Final days

We were aware of the developing virus situation but not the extent of the preventative measures that were to follow in due course.

These posts round up the days leading up to what would come to be known as the “Lock Down”.

At the end of February on a beautiful spring day we decided to visit the thermal baths just outside Mytilini on the Gulf of Gera.

There is the original indoor bath and a newer outdoor infinity pool version. Both have the same geothermally heated water. There are a number of these spas across Lesvos as a result of the volcanic history of the island. This is meant to be one of the better ones.

We paid for both which is a bit of a swizz at 3.00 Euros each for the indoor & 5.00 each for the outdoor one  You would think one price and you have to bring your own towels, shower gel etc.  – but hey ho (Apparently a common gripe on Trip Advisor we discovered later)

We had the place to ourselves initially and then only a few locals who used the indoor baths.

Very nice it was too. My legs I hasten to add. The views across the gulf were impressive, less so the temperature of the sea that had not yet heated up to the temperature we expect in high summer.

We both had a dip but it was good to get back into the infinity pool.

Louise loves a massage and as her birthday was approaching she treated herself to one while I had a coffee and checked my e-mails.

As we were about to leave the staff advised that the roads back into Mytilini could be blocked by the Police. There has been some civil unrest amongst the locals as a result of the refugee camps crisis. We found out later that tear gas had been used against the Greek residents demonstrating. A school in the camp had then been burnt down. I think things are getting to boiling point & not being helped by the continual daily influx of refugees from Afghanistan & Syria being picked up and taken to safety by the Greek Coastguard.

Luckily I knew a detour around the coast road which would bring us back into town from a different direction. It took us past Skala Loutra where there is a nice taverna we used when anchored off in the bay last summer. On arrival it was still shut for winter, however we also knew of a wee taverna up the hill in the village of Loutra which was our alternative choice. Very Greek, very nice & very cheap.

I am breaking off monetarily as Louise has just brought me a Greek salad for my lunch, serendipity or what?

Friday the 13th (ooooooh er!) is Louise’s birthday and we went to Refenes in Mytilini for lunch, and this, as it turns out, was to be our last meal out.

Now beginning to quieten down, even before restrictions. This was the harbourside on the afternoon of Louise’s birthday

We had to make do with Jigsaws and the now ready Limón cello, lol.

Although as I write this retrospectively at the end of April only the wee half full bottle is finished !!

The Limon cello police are very active hereabouts