Weather in Skopelos
May 21, 2012, 1:27 am
Intermittent clouds
Intermittent clouds
19°C
real feel: 18°C
current pressure: 101 mb
humidity: 75%
wind speed: 0 m/s ESE
wind gusts: 1 m/s
sunrise: 6:07
sunset: 20:37
 
Our island, Our future
In an age of greater awareness of the negative impact pollution has on our planet, tourism is one of the main culprits: transportation, over-development and depletion of natural resources help to make sure it is not an environmentally-friendly industry. Skopelos relies on tourism and is faced with these issues -- while attempting to maintain its own cultural heritage and a clean living environment. Madro Travel has a policy of raising the awareness of holiday makers to things they can do here on Skopelos which can make a ‘real’, and positive, difference to the destination and the people living here. As an agency, we wish to actively encourage discussion on and participation in sustainable activities on Skopelos. Madro Travel aims to promote "sustainable tourism." (nature and wildlife activities), ecotourism (promoting yet protecting natural areas from mass-tourism and development), and agrotourism (educational holidays in agriculture and culture to sustain rural population). In these ways, tour operators, local businesses and visitors alike can genuinely appreciate and respect the culture and natural landscape of our island. A holiday spent exploring the countryside and villages, learning about the production of local cuisine and crafts can be a refreshing and rewarding break from city life. The informed traveller can also be directly contributing to the sustainable tourism effort by supporting the communities working to preserve their local traditions. Remember, if we all work together, our message will reach more people, change more minds, and touch more hearts.
Thought for the day
Honesty is the best policy. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC)

The most famous mythological story of Demeter and her daughter Persephone is associated with is the story of Hades and the pomegranate seeds. In this story, Hades, King of the Underworld, wanted Persephone as his wife. So, one day when Persephone went to pick flowers from a field, Hades reached abducted her, taking her as his queen. She grew homesick for her mother and Earth. Demeter had heard Persephone's cries and began an explicit search for her. Only Helios, the sun god, had seen what had really happened and told Demeter. While preparing to leave, Persephone accepted a pomegranate from Hades. This prevented her from returning to Earth because he who ate while in the Underworld could not come back. Luckily, a negotiation was reached with Hades, who was usually cold-hearted. Persephone would only stay with Hades for half of the year, but then would return to Earth for the remaining half. Each year as Persephone left earth, Demeter would begin grieve, bringing on cold weather. But, when Persephone would later return, she would bring a vibrant glow with her. Thus, the seasons were created. Winter and Autumn occur when Persephone is with Hades, and spring and summer occur when she returns to Earth.