Safety in Lesvos, Greece What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
I would agree completely with Matthew. We felt completely safe. Do watch out for cars as you walk on the side of the road and just keep your stuff where all the other Euro Relief workers do and you’ll be fine.
Lesvos was an incredibly safe island! At no point did we ever feel in danger or unsafe. However, be mindful of the cars on the road, the Greek drivers are crazy. The refugees you will meet are friendly and mostly loving. Any push back from them is purely because of their circumstances. Watch your valuables at all times. When you are at camp, keep things either on you, or in the food tent. I made a few generous donations to refugees during my ministry at camp due to turning my back on my valuables.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Lesvos, Greece Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
We worked 8-11 hour shifts with Euro Relief at Moria. With Euro Relief you’ll do a little bit of everything. It’s usually just whatever they need that day. From cleaning refugee bathrooms to guarding a gate to stopping a water tank from flooding camp to housing, new arrivals, H4H, clothing, etc. etc. etc.Long term Euro Relief volunteers are some of the nicest, coolest, sweetest people you’ll ever meet. Take some time to get to know them.And I agree with Matthew on everything else.
We worked 8 to 11 hours shifts at the Sykiminea refugee transition station. We were the first station the refugees come to after crossing the Aegean Sea and landing in Greece. We gave them warm, dry clothes, a small bit of food, and gave out tickets for the buses which came to pick them up and take them to the next camp. I worked primarily with loading the refugees onto buses.The refugees are kind, but they are still people. The most important thing in the camp is that the volunteers maintain control. That will mean at times raising your voice and being firm. You will have opportunities to talk to the refugees, hear their stories, and pray for them. Try to see them as people, and not just a mass of people. This mindset will help you maintain joy through the long shifts and best minister to them.Do not forget to be kind and friendly to the other volunteers. While our camp was run by Christians, we had many random volunteers and journalists come through. Talk openly about the Lord and why you are in Greece to serve. These volunteers are a ministry in and of themselves!Ministry in the camps is very rewarding, but extremely difficult. The shifts are long and you will be tired. Take a rest if you need it and someone can watch your post, Drink plenty of water and eat the food and snacks in the food tent. If you are burnt out because you aren’t taking care of yourself, you cannot effectively do the ministry you were sent to do!Lastly, always listen to the camp coordinator and use them a resource. Any questions or concerns ask them, they are incredible and selfless people!
Lodging
Lodging in Lesvos, Greece Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
All 18 of us stayed in a three bedroom apartment. It was close to camp but far from most everything else. It was really nice, however a little small. The best part was this terrace that was bigger than the actually apartment itself. A lot of us just threw our tents up there for more space and privacy.
You will have no choice where you stay, and our logistics leaders took care of the accommodations by speaking with the leaders of the local NGO’s we were serving.Wherever you stay, it will most likely be nicer than most other world race accommodations. This is good because you will need all the rest you can get when you aren’t ministering at camp. Enjoy the (mostly) hot showers, Wifi, and couches while you can!Something to note. The Greek’s have a very different impression of service and hospitality then we do in America. Keep your rooms clean and orderly as the cleaning staff will have some harsh words for you if you do not. Treat these places like a host home rather than a hotel and you should be fine!
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Lesvos, Greece What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Depending on your shifts you may eat many meals at camp, free of charge. That’s what my team ended up doing. Otherwise you’ll need to cook because eating out is expensive.
Food in Greece is priced more in lines with American pricing. Our food budget was raised to $10 a day per person after a few weeks since we were having a hard time making it work. Try to cook in your hotels as often as possible. Our rooms at the Akti hotel had burners in the rooms and a full kitchen on the premises which were able to use with permission. We ate a lot of pasta, sausage, and made sandwiches daily for either our meals at the hotel or to bring with us to camp.There are several little markets in town, the biggest of which is red and on the main road into Molyvos. If you need something they do not have, ask for it as they often keep things behind the counter or can order it for you. The best part about the red market is that they will deliver your groceries to your hotel for free! Just ask if you are buying a lot, as you have to walk into town for everything.There are a number of great restaurants in Molyvos to choose from. Galiano’s is down towards the harbor and has the best pizza and pasta. It is also run by a British couple so they speak English and the food is amazing. They also deliver. The best restaurant in the harbor is called Mistral and has green table cloths. My favorite restaurant overall was Taverna Alonia. Great, home cooked Greek food! Friends has good and cheap gyros, they also deliver. Stay away from the flashy place in town with waffles and burgers. The food is fine but very overpriced. Try Cafe Posto next door, much cheaper and they sometimes have donuts!
Transportation
Transportation in Lesvos, Greece What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
We took a bus into Athens from Albania. Then we went by ferry to Lesvos. The ferry was wonderful. Comfortable beds, good food, and just a fun experience overall. On your way out of the island, the ferry will be filled with refugees on their way to Athens.In Molyvos, we walked everywhere. Town was about a 20 minute walk each way. We were shuttled to our ministry site by someone working at the camp. It’s a 4 minute drive through some very windy mountain roads. Sit in the front or bring motion sickness deterrents if you need them. I found myself a little sick at times, eve though I had never been motion sick before.
Medical
Medical in Lesvos, Greece Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
First try the doctors at camp. It’ll be easiest and it’s free. However, they often very busy so if you start to get worse while attempting to see them just go ahead to the hospital in Mytilini. I had to take my teammate for a bad cough, and to be seen with any sort of speed we had to go to the emergency room. Even then expect and prepare for a wait but it will be the fastest way to be seen.
We never went to hospital, but if you aren’t feeling well, try seeing if one of the doctors at camp is free and will take a look at you. They often had down time and were able to help us if needed.
Communication
Communication in Lesvos, Greece Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
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Financial
Financial in Lesvos, Greece Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
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Translators
Translators in Lesvos, Greece List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Lesvos, Greece What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
We only had one day off a week from our 8 -10 hr daily shifts so we spent most of these days resting. But we did go and see the life jacket graveyard and learned more about the refugee crisis. We also went into Mytillini and spent time at coffe shops and checked out the shops. Great food and ice cream!
We did not have a ton of time to do trips away from Molyvos but the town itself is beutiful and worth walking through on a day off. Visit the castle at the top, it is beautiful and only 2 euro to go inside. There is also a hot spring in Molyvos. We were not able to go, but some of my squad mates did and they had a wonderful time. Theoretically, you could get transport into Mytilene for a day, its about 1.5 hours away from Molyvos. We never checked on pricing, but it would fill a day with some fun.When you are in Athens either coming or going from Lesvos, go out and explore if you have the time. Both of our trips through, we had 9+ hours and went out into the city. Use the Subway as it is very cheap and reliable. You must visit the Acropolis, it is stunning and well worth the time and money. Cost 20 Euro to get in, but there is a discount if you have a student ID with you. There is also a very large mall by the Olympic stadium which was great. Just ask the locals if you need help and check tripadvisor for other things to do. Athens is a blast and worth every penny.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Lesvos, Greece Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
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Tips
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Lesvos, Greece Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?