A New Lease of Life

Symi is experiencing unusually wet conditions for the time of year and a cloudburst is sweeping across the island as I write this. Above the sound of pelting rain and the splatter of gutters I can hear the hubbub of many voices as daytrippers and locals alike take shelter in the cafeterias along the waterfront. It might be bad weather for Symi’s beach tavernas and water taxis but it is excellent weather for the cafes and shops in the harbour. The tourist shop downstairs, next to the Sunflower laundry, has moved all its display racks of holiday clothes further under the awnings or indoors. We seem to be getting a month’s worth of rain in a day at the moment! The Proteus is pulling out slowly in the deluge, heading for Panormitis monastery on its return trip to Rhodes. The island’s cisterns will be benefitting from this late, unexpected top up and many of the wild plants that had started to die back will have a new lease of life.

Storm over Yialos, captured by Nicholas Shum

The accompanying photograph was taken during a thunderstorm yesterday evening. The unusually unsettled weather is expected to clear with effect from late Tuesday evening so everything should be bright and sunny for Kate and Alastair’s wedding on Friday. Whether it will be dry for the Celtic Dancing at 08.30 p.m at the Manteio cafeteria in Chorio tomorrow evening remains to be seen. It has already been shifted from Saturday evening due to thundershowers on Saturday afternoon. Hence, no doubt, the origin of the expression, to take a rain check!  I shall put this up quickly as on Symi wet weather and power cuts often go hand in hand.

Pillion by Nicholas Shum

Have a good week.

Regards,

Adriana