Shards of Straw

The worst of the heat is over and Symi is muffled in low cloud. We have all the doors and windows open in the Symi Visitor office and the breeze is pleasant after weeks of air conditioning. The Vigla was wrapped in a foggy blanket this morning and the Pedi valley suddenly looks quite autumnal. The increased humidity of the last two days has already encouraged those plants which actually made it through the summer to start putting out a few tentative shoots. The stems of the perennial grasses have green patches and the thistles are tufting purple from the top down. The geraniums are a jumble of papery deadness and tiny velvety leaflets. Thirsty ants drown en masse in the cats’ water bowl every night and clear ribbon-like paths through the shards of straw as they drag seed heads into their nests for the winter.

Down in the harbour the last of the French and Italian house parties are winding up, the Greeks are wishing each other a happy winter and the island is settling into its relaxed September mood. Hiking boots, shorts and walking maps are taking over from sequined sandals, sarongs and beach toys and the roar of hire bikes has dwindled to the odd passing putt-putt.

With the national election less than a fortnight away the island is littered with hastily printed political pamphlets and the televisions in the supermarkets and cafes are receiving rather more attention than usual.

Have a good week.

Regards,
Adriana