tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99187322024-03-14T05:15:08.457+02:00Adriana's Symi-a Greek island diaryLatest news from the Greek island of SymiMike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.comBlogger1360125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-22469332346269820752018-05-06T12:01:00.000+03:002018-05-06T12:01:23.651+03:00A New Blog for a New Start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You can now find me on <a href="https://adrianashum.com/2018/05/06/welcome-to-adrianas-symi/">Adriana's Symi</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewp2l5mwSs4/Wu7EPlyRNOI/AAAAAAAAACM/OABRTSCnlGQDE9a8YjUvG7tO6rtcMkLoQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B6%2BMay%2B2018%2Bf_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="931" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewp2l5mwSs4/Wu7EPlyRNOI/AAAAAAAAACM/OABRTSCnlGQDE9a8YjUvG7tO6rtcMkLoQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B6%2BMay%2B2018%2Bf_marked.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10562454605544241787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-1658100611349055312018-04-29T12:33:00.000+03:002018-04-29T12:33:26.293+03:00Symi Pink<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNTGE4EE-NM/WuWKKyejoPI/AAAAAAAAABQ/Ra12omjU9nM7ojgLKm70uXbhYLZTVL7ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Ba_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNTGE4EE-NM/WuWKKyejoPI/AAAAAAAAABQ/Ra12omjU9nM7ojgLKm70uXbhYLZTVL7ZwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Ba_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses round my door. It has been a very dry spring with no rain for weeks. The old damask roses suffer when the opening buds are rained on as the outer petals shrink when wet, preventing the blooms from opening properly. No such problems this year. The valley is drying out quickly now. The daisies are disappearing. The wild grasses are setting seed and the poppies are coming to an end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp4G-elow-s/WuWKLJNvbwI/AAAAAAAAABM/KSycNu4AmwA3Lixezi8Fx3Fs-_PAcLmWQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bb_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1024" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp4G-elow-s/WuWKLJNvbwI/AAAAAAAAABM/KSycNu4AmwA3Lixezi8Fx3Fs-_PAcLmWQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bb_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lurking in the shrubbery. If you look carefully, one of her chicks is hiding beneath her, just to the right of her legs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAcTFB3U09s/WuWKK6iJ2WI/AAAAAAAAABI/Wjlrv5yZ77sPhNqCp8uNZF8do13ggFgdwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bc_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1024" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KAcTFB3U09s/WuWKK6iJ2WI/AAAAAAAAABI/Wjlrv5yZ77sPhNqCp8uNZF8do13ggFgdwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bc_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The great flood of November 2017 washed away many walls and fences, giving the goats free rein. It is a foolish person who leaves their gate or courtyard door open with these guys wandering around, looking for snacks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg2C8B9jls4/WuWKL2Lj1CI/AAAAAAAAABU/lSAPH1uueZge2OFtg76z4JCUQTOpEG2aQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bd_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1024" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg2C8B9jls4/WuWKL2Lj1CI/AAAAAAAAABU/lSAPH1uueZge2OFtg76z4JCUQTOpEG2aQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bd_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cock of the walk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z78Kg65fEb8/WuWKMdjjRmI/AAAAAAAAABY/_pE7CTaSJrskuGQkbzC_bbzbgSgr2WM8gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Be%2B1_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z78Kg65fEb8/WuWKMdjjRmI/AAAAAAAAABY/_pE7CTaSJrskuGQkbzC_bbzbgSgr2WM8gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Be%2B1_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink bindwind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6w0L_ttPE4/WuWKMRaKylI/AAAAAAAAABc/Jssl_OcHEQoNY22I7Ganzyv15xElJHJKQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Be_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1019" height="482" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6w0L_ttPE4/WuWKMRaKylI/AAAAAAAAABc/Jssl_OcHEQoNY22I7Ganzyv15xElJHJKQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Be_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild hollyhocks in Lieni. Like the damask roses, they like the dry conditions and are putting on a good show this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsuUQwrz_w0/WuWKMu_52yI/AAAAAAAAABg/WiIHS97CpXcw0FBH_g6deL_JNhdIQ6XDQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bf_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsuUQwrz_w0/WuWKMu_52yI/AAAAAAAAABg/WiIHS97CpXcw0FBH_g6deL_JNhdIQ6XDQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bf_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yialos is still very quiet outside of the hours in the middle of the day when the excursion boats are in from Rhodes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAxY9u72YGY/WuWKNL9m_iI/AAAAAAAAABk/lcLz8WLviAsOPVUe_PovDGRpr-CC1psbACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bg_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAxY9u72YGY/WuWKNL9m_iI/AAAAAAAAABk/lcLz8WLviAsOPVUe_PovDGRpr-CC1psbACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BApril%2B2018%2Bg_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday morning in Yialos. This was the scene at 10 o'clock. The water taxi boats are still in the boat yard. They should be launched in the next few weeks and usually receive their licenses for the year in late May.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are a few photographs to give you an idea of what it is like on Symi at the moment. The uncertainty surrounding political developments in Turkey has had a ripple effect on Symi. With fewer yachts overwintering in Turkish marinas we are not getting the usual influx of cruising boats passing through Symi after clearing out of Turkey in the course of March and April.<br />
<br />
Temperatures are now nudging 30 degrees at midday and the evenings are very mild. We haven't seen rain for weeks now. According to some sources this is the warmest and driest April in the Rhodes area in 200 years but how that accurate that is, I cannot say. Were the Ottomans and then the Italians keeping weather records?<br />
<br />
I am in the process of setting up a property management service here on Symi. There is a lot to organise but as soon as I have my website up and running I will give you the link. Please be aware that as the Symi Visitor business no longer exists, I will not be in the old office in the harbour and the email address is no longer active. If you want to contact me personally, you can find me on Facebook Messenger or <a href="mailto:adrianassymi@gmail.com">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Have a good week.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
AdrianaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10562454605544241787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-66800471180203920652018-04-20T12:38:00.001+03:002018-04-20T12:38:57.229+03:00Challenging Times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLIE1oSr1qY/Wtmv0tCmvUI/AAAAAAAAZEE/Acxx-vs6nw8nEY7qYbl0lcjL1OUGklrVwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Ba_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLIE1oSr1qY/Wtmv0tCmvUI/AAAAAAAAZEE/Acxx-vs6nw8nEY7qYbl0lcjL1OUGklrVwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Ba_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are days when I can really relate to this shutter, hanging by a thread up in Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0A6ylvg9aQ/Wtmv0oxmnaI/AAAAAAAAZEM/gGf4VDqFpMIsxFmX5BfJ0wXUkNbVHsZpwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bb_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="725" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0A6ylvg9aQ/Wtmv0oxmnaI/AAAAAAAAZEM/gGf4VDqFpMIsxFmX5BfJ0wXUkNbVHsZpwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bb_marked.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some doors are closed to me now but others are opening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9uR0EQ6B-o/Wtmv0hBgv5I/AAAAAAAAZEI/AdlS8xbGa2sDDWtkr7KVrPlY1wRDcJpQgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bc_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9uR0EQ6B-o/Wtmv0hBgv5I/AAAAAAAAZEI/AdlS8xbGa2sDDWtkr7KVrPlY1wRDcJpQgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bc_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy as the bees rolling in the ephemeral poppies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjCSaY9TehE/Wtmv1nypcII/AAAAAAAAZEU/nfItL03Nx1QK_WAYbDd0kVCy7P3nK1HMQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Be_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjCSaY9TehE/Wtmv1nypcII/AAAAAAAAZEU/nfItL03Nx1QK_WAYbDd0kVCy7P3nK1HMQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Be_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is beauty to be found, even in the most inhospitable environment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHIU1yUlIEg/Wtmv2JA1bxI/AAAAAAAAZEc/8vsh02zH2M4atGZek5vMLnO7l2FFnbKMgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bf_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHIU1yUlIEg/Wtmv2JA1bxI/AAAAAAAAZEc/8vsh02zH2M4atGZek5vMLnO7l2FFnbKMgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bf_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration among the daisies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTe0KOYVY90/Wtmv2vVFdzI/AAAAAAAAZEY/nzWZ5HnRglAmX4l9577hvSto8WVJgUlUgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bg_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTe0KOYVY90/Wtmv2vVFdzI/AAAAAAAAZEY/nzWZ5HnRglAmX4l9577hvSto8WVJgUlUgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bg_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder what the story is behind this pediment in Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5gLIsWK0BE/Wtmv3OoI4-I/AAAAAAAAZEg/SKsC1oBKhtob_lvk5lHw2hIOO0JkQGclgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bh_marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5gLIsWK0BE/Wtmv3OoI4-I/AAAAAAAAZEg/SKsC1oBKhtob_lvk5lHw2hIOO0JkQGclgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BApril%2B2018%2Bh_marked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quiet garden just off the road in Chorio. Old fashioned roses grow very well here and anyone with a bit of space tries to fit in a rose bush or two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have delayed writing a blog post as the situation changes with such frequency, it is difficult to know what to say.<br />
<br />
First of all, many thanks to all of you who have written in, expressing your condolences and sharing your thoughts about Wendy and her tragically early death. We really do appreciate it and it is a comfort to her family and friends to know that Wendy was loved and admired by many people all over the world.<br />
<br />
The situation at present is that Symi Visitor Accommodation has closed down. As everything to do with the business is in Wendy's name, the business effectively died with her. This is why the accommodation listings have all disappeared from the website, the Facebook page has gone and the office in the harbour is closed. The Sunflower laundry is also part of Wendy's estate and as such has also had to close. No doubt sooner or later someone else will open a new laundry on Symi but who, where and when I cannot say as I don't know. <br />
<br />
The webcam was provided very kindly by a private individual as a service to the community. It is now looking for a new home.<br />
<br />
I am in the process of setting up my personal blog and reinventing myself. Please bear with me if I go quiet for a while. There is a lot to be done at many levels. I will let you all know what I am doing and where to find me in due course.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-44081480157842979582018-04-02T12:12:00.000+03:002018-04-02T12:12:41.689+03:00Good bye, Wendy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JfKCTNw7dU/WsHkQxnw8bI/AAAAAAAAY60/zVCCDXId2Rc_G2F8RtbUNN2YFCKQHtamwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wendy%2Bobituary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JfKCTNw7dU/WsHkQxnw8bI/AAAAAAAAY60/zVCCDXId2Rc_G2F8RtbUNN2YFCKQHtamwCLcBGAs/s640/Wendy%2Bobituary.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy Wilcox in happier times</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is with a heavy heart that I write today's blog post. As many of you with close links to Symi know, Wendy was diagnosed with throat cancer two years ago, followed shortly thereafter by the tragic loss of her partner, Ged Horton. Sadly, we now say good bye to Wendy who died suddenly on Saturday afternoon, in the arms of her friends.<br />
<br />
The friendly face of Symi Visitor for more than 20 years, she brought many visitors to the island and joy to the lives of countless people, both visitors and residents alike. In recent years she was also one of the warm-hearted founders of Solidarity Symi, the local charity that sprang out of the refugee crisis of 2015. <br />
<br />
Naturally empathetic, Wendy always put other people first and wanted to make everyone happy. That made her an excellent hostess and event organiser. The happy couples who enjoyed her services as a wedding planner are part of her enduring legacy.<br />
<br />
Her buoyant personality and vivacity were slowly dimmed by the disease that robbed her of her speech and her ability to socialise but she fought on, making the adaptations that living with a life-changing illness imposes. Spinach smoothies and Greek rice pudding and long walks with her dog, Santouri. It is tragic that an undetected aneurysm cut short her life and robbed us of the friend and colleague we loved so well. She will be missed, both on Symi and by thousands of people around the world.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-4555951676778353042018-03-28T12:58:00.000+03:002018-03-28T12:58:40.710+03:00March Postcards from Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mkTcavscGo/WrthSn7x09I/AAAAAAAAY3M/d-ntRNqe3psYFPL0MaZ5f_ETr7uc7AWZwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mkTcavscGo/WrthSn7x09I/AAAAAAAAY3M/d-ntRNqe3psYFPL0MaZ5f_ETr7uc7AWZwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing boats at the head of the harbour. The water taxi boats leave from this area during the season. Our <a href="http://www.symivisitor-accommodation.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> office is in the small ochre double storey with the terracotta pediment, partially hidden by the tall palm in the middle of the photograph. There are also several popular cafes along this stretch, ranging from the traditional to the trendy, to suit all tastes and budgets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHD2qq5LYzc/WrthS91lvzI/AAAAAAAAY3Q/NT7bXTltMP4H_r-KMKFD5iYSbd7tdV76QCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHD2qq5LYzc/WrthS91lvzI/AAAAAAAAY3Q/NT7bXTltMP4H_r-KMKFD5iYSbd7tdV76QCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is traditional in Greece to exchange elaborately decorated candles as gifts for Easter. A spin off of the church processional candles, these are far to fancy - and flammable - to light. They are decorated with small toys, flowers, dolls, emblems and motifs. Some shops even sell them in novelty shapes including candles moulded to look like rolled up gyros, the popular Greek street food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77HMg8d474k/WrthSDD7E8I/AAAAAAAAY3I/8lCickDvNeUyjY1yBHqrIMDpStOzgu8YACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77HMg8d474k/WrthSDD7E8I/AAAAAAAAY3I/8lCickDvNeUyjY1yBHqrIMDpStOzgu8YACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dino, the chandler opposite the entrance to the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation office</a>, busy painting his cupboards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_egovdBCZ9I/WrthTuq1sSI/AAAAAAAAY3U/rC32U2O1qXE0V7UxJl8JO5YAgk26Rq1hgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_egovdBCZ9I/WrthTuq1sSI/AAAAAAAAY3U/rC32U2O1qXE0V7UxJl8JO5YAgk26Rq1hgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More painting and cleaning going on around the corner. The retro purple and orange is a herb shop. Most places aim to be open by Greek Easter, which is next weekend. Many that are specifically dependent on foreign tourists don't open up until June or July these days as Symi doesn't have as many visitors in April and May as it did 10-15 years ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2W1dyP9isw/WrthVlEbM6I/AAAAAAAAY3c/g02AYci2fQsZjhdGgug15euwms7fuDZIwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2W1dyP9isw/WrthVlEbM6I/AAAAAAAAY3c/g02AYci2fQsZjhdGgug15euwms7fuDZIwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooray! The ice cream fridges have arrived!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOFWnl-IjvY/WrthVTDvPYI/AAAAAAAAY3Y/pDP36ndgQ08Eh2MlZp-HBLBUxFWutBhaQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOFWnl-IjvY/WrthVTDvPYI/AAAAAAAAY3Y/pDP36ndgQ08Eh2MlZp-HBLBUxFWutBhaQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't see many early season yachts these days either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suBQPTcQ5IM/WrthWHNXcGI/AAAAAAAAY3g/wstLfHRw0YQJ7Hb7CYcytmGjLyJwZjxIwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suBQPTcQ5IM/WrthWHNXcGI/AAAAAAAAY3g/wstLfHRw0YQJ7Hb7CYcytmGjLyJwZjxIwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last minute preparations at the war memorial before the 25 March Independence Day parade on Sunday. The next parade day on Symi is 8 May for VE Day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5IrEducVlA/WrthY64R0pI/AAAAAAAAY3o/OVZb_CMsdZop3-xRYVN7a8XNE7bohRgFQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5IrEducVlA/WrthY64R0pI/AAAAAAAAY3o/OVZb_CMsdZop3-xRYVN7a8XNE7bohRgFQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brave poppy perched on the rubble left by 13 November 2017's devastating floods. This is in the Pedi valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGu2m14s_x4/WrthYXTrK2I/AAAAAAAAY3k/7BLD2ripw1Am2a3zt6nHhpjnyATQRHjNgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGu2m14s_x4/WrthYXTrK2I/AAAAAAAAY3k/7BLD2ripw1Am2a3zt6nHhpjnyATQRHjNgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the clinic in Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB6Sw6hcM10/WrthYx4vPGI/AAAAAAAAY3s/AKJKVz2Q_TEHNZbjqiLNP2WJQItQovTigCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BB6Sw6hcM10/WrthYx4vPGI/AAAAAAAAY3s/AKJKVz2Q_TEHNZbjqiLNP2WJQItQovTigCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dust cloud is still with us. Apparently up in the north, in Romania, Bulgaria and Russia's Black Sea coast, they have been experiencing pink snow as the Saharan cloud mingles with the snow. Down here we just see dust and red rain and very poor visibility. There have been some flight disruptions this past week, particularly in Crete which was very badly affected by the dust and gale force winds. There are lots of amazing orange photos out there in social media.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jafu9R0CeBw/Wrtha1MrgeI/AAAAAAAAY3w/gQ-TE8JPp6UdV8qhcN82PeRlZbdyWC8eACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jafu9R0CeBw/Wrtha1MrgeI/AAAAAAAAY3w/gQ-TE8JPp6UdV8qhcN82PeRlZbdyWC8eACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic verge trimming on the Kali Strata.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xVaikA7nPg/Wrtha8Y6LkI/AAAAAAAAY30/K7mDuJ455AYMRf6qEWaD-JdzkpOZr8JOwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xVaikA7nPg/Wrtha8Y6LkI/AAAAAAAAY30/K7mDuJ455AYMRf6qEWaD-JdzkpOZr8JOwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B28%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A designer cat, waiting for the Krysallis boutique to reopen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-46543746295550277332018-03-19T12:46:00.000+02:002018-03-19T12:46:32.644+02:00Spring on Symi and a Walk in Rhodes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsfXvpznEck/Wq-GaEY9YKI/AAAAAAAAYyE/IRnVQqvcq74x8NsVVhlkW82rsEZjxpJ2wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsfXvpznEck/Wq-GaEY9YKI/AAAAAAAAYyE/IRnVQqvcq74x8NsVVhlkW82rsEZjxpJ2wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yialos at half past eight this morning. The calm after yesterday's storm. We had very strong winds on Sunday and there was a shipping ban. The flags are up because Saturday was the investiture of the new Metropolitan (bishop).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOJmvUtFETE/Wq-GZlOyKpI/AAAAAAAAYyA/vM_5VvCogFkD3KzfU6FA9AYFEwdVLP8TQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOJmvUtFETE/Wq-GZlOyKpI/AAAAAAAAYyA/vM_5VvCogFkD3KzfU6FA9AYFEwdVLP8TQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The many priests and officials who came over for the investiture ceremony and celebrations on Saturday were unable to get off the island on Sunday because of the wind. I spotted this group waiting for the Dodecanese Seaways catamaran this morning. People came from all over the Dodecanese for the event.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0Nhd5A3-D4/Wq-GaCwodAI/AAAAAAAAYyI/R6LycaoyxvoklfgbFlUOB1-SxsRHwoIEgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0Nhd5A3-D4/Wq-GaCwodAI/AAAAAAAAYyI/R6LycaoyxvoklfgbFlUOB1-SxsRHwoIEgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, in the Pedi valley, Nature is staging her own celebrations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiiEDPabZO8/Wq-Gd3uLbuI/AAAAAAAAYyM/qkSVynnD1mYBquHU_6aWDmPWdF3GpY87gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiiEDPabZO8/Wq-Gd3uLbuI/AAAAAAAAYyM/qkSVynnD1mYBquHU_6aWDmPWdF3GpY87gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who would think that the barren dust of summer would hide such potential abundance? Just add water for a wonderful wild garden. This is along the roadside in Lieni, Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDDdyujOfkg/Wq-GeWAgbMI/AAAAAAAAYyQ/h-mCGJM3M1wA4B09kegxKPvyslRzkjZ6wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDDdyujOfkg/Wq-GeWAgbMI/AAAAAAAAYyQ/h-mCGJM3M1wA4B09kegxKPvyslRzkjZ6wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and child, out for a morning stroll in the Pedi valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3amYxqwLW8/Wq-GeaN9EUI/AAAAAAAAYyU/Ce-E1ADDo5k0SKTXrb9wqBoOeF4iuW1jQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3amYxqwLW8/Wq-GeaN9EUI/AAAAAAAAYyU/Ce-E1ADDo5k0SKTXrb9wqBoOeF4iuW1jQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The olive trees are smothered in millions of tiny pale green flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wI2Vbp-FiM/Wq-GfYOkf2I/AAAAAAAAYyY/1J-jHFMHAyQNFcYSFse_wPSOhjvrLWlhgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wI2Vbp-FiM/Wq-GfYOkf2I/AAAAAAAAYyY/1J-jHFMHAyQNFcYSFse_wPSOhjvrLWlhgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to go to Rhodes on Friday for various appointments. Inevitably I had several hours to kill between finishing my business and taking the Blue Star back to Symi. It seemed a waste to spend them reading in a corner of the Plaza Hotel so I took my camera for a walk. If you chose to walk from Akandia, the commerical ferry port, into town, you will pass this attractive kiosk (periptero) near the old town walls. An ideal pit stop for an ice cream. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBdtmJ6KKZs/Wq-GhceWesI/AAAAAAAAYyg/RJ5mg70PTcwNj20CjQZdEVJGkQavIu1rQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBdtmJ6KKZs/Wq-GhceWesI/AAAAAAAAYyg/RJ5mg70PTcwNj20CjQZdEVJGkQavIu1rQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhodes is full of ruins spanning millenia of continuous occupation. Invaders came and went and everyone left their mark. Somewhere along the line the end wall of a Byzantine church became the wall of a house, with windows overlooking what would once have been the nave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwU1_SKq0qQ/Wq-GhAZcvbI/AAAAAAAAYyc/ipkkiB3rOJ0qL8UoO0L4cyJPyKxTIP3VQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwU1_SKq0qQ/Wq-GhAZcvbI/AAAAAAAAYyc/ipkkiB3rOJ0qL8UoO0L4cyJPyKxTIP3VQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the altar of the same church. You can take a short cut through the open area into a park on the right of the photograph that takes you eventually to a gate in the old town walls that opens out over the moat, near the kiosk above. There is a more direct route out onto the waterfront on the left, through another gate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBusOpX9THA/Wq-GhvIuEwI/AAAAAAAAYyk/tIsjHs-oVJot4xIkadEx19_gjI6O_qOKACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBusOpX9THA/Wq-GhvIuEwI/AAAAAAAAYyk/tIsjHs-oVJot4xIkadEx19_gjI6O_qOKACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhodes old town closes down during the winter months and all the tourist tat disappears, leaving the underlying architecture exposed to view. A great opportunity to see the buildings as they really are.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rjo43T0mPc/Wq-GiKN21kI/AAAAAAAAYyo/aBcMgLYEwO0W3P8iZS0Wc0oBlDPo-vdFgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2rjo43T0mPc/Wq-GiKN21kI/AAAAAAAAYyo/aBcMgLYEwO0W3P8iZS0Wc0oBlDPo-vdFgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring flowers are everywhere, even on the old town walls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JVx4e6L6Ko/Wq-Gk7voHaI/AAAAAAAAYyw/qnBU7phIqr4iisvtoj6IUiEvaGyfPQvVgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JVx4e6L6Ko/Wq-Gk7voHaI/AAAAAAAAYyw/qnBU7phIqr4iisvtoj6IUiEvaGyfPQvVgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gargoyle leaping from the roof of the old library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahL__O11cMc/Wq-Gk0YUY-I/AAAAAAAAYys/Y5d2KNIFn2wNjG16XMKrcn06m690xVZeACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahL__O11cMc/Wq-Gk0YUY-I/AAAAAAAAYys/Y5d2KNIFn2wNjG16XMKrcn06m690xVZeACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many Ottoman drinking water fountains dotted around Rhodes. This one is near Kolonna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8_2asV72P0/Wq-Gk4kzD7I/AAAAAAAAYy0/nEtknjWWvcI-oskhxJgqrrXHRHKxr-p9wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="872" height="562" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8_2asV72P0/Wq-Gk4kzD7I/AAAAAAAAYy0/nEtknjWWvcI-oskhxJgqrrXHRHKxr-p9wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rhodes municipality has provided an information system that enables you to download an app on your smartphone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPhKCrwGRl4/Wq-GmRikGNI/AAAAAAAAYy4/cpRCIi2wmUIKn52A1ZbCSWLJFFrllz57wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1024" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPhKCrwGRl4/Wq-GmRikGNI/AAAAAAAAYy4/cpRCIi2wmUIKn52A1ZbCSWLJFFrllz57wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old shopping area behind Mandraki. Bits of it have been restored like this section. Others are still falling down. Many of the old speciality shops have disappeared, replaced by trendy cafes, bars and eateries.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The spring equinox is only days away and the weather is very unsettled. Calm hazy days alternate with strong winds and shipping bans. The major weather fronts generally pass to the north of us in March and April after causing disruption in the Ionian and on the Greek mainland. Saharan dust is a familiar sight, turning the sky pink and leaving a film of red on everything when it rains. Temperatures are in the low to mid twenties. It is still chilly in the shade, particularly in places still damp from the winter rains. Distant snow is visible on the Turkish mountains but it is disappearing fast.<br />
<br />
The weather this week remains unsettled with gale force winds forecast for Thursday and the possibility of thunderstorms over the weekend.<br />
<br />
Rhodes was still very quiet on Friday with little sign of activity yet for the forthcoming tourist season. With the main focus these days on all inclusive package holidays in the resort areas, Rhodes town is a lot quieter than it used to be. It was quite sad really, walking around, to see so many small hotels and businesses closed up, not just for the winter but probably for a year or more judging by the hoardings and piles of dusty post visible on empty shop floors. When you book a package holiday with a big holiday company, very little of your money actually finds its way into the local community and eventually the community withers and dies. When you travel independently, dealing with Greek businesses and eating in family tavernas, you are putting money directly into the local economy, keeping small businesses and communities alive and growing. Food for thought.<br />
<br />
Have a good week.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-8698914644474537542018-03-12T12:34:00.001+02:002018-03-12T12:34:23.108+02:00Spring Cleaning for Easter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOW-R2XP2Yo/WqZQu0pa1zI/AAAAAAAAYtI/dVDtJWASv_EdeGkYylRUagdTSzOqqIXxgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOW-R2XP2Yo/WqZQu0pa1zI/AAAAAAAAYtI/dVDtJWASv_EdeGkYylRUagdTSzOqqIXxgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The butterflies are back!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQsCDfIsGqA/WqZQuRwW0NI/AAAAAAAAYtE/YpFmmHiXknsfyUDWkw-mKPpIqFmLyDimACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQsCDfIsGqA/WqZQuRwW0NI/AAAAAAAAYtE/YpFmmHiXknsfyUDWkw-mKPpIqFmLyDimACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyes closed against the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un_pFjx0i6g/WqZQvFBq0zI/AAAAAAAAYtM/uZcd7xr15wYiOKQaFzqN9fgj9VRwhralwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-un_pFjx0i6g/WqZQvFBq0zI/AAAAAAAAYtM/uZcd7xr15wYiOKQaFzqN9fgj9VRwhralwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in the valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSjmQNGeXPg/WqZQyf0lnOI/AAAAAAAAYtY/_QxZ8xuTG9cBwsn8Hq3OJN4pkOzLjjS-wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSjmQNGeXPg/WqZQyf0lnOI/AAAAAAAAYtY/_QxZ8xuTG9cBwsn8Hq3OJN4pkOzLjjS-wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free range feasting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLjDc1TsLUg/WqZQxGNgCbI/AAAAAAAAYtQ/EME8E47ZhgAqc15pEaWXzo9zYMEc-UtwACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLjDc1TsLUg/WqZQxGNgCbI/AAAAAAAAYtQ/EME8E47ZhgAqc15pEaWXzo9zYMEc-UtwACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the frame. The water taxis and excursion boats are still out in the boatyard. They won't be back until May.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3ZnKdPn528/WqZQxx3mAmI/AAAAAAAAYtU/wa97KRz3QIE83D90OrmMiNMx2bhE_endQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3ZnKdPn528/WqZQxx3mAmI/AAAAAAAAYtU/wa97KRz3QIE83D90OrmMiNMx2bhE_endQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIUgxh_3g08/WqZQzLPDQrI/AAAAAAAAYtc/yEB8U0FiDsIYae8G_tohGLpWkwdvANafACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIUgxh_3g08/WqZQzLPDQrI/AAAAAAAAYtc/yEB8U0FiDsIYae8G_tohGLpWkwdvANafACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The International at the back of Yialos is one of the very few tavernas that still stays open all year round. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKBnvMz7gPQ/WqZQzfSiLxI/AAAAAAAAYtg/VATPAaXDJXwDW0jcb5FeaB9HeuyBDni3wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1024" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKBnvMz7gPQ/WqZQzfSiLxI/AAAAAAAAYtg/VATPAaXDJXwDW0jcb5FeaB9HeuyBDni3wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature adds her own embellishments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
March is galloping past and Easter will soon be upon us. The skies are blue and bright. There are few rain clouds looming on the long range forecast. Temperatures are creeping into the mid twenties and people who brought duvets in to the Sunflower for washing don't seem to be in much of a hurry to reclaim them.<br />
<br />
Business owners are wrestling open doors swollen from winter rains and drawing up job lists. There is the hum of electric sanders in the air and the hardware stores are busy. Winter woollies are making way for paint-spattered overalls. The tourist season proper does not start until the end of May these days but there is plenty to be done for Greek Easter. People often come back to their families in the islands for the holidays as Greek Easter is traditionally celebrated as a family holiday.<br />
<br />
The supermarkets are laying in supplies of flour, cheese, oil, yeast, sugar and dye for the traditional Easter baking marathon. There's a bit of a price war going on in the flour department as Italian 00 flour has made an appearance on Symi at very reasonable prices. The dye is, of course, for the hard-boiled eggs that are shared on Easter Sunday. While Britain is awash with hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies - they were already appearing in the shops when I left in early January - here in Greece, particularly in the islands, everything is appropriate to its season. <br />
<br />
Elaborately decorated processional candles, traditional foods and the ingredients to prepare them only start to appear in the shops during Lent. The air of anticipation is palpable because it really is something to look forward to. The culture of treat yourself everyday hasn't filtered through here yet so there is always something joyful on the horizon. If you are fed up with the commercialisation of Easter and other religious holidays, come and celebrate in Greece instead. You will really feel that there is something special happening.<br />
<br />
Have a good week.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-46156952869967709012018-03-05T13:33:00.000+02:002018-03-05T13:33:50.394+02:00March Postcards from Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGKYrKJZI3Q/Wp0n2iEirjI/AAAAAAAAYdw/OVP8AI59u6oPlfdGhWc6hp82vwfLWPaxgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGKYrKJZI3Q/Wp0n2iEirjI/AAAAAAAAYdw/OVP8AI59u6oPlfdGhWc6hp82vwfLWPaxgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttercups glistening in an old stone terrace in Lieni.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsxO1ngtqrQ/Wp0n1yk-PyI/AAAAAAAAYdo/MHaVt7S7yQov2ZGEWghKdOIHP2FH4dcMQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="860" height="570" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsxO1ngtqrQ/Wp0n1yk-PyI/AAAAAAAAYdo/MHaVt7S7yQov2ZGEWghKdOIHP2FH4dcMQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature's delicate handiwork brings the wall of a ruin to life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fosXg5u3O-s/Wp0n2M0UvVI/AAAAAAAAYds/Mk7wMhfYSUAez8FVXW9AtrQbmLlwB2WhACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fosXg5u3O-s/Wp0n2M0UvVI/AAAAAAAAYds/Mk7wMhfYSUAez8FVXW9AtrQbmLlwB2WhACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The freesias have been quite spectacular this year - they don't seem to mind 5 days of rain out of every 7.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APUem1gYJZs/Wp0oADEgdOI/AAAAAAAAYeI/WcHv2kensVcXb3IGA62ncQD60McabaKEQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APUem1gYJZs/Wp0oADEgdOI/AAAAAAAAYeI/WcHv2kensVcXb3IGA62ncQD60McabaKEQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the sun comes out a cat just has to squirm and squirm and squirm in the warm earth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNz6ziHMVi4/Wp0n4iIl6qI/AAAAAAAAYd0/o9wP8MMOip4VcFC-e2u4IvNyw-nlF2aRACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNz6ziHMVi4/Wp0n4iIl6qI/AAAAAAAAYd0/o9wP8MMOip4VcFC-e2u4IvNyw-nlF2aRACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those grafts have taken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZukCDsY3oE/Wp0n7WszC0I/AAAAAAAAYd4/apHJe4A0WDslZo51yHnrxHqrX9T8f0v-wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZukCDsY3oE/Wp0n7WszC0I/AAAAAAAAYd4/apHJe4A0WDslZo51yHnrxHqrX9T8f0v-wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dolls' picnic party in the Pedi valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0aD5Hx9PPc/Wp0n8P180SI/AAAAAAAAYd8/5t9A4QCaGfEdPvoSa6pdlMMarvbRMtbBACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0aD5Hx9PPc/Wp0n8P180SI/AAAAAAAAYd8/5t9A4QCaGfEdPvoSa6pdlMMarvbRMtbBACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landmark oak in Lieni is unfurling fast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sebyyYVMM0/Wp0n9uTIesI/AAAAAAAAYeA/UImQNNYxHZsHpyceUci39GV73C3oEtsNgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3sebyyYVMM0/Wp0n9uTIesI/AAAAAAAAYeA/UImQNNYxHZsHpyceUci39GV73C3oEtsNgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chorio rooftops. I wonder what is under that long red roof. That used to be the terrace of Syllogos restaurant, now sadly closed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT2SL42NK40/Wp0n_e1_A4I/AAAAAAAAYeE/rAVZatFNU5M93qFm8nHEDgL6OTqvgLpbQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jT2SL42NK40/Wp0n_e1_A4I/AAAAAAAAYeE/rAVZatFNU5M93qFm8nHEDgL6OTqvgLpbQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, down in Yialos, the clean up from November's devastating flood continues. Cars are still being fished out of the harbour by the bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-4855313147205912822018-03-02T12:52:00.001+02:002018-03-02T12:52:52.159+02:00Springtime Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwjcDlIwJ0Y/WpknfAkwPMI/AAAAAAAAYbg/JEgral82ceUOi4IRUAHOoB9Lgz6AecvyQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwjcDlIwJ0Y/WpknfAkwPMI/AAAAAAAAYbg/JEgral82ceUOi4IRUAHOoB9Lgz6AecvyQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from <a href="http://www.symivisitor-accommodation.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> this morning. The bunting is up for the Dodecanese Day parade on 7 March 2018.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3ZFxlliTI0/WpknftW1lYI/AAAAAAAAYbk/mKdPYnQFeKYMBYiI38uMVexXy5pFhLu2gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3ZFxlliTI0/WpknftW1lYI/AAAAAAAAYbk/mKdPYnQFeKYMBYiI38uMVexXy5pFhLu2gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kali Strata in winter mode - rain streaked whitewash, moss, weeds, cats and an abandoned office chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIXklp1aQoc/WpknhtrvdNI/AAAAAAAAYbs/5urSgqN6kqsAejBrsYm_3-oFdhW7H7NHACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIXklp1aQoc/WpknhtrvdNI/AAAAAAAAYbs/5urSgqN6kqsAejBrsYm_3-oFdhW7H7NHACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or perhaps not so abandoned... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vApaJqZelOc/WpknivvttSI/AAAAAAAAYbw/1bwNwf2lNZA9GCK8shPL6hMKxeJNIfD9wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vApaJqZelOc/WpknivvttSI/AAAAAAAAYbw/1bwNwf2lNZA9GCK8shPL6hMKxeJNIfD9wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first poppy photo of 2018.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2FNWFEQQk4/WpknjtBniPI/AAAAAAAAYb0/NNt6iy2W_5IO48Pvkyv2AoS4-xsfrzmqACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2FNWFEQQk4/WpknjtBniPI/AAAAAAAAYb0/NNt6iy2W_5IO48Pvkyv2AoS4-xsfrzmqACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No snow on Symi these year but, as usual, plenty of snow on the mountains across the way in Turkey.,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5C3YYILrRmg/Wpknjm5T4pI/AAAAAAAAYb4/2Awn8vWXvic73f2fozxgNAUzSyVVsANlACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5C3YYILrRmg/Wpknjm5T4pI/AAAAAAAAYb4/2Awn8vWXvic73f2fozxgNAUzSyVVsANlACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second poppy photograph of 2018.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9arnM3pugJo/WpknkYD6WPI/AAAAAAAAYb8/kLr_mwbS3DkpZhaFQRHKvDCq6BG5568LgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9arnM3pugJo/WpknkYD6WPI/AAAAAAAAYb8/kLr_mwbS3DkpZhaFQRHKvDCq6BG5568LgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was clear enough to see the snowy mountain tops. Today was grey and there are pockets of mist trapped in those distant valleys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLp-7kMQ7f0/Wpknl_VefWI/AAAAAAAAYcA/np1Whjk1GjU3bycXB7VYqkr4eExoddo3QCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLp-7kMQ7f0/Wpknl_VefWI/AAAAAAAAYcA/np1Whjk1GjU3bycXB7VYqkr4eExoddo3QCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday was the first dry sunny day in ages and everyone was out, doing things, including the municipality catching up on roadworks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLRzwCKJs3c/WpknmGKqJII/AAAAAAAAYcE/grcQIcHSpFwb0_uB4FQ2KEZzfWAN7DcOwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLRzwCKJs3c/WpknmGKqJII/AAAAAAAAYcE/grcQIcHSpFwb0_uB4FQ2KEZzfWAN7DcOwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BMarch%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vapour trails over an empty harbour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A very wet February is behind us and March brings its promise of spring. There is still lots of wet stuff showing up on the long range forecasts but temperatures are creeping upwards, the days are getting longer and lighter and Easter will soon be upon us. <br />
<br />
The international tourist season used to start in April with couples, families and walking groups coming to spend their Easter/spring break holidays on Symi. In recent years, with the decline in niche market tourism to places like Symi, April and May are a lot quieter and it is mainly Greeks who come to the island. June is the new April and the tourist businesses are slower in getting going. This does mean that if you do opt to visit Symi in April or May, you will have a far more authentic island experience and the pleasure of having Symi to yourself. <br />
<br />
It is a beautiful time to <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">visit</a> as the island is still green and the spring flowers are quite overwhelming. If you are a keen walker, photographer, writer or just want some time to yourself, there are worse places to be than Symi in April. Just allow yourself a low stress schedule as you may have to spend a day/night in Rhodes at the beginning and end of your stay due to the vagaries of the <a href="http://www.12ne.gr/en" target="_blank">ferry schedule</a>. That in itself is no hardship as Rhodes old town is much nicer outside the main tourist season and there is plenty to explore. Make the coming and going part of the holiday and enjoy the adventure.<br />
<br />
Have a good weekend.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-24820091650441494492018-02-23T12:35:00.000+02:002018-02-23T12:35:40.028+02:00A Drizzly Day on Symi in February<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wu0al5BgM1w/Wo_jHZODhlI/AAAAAAAAYYI/8NK4txaBlsYOPwTj15YirK6XHArrb5mwQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wu0al5BgM1w/Wo_jHZODhlI/AAAAAAAAYYI/8NK4txaBlsYOPwTj15YirK6XHArrb5mwQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> office this morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQJFEAvGcUQ/Wo_jHPVvItI/AAAAAAAAYYE/fL-AcQzHwfAoazeRmgNILUm9wcj7YXn9wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="877" height="560" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQJFEAvGcUQ/Wo_jHPVvItI/AAAAAAAAYYE/fL-AcQzHwfAoazeRmgNILUm9wcj7YXn9wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we do get fresh cauliflowers and celery on Symi. They are winter crops in this part of the world. No one has to teach the Greeks to eat in season - they always have done. It has only been relatively recently that we have been able to reliably buy tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines in the winter. They come from poly tunnels in Rhodes and Crete. The usual Greek salad in tavernas in the winter is actually a green salad based on Kos lettuce and various wild greens and herbs not available in the summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zixi1ZNZm2k/Wo_jHTVM8rI/AAAAAAAAYYM/XhFWHSZnB0YzoIZJizwIJXP6PGnmFI6tQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zixi1ZNZm2k/Wo_jHTVM8rI/AAAAAAAAYYM/XhFWHSZnB0YzoIZJizwIJXP6PGnmFI6tQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low cloud rolling down the Vigla warns of more rain to come. That is the bell tower of St John's church in Yialos. The buildings on the hill behind are in one of the oldest parts of upper Chorio, dating back to when the donkey path up the Kataraktis was the main route up to the village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0o2NvjoBY0/Wo_jIYp-5uI/AAAAAAAAYYQ/W0gsF-G7ym0ReGcjaDhpBZVh2glffJF0wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0o2NvjoBY0/Wo_jIYp-5uI/AAAAAAAAYYQ/W0gsF-G7ym0ReGcjaDhpBZVh2glffJF0wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the bridge in Yialos. The water level is very low due to a barometric high over the area. The water, which used to be very clear, is still discoloured by all the soil that washed into the harbour in the flood on 13 November 2017. At least the sunken boats and wrecked cars have all been removed. There are still odd chair legs and bits of bicycle sticking out of the silt though. Further up, in the upper parts of Chorio around Stavros Church, work has not even begun on rebuilding the destruction that the torrents caused and for many Symiots and expat residents it will be a long time before life returns to normal.. The Pedi valley and the football pitch are still awaiting attention too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73oyTZwjrL8/Wo_jRsO-zFI/AAAAAAAAYYo/iLZkskF3WIQk4D3-myZdYlhp_EQx7DQpwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1024" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73oyTZwjrL8/Wo_jRsO-zFI/AAAAAAAAYYo/iLZkskF3WIQk4D3-myZdYlhp_EQx7DQpwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slip by the customs house this morning. With the low water level today this marvellous green carpet of weed has been revealed. No doubt incredibly slippery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0lU5H79Ebo/Wo_jKvYmjYI/AAAAAAAAYYU/c53P70YyUVAHTiViMpwdVKesMSYza7yJgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0lU5H79Ebo/Wo_jKvYmjYI/AAAAAAAAYYU/c53P70YyUVAHTiViMpwdVKesMSYza7yJgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you may have gathered, there isn't much for men to do on Symi in the winter except fish or chat to friends who are fishermen. In the summer those blue booths are the ticket counters for the water taxis to the beaches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib0RDwsIzvg/Wo_jKiYcc0I/AAAAAAAAYYY/peL4wfbhbk4_YzxlPfq0d1UH9g3H3ZisgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib0RDwsIzvg/Wo_jKiYcc0I/AAAAAAAAYYY/peL4wfbhbk4_YzxlPfq0d1UH9g3H3ZisgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty vistas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y_hDAxU5c0/Wo_jMOkT2QI/AAAAAAAAYYc/5mB3GmaSgfk9YoeaY0pdc42cECHOAzHSACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y_hDAxU5c0/Wo_jMOkT2QI/AAAAAAAAYYc/5mB3GmaSgfk9YoeaY0pdc42cECHOAzHSACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One can always feed the pigeons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqTPnDNlVNo/Wo_jMktV-9I/AAAAAAAAYYg/4HV-kESiKH8STDIP12npvi4R2XAL03bjQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqTPnDNlVNo/Wo_jMktV-9I/AAAAAAAAYYg/4HV-kESiKH8STDIP12npvi4R2XAL03bjQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Symi is a very vertical sort of place. The steep slopes of the amphitheatre harbour look like a hanging garden. That is an almond tree among the conifers, unfurling its spring greenery as the blossom falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yka8GDaZEs/Wo_jNa8p2dI/AAAAAAAAYYk/vSj2YQ563a8JmGBPcNpWRUh__Qhutd4WACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="822" height="596" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yka8GDaZEs/Wo_jNa8p2dI/AAAAAAAAYYk/vSj2YQ563a8JmGBPcNpWRUh__Qhutd4WACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B23%2BFebruary%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemonitissa church on the Kastro overshadows Pallas Athena on one of the island's oldest jewellery shops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-72632365177880833962018-02-20T13:27:00.000+02:002018-02-20T13:27:50.084+02:00February Postcards from Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-588GQkOphl4/WowCkUN_Q8I/AAAAAAAAYV0/cju9U7NpsicNYxHVac5JSlo3CR9td5KPwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-588GQkOphl4/WowCkUN_Q8I/AAAAAAAAYV0/cju9U7NpsicNYxHVac5JSlo3CR9td5KPwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses on Symi are generally not very big but even by Symi standards this one is exceptionally narrow. I sometimes what what the story is behind it. It is very surrounded by what were commercial properties in the island's commercial boom period at the end of the 19th century. The boutique hotel, the Old Markets, is just up those steps to the right and is tucked behind the buildings to left and right. That archway you can see was the old covered souk. If you continue up to the right you are on the historic Kali Strata steps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MEyxRvVSzY/WowCkYiSELI/AAAAAAAAYVw/sCkOyvLSGxsrZ8qSXP9w1Anmo4rdKf09gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MEyxRvVSzY/WowCkYiSELI/AAAAAAAAYVw/sCkOyvLSGxsrZ8qSXP9w1Anmo4rdKf09gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another small but intriguing building at the bottom of the Kali Strata houses the Krysallis boutique in the summer. The cats snooze on the bamboo all year round.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ_miFAFAkw/WowClo0rM8I/AAAAAAAAYV4/s6fQlSIizlgxDR9E2-N_JRjsgtWHeLIoACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1030" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ_miFAFAkw/WowClo0rM8I/AAAAAAAAYV4/s6fQlSIizlgxDR9E2-N_JRjsgtWHeLIoACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking through the ruins of one of the old mansions on the Kali Strata at the steep hillside that forms the other side of Symi's famous amphitheatre harbour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G5CDI2C3NA/WowCnwOQoTI/AAAAAAAAYWA/2oXe7L8mnPgjhDutEAgCdvl4hRiJ8BDuQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G5CDI2C3NA/WowCnwOQoTI/AAAAAAAAYWA/2oXe7L8mnPgjhDutEAgCdvl4hRiJ8BDuQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the summer Symi's waterfront bustles with shops, cafes, bars, tavernas, yachts and gulets. In the quiet weeks of winter there is little to disturb the peace except the weather and an occasional passing ferry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWAdWa-Tt3w/WowCnysuLcI/AAAAAAAAYV8/1FhijShN_XgJPhcsPNHHzDwIrge0N4duQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWAdWa-Tt3w/WowCnysuLcI/AAAAAAAAYV8/1FhijShN_XgJPhcsPNHHzDwIrge0N4duQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stray Kos lettuce sprouting between the flag stones on the Kali Strata.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtEhKMxU6GQ/WowCoTFYG3I/AAAAAAAAYWE/X_-VMlObtE4hbuNku7I08Tkqm2mrSGsrACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtEhKMxU6GQ/WowCoTFYG3I/AAAAAAAAYWE/X_-VMlObtE4hbuNku7I08Tkqm2mrSGsrACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is not much point in spending many man hours weeding the old paving stones until the rain has passed and the first tourists arrive sometime in April. At this time of the year the stuff grows before your eyes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_lM9xX_fIc/WowCpvRdlwI/AAAAAAAAYWI/AQOs6o35CCQPllqLINVpRX9xsIpzQcKYQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_lM9xX_fIc/WowCpvRdlwI/AAAAAAAAYWI/AQOs6o35CCQPllqLINVpRX9xsIpzQcKYQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Yialos, Harani and Nimos from my favourite look out spot at the bend in the Kali Strata. The calm before the storm. We have a week of rain and thunderstorms ahead of us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OTzebSkrCs/WowCrnFCZhI/AAAAAAAAYWM/WNNRV5k-pE8998lasz_dLsxQZT2f6I6hACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OTzebSkrCs/WowCrnFCZhI/AAAAAAAAYWM/WNNRV5k-pE8998lasz_dLsxQZT2f6I6hACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up in the wilds of Lieni the free range poultry and feral cats live in happy co-existence, sharing the spoils of the skip on the corner between them. There seems to be a serious preponderance of cockerels hanging out. By the way, although this is quite a busy road and a fairly dangerous corner, everyone slows down to let the cats and chickens meander across the road at whim. The poultry have their roost in a scrubby bush on the other side of the road so a fair amount of 'chicken crossing road' goes on, as you may imagine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rac4PsLUZqE/WowCrqRGcbI/AAAAAAAAYWQ/uHS5SMs-2E0gp3CLWIz-by28vaUQyEyEwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rac4PsLUZqE/WowCrqRGcbI/AAAAAAAAYWQ/uHS5SMs-2E0gp3CLWIz-by28vaUQyEyEwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B20%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild cyclamens are everywhere now, scenting the air with a very delicate fragrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-69026082341868259852018-02-16T13:34:00.001+02:002018-02-16T13:34:23.065+02:00Random February Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFreAhEOuLY/Woa8j4CqIKI/AAAAAAAAYTg/oc3Rj3zJo2IDkd7h2JjcGTH1CMji-TbqACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFreAhEOuLY/Woa8j4CqIKI/AAAAAAAAYTg/oc3Rj3zJo2IDkd7h2JjcGTH1CMji-TbqACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fish on the quay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ory1T9bRirk/Woa8kHIegAI/AAAAAAAAYTk/oaAdGe48-nAnq9dMKwxDm6yuDGUgUHz9ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ory1T9bRirk/Woa8kHIegAI/AAAAAAAAYTk/oaAdGe48-nAnq9dMKwxDm6yuDGUgUHz9ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond blossom - before yesterday's hail turned it all into confetti.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHibnlva_C0/Woa8jKh8X3I/AAAAAAAAYTc/umPApcs-pds3GAPah9Ak-iQUsf0R3kUCQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="954" height="514" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHibnlva_C0/Woa8jKh8X3I/AAAAAAAAYTc/umPApcs-pds3GAPah9Ak-iQUsf0R3kUCQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone for coffee?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q38AjNRzPKI/Woa8kzRrbqI/AAAAAAAAYTo/54xOq0mGkMw5TkEnAlj5e9kaQE_5xk64ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q38AjNRzPKI/Woa8kzRrbqI/AAAAAAAAYTo/54xOq0mGkMw5TkEnAlj5e9kaQE_5xk64ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Pharmacy in Chorio served as the Chorio clinic for a few years in the late 90s, hence the old examination couch. The building is now being restored. If you ever see it open, there are some amazing old bottles and jars from its old life as an apothecary, when pharmacists had to mix their own potions and pills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGgZpWq-lTk/Woa8lusXBrI/AAAAAAAAYTs/EOFbDlUxJJYPkSV2uGBTw5yIecbyYFzTQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGgZpWq-lTk/Woa8lusXBrI/AAAAAAAAYTs/EOFbDlUxJJYPkSV2uGBTw5yIecbyYFzTQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B16%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After an extremely short winter break the Valonia oak in Lieni is already covered in buds and new leaves. A clear indication that temperatures are far warmer this year than usual for February.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been very wet on Symi these past two days and this morning when I left I did not want to risk bringing my camera down in case it got wet so I just brought the card down to see what I had. You see it above!<br />
<br />
The rain is expected to continue until tonight. The weather should be dry for the weekend including Clean Monday, with more rain expected to move in again on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
I shall be back with more photographs for you on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Have a good weekend - and happy carnival to all of you who are celebrating this weekend.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-36558584134782020582018-02-12T12:20:00.001+02:002018-02-12T12:20:13.604+02:00Signs of the Times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgAR4K4iBR8/WoFXzNU206I/AAAAAAAAYNs/ei3Jlqo3WyEipHWAG99ZX1bDTo_YnnZ8gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgAR4K4iBR8/WoFXzNU206I/AAAAAAAAYNs/ei3Jlqo3WyEipHWAG99ZX1bDTo_YnnZ8gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday midday in Yialos and there wasn\t much happening apart from a handful of locals fishing for their dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmg-wkDwR4U/WoFXzYDohiI/AAAAAAAAYNw/I-i_PttrwxMKWxvHmQArkfv_WkCOMk9xACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="974" height="504" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmg-wkDwR4U/WoFXzYDohiI/AAAAAAAAYNw/I-i_PttrwxMKWxvHmQArkfv_WkCOMk9xACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting taverna tables outside Pantelis, a popular waterfront seafood taverna. The seasonal nature of Symi's tavernas and restaurants ensures that at least once a year everything is stripped away, cleaned from top to bottom, repainted, repaired and replaced if necessary. The traditional months for spring cleaning and preparation for the season are March and April, once the winter storms are over.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGkmHZQAvbo/WoFXzoOmxHI/AAAAAAAAYN0/rJg_asiHY9oe-WUpwXsZLZTMM4hgs4RZACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGkmHZQAvbo/WoFXzoOmxHI/AAAAAAAAYN0/rJg_asiHY9oe-WUpwXsZLZTMM4hgs4RZACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once a week, very early on a Friday morning, there is a direct connection between Tilos and Symi on the <a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank">Blue Star</a>. This woman comes over then to sell her fruit and vegetables, returning on the Blue Star late at night. Tilos is about 2 hours away from Symi on the ferry and, unlike Symi, has abundant water and rich fertile soil. It has a permanent population of only a few hundred people and is very isolated, even in the summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRvNSlStRGM/WoFX7_L5wOI/AAAAAAAAYOI/Rp3un9ZbwnsRv2qZL2AbH7SUlf2ZrRONACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dRvNSlStRGM/WoFX7_L5wOI/AAAAAAAAYOI/Rp3un9ZbwnsRv2qZL2AbH7SUlf2ZrRONACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every few years the Ministry of Random Signposts hits Symi with a spate of vaguely incomprehensible signposts. The last lot included one to the Ruins of Old Drakos which directed walkers into the bottom of my garden. This time we have acquired a new Symi destination, Palia Poli. This literally means old town, better known as Chorio (the village) to the rest of us. While you may eventually hit the Kali Strata by dragging your suitcase up this ramp and then dithering between the steep steps directly to the high school or the not quite so steep steps to the school playing field, you will actually have missed most of it as you will arrive at the top of the Kali Strata, not the bottom. A sign post marking the start of the Kali Strata which is behind Bella Napoli and the Vapori Bar in the back corner of the harbour would be much more sensible - not to mention beneficial to people looking for the<a href="http://theoldmarkets.com/" target="_blank"> Old Markets hotel</a> or the Krysallis boutique.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6QgqCu8_R0/WoFX1FKqfOI/AAAAAAAAYN4/2wYJlBPsYbUHVnokMOuLVG9Jx-S8HOXQgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6QgqCu8_R0/WoFX1FKqfOI/AAAAAAAAYN4/2wYJlBPsYbUHVnokMOuLVG9Jx-S8HOXQgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYrE88f6UW0/WoFX3iP-D_I/AAAAAAAAYN8/mfwHdmgBlBIuJDhDqmXSO4GGlu-dHhZ5wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYrE88f6UW0/WoFX3iP-D_I/AAAAAAAAYN8/mfwHdmgBlBIuJDhDqmXSO4GGlu-dHhZ5wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday was bright and clear, if a little windy, and we drove up the mountain to see how the rest of Symi was faring. This is one of the hidden valleys above the descent to Panormitis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHiwCG-LWBQ/WoFX5ptA5FI/AAAAAAAAYOA/vH2HZeRfFA0mDUv1GSG5h9NImK8QMkCFACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHiwCG-LWBQ/WoFX5ptA5FI/AAAAAAAAYOA/vH2HZeRfFA0mDUv1GSG5h9NImK8QMkCFACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There aren't many ponds on Symi but those that there are are full after the heavy rains of November, December and January.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QV6LnI4bgY/WoFX7AWAeqI/AAAAAAAAYOE/uqLfC_SLxu81iYFQYkczrZUhmbsYgxQUwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QV6LnI4bgY/WoFX7AWAeqI/AAAAAAAAYOE/uqLfC_SLxu81iYFQYkczrZUhmbsYgxQUwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B12%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is on Symi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is carnival season in Greece, although you would not think so here on Symi where life continues at its usual snail's pace. Only the occasional bedraggled streamer in a gutter or fleeting glimpse of a child in fancy dress gives a clue to what used to be a very boisterous and fun-filled time of the year on the island. The mood on Symi has been very subdued since Storm Eurydice hit the island on 13 November last year. The economic losses suffered by many households and businesses at a time when there is little spare cash around will have a lasting impact. <br />
<br />
Nature, having caused so much havoc, now teases us with temperatures well above seasonal averages and weather that is only consistent in its inconsistency. Showers, squalls, bright sunshine, downpours - February is the new April. While Western Europe struggles with snow and bitter cold, the other side of the continent is experiencing a premature spring that is just as unusual. Heavy rain is forecast for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The rain showers we had this morning, however, did not appear on any forecast.<br />
<br />
Next Monday is Clean Monday, the first day of Lent in Greece. Traditionally celebrated with picnics in the countryside and the flying of kites, everyone is keeping a close eye on the weather forecast to see what will come our way this time.<br />
<br />
Have a good week.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-70939881767169666522018-02-09T11:23:00.000+02:002018-02-09T11:23:19.605+02:00February Postcards from Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpNvK_v58Ug/Wn1kwxhjiGI/AAAAAAAAYEg/jezDo3Qn36saqj559NEndNfpKcRUgqS2gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpNvK_v58Ug/Wn1kwxhjiGI/AAAAAAAAYEg/jezDo3Qn36saqj559NEndNfpKcRUgqS2gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is amazing what cats will find comfortable to sleep on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7knsBhQ6bw/Wn1kxuW242I/AAAAAAAAYEo/cu0CMsKp9PY4TFLbOvmhO6FItGDioq4aACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7knsBhQ6bw/Wn1kxuW242I/AAAAAAAAYEo/cu0CMsKp9PY4TFLbOvmhO6FItGDioq4aACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rural or urban? On Symi the distinction is not clear and never more so than in the winter months. Any bit of grazing will have a sheep, goat or donkey grazing on it. These two were munching away in the lanes of Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vBs0PmvnAE/Wn1kxM1Xk2I/AAAAAAAAYEk/2CXNg5WQ_ksXNcilisZmJ0t9sOePwbVZwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vBs0PmvnAE/Wn1kxM1Xk2I/AAAAAAAAYEk/2CXNg5WQ_ksXNcilisZmJ0t9sOePwbVZwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature has planted her own garden in this old dry stone wall near the Chorio car park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHf-ArorNvQ/Wn1kyviBxsI/AAAAAAAAYEs/4LydHNjSiBUO_mVBTBW_dqxzJdln4Q7nACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHf-ArorNvQ/Wn1kyviBxsI/AAAAAAAAYEs/4LydHNjSiBUO_mVBTBW_dqxzJdln4Q7nACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There must be a story to this. That is a plastic water tank.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ78NZ7uIjY/Wn1kzm2e7tI/AAAAAAAAYEw/Y07c95EY1fs69je9YW83lXRZhlfdoU6TgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ78NZ7uIjY/Wn1kzm2e7tI/AAAAAAAAYEw/Y07c95EY1fs69je9YW83lXRZhlfdoU6TgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gentle reminder from the Symi Flower shop that it is Valentine's Day next week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dI9gf5dcm78/Wn1k1YlFa0I/AAAAAAAAYE4/cowSuAwcZe8j6vq7FUCsSF1sDcWJKlKpwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dI9gf5dcm78/Wn1k1YlFa0I/AAAAAAAAYE4/cowSuAwcZe8j6vq7FUCsSF1sDcWJKlKpwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild lupins. I photograph them in this field at the top of the Pedi valley every year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sg0pLcdmMyk/Wn1k0z-XeLI/AAAAAAAAYE0/owOKx9UhN8018oj2lFOP1JgpNwwU2jXHACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sg0pLcdmMyk/Wn1k0z-XeLI/AAAAAAAAYE0/owOKx9UhN8018oj2lFOP1JgpNwwU2jXHACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I was sailing we used to call this a mackerel sky as the clouds look a bit like fish scales. It usually means that there are strong winds to come. It is calm enough now but tomorrow could be windy again. We seem to alternate between dead calms, squalls and unforeseen gales precipitating shipping bans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okGCDgjUWOo/Wn1k2ngCNnI/AAAAAAAAYE8/_Q6g9vPfaegOU4Gk5eCdujHOl_ZykHBNACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okGCDgjUWOo/Wn1k2ngCNnI/AAAAAAAAYE8/_Q6g9vPfaegOU4Gk5eCdujHOl_ZykHBNACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the clock tower and Harani from my usual view point at the bend on the Kali Strata. The white structure in front of the clock tower is the Schengen customs and immigration border control point. Visiting yachts, gulets and cruise ships have to clear in then before they can come ashore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EujJFw23GXE/Wn1k3NKMgGI/AAAAAAAAYFA/TwLY-iQL7y4J__8pKJ96yulV1g8dRSRywCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EujJFw23GXE/Wn1k3NKMgGI/AAAAAAAAYFA/TwLY-iQL7y4J__8pKJ96yulV1g8dRSRywCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spotted this office chair outside a house on the Kali Strata this morning. The seat is covered in ginger fur.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjOeia2YMuE/Wn1k4Y6H_TI/AAAAAAAAYFE/jB2LgL81FZAiCL2Ie_uSk-zhekkM2olkACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjOeia2YMuE/Wn1k4Y6H_TI/AAAAAAAAYFE/jB2LgL81FZAiCL2Ie_uSk-zhekkM2olkACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could this be the culprit? He didn't hang around to answer any questions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FWdcJ3YMFI/Wn1k4XmqoKI/AAAAAAAAYFI/CaxTv5H3Gw0z4SZOUDEyu8AiPFXJWDyLQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FWdcJ3YMFI/Wn1k4XmqoKI/AAAAAAAAYFI/CaxTv5H3Gw0z4SZOUDEyu8AiPFXJWDyLQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was still enough to sit with the balcony doors open at the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> office this morning, to the astonishment of the cats who use the balcony railing as a bridge from one roof to the next.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZgmAMkGorU/Wn1k4xi_T7I/AAAAAAAAYFM/WJ2ymCA5SAQ1fe3cyNKrqmDVu0_wkNB4wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yZgmAMkGorU/Wn1k4xi_T7I/AAAAAAAAYFM/WJ2ymCA5SAQ1fe3cyNKrqmDVu0_wkNB4wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B9%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.12ne.gr/en" target="_blank">Dodecanese Seaway</a>s gliding into Yialos at 9.30 this morning. They won't be running the Symi route on Saturday as they will be catching up with the Halki Tilos route which had to be cancelled on Thursday due to strong winds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-83905449884043837112018-02-05T13:08:00.000+02:002018-02-05T13:08:09.103+02:00Almond Blossoms and a Brief History Lesson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo5dfMMcLGs/Wng2VzqFA4I/AAAAAAAAYDY/SKk7HqIOX1UT0bhPkFM0uIfJ-3rjq4IQQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo5dfMMcLGs/Wng2VzqFA4I/AAAAAAAAYDY/SKk7HqIOX1UT0bhPkFM0uIfJ-3rjq4IQQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLNZs0Flc58/Wng2WJevDaI/AAAAAAAAYDc/8dKgN2Hm9Koy3OVgvoh5MQGLknn4IZA9ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLNZs0Flc58/Wng2WJevDaI/AAAAAAAAYDc/8dKgN2Hm9Koy3OVgvoh5MQGLknn4IZA9ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNtR5NEGvQM/Wng2W9V2l3I/AAAAAAAAYDg/N6vdr5d9BsMvvcnWcMYV0GR3qHHkZtMBACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNtR5NEGvQM/Wng2W9V2l3I/AAAAAAAAYDg/N6vdr5d9BsMvvcnWcMYV0GR3qHHkZtMBACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDueJ4sWFC4/Wng2XQjcNJI/AAAAAAAAYDk/CWE-5M1l0K00aKgsFgBQcQjSaUGgHx9NACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDueJ4sWFC4/Wng2XQjcNJI/AAAAAAAAYDk/CWE-5M1l0K00aKgsFgBQcQjSaUGgHx9NACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy took this photograph of Pedi recently while walking Sandouri. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Symi, the bump in the middle of the photograph is the Kastro, where the |Knights of St John built a castle. There was an even older fortification and church up there before that. The old medieval town was clustered around its walls. There wasn't much left of the castle when the Germans used it as a munitions store during the Second World War and blew it up in the retreat, destroying many of the surrounding houses in the process. The sprawl of buildings up the slopes of the Vigla to the left of the Kastro is a very old part of Chorio, around Agia Trianda church. The original access to this ancient area of habitation was a footpath running from the back of Yialos, the neo-classical harbour, up behind the Kastro to Chorio. It still exists and is referred to as the Kataraktis (Cataract) as it runs up the side of a deep gorge - part of the convergence of water courses that floods the harbour in winter downpours. The green belt between the sea and the houses is the Pedi valley, once a major fruit and wine producing area on the island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Grey skies seem to be dominant at the moment as southerly winds bring haze and dust. Yesterday's southerly was so strong there was a shipping ban and even Rhodes airport was closed for a while. Things are a lot calmer today and it looks as though we have a hazy, possibly drizzly, mildly windy week ahead with temperatures around 18 degrees. <br />
<br />
Now that the summer ferry schedules have been released by <a href="http://www.12ne.gr/en" target="_blank">Dodecanese Seaways</a> and <a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank">Blue Star Ferries</a> people are seriously planning their holidays. For flight tips, check <a href="http://www.symivisitor-accommodation.com/blog/" target="_blank">Andy's travel blog</a>.<br />
<br />
Have a good week.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-41108039599082202882018-02-02T13:27:00.002+02:002018-02-02T13:27:24.127+02:00Kalo Mina! Good Month!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da-gudVpArg/WnRDLrFwA_I/AAAAAAAAYBw/88moVj5Hokcm80NmG09a9Lz-kNIvRbJngCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da-gudVpArg/WnRDLrFwA_I/AAAAAAAAYBw/88moVj5Hokcm80NmG09a9Lz-kNIvRbJngCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm seas and clear skies on Tuesday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ui4gNUFx-TM/WnRDLylmIMI/AAAAAAAAYB0/A1KDOaREdq0uCfSMvEQU2GcCVL061k8zwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1024" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ui4gNUFx-TM/WnRDLylmIMI/AAAAAAAAYB0/A1KDOaREdq0uCfSMvEQU2GcCVL061k8zwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Symi neo-classical colours. Symi's palette is quite tightly regulated, particularly in the historic neo-classical amphitheatre harbour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hXIfg0Ae2s/WnRDMnVCAII/AAAAAAAAYB4/sG1oocVI3IM2jz31hS1Ct1lHNv0MWkZggCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hXIfg0Ae2s/WnRDMnVCAII/AAAAAAAAYB4/sG1oocVI3IM2jz31hS1Ct1lHNv0MWkZggCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in Lieni earlier this week I spotted this tree. Each of the plastic bottles is protecting two cuttings which have been grafted onto the trunk. I don't know who did this but it will certainly be interesting to see if they take and what they turn into.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ji-2eRVs2Ew/WnRDPsIop8I/AAAAAAAAYB8/nNuI2d0EtM8Hcg0WyZk5b1Aru1O7pvVHgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ji-2eRVs2Ew/WnRDPsIop8I/AAAAAAAAYB8/nNuI2d0EtM8Hcg0WyZk5b1Aru1O7pvVHgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next to the grafted specimens there is what appears to be a kind of wild pear, now hesitantly in bloom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMflBW7sH7k/WnRDQA3VS7I/AAAAAAAAYCA/6jdBUy54tiAje8WINGD7gW3Z7RUySPHDgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMflBW7sH7k/WnRDQA3VS7I/AAAAAAAAYCA/6jdBUy54tiAje8WINGD7gW3Z7RUySPHDgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware of chickens crossing roads for the next 4 kilometres? Who knows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AysScUBoamY/WnRDQj_p_vI/AAAAAAAAYCE/5dazPiGhExgZHw_S5ckg4COwIP_rMgyJACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AysScUBoamY/WnRDQj_p_vI/AAAAAAAAYCE/5dazPiGhExgZHw_S5ckg4COwIP_rMgyJACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The valonia oak in Lieni has finally got the message that it should be losing leaves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaFgbmOEOEg/WnRDT3mAGiI/AAAAAAAAYCM/l8CObPZ_Tqs9tSXEgo8ldAb_SWGrLrdmwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaFgbmOEOEg/WnRDT3mAGiI/AAAAAAAAYCM/l8CObPZ_Tqs9tSXEgo8ldAb_SWGrLrdmwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which it is doing with enthusiasm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-525aL6l4sFY/WnRDT3FeTdI/AAAAAAAAYCQ/e3wn7njhh5g3Lmt6ERAEVax0T7FjFKrBwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-525aL6l4sFY/WnRDT3FeTdI/AAAAAAAAYCQ/e3wn7njhh5g3Lmt6ERAEVax0T7FjFKrBwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this lush pasture is on Symi. Goat's milk cheese on the hoof.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVDcRAxzrBo/WnRDSz_NVoI/AAAAAAAAYCI/Nur-ukGEnVg_sRtGpUz3narWzXsGiE7XACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVDcRAxzrBo/WnRDSz_NVoI/AAAAAAAAYCI/Nur-ukGEnVg_sRtGpUz3narWzXsGiE7XACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank">Blue Star Delos</a> speeding past Pedi at 8 this morning. Apparently the Patmos will be resuming service in a few weeks. Although externally the two vessels are to all intents and purposes identical, the Delos is configured for short haul trips so she only has 20 cabins and a fast food franchise - not much fun it you are travelling overnight from Pireus to Symi which is about 14 hours, depending on the number of stops. The Patmos, better suited to over night passages from Pireus to Rhodes, Kastellorizon and Karpathos, has more cabins and a proper restaurant for those who don't want burgers and doughnuts for dinner and breakfast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmU4IKYHlSk/WnRDVEVLudI/AAAAAAAAYCU/If7s0kNQynwHv9mnMm-26KWGG9KXqb1HwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmU4IKYHlSk/WnRDVEVLudI/AAAAAAAAYCU/If7s0kNQynwHv9mnMm-26KWGG9KXqb1HwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B2%2BFeb%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lambing season is well under way. This little fellow is only a few days old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is a still dark grey day on Symi. The sky is low and poised to rain upon us at any moment. Or perhaps not. If it does, it may well be the first red rain of the year. The clouds have a pinkish cast, hinting at suspended dust particles from North Africa.<br />
<br />
Temperatures are mild, with little difference between day and night - around 14 degrees centigrade at midday to 11 degrees at night. The dew starts to fall very quickly, the moment the sun disappears behind the hills. This is expected to continue for a few more days. There is a 30% chance of rain.<br />
<br />
February is always an odd month. It can be extremely cold with ice on the puddles or extremely wet with no dry days or a bit of both. It is the last of the real winter months. The carnival season starts this weekend with events in the square in Yialos, hosted by the local schools. Everyone is hoping for a dry weekend so that the children can show off their fancy dress costumes. While the mainland port city of Patras may have sophisticated samba girls waving feathers and jiggling their bottoms in the cold, here in the remote island of Symi carnival is for children to dress up and have loads of fun. Fairy princesses, ballerinas, super heroes, clowns and wicked witches are always popular, characters that haven't changed much in decades.<br />
<br />
The bus is still on 'holiday'. We hope it will be back on the Blue Star tonight.<br />
<br />
Have a good weekend.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-1658328953753574922018-01-29T13:50:00.002+02:002018-01-29T13:50:21.112+02:00Sunshine After Rain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkkHgRIvuFk/Wm8DHU2_qHI/AAAAAAAAX_c/M2_rREw_w6c2ufCvQsO4mwwxovrTj3FPACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkkHgRIvuFk/Wm8DHU2_qHI/AAAAAAAAX_c/M2_rREw_w6c2ufCvQsO4mwwxovrTj3FPACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the wild anemones in my garden were buried under rubble in the big storm on 13 November 2017 but this one survived and is putting on a brave show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4XIOJNSnPU/Wm8DKtTQk8I/AAAAAAAAX_o/g9ZG6JyL96Ia677ww0B8rUlRSYqA1lDMgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4XIOJNSnPU/Wm8DKtTQk8I/AAAAAAAAX_o/g9ZG6JyL96Ia677ww0B8rUlRSYqA1lDMgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big valonia oak at Lieni is very confused by the mild winter temperatures and is still hanging on to a lot of last year's leaves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBomxKwbKsc/Wm8DHkiPIII/AAAAAAAAX_g/M0kfI6beqOAG0UtH6JaOoCNopLHGZmd7ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FBomxKwbKsc/Wm8DHkiPIII/AAAAAAAAX_g/M0kfI6beqOAG0UtH6JaOoCNopLHGZmd7ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pleased to see that some long-overdue work is finally being done on the roof of the old pharmacy building in Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lBuvHUqXNg/Wm8DKN2oB8I/AAAAAAAAX_k/gGGdcv0QJ-Ei2py21f0Kiw2T-RwLHcMBgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lBuvHUqXNg/Wm8DKN2oB8I/AAAAAAAAX_k/gGGdcv0QJ-Ei2py21f0Kiw2T-RwLHcMBgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After weeks of rain and damp weather, washing lines are blossoming all over Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-kJcUt64U4/Wm8DLrsAAyI/AAAAAAAAX_s/lNyWCHKizZYn_qzUQaJgbg3tHU7F56QrgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-kJcUt64U4/Wm8DLrsAAyI/AAAAAAAAX_s/lNyWCHKizZYn_qzUQaJgbg3tHU7F56QrgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful miniature gardens of dainty ferns and moss that sprout in the dry stone walls and ruins of Chorio during the rainy months of winter are a seasonal delight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XsbwpM48Fk/Wm8DNId0I0I/AAAAAAAAX_w/H7sXjxLaUlgzAE61OeuQ8koZcmdkmn16wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XsbwpM48Fk/Wm8DNId0I0I/AAAAAAAAX_w/H7sXjxLaUlgzAE61OeuQ8koZcmdkmn16wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue shutters are part of the museum in Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnJY5xvP9qs/Wm8DNrpUviI/AAAAAAAAX_0/puB-fw2oTYsVxa12thdItPqC2qzl93nGACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnJY5xvP9qs/Wm8DNrpUviI/AAAAAAAAX_0/puB-fw2oTYsVxa12thdItPqC2qzl93nGACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What could be more Mediterranean than ripening oranges against a clear blue sky?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33YQAPKBxC8/Wm8DPEyhLkI/AAAAAAAAX_4/29GVVTJHqGIAy0UtGW1ypDEYMzr9PhP3wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33YQAPKBxC8/Wm8DPEyhLkI/AAAAAAAAX_4/29GVVTJHqGIAy0UtGW1ypDEYMzr9PhP3wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at massive sheets of impermeable rock like this, it is hardly surprising that flash floods and torrential rainwater run off are a problem in the rainy season. There is literally nothing to hold the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q5-yEvbLDKo/Wm8DPhjDZxI/AAAAAAAAX_8/oktbVuQrCRo6VIPPX0KgUAqZMXJTLy2EQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q5-yEvbLDKo/Wm8DPhjDZxI/AAAAAAAAX_8/oktbVuQrCRo6VIPPX0KgUAqZMXJTLy2EQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cold blue sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Fhr448F5w/Wm8DPzs7ClI/AAAAAAAAYAA/Y9vCb3R5bDsPyYoK4wqNnXSwEaUUD8qSACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Fhr448F5w/Wm8DPzs7ClI/AAAAAAAAYAA/Y9vCb3R5bDsPyYoK4wqNnXSwEaUUD8qSACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B29%2BJan%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> office this morning. Calm seas and cloudless skies make a pleasant change after weeks of rain followed by last week's gales.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, I didn't get to Rhodes on Friday. The Force 9 winds in the Aegean threw out the <a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank">Blue Star</a>'s schedule by about 18 hours so I shall be trying again on Wednesday. There are only two possibilities for a day trip to Rhodes from Symi - Wednesday and Friday. As both are with the Blue Star, the bigger weather picture has an impact on this.<br />
<br />
The weather is expected to change again on Thursday with rain forecast for Friday. At the moment midday temperatures are around 14 degrees, falling to around 10 degrees at night. Places that are in the shade most of the day are significantly colder. Places that face south and are getting 8 hours of sunshine are much warmer. Location, location!<br />
<br />
Symi is very quiet with few people about. Netflix must be doing well at weekends as on a Sunday Chorio is deserted. The bus is still in Rhodes which also limits activities. What goes down must go back up again and those Kali Strata steps give pause for thought when carrying shopping bags. Those who live in Chorio, shop in Chorio.<br />
<br />
Speaking of shopping bags, Greece is implementing the requirement to charge for single use plastic bags. Signs in Greek and English are popping up, even in the shops on Symi, although I have not known anyone yet be charged the 4 cents per bag. Another change regulars might notice this year is that Symi, like many other remote Greek islands, has lost its tax concession due to the bail-out requirements so VAT is now 24%. <br />
<br />
Unlike many other countries, Greeks have to pay VAT on all foods so this is going to be quite inflationary for the locals. At the moment it is not quite clear which things will be at 24% and which at 13%, 17%, 9% or any other random number you would care to think of but presumably this will all be sorted out in the coming weeks. Symiot shopkeepers seem to be trying to absorb as much of the increase as possible themselves but it is quite a hike so they won't be able to keep this up for long, particularly as the cost of getting stuff onto the island has also gone up. We are certainly seeing far more cheap Bulgarian imports in the shops than we used to and far fewer items from more distant parts of Western Europe.<br />
<br />
Have a good week.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-77996440244078651092018-01-25T11:37:00.001+02:002018-01-25T11:37:09.450+02:00Life on Symi in the Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHlZAry09ps/WmmczRQlCjI/AAAAAAAAX8I/_ajobyIzUhIdxR3ubptysgJatYzQASa1QCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHlZAry09ps/WmmczRQlCjI/AAAAAAAAX8I/_ajobyIzUhIdxR3ubptysgJatYzQASa1QCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Panormitis road, a couple of bends up from Marathounda, looking towards the Turkish promontory that marks the approximate halfway mark on the ferry journey from Rhodes to Symi. After Monday's heavy rain, Tuesday was dry and fairly clear. I had hoped for better visibility but there was still too much moisture in the air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pX8xyr1CzcQ/Wmmc0fA5DtI/AAAAAAAAX8Q/rIJP8ko_J5sTLfuNvJyGBJAk6qW8kSFDwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pX8xyr1CzcQ/Wmmc0fA5DtI/AAAAAAAAX8Q/rIJP8ko_J5sTLfuNvJyGBJAk6qW8kSFDwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small farmstead on the slope above Marathounda. Look at how green the island is after all the rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIqgPkw-zBc/Wmmc0KNu0aI/AAAAAAAAX8M/IEf2F4bp96cDX4w0itqIgmHXKkKc9EGhwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIqgPkw-zBc/Wmmc0KNu0aI/AAAAAAAAX8M/IEf2F4bp96cDX4w0itqIgmHXKkKc9EGhwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather hazy view of the windmill that guards the entrance to Panormitis Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oO4oNJeePo/Wmmc1aAWCCI/AAAAAAAAX8U/kTHqc1t8XzM4xl1lcQZCIZnukYN1t8lVgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oO4oNJeePo/Wmmc1aAWCCI/AAAAAAAAX8U/kTHqc1t8XzM4xl1lcQZCIZnukYN1t8lVgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is major restoration work going on on the Panormitis bell tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOmhZZN4gj4/Wmmc2cuvBZI/AAAAAAAAX8Y/okmRia6CeCg6Vj730j-GOZKHMaR6p6xpACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOmhZZN4gj4/Wmmc2cuvBZI/AAAAAAAAX8Y/okmRia6CeCg6Vj730j-GOZKHMaR6p6xpACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the monastery courtyard at Panormitis. Note the no smoking sign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwqJKB6yn3E/Wmmc205szjI/AAAAAAAAX8c/ZjHIJIg8BvUYxVxw3fGRrmYS1hiYk9rtQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwqJKB6yn3E/Wmmc205szjI/AAAAAAAAX8c/ZjHIJIg8BvUYxVxw3fGRrmYS1hiYk9rtQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the souvenir shop. It was not actually open for business. Apart from a few workmen Panormitis was deserted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBZGASUUeoM/Wmmc3szpPwI/AAAAAAAAX8g/WWTx4VDHNH8VO5gl7Cpu75w2wCwEHcS1wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBZGASUUeoM/Wmmc3szpPwI/AAAAAAAAX8g/WWTx4VDHNH8VO5gl7Cpu75w2wCwEHcS1wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0UczRBP76M/Wmmc39y-UKI/AAAAAAAAX8k/_H867MjhjFMmLyO2oHuR59tu8j33PZfDACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0UczRBP76M/Wmmc39y-UKI/AAAAAAAAX8k/_H867MjhjFMmLyO2oHuR59tu8j33PZfDACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An icon on the first floor verandah overlooking the courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNzqSvxPveM/Wmmc5PqfwGI/AAAAAAAAX8o/9kFfvIlznMkeEMabcV82GeYtdrgBgfI5wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNzqSvxPveM/Wmmc5PqfwGI/AAAAAAAAX8o/9kFfvIlznMkeEMabcV82GeYtdrgBgfI5wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round the back, out of the wind, a quick movement caught my eye. When one is slim and svelte one can sunbathe in the smallest of suntraps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3IQ4ndRBjk/Wmmc59MxSlI/AAAAAAAAX8s/Rkc-uKSColgcWHXqrwUOWj-QssBeoWBVQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u3IQ4ndRBjk/Wmmc59MxSlI/AAAAAAAAX8s/Rkc-uKSColgcWHXqrwUOWj-QssBeoWBVQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, down in Yialos I spotted this rather precarious arrangement. The ladder was actually balanced on the awning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IWLfH-KBSM/Wmmc7bD9MiI/AAAAAAAAX8w/NgFmSCHk79QqJeHGmzj6pzfBYO4Dop4VwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IWLfH-KBSM/Wmmc7bD9MiI/AAAAAAAAX8w/NgFmSCHk79QqJeHGmzj6pzfBYO4Dop4VwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The heavy rains have destabilised a lot of walls and ruins. This wall collapsed behind our old office, blocking the access to some houses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSuaWB3H9Qc/Wmmc8EzhqxI/AAAAAAAAX80/nzQoeDDYF3MK6_Q8KddXUHZLp_XdYoTawCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSuaWB3H9Qc/Wmmc8EzhqxI/AAAAAAAAX80/nzQoeDDYF3MK6_Q8KddXUHZLp_XdYoTawCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild cyclamens below the high school.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CU2HkI08vRc/Wmmc9D3R3aI/AAAAAAAAX84/xVs3NAbNXU0y-xlj4MHSZO9_5aybvsKEACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CU2HkI08vRc/Wmmc9D3R3aI/AAAAAAAAX84/xVs3NAbNXU0y-xlj4MHSZO9_5aybvsKEACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a very wild and windy day today (Thursday). As the barometer is falling the water level is also quite high, flooding the harbour with sea water this time. Not surprisingly the taxis aren't running today as they don't want to be doused in salt water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Vm4JXplPk/Wmmc9-fKotI/AAAAAAAAX88/vdXL_TQNOusWyecn_5shL158wVYxsQxrACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="974" height="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Vm4JXplPk/Wmmc9-fKotI/AAAAAAAAX88/vdXL_TQNOusWyecn_5shL158wVYxsQxrACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5I15io78Ng/Wmmc-sNvrQI/AAAAAAAAX9A/IEDQoJppm_4ZARgBPFRthhn2Od6ImfQJQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5I15io78Ng/Wmmc-sNvrQI/AAAAAAAAX9A/IEDQoJppm_4ZARgBPFRthhn2Od6ImfQJQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slosh! Not very good for cars and the taxis are not running today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RpbYg80WCrU/Wmmc_S94RBI/AAAAAAAAX9E/3vdfwWWu0sgAed8S4Rd6AydcIsnhc1kbwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RpbYg80WCrU/Wmmc_S94RBI/AAAAAAAAX9E/3vdfwWWu0sgAed8S4Rd6AydcIsnhc1kbwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B25%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The storm is churning up all the mud and topsoil that has washed into the harbour with the recent rains. Around the customs slipway and the bridge, there are deposits of small stones and debris and the sea delivers back what it recently received.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Greetings from a very chilly Symi. It was minus 2 centigrade in my green house this morning and 6 degrees in my kitchen. The Symi layered-look is very much in evidence as everyone who is out and about is wearing as many clothes as possible and still move.<br />
<br />
There is a Force 8 northerly gale blowing today so the wind chill is finger-numbing, even in the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation office</a>, with a 3 bar heater on.<br />
<br />
The wind should ease later today and we have a few more dry - though chilly - days ahead of us before the next round of rain arrives in early February. Things are starting to dry out a bit and as long as the washing is well secured it is finally possible to get towels and trousers dry. By Monday the ground may even have dried out enough to plough and plant.<br />
<br />
I had the opportunity to go over to Panormitis earlier this week. As I myself don't drive, I don't often get the chance to go anywhere that I can't walk to so I accepted the invitation eagerly. Diversions on Symi in January are seriously limited. <br />
<br />
The condition of the road is still poor in places. Above my house, on the first bends up the Vigla, the wash aways from the November storm have been exacerbated by subsequent rains. Further up, there is evidence of collapsed terrace walls and on the descent to Panormitis on the other side, the road is badly undercut in places. The lack of proper storm water management when roads are built always comes back as expensive damage later. This is not unique to Symi. We have seen the same short-sightedness in Israel and Cyprus. When it doesn't rain for many months, it is easy to pretend it never happens - until it does. Perhaps someone is learning a lesson somewhere but I wouldn't count on it.<br />
<br />
I am going to Rhodes tomorrow, weather and <a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank">ferries</a> permitting, hence this blog appearing a day early. Have a good weekend.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana typing with numb fingers.</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-38614427343630037112018-01-22T13:26:00.000+02:002018-01-22T13:26:01.193+02:00Citrus and Cyclamens - Monday Postcards from Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JC3oJL1jCik/WmXIcsDTKzI/AAAAAAAAX6I/rWwsFn3J2_wFOY1shruKqd3HRihTZkS0QCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1024" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JC3oJL1jCik/WmXIcsDTKzI/AAAAAAAAX6I/rWwsFn3J2_wFOY1shruKqd3HRihTZkS0QCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripe lemons in my garden. Only one of the half a dozen lemon trees has given us any fruit this year. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXGsB77I7Mw/WmXIbVe9tyI/AAAAAAAAX6A/xCeRgaUeSdIypDpyqzmKGFoSJ2oJOU5rgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXGsB77I7Mw/WmXIbVe9tyI/AAAAAAAAX6A/xCeRgaUeSdIypDpyqzmKGFoSJ2oJOU5rgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange blossom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLKurV7ydqA/WmXIcQ3s28I/AAAAAAAAX6E/d3ie31Juu3o7IwawLL4ZKlXXh8IeQJ0qACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLKurV7ydqA/WmXIcQ3s28I/AAAAAAAAX6E/d3ie31Juu3o7IwawLL4ZKlXXh8IeQJ0qACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tangerines on this tree are usually very bitter but after so much rain this winter perhaps this year they will be sweeter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03obB3u6g4E/WmXIeVkG-fI/AAAAAAAAX6M/MucLT6IMD8MBrIp7acD6ZzTdnfr8sxDpgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="927" height="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03obB3u6g4E/WmXIeVkG-fI/AAAAAAAAX6M/MucLT6IMD8MBrIp7acD6ZzTdnfr8sxDpgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the cyclamens survived the big storm in November. The main areas where cyclamens grow in my garden are buried under tons of rubble so they will have to bide their time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrff1jYY9jY/WmXIgdJb2RI/AAAAAAAAX6Q/WqG0aRsPSggJEwTLwTe6GrF1asdM-ZEBwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrff1jYY9jY/WmXIgdJb2RI/AAAAAAAAX6Q/WqG0aRsPSggJEwTLwTe6GrF1asdM-ZEBwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has been wet with relatively mild temperatures so the almond trees are very confused. The ones that didn't die of drought are muddling along with a mixture of leaves and flowers all at once. Yes, people, climate change is definitely a thing on Symi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkfoGIkMvcE/WmXIgkYjQwI/AAAAAAAAX6U/gqY3a2e30YwwSUWpvi76Vf1QUFlhqw5uACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkfoGIkMvcE/WmXIgkYjQwI/AAAAAAAAX6U/gqY3a2e30YwwSUWpvi76Vf1QUFlhqw5uACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dainty surprises among the muddy litter in the verges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wah1kjDAvg/WmXIh9hbDrI/AAAAAAAAX6Y/97ZFzYio8KwQOdye05_koKcivMHpFQPXwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Wah1kjDAvg/WmXIh9hbDrI/AAAAAAAAX6Y/97ZFzYio8KwQOdye05_koKcivMHpFQPXwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud mother and her new lamb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khTOlHfX-0w/WmXIiGCqsXI/AAAAAAAAX6c/5DQlngD3P0cKRw5yyvcpK2SYj0wWq0YdwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khTOlHfX-0w/WmXIiGCqsXI/AAAAAAAAX6c/5DQlngD3P0cKRw5yyvcpK2SYj0wWq0YdwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BJan%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View from <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> this wet Monday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-68619887279011222912018-01-19T13:20:00.000+02:002018-01-19T13:20:00.407+02:00Happy New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1s7ab2uobyY/WmHOKEJesZI/AAAAAAAAX4Y/NqJWPWbs8IQDH5IRs_tvKPl_AkWlIMklgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1s7ab2uobyY/WmHOKEJesZI/AAAAAAAAX4Y/NqJWPWbs8IQDH5IRs_tvKPl_AkWlIMklgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of distant snow-capped mountain peaks in Turkey. When the wind blows from the north in the winter visibility is amazing and one can see literally for miles. At the same time the low angle of the sun and the increased vegetation highlights features on the landscape. Roads and buildings become far more distinct.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLn-sg6S6mg/WmHOLYzb31I/AAAAAAAAX4g/TvFncbUgMfYzoLuupWFiZAnZ9i7ZD2oSQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLn-sg6S6mg/WmHOLYzb31I/AAAAAAAAX4g/TvFncbUgMfYzoLuupWFiZAnZ9i7ZD2oSQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may have been away a month but somethings haven't changed. There are still chickens crossing the road in Lieni.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8BUozxLcxM/WmHOK0isNII/AAAAAAAAX4c/TifnYgPCkAkVn0eBdRvzwC0-iBvnxBrtgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8BUozxLcxM/WmHOK0isNII/AAAAAAAAX4c/TifnYgPCkAkVn0eBdRvzwC0-iBvnxBrtgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Municipal workers are still shovelling mud in the town square. In the week that I have been back the Kataraktis has flowed twice, first on Saturday night with a lot of stones and then yesterday, depositing silt and sand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljRvzsiYgyU/WmHOLzsbGCI/AAAAAAAAX4k/BBc9DH8SmT0KtoO3-C-wdzV-x5Caj5aPQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljRvzsiYgyU/WmHOLzsbGCI/AAAAAAAAX4k/BBc9DH8SmT0KtoO3-C-wdzV-x5Caj5aPQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness is a warm black roof in the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9l-5Gfpc_ZE/WmHON2ptb8I/AAAAAAAAX4o/d2gHOAGZwroUJQD-oSGPc7_0zKnpZYLxwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9l-5Gfpc_ZE/WmHON2ptb8I/AAAAAAAAX4o/d2gHOAGZwroUJQD-oSGPc7_0zKnpZYLxwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, why wouldn't you buy mattresses at the car hire shop? On Symi one has to diversify to make a living.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xc4ID3XIrnY/WmHOOE47BMI/AAAAAAAAX4w/CI20vXNmXAIf7qHX8D7qPgrpdpgLj5TrwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xc4ID3XIrnY/WmHOOE47BMI/AAAAAAAAX4w/CI20vXNmXAIf7qHX8D7qPgrpdpgLj5TrwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Optimists can plant onions and cabbages and hope that they won't be washed away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6A50CIzIdPc/WmHOOIC95wI/AAAAAAAAX4s/WUK8BITnBLUqTLom7Vh8Y0dksusFfQHWQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6A50CIzIdPc/WmHOOIC95wI/AAAAAAAAX4s/WUK8BITnBLUqTLom7Vh8Y0dksusFfQHWQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The<a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank"> Blue Star</a> Paros is undergoing maintenance so the Blue Star Delos is currently serving Symi. The stormy weather in the Aegean delayed her departure from Pireus yesterday so she only came through at about half past eleven today instead of seven forty-five.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVOx1qfdiWI/WmHOQL6J7qI/AAAAAAAAX40/-EXEtN1mtuIO2MGk9zR7W7KhvMOqEBjGQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVOx1qfdiWI/WmHOQL6J7qI/AAAAAAAAX40/-EXEtN1mtuIO2MGk9zR7W7KhvMOqEBjGQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd at the clock tower, waiting to board the Delos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9y8AaPCzoY/WmHOQH41GuI/AAAAAAAAX44/HXGCa21j8QsyzSt4cm-cTPandcKbfNs7ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9y8AaPCzoY/WmHOQH41GuI/AAAAAAAAX44/HXGCa21j8QsyzSt4cm-cTPandcKbfNs7ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B19%2BJanuary%2B2018%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedi bay during a sunny spell earlier this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After three dry winters, Symi has been experiencing an extremely wet one. By all accounts there have been more rainy days than dry ones in the time that I have been away and the trend certainly continued this week on my return. Cisterns are overflowing, which is just as well as in some neighbourhoods water pipes destroyed in the flood of 13 November 2017 have yet to be repaired. As I have mentioned many times over the years, Symi houses are difficult to heat, particularly the old stone ones, and damp can be a recurring problem. Wood fires are a popular source of dry heat and our cast iron stove is not unusual. Looking around Chorio on a winter's day, little plumes of smoke rise from many chimneys even quite early in the day.<br />
<br />
The long term forecast is for heavy rain on Sunday and Monday followed by some cold dry days next week when we can all get our washing dry and our houses aired. On the rainy days, temperatures range from 16 degrees at midday to around 10 degrees at night, feeling colder due to the damp. On the clear dry days when the wind blows from the north, temperatures drop into single figures - around 9 degrees in the day and about 5 at night. It can be warmer if you find a suntrap out of the wind or if you are lucky enough to be on the south-facing side of the harbour. Location, location as the real estate agents say, is crucial on Symi if you live here all year round.<br />
<br />
There are not many people about in the harbour as most businesses are closed for the winter. Apart from a few random building projects there is not much activity on the island at this time of the year. It has been too wet for agricultural pursuits as the fields and terraces are totally water-logged. Symi is still in snooze mode.<br />
<br />
One bit of ferry news is that <a href="http://www.12ne.gr/en" target="_blank">Dodecanese Seaways</a> will not be coming through Symi tomorrow, Saturday. They had to cancel their Thursday route to Halki and Tilos due to the rough sea conditions so they will be doing that on Saturday instead of the usual Symi run. If Symi seems quite at this time of the year, with a permanent population of around 2500, can you imagine how quiet it must be on Halki and Tilos where the population is in the hundreds, even in the summer? <br />
<br />
Have a good weekend. I will bring you more news and photographs from Symi on Monday.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-26101855718756435672017-12-11T12:33:00.000+02:002017-12-11T12:33:19.034+02:00Season's Greetings and See You on Symi in 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHlbccBormE/Wi5WcECFvlI/AAAAAAAAXoY/BBCkWOBeQisHFoBhOYnh0ph2aoZ5Y4EOwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHlbccBormE/Wi5WcECFvlI/AAAAAAAAXoY/BBCkWOBeQisHFoBhOYnh0ph2aoZ5Y4EOwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't take much to make the Stanni patisserie next door to the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> office look festive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srU55du19Ug/Wi5WbrF6sQI/AAAAAAAAXoU/rrshdlmMEpEe3bp4XCpL-hImvJUz1gUtQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srU55du19Ug/Wi5WbrF6sQI/AAAAAAAAXoU/rrshdlmMEpEe3bp4XCpL-hImvJUz1gUtQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A festive glimpse through the door of the butchery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdpyBmjL_Q/Wi5WcvQHwAI/AAAAAAAAXoc/_EdqPq6Rl2Q4AUKdtOK5-CgPUltPqhumQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdpyBmjL_Q/Wi5WcvQHwAI/AAAAAAAAXoc/_EdqPq6Rl2Q4AUKdtOK5-CgPUltPqhumQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Symi Flower shop is always a cheerful sight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17IStoVRigk/Wi5Wejwgz0I/AAAAAAAAXog/3OaUenXWKjohNy93gae8s1OC5eLGBJB4gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17IStoVRigk/Wi5Wejwgz0I/AAAAAAAAXog/3OaUenXWKjohNy93gae8s1OC5eLGBJB4gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how fuel arrives for the petrol station in Yialos. Tankers roll off and drive round to the fuel station to fill the bunkers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz9i4cRqC8U/Wi5WfhByy8I/AAAAAAAAXok/8zMzLj5C2g4CmL5HyofGK3wMLc0KLXokgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz9i4cRqC8U/Wi5WfhByy8I/AAAAAAAAXok/8zMzLj5C2g4CmL5HyofGK3wMLc0KLXokgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oranges and lemons for sale in the square in Yialos. Most Symiots have lemon trees somewhere but Symi oranges tend to be extremely bitter and are only suitable for marmalade or glykos. Oranges for squeezing or eating come from Rhodes or Kalymnos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPhcK8GNFp8/Wi5WgTtwWNI/AAAAAAAAXoo/r9hO_s_ubpM5TmbVVxhaXv2eVHB7yOn6ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPhcK8GNFp8/Wi5WgTtwWNI/AAAAAAAAXoo/r9hO_s_ubpM5TmbVVxhaXv2eVHB7yOn6ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fish for sale, straight from the boat. The cats are optimistic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1G0v5Xk6XY/Wi5WhELK14I/AAAAAAAAXos/kEBOYdn235UaylT0tJRnE7brWdZW4QKgACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1G0v5Xk6XY/Wi5WhELK14I/AAAAAAAAXos/kEBOYdn235UaylT0tJRnE7brWdZW4QKgACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B11%2BDecember%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in the Pedi Valley. The bare brown bits are where water washed through in the storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This will be my last blog for 2017 as I am going to England to visit family and friends for the festive season. Leaving Symi is often a fraught business in the winter. This time I will be missing a 24 hour shipping strike by a mere 24 nail-biting hours! The 5.50 a.m. departure on the <a href="http://www.bluestarferries.gr/" target="_blank">Blue Star</a> is not an attractive prospect either! In the winter the Blue Star serving Symi fits in a quick trip down to Karpathos and back on a Wednesday so instead of the extremely civilised 8.15 departure from Symi that we enjoy in the summer, in the winter we have to be down in the harbour in the dark at 5.30 a.m. Fortunately the weather forecast is good so there are no gales to worry about and it won't be raining.<br />
<br />
Christmas is only a fortnight away and a few more decorations are putting in an appearance. There still isn't much in the shops - the main holiday supplies will arrive on the big boat on the Friday before Christmas. Anyone with premature Christmas cravings has to take the Blue Star to Rhodes on Wednesday or Friday to buy goodies at Lidl! No Aldi in Greece - they pulled out early in the economic crisis - but Lidl and Praktiker are stalwarts, particularly in these times of austerity. The other great source of Christmas bling is Jumbo, a huge jolly junk Greek chain store out in the middle of the island and thus only accessible by car or taxi.<br />
<br />
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.<br />
<br />
See you in January!<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Adriana<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-73310199084415281812017-12-08T10:19:00.001+02:002017-12-08T10:19:26.893+02:00Good Bye, George Kalodoukas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8doGrfrxPVc/Wio-WFupE8I/AAAAAAAAXng/5ZVmG1mEg1s4KBRQDdQHC2oXRNgJPn1IACLcBGAs/s1600/kalodoukas_jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="355" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8doGrfrxPVc/Wio-WFupE8I/AAAAAAAAXng/5ZVmG1mEg1s4KBRQDdQHC2oXRNgJPn1IACLcBGAs/s640/kalodoukas_jpg.png" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Kalodoukas - photograph Kalodoukas Holidays<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today we say good bye to George Kalodoukas, one of the founding fathers of tourism on Symi. For a generation of visitors to Symi, George's welcoming smile was synonymous with an authentic Greek island holiday, particularly as <a href="https://www.kalodoukas.gr/en/" target="_blank">Kalodoukas</a> was the Symi office of the award-winning Laskarina Holidays founded by Kate and Ian Murdoch. Together in the 1970s and 80s they laid the foundations for Symi's reputation for authentic Greek island holidays, targeting a discerning repeat clientele who wanted to experience real island life in a totally traditional setting. Many of the island's present day visitors first discovered Symi this way and continue to come back, even if their accommodation needs are different today.<br />
<br />
George Kalodoukas was ever the idealist and his dream was his organic farm at Marathounda, the small seaside village near Panormitis at the southern end of the island, where he hoped to spend his retirement with his wife, Anna. Sadly this dream was cut short on Wednesday 6 December 2017 when his vehicle left the tarred road on the treacherous descent to Marathounda and Panormitis with tragic consequences. <br />
<br />
All of us at <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation </a>and Sunflower Laundry extend our deepest condolences to his widow, Anna, his sons, Louis and Petros, and extended family as well as his many friends around the world.</div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-47444729306029494252017-12-05T13:00:00.000+02:002017-12-05T13:00:05.824+02:00December Postcards from Symi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-own6Fjb5i_Q/WiZ2udlXYyI/AAAAAAAAXlA/RImWQdlEVaswOeUME8Y65zMPEAK1kJ1CQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-own6Fjb5i_Q/WiZ2udlXYyI/AAAAAAAAXlA/RImWQdlEVaswOeUME8Y65zMPEAK1kJ1CQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas continues to creep into corners of Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMjZzcnYPF0/WiZ2uWopUgI/AAAAAAAAXk8/oLYQHxBQwxoHTUUGhZ0DK1wQ0xWah-eWwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMjZzcnYPF0/WiZ2uWopUgI/AAAAAAAAXk8/oLYQHxBQwxoHTUUGhZ0DK1wQ0xWah-eWwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the lanes in Chorio are so narrow, they are only just wide enough to permit people to pass single file.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNRJvOgkwAs/WiZ2ulBWNzI/AAAAAAAAXlE/YK_EM7-JkcMq1Mo3Z31k5X-cbxIKupmzQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNRJvOgkwAs/WiZ2ulBWNzI/AAAAAAAAXlE/YK_EM7-JkcMq1Mo3Z31k5X-cbxIKupmzQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Christmas star on the square in Chorio. If the yellow binding holding the flag staff looks vaguely familiar, it is - it is a dressmaker's tape measure!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXqLdltBThs/WiZ2wi_lAOI/AAAAAAAAXlI/8TorHwr_5U0izu4N318PGPrk7UjlmlrDACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXqLdltBThs/WiZ2wi_lAOI/AAAAAAAAXlI/8TorHwr_5U0izu4N318PGPrk7UjlmlrDACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An alternative use for old refrigerator shelves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHibe4maDNE/WiZ2yHhD5CI/AAAAAAAAXlM/N1JSYaFHtNcohozCTHiweXDwiXe7n-5EACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHibe4maDNE/WiZ2yHhD5CI/AAAAAAAAXlM/N1JSYaFHtNcohozCTHiweXDwiXe7n-5EACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No individually cling-wrapped bananas in Greece. Fresh produce is sold from returnable crates. Customers choose the items they want which are then weighed and put into either plastic or paper bags. The brown paper bags are on the increase, particularly up in Chorio. Every few weeks all the empty crates go on a truck back to Rhodes to the produce market.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV1FaZKj6QM/WiZ2y_s9AdI/AAAAAAAAXlQ/tIqqI1HmYEsCbfZqt0doXpMZjBFkVLS6ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV1FaZKj6QM/WiZ2y_s9AdI/AAAAAAAAXlQ/tIqqI1HmYEsCbfZqt0doXpMZjBFkVLS6ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those parts of the Pedi valley that escaped storm damage are looking very pretty and green after the rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--rVHnttrvJo/WiZ2zF1nvVI/AAAAAAAAXlU/X67VLIIIZTE7oMWTh0HkSnS6zqG2hR20QCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--rVHnttrvJo/WiZ2zF1nvVI/AAAAAAAAXlU/X67VLIIIZTE7oMWTh0HkSnS6zqG2hR20QCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some inflatable 'Yo Ho Ho' outside the dress shop in Chorio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-osxmCQ4crck/WiZ2z27nNUI/AAAAAAAAXlY/TUQCAsiNNKULtTUPqeUx176lO6g5-aCDwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-osxmCQ4crck/WiZ2z27nNUI/AAAAAAAAXlY/TUQCAsiNNKULtTUPqeUx176lO6g5-aCDwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in the harbour the clean up continues. Pachos is still closed. Now that they have finished the cleaning and painting and fixing up of damaged equipment, the tedious job of washing mud off individual bottles and cans has begun. Similar scenes are to be seen all round Yialos. Dino, the chandler opposite our office entrance, has been meticulously washing mud off tools, shackles and other items of stock since the day after the deluge. Other businesses, such as the pharmacy by the bridge and some of the boutiques, were not so lucky in that their stock was irreparably damaged by the muddy water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JT8V8AtpCjE/WiZ21wJ5zRI/AAAAAAAAXlg/oM8N3T2SiEoeMYjF9t0GDkZRrd8TxtjkACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JT8V8AtpCjE/WiZ21wJ5zRI/AAAAAAAAXlg/oM8N3T2SiEoeMYjF9t0GDkZRrd8TxtjkACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mud is still with us, unfortunately. This is the scene outside the customs shed this morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2tj1AsmFqw/WiZ211sYPnI/AAAAAAAAXlc/APZkK8350aEcnVtSJtiETNV_15wViU_rACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2tj1AsmFqw/WiZ211sYPnI/AAAAAAAAXlc/APZkK8350aEcnVtSJtiETNV_15wViU_rACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is slowly clearing and these locals decided to have a go at raising one of the many sunken small boats. They have rigged a basic winch to the roof of the fish market.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nep5RI6iNC4/WiZ22MYe1kI/AAAAAAAAXlk/gUrfqm4b_LImG9L_4KR-Fj3EwoAGOdm7wCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nep5RI6iNC4/WiZ22MYe1kI/AAAAAAAAXlk/gUrfqm4b_LImG9L_4KR-Fj3EwoAGOdm7wCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspended particles have turned the water in Yialos an interesting teal colour. About 10 minutes after I took this photograph that dark cloud came over the hill and rained briefly over the town before moving on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqnC-NogKi4/WiZ24w9QOHI/AAAAAAAAXlo/ggzrXtm7S1IzpGjEHjMbMk3iWvVxXCn5QCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqnC-NogKi4/WiZ24w9QOHI/AAAAAAAAXlo/ggzrXtm7S1IzpGjEHjMbMk3iWvVxXCn5QCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Municipal workers putting up Christmas lights in Yialos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLGuuirAQu4/WiZ25UIgy-I/AAAAAAAAXls/IeufXNF6yEYriqZk6qFXI7WPU_nqSHnkgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLGuuirAQu4/WiZ25UIgy-I/AAAAAAAAXls/IeufXNF6yEYriqZk6qFXI7WPU_nqSHnkgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success! Now to scoop out the rest of the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQaGQHxNGk0/WiZ25nJMqhI/AAAAAAAAXlw/ZBReJ5203sANwyB6igerXJWxuep4R8RqACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQaGQHxNGk0/WiZ25nJMqhI/AAAAAAAAXlw/ZBReJ5203sANwyB6igerXJWxuep4R8RqACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing broken pipes in the square in Yialos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5G5LFCBD4s/WiZ265IiiNI/AAAAAAAAXl0/pd_qFkGNPdIzj7Im7Wpq1hz_IrHbQzi0ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5G5LFCBD4s/WiZ265IiiNI/AAAAAAAAXl0/pd_qFkGNPdIzj7Im7Wpq1hz_IrHbQzi0ACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud aside, the square looks strangely naked as so much of the vegetation was lost in the storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDjqt_g-PZo/WiZ276Xf4FI/AAAAAAAAXl4/S-KtA9Cn5qQ1XFI2KPO1qmNKTZRRzhjIgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDjqt_g-PZo/WiZ276Xf4FI/AAAAAAAAXl4/S-KtA9Cn5qQ1XFI2KPO1qmNKTZRRzhjIgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B5%2BDec%2B2017%2Bp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this photograph from the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor</a> balcony you can see some of the damage to the motor road out of the town, as well as some of the wrecked cars that have been dumped up there until their final destination is decided. Don't stand too close to the edge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-29086445082851098152017-11-30T11:56:00.001+02:002017-11-30T11:56:13.420+02:00Christmas, Cabbages and Conifers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWZr8Wi8hBk/Wh_I4bBAn8I/AAAAAAAAXfc/JyHqw5TAU3gR9YXDnnu3zE6F8YzSiqEyQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWZr8Wi8hBk/Wh_I4bBAn8I/AAAAAAAAXfc/JyHqw5TAU3gR9YXDnnu3zE6F8YzSiqEyQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early sign of Christmas on a shop in Chorio. So far everyone in the harbour has been too busy with the mud to worry much about putting up decorations but in the parts of Chorio that escaped unscathed, there are few tentative tokens of festive cheer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spIP-B7sowM/Wh_I4qHPYfI/AAAAAAAAXfg/hllaQjg26EEAC82wyUraYptBHMqQkkWOACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spIP-B7sowM/Wh_I4qHPYfI/AAAAAAAAXfg/hllaQjg26EEAC82wyUraYptBHMqQkkWOACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kiosk at the Kampos bus stop is also feeling festive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5daUlgq0pI/Wh_I49GD4pI/AAAAAAAAXfk/qA9o_TSzBn4QcNo9XiLkxLejoGxDWy3ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5daUlgq0pI/Wh_I49GD4pI/AAAAAAAAXfk/qA9o_TSzBn4QcNo9XiLkxLejoGxDWy3ZwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of those cabbages from Kalymnos!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4o6MITw84E/Wh_I6wjtKRI/AAAAAAAAXfo/Yioc8hF7xYILq13cEf6tZMEsGzoEZr2DwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4o6MITw84E/Wh_I6wjtKRI/AAAAAAAAXfo/Yioc8hF7xYILq13cEf6tZMEsGzoEZr2DwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much happening in Yialos this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-2Rv12AVvw/Wh_I7j2mSfI/AAAAAAAAXfs/7Buk6sPPttgDI9S5QHOB1-_SSTRfVFO1gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-2Rv12AVvw/Wh_I7j2mSfI/AAAAAAAAXfs/7Buk6sPPttgDI9S5QHOB1-_SSTRfVFO1gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge survived surprisingly unscathed considering the thousands of tons of rocks, cars and rubble that rammed into it. The figures in red just visible on the far side of the bridge, near the fish market, are electricians replacing the lights on the bridge which were smashed. The water is still muddy as there is still mud draining away from the square and the back of the harbour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZsoLfZ2NWw/Wh_I77Zvj2I/AAAAAAAAXfw/jeKSx4zxD0cTq_RRMWGHYWjNvNwpR2eTwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZsoLfZ2NWw/Wh_I77Zvj2I/AAAAAAAAXfw/jeKSx4zxD0cTq_RRMWGHYWjNvNwpR2eTwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yialos square this week. Until the last of this red mud washes away, the water at the head of the harbour will remain muddy. To the right of the digger, and the no entry sign there is a brown pile of what look like turfs. This is actually the synthetic surface for the children's playground. This has all had to be lifted as the playground was buried under mud.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tUR70XzbZk/Wh_I9ztWsgI/AAAAAAAAXf0/cut7Ypm14IsYyTRMxgWIlpUy3PIW62cqACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tUR70XzbZk/Wh_I9ztWsgI/AAAAAAAAXf0/cut7Ypm14IsYyTRMxgWIlpUy3PIW62cqACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Away from the mud zone, on the lower steps of the Kali Strata, the Virginia creeper lights up the stone steps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5Ob4xw-KbA/Wh_I-ubZkAI/AAAAAAAAXf8/Pc-jdLlS1WE_Hqg9m6mPT6zjkW8pdntjgCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5Ob4xw-KbA/Wh_I-ubZkAI/AAAAAAAAXf8/Pc-jdLlS1WE_Hqg9m6mPT6zjkW8pdntjgCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day someone will doubtless come along and hack away the creeper to restore the abandoned building behind it but in the meantime let us enjoy its luminous beauty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbkjc-rgQX8/Wh_I-cwy4SI/AAAAAAAAXf4/_Q_79dwG3KAQZQX-3EZ_0yuMyViJbjlNQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbkjc-rgQX8/Wh_I-cwy4SI/AAAAAAAAXf4/_Q_79dwG3KAQZQX-3EZ_0yuMyViJbjlNQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty seas and startling contrasts. My humble camera cannot cope with such extremes of light and shade.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oX0Hpte4bc/Wh_JAdvmS9I/AAAAAAAAXgA/qEigZ5X5j-8_RlVEPiTKHLwUuLkjPzVcwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oX0Hpte4bc/Wh_JAdvmS9I/AAAAAAAAXgA/qEigZ5X5j-8_RlVEPiTKHLwUuLkjPzVcwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas, the patriarch skip cat on my corner, sunning himself with Chorio in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GN_B--hR4Fg/Wh_JBz_b5dI/AAAAAAAAXgE/7ASUQ8pXs8gAc1u0QmOCK8c-5KefPpzTQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GN_B--hR4Fg/Wh_JBz_b5dI/AAAAAAAAXgE/7ASUQ8pXs8gAc1u0QmOCK8c-5KefPpzTQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chorio in the sun, Nimborio in the shade. You can see the scars of new wash-aways and water courses on the steep cliffs that form the northern shore of Nimborio bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kh2qK2CSVC8/Wh_JCfELwCI/AAAAAAAAXgI/5tLOQTS5ftw72BTklZWDdrmQM_Rie1hBQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bl%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1024" height="414" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kh2qK2CSVC8/Wh_JCfELwCI/AAAAAAAAXgI/5tLOQTS5ftw72BTklZWDdrmQM_Rie1hBQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bl%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are looking at the roots of a large cypress tree in what was a terrace at the top of my property. We didn't have any cypress trees, either vertical or horizontal, before 13 November. This tree washed at least 100 metres down the Agia Marina river from the cemetery or even further up the hill. The stones that tumbled down with it stripped the bark off the trunk, leaving the wood exposed. An extreme delivery of winter firewood!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbABp0RlPSk/Wh_JDNEUaYI/AAAAAAAAXgM/X2PcaeJEQGMKvxvQxDMp9JfLCW5M6j4SACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbABp0RlPSk/Wh_JDNEUaYI/AAAAAAAAXgM/X2PcaeJEQGMKvxvQxDMp9JfLCW5M6j4SACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B30%2BNov%2B2017%2Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of the tree. It neatly rammed between two Kermes oaks, destroying old stone walls and an old shepherd's croft in the process. Those little colourful bits of red and blue are the remains of plastic flowers from the cemetery. There is a trail of them all the way down into the valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9918732.post-41256425301080550982017-11-22T14:00:00.000+02:002017-11-22T14:00:22.234+02:00Post Eurydice Clean Up Continues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IUuZGp2XHg/WhVi0XNfFfI/AAAAAAAAXcc/xaMor4rpGesCdicOZNQ_iy9E1N-Jv86pQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1024" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IUuZGp2XHg/WhVi0XNfFfI/AAAAAAAAXcc/xaMor4rpGesCdicOZNQ_iy9E1N-Jv86pQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the harbour from the top of the Kali Strata this morning I realised that the view had changed - part of this unoccupied house on the opposite side of the harbour has collapsed. It looks as though nature had already started to take over so I don't know if this is new damage or old but it is the first time I have noticed it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMPbXvW-4TA/WhVi04hwlmI/AAAAAAAAXcg/eeffpttAnL4QLnCR7Obds5p3abwJ_iicQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMPbXvW-4TA/WhVi04hwlmI/AAAAAAAAXcg/eeffpttAnL4QLnCR7Obds5p3abwJ_iicQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Storm Eurydice struck, the municipality had actually started putting up Christmas decorations. A lone star up in Lieni. It is just as well that they hadn't put up more stuff as it would all have been carried away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUCDZwetA34/WhViz9CvlbI/AAAAAAAAXcY/tcrTly3tdXIFAZvPoAidX1ahYVrYkpviACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUCDZwetA34/WhViz9CvlbI/AAAAAAAAXcY/tcrTly3tdXIFAZvPoAidX1ahYVrYkpviACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a superficial glance, Pedi seems quite normal. Until you realise that the football field and running track are still mud.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUVS6pv_fAY/WhVi3D9GWPI/AAAAAAAAXco/ZaMM85w7dPsrfQq3lNCn5sUlQyP_nLW8gCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUVS6pv_fAY/WhVi3D9GWPI/AAAAAAAAXco/ZaMM85w7dPsrfQq3lNCn5sUlQyP_nLW8gCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone came along with a bulldozer yesterday and shoveled mud and rubble around. Unfortunately without any perceptible improvement to our access. We are still cut off. That clump of greenery in the centre of the bottom of the photograph is the oleander that marks our bottom corner. Somewhere under that lot is a municipal sign pointing vaguely in the direction of the Ruins of Old Drakos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLnkvQUXgtw/WhVi28r2jpI/AAAAAAAAXck/OcvbAMuVu8kcUasIserecSNtYuqq693dwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLnkvQUXgtw/WhVi28r2jpI/AAAAAAAAXck/OcvbAMuVu8kcUasIserecSNtYuqq693dwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/" target="_blank">Symi Visitor Accommodation</a> window yesterday morning. The muddy strip on the right is because workers are still hosing mud out of the town square and environs with fire hoses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5nXXqUBcLE/WhVi3bJmloI/AAAAAAAAXcs/kzikvihc1rsj6wPvVSF5fWMxLEuxluMwQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5nXXqUBcLE/WhVi3bJmloI/AAAAAAAAXcs/kzikvihc1rsj6wPvVSF5fWMxLEuxluMwQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud and heavy trucks tracking more mud in various directions are a feature of the landscape at the moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-aBtrOBSTg/WhVi5GaGzRI/AAAAAAAAXcw/vka8ALMsF9IkfCfQlRVBFD5ZpVeAFyyEQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-aBtrOBSTg/WhVi5GaGzRI/AAAAAAAAXcw/vka8ALMsF9IkfCfQlRVBFD5ZpVeAFyyEQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The green grocer in the lane is always a colourful sight. No, the bicycle did not wash up on top of the fridge - someone put it there carefully. This side of the harbour was pretty much untouched by the storm as the water that came down the Kali Strata was clean. Any mud around is being tracked into these lanes on boots, motorbikes and vehicles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0NZmZQgJrI/WhVi6GD16II/AAAAAAAAXc0/VLGsh5lb60we41kmz85l222aCrSl1IqQwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1024" height="448" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0NZmZQgJrI/WhVi6GD16II/AAAAAAAAXc0/VLGsh5lb60we41kmz85l222aCrSl1IqQwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandbags are appearing outside businesses in the flood zone. This cat has found a comfy one to snooze on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3bIXdtk-6Q/WhVi6ar1lNI/AAAAAAAAXc4/kcnWLnuWU8oHya24KETJPvvxFeMQSKDUQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3bIXdtk-6Q/WhVi6ar1lNI/AAAAAAAAXc4/kcnWLnuWU8oHya24KETJPvvxFeMQSKDUQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud, mud and more mud.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-466c0u6ZyEw/WhVi7DEQqEI/AAAAAAAAXc8/5y39a81_0lEMVfz0H-1mAv53mA8fsrmIwCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-466c0u6ZyEw/WhVi7DEQqEI/AAAAAAAAXc8/5y39a81_0lEMVfz0H-1mAv53mA8fsrmIwCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water here by the bridge is actually quite shallow. The muddy water hides a number of sunken boats and wrecked cars which still have to be recovered. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64o7Go2IAQQ/WhVi8OCJPaI/AAAAAAAAXdA/5elptIs5KV8Bhjthq2aKtbb8OgxSFsSqQCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64o7Go2IAQQ/WhVi8OCJPaI/AAAAAAAAXdA/5elptIs5KV8Bhjthq2aKtbb8OgxSFsSqQCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning up Pachos, the traditional cafeneion below our office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqtKkq9t68M/WhVi8e_7CLI/AAAAAAAAXdE/-T5RSLx7Cb4W3ipLhBTu5nNHuvG_EBeygCLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqtKkq9t68M/WhVi8e_7CLI/AAAAAAAAXdE/-T5RSLx7Cb4W3ipLhBTu5nNHuvG_EBeygCLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B22%2BNovember%2B2017%2Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of this rubble is being dumped at the bend in the road out of the harbour. There were big wash aways there that also have to be filled.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Mike Gaddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04950104249981376214noreply@blogger.com0