Empty Kegs

While the latest edition of the Athens News gave ample coverage to the horrendous forest fires that have devastated vast tracts of Pelion and Mount Parnithia National Park, Symi has been wreathed in smoke from similar blazes around Bodrum on the Turkish coast. Saturday’s sunset was as painted vivid orange and scarlet and the evening breeze smelled of burning pine forests. This part of the world is a tinderbox in the summer as high temperatures and desiccated vegetation make a lethal combination. The thermometer reached 42 degrees again yesterday.

One of today’s photographs shows the ‘beer wagon’ departing, laden with empty kegs and crates of empty beer bottles. This is a regular sight throughout the summer as keeping the island’s population and visitors fed and watered is a major exercise. If it isn’t here, it cannot be eaten or drunk – and no shop, bar, taverna or restaurant can risk running out. It is just as well that we have the cavernous hold of the Symi ferry to transport such things.

The harbour generally is very busy now as more and more yachts, power boats, caiques and day boats are in operation. Finding a berth on the quay in the evening involves a lot of shouting and hectic whistle-blowing on the part of Lefteris, the mooring man. Over in Pedi the aggrieved toots of the waterboat reveal that once again yachts have tied up on the wrong side of the quay and are blocking the waterboat’s berth.

The technicians have been busy installing air conditioning in our office (at last, at last!). It is a very neat and discreet installation too. We are looking forward to testing it.

Have a good week.

Regards,
Adriana