Frenetic Activity

It is a grey and windy day on Symi and waves are slopping against the quay beneath our window. April is a very changeable month as anyone who has ever visited the island at this time will have noticed. One minute we are basking in the sun and the next we are mopping the remains of mud rain off our steps.

It is also the month of frenetic activity as Symi prepares for the start of the tourist season. Here at the Symi Visitor we are busy with preparations for the new season. The first visitors are already settled in at the Hotel Fiona and every day brings more arrivals to Symi. Visitors armed with maps, cameras and sturdy boots are heading for the hills in search of wild flowers, romping lambs and amazing views to photograph. The cafes in the harbour are busier, particularly on wintry days such as today when no one wants to venture forth for fear of being caught out by the rain. Those plastic drop cloths are likely to remain in place for a few more weeks yet, but it is possible to roll them up more often as the sunny days start to outnumber the chilly ones. More restaurants and tavernas are opening, even if on limited menus and tourist businesses are opening up during the day time hours on the days when the Symi II comes over from Rhodes. This is still a bit hit and miss as it depends on demand and, of course, the weather.

Around at the Harani boatyard the Poseidon has just gone back in the water after her winter slipping and is busy testing her engines off NOS beach. It will be a while before the excursion boats resume but everyone is preparing for inspection. The berths in Yialos filled with fishing boats will be home to water taxis only too soon.

Have a good week.

Regards,
Adriana