Quiet Moments

The summer solstice has passed and the nights are drawing in – but with temperatures still in the high thirties/low forties winter is not exactly round the corner and the main Greek summer tourist season still lies ahead. Symi is slowly filling up with many more familiar faces and regular visitors in evidence around the island. The landscape looks scorched as the hot dry winds of summer have turned the winter grasses to straw. The only green left is the heat resistant stuff – grape vines, Virginia creepers and caper bushes. All the fine shallow rooted vegetation has burned away and most of the indigenous plants such as the wild thyme, sage and oregano bushes have become brown and dormant. The only clue to their respective identities is the fragrance they still emit in the heat of the day. They will only revive with the first winter rains some time in October. Flamboyant patches of cerise pink bougainvillea light up the courtyards of the houses in Yialos and Chorio. In quiet moments in the Pedi valley there is the constant soft crackle of leaves shriveling and dropping from the almond trees and the delicate cooing of doves.

The media, both Greek and foreign, have given a great deal of coverage to the opening of the new Acropolis Museum in Athens, an historic and controversial event. Aside from the Elgin marbles debate which is certainly getting an airing, it is also an excellent opportunity for visitors and locals alike to be reminded of the glory that was Ancient Greece. A good excuse to fly scheduled via Athens instead of directly to Rhodes. For more details see here.

Have a good week.

Regards,
Adriana