Israelis Find Warm Welcome and Community in Northern Greece
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
An Israeli traveler returned to northern Greece, specifically Metsovo and the Zagori region, seeking a deeper connection after a previous visit. Despite the ongoing war, they found continued warmth and support from local friends, including a hotel owner who provided medical assistance and refused payment. The author observed a significant Israeli tourist presence but also noted depopulation in some villages. The trip concluded with a reminder of Israeli solidarity when lost items were returned by another traveler.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israelis found a warm welcome and strong community support during a return trip to northern Greece.
- Local Greek friends provided significant assistance, including medical aid and refusing payment for services.
- The author noted a noticeable presence of Israeli tourists in the region.
- Some northern Greek villages show signs of depopulation as younger generations move to cities.
- Israeli solidarity was highlighted when lost items were returned by another traveler.
A return trip to the Zagori and Tzoumerka regions of northern Greece, initially planned as a brief stopover three years prior, became a deeply meaningful experience for the author. The initial visit to the village of Metsovo, nestled in the Pindus Mountains, revealed a unique culture and warm hospitality, fostering a desire to return. Despite delays caused by the war, heartfelt emails from local friends in Greece, including a butcher and a hotel owner, sustained the connection and hope for a future visit.
During Sukkot, the author and friends returned to Metsovo, a town known for its Vlach (Aromanian) heritage and traditional mountain life. They stayed at the Grand Forest Metsovo hotel, revisiting the "local parliament" of elderly men gathering in the central square. The experience exceeded expectations, with the natural beauty and relaxed pace of "siga siga" (slowly, slowly) life offering a welcome respite. The journey included excursions to Lake Aoos and Lake Zurka, and a sunset view over the Meteora monasteries.
The travelers then moved to the Zagori region, staying in a boutique hotel. They were deeply touched by the continued support from local friends, Yorgos and Athena, who had offered encouragement via email throughout the war. Yorgos even facilitated a video call with a local doctor and procured medication when one of the travelers experienced a dental issue, refusing payment for his assistance. This act of kindness mirrored a previous instance where Yorgos and Athena hosted an Israeli guest from Sderot for two weeks after his flights were canceled due to the war, charging him only for the initial four nights.
The author noted a significant presence of Israeli tourists in the region, with Hebrew becoming a common language. However, the beauty of the area was contrasted with the visible signs of depopulation in some villages, where young people have moved to larger cities and the elderly struggle with the steep terrain. Despite these challenges, the trip concluded with visits to the vibrant villages of Papigo and Mikro Papigo, and a final meal in Thessaloniki.
A minor mishap occurred when the author left behind valuable clothing items in Zagori. A post in an Israeli travel group on Facebook quickly led to multiple offers of help. Ultimately, an Israeli traveler named Anbar retrieved the items and returned them, reinforcing the author's belief in the strong sense of community among Israelis worldwide.