Small Acts of Generosity

In just 2 days I have been the recipient of several small acts of generosity by the people of Lesbos. 

The first occurred when I was walking around Mytilene harbor with 2 oversized bags.  I was hot, tired and sweaty.  So when I asked at a tour office where I could drop off bags for storage they said leave them there.  I offered to pay and they said no it wasn't a problem to leave my bags there all day.  I picked them up 5 hours later.  

I already told you about the gentleman that led me around the neighborhood to show me the shop of the hat maker and then led me to the shop where the daughter of the hat maker was working.

Later up at Hotel Pyrgos I left some money on the counter to pay for my coffee and cookies.  I was there 2 1/2 hours in conversation with the young ladies I mentioned earlier, who were legitimate guests of the hotel.  When I went to say goodbye to Katerina, she didn't want payment for the coffee.  I left the money anyway.

On Tuesday I was heading down from Orfeas to Molyvous about a 20 minute walk.  I passed a van with a young man sitting in the passenger seat.  He was selling bunches of oranges and tangerines in large bags.  I wanted to buy one to eat as I went along.  He indicated to help myself, which I did.  When I offered to pay he indicated no charge.  I gave him 1/2 a euro anyway.  

One of these acts alone would not have surprised me.  But I am a stranger, I don't speak Greek.  My bags could have been a risk for the tour office to watch for 5 hours.  They didn't know what was in them.  Partly I am aware that this is an economy where things are difficult and people don't have much. I post this in appreciation for the Greek people of Lesbos and thier small acts of generosity.

I started my shift work last night and I have another shift tonight.  I know that folks are waiting to here what I do and what is going on.  I will post tomorrow, but there won't be any pictures because that is restricted.  So here is a picture from just outside my door where I am staying.  The land you see on the horizon is Turkey.