Barbara from Canada, summer 2005 and August 2006
For two summer months, I found myself calling a small Greek coastal town home. My adventure on the turtle-surrounded island started with a taxi ride to Katelios from a man speeding along the narrow roads and waving a cigarette out the window. I really had no idea what to expect, and quite frankly I was just hoping I'd get there in one piece, but that was the greatest part of it all! I couldn't help but smile in the back seat of the car. All I knew was that I was on my way to somewhere 24km from the island's capital - amen to the mileage signs. That night, I was helped to set up my tent by two Greek men who ended up becoming my best local friends around. My first night was followed by so many great highlights: cold (yet officially said to be solar powered) showers, liberating motorbike road trips around the island, spontaneous midnight swims, hitchhiking in an 18-wheeler truck and so much more!
My days were filled with unbelievable volunteer activities as well as the never-ending Greek lessons which became increasingly interesting as my time spent in Katelios went by. Sporting events organized by myself and other volunteers kept us all in shape - cheers to the volleyball and soccer tournaments as well as Katelios'1 st Diathlon.
When I was not busy volunteering, the beach must have been one of my most popular hangouts whether it was morning, afternoon or night. Nevertheless, vacation-lifestyle put aside, I found myself in Katelios for the all too beautiful turtles. It was the morning and night patrols that kept me on my feet, ready to go on a time-consuming walk all the time. For my shifts, I was usually paired up with someone new which always made for an interesting time spent. I found myself intoxicated by the many cultures that surrounded me. When rest stops came around during patrols, I'd find myself sitting beside one of the many volunteers listening and sharing stories from back home. I discovered half of Europe just through word-of-mouth. Also, there's just something so magical about being on a stretch of beach in the early mornings or late nights. It's during those moments that I found myself hearing waves crash ashore, smelling the sea's salt water, feeling the soft grains of sand filter through my fingers, seeing shooting stars cross the sky and tasting my all too quickly prepared snack (usually a Bounty chocolate bar). With my tent located in the shadiest part of the campsite, I rarely found myself too bothered napping around midday after the long night patrols. Either way, if I couldn't stand the heat in my tent, I'd swing back and forth in one of the hammocks that were hung from the fig trees or I'd quickly whip on my bikini and run into the sea - so refreshing! Let's just say, the days were never boring and I miss every minute of it. Katelios was the most memorable place to run away to during the hottest months of the year in Greece and if I could do it over again, I would. and I probably will too.