I had not been to Chios since 1995. It took many years for me to get back. I lived in Chios most of my childhood and was looking forward to returning to see my relatives as well as the villagers that still remembered me as a child. I was so disappointed in seeing the village that I grew up in looking so dirty. Garbage was thrown all over the place, side of roads, some farm land, and the beach. The beach had garbage floating in the water [diapers, etc.] as well as a lot of plastics of all sort. I could not get myself to get in the water. I remembered as a child the same people who allowed their village to be run down would ask if America was dirty. America is not nearly as dirty as the town I spent two weeks in. I took some taxi's as well during my stay. The first taxi driver scared me. He was texting while driving and seemed to get very close in running over the motorcyclists who were driving their motorcycles in front of his taxi. [besides making me feel that he was going to drive off some of the steep mountain sides.] The last taxi driver "Manoli" drove exceptionally well and actually took the time to talk to me on the ride to the airport. I am not sure when I am going to be returning to see my relatives. However I hope that by the time that day arrives the garbage situation is cleaned up. In closing I would like to add that despite the other two issues stated above the people of Chios were very friendly, very accommodating, helpful and respectful to me as I was to them.

I have been to Chios for several times....I think this year will be my 20.visit to this island.I love everything : The nature , the people , the food, retzina, Stephos ouzo,Agia fotia beach. I always look forward to come here and many of my friends and family also do.
Eva