Janet's diary Wednesday

Wednesday 17th September

Overnight we sailed to the Greek Island of Lesvos, and woke this morning to find ourselves anchored in the bay close to the town of Mytilene.  From past experience we know that getting 1800 people off the ship by tender takes some time and we were in no hurry, so we had a leisurely morning watching the ship become quieter and quieter as the majority of passengers dashed ashore.  By the time we went down to the tender pontoon, there were just 10 of us making the short trip to dry land.

On shore, we sought out the castle on the hillside, which Tripadvisor reviews had advised was worth a look.  Parts of it date back to 354AD, but most was built in the 14th century.   It's a huge site, in ruins and not very well maintained, but there were plenty of information boards and we thought it was most interesting.  The views from the walls over the town towards the sea were fantastic too.  And, being at the top of a hill, with very little in the way of signing or publicity, there were few people there - bliss compared to the throngs at Ephesus!

We had a little wander round Mytilene after the castle.  The roads down the hill were treacherous, with no pavements, and once in the town's main street we had to watch out for scooters which seem to have the right to drive anywhere, even in pedestrianised areas.  We noticed dozens of what appeared to be stray dogs on the quieter roads, mostly just lying in the shade.  We've seen lots of cats in other places on this trip, but never so many dogs.

We decided to return to the ship mid-afternoon and weren't quite so lucky with the tender.  We had to join a long queue on the quayside and when eventually our turn came, we were squashed onto the ship's lifeboat.  Thankfully the sea was flat and the journey short, but it made me think how horrid it would be if one had to use a lifeboat in an emergency.

We spent the rest of the afternoon on the balcony, with me having to restrain Dave from swearing at the two ladies on the next balcony who talked incessantly.  Or maybe drivelled would be a better description.  We heard descriptions of every board game they'd ever played at Christmas, which ships they'd been on, and which ship they might go on next, which loyalty band they're in (Yes, you've guessed, they're Priority People), which biscuits they prefer, etc. etc.

Dinner under the stars in the Pennant Grill again.  We think the weather is going to be cooler from now on, so this will probably be the last opportunity for dinner outside.

Xx
Janet