Team UN

While there are not too many climbers left here in Kalymnos, we've managed to assemble a nice, diverse group for climbing and dinners. We call ourselves Team UN for our broad international representation. From New Zealand we have Nick and Helen; from France, Nicolas, Domitille and little Théo; from the United States, brother-and-sister duo Josh and Jennifer; and myself from Canada.

Each morning we meet outside of Nick and Helen's studio and head to the crag together - often piled into Nick and Helen's minivan. After a day of climbing, we either get together for a potluck dinner or go out to one of the local restaurants.

Team UN (from left to right): Nicolas, Josh, Jen, Helen, me, Nick and Domitille

The other day, we met a group of Greek climbers who invited us out for beers afterwards. We met them at a local taverna that seems to be exclusively patronized by Greek men who play cards or backgammon, smoke and drink (similar to the Greek taverns on Bloor St. east of Ossington in Toronto). We had a great time and enjoyed many tapas-style dishes, included one of small, fried fish eaten whole, called marida.

On Sunday night, the owner of my studio knocked at my door to tell me that I have a new neighbour - a fellow named Phillip from Germany. I met Phillip briefly, confirmed that he was here to climb, and invited him out with us the following morning. Because he'd arrived quite late, Phil had nothing to eat, so I have him some things for breakfast and lunch and he headed off to the crag the next day. We ended up climbing really well together and rest of the group welcomed Phil into Team UN. That night, we got about a dozen climbers from all over out to a local restaurant for drinks and piles of Greek food.

Having travelled here alone, I feel very lucky to have met such a good group of people. It is for experiences like these that I was motivated to take this trip. So far I have no regrets.

 

Posted with Blogsy