Kathy Kallos - The Walk to Chora Castle

The gentle petals of the poppy swayed in the breeze whispering stories of the past, whilst Kalymnian bees danced lazily around them, drawn to their vivid red and sweet nectar.

A symbol of remembrance and peace, the poppies invited reflection on the cycles of life and the artistry of nature itself.

We climbed the rough-cut steps one by one, against the backdrop of the salt and pepper mountain. Its unforgiving terrain softened only by the lichen and sprawling patches of green - thistles, herbs, wildflowers and slender asphodels. Our lungs were filled with the intoxicating scent of oregano and wild sage. 

With each step you could almost hear the whispers of history, as if the stones themselves recounted the tales of myths and legends.

We could see the citadel standing majestically despite its weathered walls and together we admired its crumbling elegance. A testament to the resilience of those who once lived there.

We stepped inside the chapels with their faded iconography, eager to listen to the liturgies contained within their ancient walls.

And in the distance,  the church bell echoed a mournful tone  across the valley. A constant reminder that life in all its fragility marches ever forward.