Symi Harbour Views

Every morning as I walk down to work I stop at the corner of the Kali Strata, my first glimpse of Yialos where I work.  There is always something new to look at.  Perhaps the big ferry demonstrating the complicated helmsmanship required to dock in Symi's narrow harbour, or maybe the exotic and glamorous yachts and gulets that arrive overnight.  The pattern changes daily and with every hour of the day. 

There are random glimpses of Yialos visible through narrow gaps between the mansions that line the Kali Strata.  Here we can see a fairly comprehensive assortment of motor yacht designs moored outside the Alpha Bank - and a traditional fishing caique bustling briskly back into the port with the catch of the day.

Looking out of the balcony window a few hours later, the brash motor yachts have departed, to be replaced by this rather elegant gentleman's yacht built in the style of an Edwardian steam yacht and flying a large Turkish ensign.

At midday most of the water taxis are out at the various beaches and the big excursion boats from roads are coming in. That little rubber dinghy with a handful of people in it is making its way back to a yacht at anchor, probably in Harani or Nimborio. 
For those of you who have been following the ups and downs of Symi's water supply, at the moment we are having an up in that the mains water is currently on continuously in all areas and cisterns have been filled wherever possible.  We are all hoping that that is it for water dramas for this year, although past experience has shown that August can be a problematic month, particularly in the harbour when the island is full to capacity and beyond.  Visitors and locals alike have to be conscious that as Symi has no natural water reserves of its own, we have a collective responsibility to avoid waste and make the most of this extremely precious resource.

Have a good weekend.

Regards,
Adriana

Mary –   – (Friday, July 12, 2013)  

Love your blog - love the photos, and descriptions of life on your island. We can really identify with your water problem, our dams haven't been full in years. Winter here now - cold, but not enough rain for the farmers or the dams. Keep it up, hope to visit one day, much love from Perth, Western Australia

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About this Blog

I sailed into Panormitis Bay, Symi, by chance one windy July day in 1993 and have been here ever since. The locals tell me that this is one of the miracles of St Michael of Panormitis. A BA graduate with majors in English, Philosophy and Classical Civilisation, the idea of living in what is to all intents and purposes an archaeological site appeals to me. Not as small as Kastellorizo, not as touristy as Rhodes, Symi is just the right size. I live on a small holding which my husband and I have reclaimed from a ruin of over-grazing and neglect and turned into a small oasis over the course of the past 22 years. I also work part-time for Symi Visitor Accommodation, helping independent travellers discover and enjoy Symi's simple pleasures for themselves.

This page is kindly sponsored by Wendy Wilcox, Symi Visitor Accommodation.


Adriana Shum

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