The Sun is Out

Almond blossom in the Pedi Valley

Almond blossom in the Pedi Valley.
That is the central part of Chorio in the background.

The stony terraces are carpeted with small daisies and clover at this time of the year.

 The sun is out and Symi is sparkling.  The sky is the blue of postcards and the locals are warming themselves on the sunny side of the harbour.  Every balcony is draped with laundry and there is a whiff of spring in the air.  Despite crippling austerity and very little money in pockets, it is difficult to remain despondent for long in such pretty surroundings and Greeks are adept at making the best of things when times are hard.  They have had plenty of practice at it over the centuries and for most of the twentieth century life in Greece was bleak enough to fuel mass emigration to the four corners of the map.  The good times that tourism has brought to Symi in recent years improved the standard of living for many and created at least seasonal employment so that Symiots did not have to go further afield to seek their fortunes but as the recession continues many Symiots are once again viewing their prospects in other climes.  It is sad that the period of prosperity barely lasted a generation.

This week there is a general strike on Wednesday which is likely to affect the Blue StarDiagoras’ scheduled run from Piraeus.  DodecaneseSeaways does not participate in strikes so their Wednesday run from Rhodes should not be affected.

We may have more showers tomorrow but this week generally should be quite mild with the next round of serious stuff only expected to reach us around Friday.  In the meantime we shall make the most of the sunshine.

Have a good week.

Regards,

Adriana

The big oak in Lieni is still naked but the buds are slowly swelling.

Mouragio from the Kali Strata - all shuttered with hardly a soul about.
The waterfront building with the doors open is the Alpha Bank.

The clock tower and Evangelismos Church from the Kali Strata corner.