Category Archives: Stella Pierides

The lake sparkled. Puffs of cloud travelled on its surface. The mountains were wrapped in haze, as if wishing to hide from view. I walked on the pier listening to the water swishing through reeds and lapping to the shore. … Continue reading →

If you are looking for a disaster story, stop reading right here. Turn the page, if you can. Make yourself a cup of coffee. This story is not about disasters, or even little unhappiness. In all truth, it is not … Continue reading →

In our part of the world, the weather is unpredictable. It has defied the best of our weathermen. Except, of course, Tim Bates, at least for a while. But then, no need to tell you that story, is there? I … Continue reading →

Even though Nikolas was born on an island – which he left at 18 to study abroad – he hated the sea. He never swam in it, or even walked by this unpredictable medium. Water was not his element. It … Continue reading →

After falling through the rafters and getting trapped under heavy perches, Lucky was rescued three days later and adopted into a happy home. Being both smart and considerate, she settled in well, and became her savior Molly’s pet. Despite appearances … Continue reading →

Ever since the militia thrust a Kalashnikov into Gamal’s hands, he stays indoors. “Use it,” the men had shouted at him. After their car sped away, Gamal fell on his knees wanting to cry and pray at the same time. … Continue reading →

I had been out rowing the Stella, a small, creaking boat, in the waters off the holy island of Tinos, the Lourdes of the Aegean. I was escaping the constant arguments with my wife about money, or rather the lack … Continue reading →

Although Kareem is eight, he looks more like twelve. This is neither due to his hairstyle, nor to the long trousers and T-shirt he is wearing; rather the serious expression on his face, and the way he looks at you, … Continue reading →

They had their meals together, relaxed together, slept together, lived together – but they seemed miles apart to me during the years I rented a room from them. Perhaps the problem was too much proximity, too much knowledge of the … Continue reading →

Strolling along a track in the river Evros Delta, in Alexandroupolis, on the border between Greece and Turkey, I could see millions of birds feeding. The lagoons, marshes, and lakes provide a heaven for birds seeking milder weather. The terns, … Continue reading →

Diamond doves are small, beautiful birds, which can be kept as pets, ‘Wiki-Marion’ told me once. Since I knew she enjoys dispensing information, I did not think more about it, until she invited me to see her new pet, “Love”. … Continue reading →

I have wanted to learn to knit for a long time. My mother knitted, her mother crocheted and they both embroidered. For the first half century of my life, I bluntly refused to touch a needle. Then, out of nowhere, … Continue reading →

Leaves and branches rushed past, a spade, buckets, a car, crates, tyres, a barrel. She clung to the rough, furrowed bark of the Eucalyptus, terrified that it might not hold on to its place for long. She felt the torrential … Continue reading →

Once upon a time, deep beneath Siberian ice, there existed a glass-domed city. Its tall cathedrals, minarets, and temples looked as if aiming for the sky. As the city had been specifically constructed to engineer the best society possible, this, … Continue reading →

Last spring, I hiked up Mount Olympus. The valleys surrounding its peaks are covered in black pine, beech, yew and tall conifers. On its slopes, vineyards spread precariously; olive trees anchor deep with their roots. Streams cascade to thirsty plateaus. … Continue reading →

Have you heard the expression “missed the boat?” It is pertinent to where I live, because there are no cars, no buses to “miss” on my island. Only boats. There is the boat to the nearest town, and the ferry-boat … Continue reading →

He scours streets, bus and tube stations for newspapers. Two years since he arrived in London and he is still amazed at how many newspapers lie discarded around. Although he cannot decipher the writing, they are ideal for keeping warm. … Continue reading →

Even though the fairground sirens were deafening, the flashing lights of the dodgems and carousel delighted the eye and excited the senses. Katerina stood mesmerized, her eyes sparkling. It was then that a woman whispered to her, “Your fate is … Continue reading →

Bringing his knees to his chest, he felt the rock with his hand. The air stunk of campfire. A suffocating fog was rising from the rugged hills below. Alerted by a stir in the scrub, he made out a wounded … Continue reading →

Stopping momentarily on her doorstep to readjust her headscarf, she stepped out flushed. She was eager to give the right impression at the interview. In her anxiety, she hadn’t noticed it had been drizzling. Now, it poured. Her headscarf, jacket … Continue reading →

He always followed her advice. When she said you should buy this jacket, it suits you, he bought it; this tie goes with your hair, he wore it. She chose his shirts and his suits for him. As if he … Continue reading →

I’d dreaded meeting him since I heard his news from an acquaintance. Now he was standing behind me at the checkout. Hugging me, he asked the usual questions he always rolls out at school reunions. I am fine, I answered; … Continue reading →