Sparkling Stillness

It is a calm clear day with a cool northerly breeze riffling the water. The air is blindingly clear and the houses seem to shimmer in the light. The island has suddenly become very quiet, as though the summer ‘buzz’ has just been turned off. All sounds have become separate and distinct. A man sneezing in the street. A solitary car passing. Two fishermen talking on the stern of their boat.

This sparkling stillness will be shattered shortly by the arrival of the Symi with a last lingering load of day trippers but soon even that hubbub will disappear as the island settles down into the rhythms of winter life. Many of the tourist shops have already packed up for the year and others are undergoing that miraculous transformation whereby yesterday’s souvenir shop is today’s winter woollies outlet.

The clean up from the storm earlier this week continues and heavy duty road-working equipment has arrived on the island to help with the task.

The long range forecast suggests that the weather will remain fairly settled for the next few days with temperatures between 15 and 22 degrees centigrade and light northerly winds. In sunnier areas where the ground is drying out more quickly farmers have started ploughing their terraces to plant grazing grasses. The stone walls in the Pedi valley are sprouting with ferns and tiny narcissi are pushing up along the paths. It really is a delightful time of the year.

Have a peaceful weekend.

Regards,
Adriana