Mytilini
Mytilini, with it’s large port, commercial marina, cathedral and university is a thriving metropolis. The narrow cobbled central market street, Ermou, is closed to traffic and buzzes with activity.
Local cheeses, fresh fish, mounds of cherries, roasted walnuts, exotic spices, antiques, ceramics, clothes – anything and everything is available.
The Greek Orthodox cathedral on one end of Ermou St, with is beautiful dome, is the focal point in the market area and the old Roman port and medieval castle on the other. Neoclassical mansions, some of them with beautiful enclosed wooden verandahs as well as the extraordinary old mosque and hammams are reminders of the Ottoman empire.
The cafes are alive with young people, the tavernas serve delicious meals. Throughout the year there are art exhibitions, literary and movie festivals, traditional feasts. The sounds of live music permeate the streets.
Mytilini is not far from the refugee camp, Moria, and people who are living there waiting to move on, walk, eat, shop and go about their business alongside the locals and the holiday makers. It is not easy for them, but contrary to the media, they are not a threat in any way to visitors. Engage with them, find out what they are experiencing, what their dreams and hopes for a better future are.
