Another Skiathos-Newport Connection

Quick story...

Tori and I were at one of our favorite restaurants the other night, O’Batis, and a guy named Phil from Philadelphia had come over to our table. He heard us speaking English and was curious where we were from. Anyways we were talking about what Tori and I were doing here and his grandfather had actually moved from Skiathos to Newport and then back to Skiathos! He has family that owns multiple restaurants here in Skiathos and his uncle is actually a priest here at one of the churches! It’s funny how many people we’ve run into with families having lived in Newport in some point in their lives.

Hopefully at some point we will get more information on why the family had moved back and forth!

Stephanie

Improving the Town of Skiathos

Being here for almost a month now, I’ve noticed that the town of Skiathos has really been making an effort in trying to improve their environment. I have seen recycling bins next to many trashcans and I have also noticed signs for donations towards dog and cat shelters. Anyone who has visited this island can say that there are many stray dogs and cats. By having these organizations, the town shows that they care about their future.

The Green Fox Project was brought to Skiathos in December 2010 by the International Women’s Club of Skiathos and it actually started by the end of January 2011. The Green Fox project focuses on recycling plastic bottles. There are 100 locations where there are Green Fox bins! Pretty impressive. Visit their blog/website (translated in English) for more information at The Green Fox Project.

One of the Green Fox Project bins.

I caught a volunteer in action.  She was making rounds to all of the bins and emptying them.

The Skiathos Dog Shelter was originally established by some of the locals from Skiathos but it did not last for long because it was in an inconvenient place for locals. The Evangelistria monastery stepped in though and set aside a piece of land for the dog shelter and it was officially built in 1995. As the years went on they got in touch with many other animal organizations and others who were willing to help these stray dogs. The shelter even started a dog-walking program, which helped get the word out. This shelter believes that every dog should have a home and be loved. For anyone visiting Skiathos, the shelter is opened from 9am to 2pm every single day and the blue donation box is open 24/7. Their website is Skiathos Dog Shelter

The Skiathos Cat Welfare Society was founded by Peter and Sharon Hewing in January 2007. Their website Skiathos Cat Welfare Society explains that “one of the Society's aims is to stabilize the cat population through a sterilization program to prevent the suffering of unwanted kittens.” There are informative stands all around the island that volunteers run and where people can make donations.

One of the information stands.

That’s all for now!

Stephanie

Quick Warning....

Don't always count on the bus to bring you back home.
If you plan on going to Koukounaries or Banana Beach during high season either rent a car, call a cab, or leave early because you might end up waiting hours for the bus with this mob of angry beachgoers... 

(2 and a half hours and 5 buses later I finally made it on the bus)

-Tori

Hiking in Skiathos

Its a well known fact that Skiathos is home to some of the best beaches in Greece so I figured I'd take the time to focus on something else the island has to offer...

The green mountainous landscape of the island attracts hikers from all over the world. There are exactly 25 marked hiking trails (197 km) to fit every hiker's preference. The "Papadiamantis Hiker's Medal" is awarded along with a gift and certificate to any hiker who can prove he or she has hiked at least 12 trails. Those who are motivated enough to hike all 25 trails are given the "Papadiamantis Wanderer's Medal."

I'll be honest. I'm not much of a "nature" person but I love running and I have enjoyed some of the most scenic routes right here in Skiathos. Agios Fanourios is a hill on the outskirts of town that offers very good hiking. It's a difficult route but has some amazing views.

These photos from Ag. Fanourios are more convincing than my own words....

Here are some of the most popular spots for hiking on the island:
Koukounaries Forest, Kanapitsa Peninsula, Evangelistria Monastery, Town to Kastro

-Tori

Some Places To Shop In Skiathos

Hi Everyone!

I was browsing the little shops on Papadiamantis street and the roads that branch off and found some nice places to buy some unique souvenirs. My favorite one was called Ammos. It’s a shop with handmade jewelry and some very cute sandals that you definitely would not be able to find back in the states! I personally bought a pair and I also bought something for both of my sisters as a gift when I get home! The store is actually on etsy.com and the owner and co workers are going to Orlando, Florida this fall for an exhibition of their products. They are a very accommodating staff. I had bought a pair of sandals that I had not worn but were too small for me and they let me exchange them! Also they told me if the sandals didn’t fit my sister back in the States that we could ship them back and they would exchange the size. They are all about pleasing the customer! 

The store Ammos.

The inside of the store Ammos.

Another popular store that is on Papadiamantis street is called Arkos. It is a very trendy store that sells jewelry, bags, shoes and other accessories. The staff definitely works hard and very long hours! The store is opened from 8 in the morning to 2 in the morning. Talk about dedication to your job! 

Inside the store Arkos.

One store my parents and I happened to stumble upon was called Jivaeri. It is a family owned business where the owners craft their own artwork for about the past 20 years. They have two stores that are off of Papadiamantis street. They both sell their products but one is below the house that is over 100 years old where they bake their ceramic plates and other products in the kiln. The mother’s name is Asia (Ashia) and she is very talented, personable and accommodating to her customers. My mom even bought one of her pieces! 

The outside of Jivaeri.

The kiln in one of the stores.

I happened to be walking around town and ended up near the Bourtzi. There was a young man who was selling sponges. His papou (grandfather), who is 71 years old dives all over Greece for sponges. The grandson, Phillip, said that his papou has been doing this for 47 years now and it’s an extremely dangerous job. At first the sponge is attached to the rocks by an organism that makes it dark. It is a darker organism and once the sponge is taken off, it is cleaned to remove the organism and leave the sponges with the much lighter colors that you typically see. It was very interesting talking to Phillip and learning about the sponges. 

The sponges Phillip was selling.  The picture in front of the basket is of his papou (grandfather) diving.

Last but not least, I had gone into a boutique called A Be Ba Blom and started talking to one of the employees about why I was here and what I was doing. She mentioned that her great-great-great grandparents had moved to Newport, Rhode Island to find a better life. She didn’t know much else about the story but I just thought it was cool since mine and Tori’s main job is to find out about the connections to Newport, Rhode Island, the sister city of Skiathos.

More for later!

Stephanie

Rumor Has It...

Oh by the way, rumor has it that Prince Charles AND John Travolta are on the island vacationing!  Cool, huh?!

Do you think this is how Prince Charles arrived here in Skiathos?

Keep looking for updates!

Stephanie

Hello everyone!!

Today is a very important day in Greece—the celebration of Prophet Elias. Many of you probably don’t know what that means, but in Greece there is a celebration for your name day. This is a bigger celebration than your birthday here. Having said that, my mom and dad are visiting and my dad’s name is Elias. We made a trip to the Prophitis Elias church that is up in the mountains. As we drove there we saw amazing views and also stumbled upon a great restaurant called Platanos. Let me tell you, it was absolutely breathtaking and our waiter Panos was great! The view was of the whole Skiathos town. See for yourself… 

Me in front of the view!

Skiathos Town!

The view from our lunch table at Platanos Restaurant.

Then we made our way to Elias Bay beach. Little did we know we were going to be driving on a windy dirt road for 10 minutes with views that I’ve never imagined before. The beach was gorgeous as well and visitors had their privacy.

Elias Bay.

Stephanie