Comments on: Connecting on the Island of Ios

By: Iain

Iain — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 10:45:36 +0000

‘dirty old backpacker’ – is that anyone over aged 18? What makes them ‘dirty’ exactly? Just interested to know.

By: Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 17:27:55 +0000

So true! It’s all about connecting.

By: Isaac

Isaac — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:26:38 +0000

I went to Europe for a year and spent 16 days in Ios waaaaay back in 1985. The place was a wild party island then like it is now, and I met a group of people from Australia, Sweden, Ireland and elsewhere all living in the same house in the town on the hill, then owned by a women charging 180 drachmas a night (about $2USD). We went to the square for dinner, partied in the clubs on the road to the beach at night, hung out at the beach all day and then after a few weeks we saw each other off the island one after the other with a dinner at the port the night before leaving. I travelled alone to Ios but Ios time is different than real time for sure and you formed friends quickly. One of the best experiences of my life.

By: Dee

Dee — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:19:22 +0000

In reply to NomadicMatt.

I visited Ios, whilst backpacking and island hopping, back in 1982. It was amazing and buzzing even then. We slept on the beach next to what was then the Far Out Cafe. I remember another snack bar called Munchies, too. There were a lot of drugs around back in those days, even a joint being passed down the bus queue waiting to go back to town. I thought it was a great place but, alas, got food poisoning from bad orange juice and spent three days in bed.
I never forgot Ios and am trying to book another visit right now. I’m sure it’ll be a totally different experience, as I’m no longer part of the ‘young set’, but I’m still excited to be seeing it again.

By: Carla Hildebrandt

Carla Hildebrandt — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 01:38:56 +0000

I miss Ios!! I can say this now. Matt you have done a great job describing Ios and your website is amazing. I’m happy to have met you in Ios and good luck on your future travels! Carla 🙂

By: Di

Di — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:17:40 +0000

In reply to NomadicMatt. Ios in 1980.. now that was something!! one summer I went for 6 weeks to see all the islands and spent 5 wks on Ios... ha ha! as for partying with 22 yr olds. I still do that occassionally. Age is only how many years you've been on earth for. It's how you feel on the inside that matters (I'm 48:)

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:34:32 +0000

In reply to Marica.

Ha! ha! I just meant at some point, I’m going to be too old to be partying with the young kids in a place like Ios!

But you are right- it’s amazing that you can click so well with people so quickly.

By: Marica

Marica — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 05:32:57 +0000

What an awesome post! And so true … Some of my best friends are people I’ve met while traveling. It’s incredible and it’s exactly how you describe it. Sometimes you just click … instantly. It always amazes me when that happens and I go “now why don’t I ever meet such fantastic people in my home country?” Don’t know. It could be that when you’re traveling, you have a different mindset? maybe … I really don’t know but I am so glad (and grateful) to have met such incredible people during my travels.

And what’s this about being “a dirty old backpacker”!!! You just seek out OTHER “dirty old backpackers” that’s all 🙂 Problem solved lol

By: Julia Dimon

Julia Dimon — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:52:56 +0000

I can’t think of much that would make a summer in Greece better except for making strong connections with people there. It’s amazing how travel can bring people together (or make you realize how much you want to strangle them.)

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:45:20 +0000

In reply to NomadicMatt.

haha I thought so! I don’t “know” him per se (as in, he probably wouldn’t remember me) but I did the Greek island hopping tour with Contiki (which I know you’re not a fan of) from May 27 – June 8, and Barnaby knew my tour manager.. but we ran into him each night we were there. He was super nice though! When were you there?