Happy Sunshine

The exodus to Panormitis is well under way with a steady rumble of vehicles of all shapes and sizes heading across the island. The only people I passed in Chorio on my way to work this morning were those waiting for lifts up the mountain. Down in Symi harbour groups of Greek visitors were enjoying morning coffee at various cafes before setting off in the direction of Panormitis. The Panormitis Festival is a popular Orthodox event and visitors and pilgrims come to Symi from all over Greece to attend and witness the miracle.

In past years, before the motor road was completed, Panormitis bay was a colourful sight with caiques and boats from all other islands lying at anchor. Those who did not have accommodation at the monastery slept afloat. These days visitors are more likely to arrive on a ferry, stay at an hotel in Yialos or Chorio and then travel by road across the top of the island to Panormitis, taking in the spectacular scenery along the way.

The weather remains extraordinarily fine and the band of rain that is currently soaking Italy is likely to break up long before it reaches the Dodecanese. The sky is hazy as we have had heavy mist at night with low fluffy clouds wrapped around the Vigla and drenching dewfalls that soak anything left out overnight. The clouds burn away as the day warms up and it is still hot enough for beach enthusiasts to head to NOS, Nimborio or Pedi for a dip at midday. The sun disappears fairly quickly though – in my part of the Pedi valley we are in the shadow of the Vigla from about 2 p.m and the temperature drops quite fast after that. From 26 degrees to 16 in a matter of minutes. South facing properties which are fiercely hot in high summer bask in happy sunshine for at least another two hours – in the winter on Symi location really matters as the difference in microclimates is quite marked, hence the famous Symi sartorial style known as the ‘winter layered look’. We all dress in as many layers as an onion, expecting to peel off down to T-shirts at midday or when visiting the sunny side of the harbour or Chorio, and then pile the clothes back on again when traveling by motorbike or heading into the shade.

Have a peaceful weekend.

Regards,
Adriana