Mussolini's art deco bolthole (Lakki, Leros)

 

9th Aug 2018 (Leros)

We are moored on the town quay at Lakki on the island of Leros.

Weather remains in the barely tolerable mid 30s range from 9am - 7pm: too hot!

Lakki is a mix of municipal Greek and pealing, old art deco, pastel painted Italian facades. 

The sun baked empty streets have an unkempt, tired dusty feel. 

It’s peak tourist season now, but the street cafes and bars are all but empty. Even the local cat population seem slightly more wary than their cousins elsewhere.

That said, the bay is beautiful, there’s a small beach within walking distance which we swim in twice a day.

In the past, the town was home to both a large prison and a mental asylum, the latter now housing some of the refugees who’ve found their way here from the less desirable locations of this region and beyond. 

The refugee population has apparently not hit it off well with the locals: reports of angry clashes, stones thrown, and all the outside volunteers evacuated for their own safety.. that said - all the people we’ve met / smiled at, have been happy to return the greetings.

Lakki has a rich and varied history: occupied by the Italians during WW2, its fortifications formed the basis of the film ‘Guns of Navarone’ - Mussolini had a mansion on the outskirts of town.

HMS Intrepid, a British Destroyer, was sunk by German Junker 88s in the harbour.

We’re still with our friends on ‘Cloud 9’ ( Paul & Jill) and recent new friends on ‘Mala Kai’ ( Mark and Alex ) all of whom are all really good company.