Perfect Poppies

Perfect poppies

Last year's Christmas tree finds a summer home on the Kali Strata.

Bee hives in the shade of an oak in the Pedi Valley.  That is Profiti Ilias in the background.

Waiting for a new roof in the harbour.

The view from my office balcony this morning after the rain.

They don't make padlocks like this anymore.

A new ceramics shop opening in our lane.

All set for the season.

Spring flowers outside one of Symi's boutique wine shops.

Symi awoke to the rumble of thunder this morning and a short sharp storm rolled over the island at dawn, dumping some hail and a fair amount of rain on the island as it headed east to Turkey.  The sun is out now and everything looks fresh and perky.  After a windy weekend and today's showers it looks as though the weather will be more settled for the rest of the week.  Next week is 'Big Week', the big run up to Easter so everyone is flat out busy with painting, cleaning and baking in anticipation of the holidays.  The tavernas and gyros bars that are open usually switch to a strict fasting menu for Big Week so expect seafood specialities and pulses rather than meat dishes on the menu.

There are quite a few new shops and enterprises opening up on the island this year and browsers will find more interesting and artisanal gifts to take home as souvenirs.  I'll be taking photographs as I go about my errands in the course of the week to share with you on Friday.

There is a big nationwide strike scheduled for tomorrow, mainly affecting the major ports, railways and public services.  At this stage there is no mention of air traffic controllers being involved.  Please keep an eye on our travel blog http://symivisitor-accommodation.com/blog/ and also http://livingingreece.gr/strikes/ for updates and information if you are visiting Greece at this time.

Have a good week.

Regards,
Adriana