Pale drifts of lilac autumn crocuses are erupting

There's a chill north wind skittering through the harbour, tugging at the flags and flipping the fringes on the awnings. Those whose normal method of conveyance is the motor bike are already clad in scarves and gloves to stave off hypothermia and the French doors to our balcony are firmly closed for the first time in months. It is much colder than usual this October and wind chill is bringing temperatures down to below 20 degrees centigrade. While our northern cousins may wonder what the fuss is about, Symi in October is usually a bit warmer than this and it has caught a number of the regular visitors by surprise. Needless to say the tourist shops have packed away their bikinis and replaced them with cheap sweaters and anoraks. The coffee shops are doing a brisk trade and here in the office caffeine consumption is reaching ear buzzing levels as hot drinks find favour over the usual bottles of water.

In the Pedi Valley pale drifts of lilac autumn crocuses are erupting in the stony fields and the flush of green is spreading, nurtured by the heavy dew each night. With such a marked difference between sea and air temperatures it has been quite misty this week and the sunshine has been diluted by high cloud, giving the light a rosy glow.

Yialos and Pedi are still bustling with yachts and we have seen a few classic beauties at anchor this week. We have also seen some interesting capers on the quayside as yachtsmen unfamiliar with deep Greek harbours find themselves running out of chain long before they reach the dock. A brief survey of the flags suggests that we have Austrians, Belgians, Germans, Danes, Finns, Swedes, Americans, Canadians and some New Zealanders in the harbour at the moment.

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana
www.symivisitor.com