Off to a Big Start

Olive blossom - source of my current hayfever

The tiny olive blossoms rain like confetti all over every surface.

You never know where a white horse will appear - this one has been munching his way through the daisies of Chorio.

Symi’s summer season got off to a big start with the arrival of the MS Europa for an authentic Greek evening on Sunday.  The staff had emailed Wendy Wilcox, proprietor of  Symi Visitor Accommodation two weeks ago, asking for assistance as they were coming up the Red Sea from Oman and their usual itinerary to stop off in Egypt had had to be changed for security reasons.  After many discussions and emails via satellite and various changes of times a plan for on shore entertainment was made which turned out to be hugely successful. The ship anchored off Nimborio at 4 p.m and those guests and crew members who had chosen to dine ashore came into Yialos in tenders and browsed the harbour front, choosing from the range of tavernas and restaurants around the harbour front . The others had a Greek menu served on board the boat and then came ashore at 9 p.m. The Symi Women’s Association danced in the square and everyone then dispersed to visit the various bars and late night venues that Symi has to offer.  The party continued with impromptu dancing in the street and much merriment into the early hours of the morning when the last tender took the weary stragglers home to the boat.  Many people said afterwards that it was like having August on Symi in April!

It is Big Week this week, the last days of Lent and the run up to Greek Easter. The baking marathon continues, as does the outdoor painting and decorating in anticipation of the Easter celebrations.  The schools are closed for a fortnight.  The May Day Holiday has been shifted to 7 May to give the shopkeepers of Greece a boost in this holiday week but there will be some traditional May Day protest marches in Athens on 1 May.  Tuesday 7 May will be a full bank holiday so as Easter Monday is a holiday in Greece anyway and Symi celebrates VE Day on 8 May we have a very long weekend ahead of us here on Symi.

One piece of exceptionally good news from our point of view is that our number finally came up at OTE and our landline is finally working again after a hiatus of about 4 weeks!  The first call we received was from the technician to check the line and tell us that we were back on the air.

Have a good week.

Regards,

Adriana

Adding a touch of glamour to Nimborio bay - MS Europa

MS Europa