Temperatures are expected to continue to rise

The Symi is departing (see webcam), as is the water boat which is reversing carefully, trying hard not to hit a yacht which has anchored off the Nireus. There is a rather ungainly looking mini cruise ship the Diogenes Something or other moored beneath our window, the bright green nylon astroturf decks gleaming nicely in the afternoon sun. Imitation grass is a bad idea at the best of times but on a boat it is really out of place...

There are a few streaky clouds in the sky and the yachts sailing over from Nimos are heeled hard over in a brisk northerly breeze which has also blown the away some of the heat haze and brought some relief from the heat. Temperatures are expected to continue to rise.

The first phase of the road-tarring operation is almost complete. A fine film of tar and sticky gravel now covers virtually every surface on the island as it is impossible to avoid either walking across or driving over the stuff in the course of the day. There have been numerous road closures and the taxis refused to wreck their tyres by driving over it until it is completely set.

Speaking of strikes, the banks have been on strike all week and although they should be open on Monday there's no guarantee that they won't be shut later in the week. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient cash euros to tide them over for a few days as of course no one is refilling ATMs, the money changers are running out of euros and, as old hands will know, not many places in the islands have credit card facilities.

And on that cheery note, have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana
www.symivisitor.com