I eventually made it. I found away to leave Kalymnos. I have arrived on the Island of Leros. And I arrived at completely the wrong port!! Well, a different port to the one I was expecting. I didn’t really care when I rocked up at Ayia Marina this afternoon, instead of Xirokambos. I found the nearest bar and wifi and had a quick look for decent accommodation and ended up here in Platonas, up a hill, in a lovely hotel which is central for all the other interesting “worth a look places” and it has the best view of the castle and windmills.

After I arrived I chatted to Luna, the lady who owns the hotel with her husband Antonis. She gave me a map and pointed out all the places that are worth a visit, and where I’ll get some good photos too. They are all within walking distance which is nice as I can chose where I’m going each day then make my way around one or two towns in a day. I think I might stay 3 or 4 nights, knowing what is here. I haven’t even got as far as checking ferry days and times. I really can’t be bothered after all that hassle in Kalymnos!

I ventured the 10 minute walk down to the nearest beach at the village of Pantelli. It was lovely with a nice little pebbly beach and warm, clear water. I sat by the Castello Hotel and had a snack of zucchini balls and a vino and watched the sunset. I haven’t really done much else.

I wandered back up to the hotel, had a shower and am now sitting typing this in the rooftop bar and restaurant. It’s nice, not just with the fantastic view of the castle, all lit up, high on the hill looming down on us, but with the atmosphere. It’s the noise, the chattering. The owner Antonios is funny and very welcoming. He’s given me a very tasty cocktail on the house, which is always a bonus, and I’m sat at his desk using my laptop as I needed to plug it in on charge. I was starting to get a little tired of my own company in Kalymnos. There wasn’t a lot of open, friendly people. I’m enjoying just listening and watching the people around me as I type and sort out photos. I love people watching. There’s some babies and little children, and all the adults are chattering away in their own language, calling this place home for a few nights, just like me. I think I’m the only one, apart from the Greek staff, who doesn’t speak these other guests language. I’m sat amongst my new neighbours and fellow hotel guests, and it’s really nice to be surrounded by people and noise, and they just so happen to be Syrian and Iraqi refugees.