Under the Mediterranean Sun

Another Symi summer is drawing to a close, at least for those who have to take their summer holidays in August. The boats and beach toys are being packed away for another year, umbrellas and outside furniture folded and everything secured for the winter. There are many foreign property owners on Symi, including in the mix Greeks who live and work elsewhere and make use of family properties during the summer holiday weeks. Some may be able to get back for a week or so at Christmas or Easter but for many the precious 3-4 weeks in August are the highlight of the year and the last days of the month are always tinged with sadness. The rest of the year many of these houses remain closed up, sleeping under the Mediterranean sun and buffeted by the storms of winter. The ferries are full and departing passengers wave and call “kalo chimona (good winter)” to those left on the quay.

For the island of Symi, however, the tourist season still has another 6-7 weeks to run. This week Symi celebrates the World Peace Day Swim between Symi, which is, as we all know, a small island in Greece, and Datca, a small town on the opposite Turkish coast, close to the site of ancient Knidos. Teams of swimmers set off from both towns and meet in the middle, exchanging flags and good wishes – an important gesture between good neighbours. Celebrations take place in both communities. The symbiotic relationship between Symi and Datca is well established and goes to show what can be done at a grass roots level.

September is also a popular month for weddings and christenings and in October walking groups arrive in droves, happy to enjoy cooler weather and amazing views from the mountain tops. Every month brings out a different aspect of the island’s character and regular visitors who come at a different time to their usual month are often amazed at what a different place Symi can be.

The September ferry schedules are now available on line although at time of writing ANES still could not say what was happening with the Proteus car ferry and if it would be running at all in September.

Have a good week.

Regards,

Adriana