COMMUNITY LIFE ON A GREEK ISLAND

One of the best things I have experienced on the Greek Island of Lesvos is community living. Living in London was great and although I was connected with my really special friends I hadn’t felt the strong connection that comes with living in a close knit community. There is a special feeling you get, a safe feeling, a feeling of belonging. On Sunday December 15 I will be appearing at 8.40 on channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise and will be sharing my experiences of living in a community with Monique Wright and Andrew O’Keefe. Take a look.

MY GREEK ISLAND HOME A

Greeted by a village friend and home made cheese by our neighbour Ralitza from my book MY GREEK ISLAND HOME by CLAIRE LLOYD published by PENGUIN LANTERN

MY GREEK ISLAND HOME COMMUNITY B

Wandering around the village from my book MY GREEK ISLAND HOME by CLAIRE LLOYD published by PENGUIN LANTERN

MY GREEK ISLAND HOME D

There is always something to chat about in the platia from my book MY GREEK ISLAND HOME by CLAIRE LLOYD published by PENGUIN LANTERN

MY GREEK ISLAND HOME F

Cafe society from my book published by MY GREEK ISLAND HOME by published by PENGUIN LANTERN

MY GREEK ISLAND HOME E

Stratos always has a friendly smile and an interesting tale to tell from my book MY GREEK ISLAND HOME by CLAIRE LLOYD published by PENGUIN LANTERN

MY GREEK ISLAND HOME COMMUNITY C

The beautiful faces from my book MY GREEK ISLAND HOME by CLAIRE LLOYD published by PENGUIN LANTERN

BESSIE NEEDS A HOME

As promised another one of Vassilia,s beautiful dogs we met. This is Bessie and she is looking for a beautiful home. She is a little larger than a medium sized dog and weighs about 20 kilos. She is 4 years old, VERY affectionate and good with cats. Lets us know if you need more info on Bessie, office@clairelloyd.com.

MY RADIO INTERVIEW ON RADIO 2 WOMEN

Last night I was interviewed by Serene  Mastrianni from RADIO 2 WOMAN in America. Thanks Serene. Although the telephone line from here was not great , I struggled a bit to hear the questions however, I enjoyed speaking with Serene about My Greek Island Home, very much. You can hear the interview by clicking here RADIO 2 WOMAN. My Greek Island Home is available in America from amazon.com, Antropologie US, amazon.co.uk.  This shot was taken in Kithira by Vittorio Mariani. Thanks Vittorio.

A GREEK MUM & HER BOYS

Last week on My Greek Island Home I did a portrait shoot with my beautiful friend Maria and her two handsome boys. It was shot not far from home at the end of a perfect Greek summer day.

GREEK ISLAND SUMMER SHADOWS

I’m loving the summer on My Greek Island Home and the shadows created by the abundance of harsh sunlight. There are patterns everywhere, transforming static surfaces into moving images.

GREEK RESCUE DOG HAS A NEW HOME

 

 

 

Living on a Greek Island has opened our eyes to so many new things. We are privileged to be living our life here. We have met wonderful people and been embraced by our village community. The landscape that surrounds us is spectacular. When we arrived we never imagined the number of cats and dogs that needed help. There are some people on the island doing incredible work with animal rescue and we try to help when we can. Matthew volunteered for 1.5 years at the wildlife rescue centre, which has now closed. We have taken on kittens, cats, puppies and dogs, something I would never have imagined myself doing when I lived a city life in London. All of the animals we rescue are unique and they all have their own special place in our hearts.We do what we can to re home them and to date, with the help of our friends, we have re homed 8 dogs and many cats. The dogs have gone to Scotland, England, Holland and one puppy found a great home here on the Island. Every time we say goodbye it is really difficult but we know it’s absolutely for the best. We are lucky to find them new families and also lucky that the new owners keep us posted from time on their new lives. The last dog to leave was about a month ago now. Her name is Tollie and we found her on the outskirts of the village with a puppy. The puppy was about 2 months old and Tollie the mother only about a year. She was an incredibly good mother. The puppy, now called Cookie found a home here on the island. She was taken by a Greek girl and is happy, spoilt and doing well. Tollie was well loved in our garden and also a big hit with the children of the village. Bingo our white rescue cat had a special bond with her and they played together continuously, it was sometimes quite rough and tumble but they loved it and it was a joy to witness. They slept together every night even when the puppy was still with us. They would choose the smallest dog bed and all pile one on top of the other occasionally you would find that the puppy was at the bottom. She was a sensitive enthusiastic and charismatic dog and when she looked at you, you felt she could see into your soul. Nellie our first rescue dong, the one we have kept became her close friend. Nellie is very particular and doesn’t share herself with just anyone. They had hours of fun together and Tollie even managed to convince Nellie to relax and play, something that didn’t come naturally to Nellie. On the day Tollie left we took her and Nellie to a lovely beach for their last run together. We then drove to the port where she boarded a boat for Athens. This was the first leg of her long trip to the UK. Here are some photos of their last games. They were in dog heaven. I cried when we handed her to Vasillia her chaperone on the boat to Athens. Vasillia then took her in a taxi and checked her onto her flight to Heathrow. It was so sad to say goodbye but we knew it was the right thing for her. Tollie is now in a lovely home just outside of London and we have seen photos of her with her new friend Jack, she is happy. Tollie you will never be forgotten, thank you for all the laughter, joy, love and fun you brought to My Greek Island Home.