Fire and Water

On Tuesday afternoon a 61 year old farmer from the village of Agios Isidoros in southern Rhodes decided to burn some brushwood to clear a firebreak. That decision has so far resulted in the loss of about 5 000 acres of woodland, the evacuation of villages, monasteries and hotels, an international firefighting operation with men and equipment from France, Italy and Cyprus, the loss of farm buildings… and water rationing on Symi.

Symi’s water, as we all know, is brought in by ship from Rhodes. The spring from which the water is pumped to the ship is near one of the areas of conflagration. So, for the moment, as the fires burn for the fourth consecutive day, the municipality of Symi is keeping a close watch on the island’s water consumption and the water has been turned off in various neighbourhoods over the past few days.

The luckless farmer has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for unintentional arson. Meanwhile the fires rage on, fanned by a particularly strong meltemi. Drifts of smoke have been tinting Symi’s sunsets and the local fire fighters are on stand by.

On a more cheerful note, tonight is the opening of the Symi Festival with Glykeria, Despina Olimpiou and Michalis Emirlis. It promises to be a good one!

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana

Anonymous –   – (Saturday, July 26, 2008)  

So long as the Municipality don't turn off the Mythos supply, especially with the Festival running.

Anonymous –   – (Saturday, July 26, 2008)  

....or the Metaxa!

Anonymous –   – (Sunday, July 27, 2008)  

.. or the Frappe!

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About this Blog

I sailed into Panormitis Bay, Symi, by chance one windy July day in 1993 and have been here ever since. The locals tell me that this is one of the miracles of St Michael of Panormitis. A BA graduate with majors in English, Philosophy and Classical Civilisation, the idea of living in what is to all intents and purposes an archaeological site appeals to me. Not as small as Kastellorizo, not as touristy as Rhodes, Symi is just the right size. I live on a small holding which my husband and I have reclaimed from a ruin of over-grazing and neglect and turned into a small oasis over the course of the past 22 years. I also work part-time for Symi Visitor Accommodation, helping independent travellers discover and enjoy Symi's simple pleasures for themselves.

This page is kindly sponsored by Wendy Wilcox, Symi Visitor Accommodation.


Adriana Shum

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