Faded Terracotta

It is a clear sunny day on Symi and the sandstorms and mud rain of recent days have been replaced by a brisk northerly wind, bright blue skies and dazzling sunshine. Temperatures have moderated to more reasonable levels for the time of year and it is about 25 degrees on Symi today. Yachts are milling about, looking for berths to the accompaniment of the mooring man’s whistle. The harbour is bustling with day trippers as the excursion boats are pulling in from Rhodes. Visitors staying on the island have already breakfasted in their favourite cafes and are off on round the island boat trips and other diversions. Those in self-catering accommodation are enjoying shopping for ingredients in the local shops. At this time of the year there is a good selection of fresh seasonal produce available on the island and it is fun to experiment.

Up in Chorio, now that the mud rain is over, there is a frenzy of courtyard scrubbing and car washing. Everything is covered in a thin film of red sand. It is not really surprising that the colour of choice for Symi houses has traditionally been ochre or faded terracotta, colours which don’t show the dust so readily.

On a more solemn note, we are sorry to report the death of Yiorgos Voyatzis, better known to the island’s visitors as Giorgio of Giorgio and Maria’s taverna in Chorio and, in earlier times, the Love Boat. He passed away on Saturday after a long illness and his funeral was held at Agios Thannassis on Sunday afternoon. He was laid to rest at Agia Marina cemetery just below Profiti Ilias. There is a strange feeling on Symi today that a door has just closed on the island’s history and there is much talk of the end of an era amongst regular visitors currently on the island. One thing is for certain, his absence will be noted by many and Chorio won’t be the same without him and his accordion.

Have a good week.

Regards,

Adriana