27 August 2008: Kamena Vourla – Kalamata
Passing from Athens and before taking the road to Kalamata, the Olive Tree Routes and its participants made a stop to the cemetery of Agia Paraskevi to say goodbye to their co-traveler Michalis Kalogeropoulos, who lost his life in a road accident in Georgia when a truck passed to the opposite lane, and express their condolences to his family. “Goodbye my friend Michalis, we will meet again” were the words of Giorgos Karampatos, Executive Director of the Cultural Foundation “The Olive Tree Routes” in an atmosphere full of emotions. Present were the daughters and companion of our beloved Michalis, a rare friend and a special person. Present was also Leonidas Damouras, also a dear co-traveler and friend who was injured –not seriously – at the tragedy.
We continued our way to Kalamata, home of the Olive Tree Routes. The motorcyclists and travelers of the Olive Tree Routes made an impressive entrance to the city holding olive branches and arrived to the Hotel Filoxenia, where friends, associates and local people welcomed them warmly. An important and a comprehensive press conference followed, where press and public were informed in details about this original endeavour that promoted first of all Greece and Messinia of the Olive Tree.
Later on, the participants on the Journey stayed until late in the beautiful garden of the hotel and shared their impressions with those who came to welcome them and enjoy this last night with their co-travelers, who lived with them uncountable moments and strong emotions during for 46 days, during this 10th Journey.
