My Greek Odyssey Season 2 Episode 5 Lesbos
- January 4, 2019
- 45 min
In season 2 episode 5 of My Greek Odyssey, the host Peter Maneas sets out to explore Lesbos, the third largest island in Greece located in the Aegean Sea. Known for its picturesque villages and cultural traditions, Lesbos is also famous for its olive oil, ouzo, and sardines.
The episode begins with Peter visiting one of the island's most iconic landmarks, the Monastery of Petra. Built in the 16th century, the monastery is perched atop a towering rock and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. After admiring the scenery, Peter meets with Father Doroteos, the head priest of the monastery, who shares insights on the history and significance of the site.
Next, Peter heads to the village of Molyvos, known for its cozy streets and traditional architecture. Here, he meets with local artist Tula Plumi, who paints beautiful landscapes using her unique technique of applying oil paint to water. Tula takes Peter through her creative process, explaining how she draws inspiration from the island's natural beauty.
Continuing his exploration of Molyvos, Peter visits a local ouzo distillery. Ouzo, a traditional Greek alcoholic beverage, is made by distilling anise seed, which gives it its distinct licorice flavor. Peter learns about the history of the distillery and the intricacies of the ouzo-making process from the owner, who is also one of the few female ouzo-makers in Greece.
Moving on from Molyvos, Peter travels to the town of Plomari, which is famous for its production of olive oil. Here, he meets with a family of olive farmers who have been harvesting olives for generations. They take him on a tour of their olive grove and explain the processes involved in producing high-quality olive oil. Peter is amazed to learn that some of the trees are over 700 years old and are still bearing fruit.
In Plomari, Peter also gets to experience a unique cultural tradition – the sardine feast. The people of Plomari celebrate the town's patron saint by serving grilled sardines to the entire community. Peter joins the festivities and learns about the significance of the tradition from the locals.
Finally, Peter concludes his journey by visiting the town of Agiassos, known for its beautiful church and traditional cobbled streets. Here, he meets with a friendly local who takes him on a tour of the town's many churches and religious sites. Peter is intrigued by the depth of the Orthodox faith and the impact it has on the daily lives of the island's inhabitants.
Overall, season 2 episode 5 of My Greek Odyssey provides a fascinating insight into the customs, traditions, and unique cultural offerings of Lesbos. From ouzo-making to olive harvesting, the episode showcases the island's rich heritage and the warmth of its people.