this day again...

The posted pictures are from the olive oil location...so lovely...