The last days of September 2009, between 23-26,  the fourth predetermined meetingof the  GRUNDTVIG BRIDGE PROJECT took place at Lesvos Island (Mytilini) in Greece. All partner countries (Ireland, England, Sweden and Estonia) except Turkey, participated in that meeting, which was held by the Citizen’s Movement for the Coexistence & Communication in the Aegean.

On 23rd September 2009 at 18.30, the deputations of the partner countries, met at the office of the Citizen’s Movement for the Coexistence & Communication in the Aegean in Mytilini, (except the one from England who hadn’t arrived yet) and after a friendly welcoming from the Greek partners, had the chance to participate at a course of teaching Greek language to immigrants. By the end of the course, there was an interesting discussion between partners and volunteer teachers, asking and replying questions. After the discussion was over, the hosts offered gifts from local products to each one of the guests and took them for a nice dinner at a traditional taverna by the port of Mytilini (on expense of the organization).

The next morning, on 24th September 2009, there was a meeting at the “Max Weber” class of the University of Aegean, starting with a very brief presentation of the major targets of the Citizen’s Movement for the Coexistence & Communication in the Aegean organization, by the member Stratoula Vaiti. After that, professor Chtouris Sotiris from the Sociology department of the University of Aegean, made a general and circumstantial speech about the history of the University of Aegean (establishment, ministration, progress etc) followed by discussion. By the end of the meeting and after a coffee brake, there was a visit at the two archaeological museums of Mytilini (the old and the new one). There, with the help of a professional guide, the visitors had the chance to listen and learn many and interesting historical elements of Mytilini and Greece in general, and to look to archaeological bonanzas of priceless value.

After the visit at the museums, partners were free to take a walk at the center of the town of Mytilene, to do some shopping and enjoy a Greek lunch at a taverna at the north part of the town, nearby the Castle of Mytilini. The rest of the day was free.

On the last day of the meeting, 25th September 2009, the hosts had organized a bus trip to Agia Paraskevi, Petra and Molyvos, some of the most picturesque and touring villages in Lesvos Island.

At Agia Paraskevi, partners visited the new and modern “Museum of Olive Tree” and the Agricultural Cooperative of Women of Ag. Paraskevi “Selada” and enjoyed a Greek coffee at the square of the village.

At Petra partners visited the famous church of Holy Mother, built on a rock, after climbing 114 rock steps!!! And the Vareltzidena’s House, a traditional wealthy house of the area open to the public.

At our last destination, Molyvos, partners visited the Castle of Molyvos, wondered around the village and had lunch. Unfortunately the time schedule didn’t allow any “delay” at Molyvos, and so at 17.00 in the afternoon the bus returned to Mytilene. The rest of the day was free.

We’d like to believe that the meeting in Mytilini was a successful one, and all partners returned to their home towns with their luggage full not only with souvenirs, but also with the warmth of the Greek sun and hospitality!

                                                                                  Mytilene 6th September 2009