On the Beach

Symi report 22 June

It is a bright sunny day on Symi and the temperature continues to rise. The Greek media have been full of warnings regarding energy saving measures to avoid heatwave related power cuts and downtown Athens is sweltering in the smog. Here on Symi a quick glance out of the window reveals very little human activity as the day trippers are in the shade of cafe bars and tavernas and visitors resident on the island are all on the beach. The excursion boats and water taxis have reported a brisk upturn in business as everyone heads for the relative coolness of the sea. Umbrellas are sprouting like exotic mushrooms on balconies around the harbour and only the foolhardy venture forth without hats.

Speaking of hats, it is now a rare thing indeed to see anyone on a motorbike without a helmet as the new traffic regulations and draconian fines for violations have spread panic amongst locals and visitors alike. With fines in three figures no one is taking chances anymore and the police have been zealous. It may just be urban legend but there is talk that someone has been fined for using a mobile phone while driving and the police are also enforcing the wearing of seat belts and are checking driving licenses.

On the ferry front, the Symi now comes direct to Yialos in the mornings, arriving at about eleven, and leaves again at 14.00 to return to Rhodes via Panormitis. The Symi II is now running a regular tourist schedule, as is the Nikolaos, but as they overnight in Rhodes there is still an inconvenient lack of 18.30 connections from Rhodes to Symi.

Have a peaceful weekend.

Regards,
Adriana