Petra - Bustling tranquility (Petra (Lesbos))

Member Name: grantdmc

Product:	Petra (Lesbos)
Date:	13/04/02 (392 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: safe and traditional, quiet no 18-30s here!, good food in abundance

Disadvantages: none

As we sat eating cheese stuffed courgette flowers, followed by slowly roasted lamb washed down by an icy cold beer on the small balcony of a taverna which was right on Petra's main square, we surveyed the scene below. To our right, we could see the men sitting in the kafenion, reading newspapers or engaging in animated discussion as the black robed priest slowly sipped his minature cup of strong Greek coffee. To our left, we could see the cool turquoise Aegean gently lapping on Lesvos' shores. It was the height of summer - August - so there were quite a few tourists, but in no way did these outnumber the locals who were busily going about their daily chores. Middle aged women, thick set and strong armed carrying plastic bags full of groceries, extended families of at least three generations on their way to the beach, men, ambling slowly and straight backed in the sunshine.

After our meal, we went for a wander through the backstreets of Petra, enjoying the wonderful sights and smells of the wonderful produce for sale in the greengrocers - melons as big as the moon, juicy looking oddly shaped tomatoes and an interesting array of beans and aubergines. We saw shops that only sold ouzo (bring your own bottle - they fill) and locally harvested and pressed olive oil was sold in abundance.

Evening is the most interesting time to visit Petra. Men sit outside the barber's shop playing Blackgammon and everywhere is busy - but not threatenly so. Less than five minutes walk away and you are on your own again! We found an interesting taverna which was advertised by an arrowed sign, leaning against the wall in a residential street! We reached the taverna (a bit worried because we could not hear a sound) and suddenly came across it - packed full with a loyal clientele! We would not have been able to sit down had it not been for a kind Danish couple who let us join them - thank goodness! This taverna conisted of a back yard which had
been converted into an outdoor taverna. A classical mural had been painted on the wall. A lady cooked food in her own kitchen while her husband (I presume) was both maitre d and waiter!! I love choosing from the kitchen in Greece as it is in these type of places that you get the best food! This was no exception. The lovely lady warmly described the different dishes which were available and we were even given a small free sample to try before we made our choice!

Petra is a wonderful, traditional little town and one I hope to visit again at another stage in my life. Please go and find out for yourself and when you go - tell everyone - yassou!

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