In regard to a school workshop handling with the Turkish occupation the 5th and 6th class of the local primary school of Vrontados made a trip to a monastery. They visited Agios Minas, a holy centre were a horrible bloodshed created by the Turkish took place. We volunteers got the chance to join them on this trip. Neochori is a village just about 9 kilometers away from Chios City. Its monastery is located on a hill. We were welcomed by a nun and introduced in the history of this place. It was build probably between 1572-1595 by reverent Neofytos Koumanos and his son Minas. Nowadays it became a monastery just for women. During the Turkish occupation a school and a library were included in the monastery. But especially the bloody history of this place is to find here. Inside of a little chapel are stored the skeletons of the so called 40 victims killed by the Turks in 1822. These bones of the 40 people are just a sign for the thousands of killed women and children during this massacre. We were shown even the last symbolic blood sheds on the floor.
Our next stop was at the fire brigade of Chios city. The fire-fighters introduced us in their work. They put importance especially on the different types of protective clothing. They showed in an practical example that the clothes are not able to flame. One man was also wearing the different types used in special cases (entering a house being aflame, special acid liquids,…) . Afterwards we had a look in their fire engine. We were explained what is insight and what the equipment is used for. In addition to this the children were allowed to use the water skin to get a feeling how much pressure is behind it. We really enjoyed this trip and were happy to see the children so interested.
To see all the pictures go into our gallery!
