The Eressian Hotel Spa & Hamman is a very special place for Alexis Michalas, the man responsible for bringing this fabulous pampering experience to Eressos village.

Community is essential. As humans we need to be included, feel loved, be appreciated and nurture friendships. The village of Skalochori opened my eyes to the importance of community.

In the spring our village priest very proudly presided over the wedding service of his only daughter, Ismini. Everyone in the village, young and old were invited to this splendid event.

Every day thousands of refugees flee their homes, from countries where they are longer safe. They risk their lives travelling across the Aegean in over crowded and unsafe rubber and wooden boats in the hope of finding a safe place in Europe for themselves and their families.

Thursday is market day in Ayvalik. Market day is always lively and delicious produce is in abundance. The Turkish people are gentle and warm and the streets are full of fantastic colours and patterns.

I woke early this morning to the most beautiful day here on My Greek Island Home. I was excited as I had been invited to join my friend Stratis on an expedition to pick mushrooms.