Symi Cats and Traffic Tamers

It is still quiet in Yialos.

One of the carpenters in Yialos also does bicycle repairs.   His in-tray seems quite full at the moment.  Symi is not good biking terrain - it is far too steep - but people who live and work in the harbour find bicycles and tricycles useful for getting around the flat periphery of the harbour.  The rest is steps and definitely not suitable for wheeled transport.

Third time lucky?   Doesn't look like it.  We have seen traffic cones and a yellow line and now big red things filled with sea water but everyone is still determined to park along the front.  It has become something of a challenge to the locals. As we don't have traffic police there isn't actually anyone to enforce the no parking legislation.

Another overwhelming design success is the new bus shelter in Chorio which turned into a piece of street furniture in the wind last night.  It is supposed to be bolted to the road but evidently the man with the drill didn't get there in time.  It looks very flimsy and for some weird reason the roofing is actually transparent so unlikely to provide much protection from the searing Symi sun.

Posing on the Kali Strata.

You can see this cat is used to cameras.

Rooftops on the Kali Strata.

The bougainvilleas are starting to shed their bracts in the dry wind.

I am sure I stashed something in this ruin for future use.

Ruins and restored houses across the harbour, on Mavrovouni, framed by the ruins on the Kali Strata.

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About this Blog

I sailed into Panormitis Bay, Symi, by chance one windy July day in 1993 and have been here ever since. The locals tell me that this is one of the miracles of St Michael of Panormitis. A BA graduate with majors in English, Philosophy and Classical Civilisation, the idea of living in what is to all intents and purposes an archaeological site appeals to me. Not as small as Kastellorizo, not as touristy as Rhodes, Symi is just the right size. I live on a small holding which my husband and I have reclaimed from a ruin of over-grazing and neglect and turned into a small oasis over the course of the past 22 years. I also work part-time for Symi Visitor Accommodation, helping independent travellers discover and enjoy Symi's simple pleasures for themselves.

This page is kindly sponsored by Wendy Wilcox, Symi Visitor Accommodation.


Adriana Shum

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