Symi in Black and White and Colour

The landmark oak in Lieni has been shedding leaves with enthusiasm and the whole area below is carpeted.  The passing cars have blown drifts up against the walls.

Why do gnarled old trees always look so much more atmospheric in black and white?

The ends of the branches have snapped off in various storms over the years.

The tree reaches right across the road and big lorries destined for Panormitis get hooked up under this particular long branch every year.

A composition in fur and purr.

 Right, enough of the arty stuff!  The photos below show what it is really like on Symi today!  And why the Blue Star took one look and carried on past to Rhodes, leaving everyone fuming on the dock.  The wind is gusting 65 kilometres per hour at the moment but it is the wind direction that makes docking difficult in Symi.  A boat the size of the Diagoras has very little margin for safety in these conditions and has to hold herself in position while everyone disembarks and embarks by engines alone, a procedure that can take up to half an hour if there are a lot of vehicles.

Slosh!

The wind is expected to drop later today, bringing heavy rain in the early hours of the morning and we can expect unsettled and showery weather for the next week.

The disruptions with the ferry service come at an awkward time as the election is on Sunday and people have to travel to wherever they are registered to vote - often the place of their birth - so the boats are quite full and there are a lot of Greeks on the move between the mainland and the various islands.  The Blue Star is scheduled to stop off in Symi on Sunday, en route to Rhodes and Kastellorizon and the Dodecanese Seaways service will come through tomorrow and Sunday, weather permitting.  These ferry disruptions caused by turbulent weather are the main reason why winter tourism has never really taken off in the islands.  Unless you have a very flexible schedule and don't mind spending days in unexpected places, waiting for boats and planes to match up, trying to take a week or a fortnight on a Greek island out of season can be very frustrating indeed!

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana