An Interesting Week Ahead

Saturday morning in Yialos and the water ship was over from Rhodes, pumping water up to the reservoirs that serve Harani and Mavrovouni, the area at the back of Yialos. The crowd on the quay outside the police station are tourists that have just come across from Rhodes on the Panagia Skiadeni.

When I first came to Symi there were lots of hawkers and gypsy vans, selling everything from live poultry chicks, garden furniture and plants to clothes and shoes.  I spotted this one in Chorio on Saturday morning, selling practical clothes.

He also had a fine display of trainers and other cheap but serviceable footwear.

Down in the harbour on Monday morning it was very much business as usual, even if the banks are closed for a week.  Staff were setting tables for the lunchtime trade from Rhodes.

No shortage of fresh produce to choose from, even several hours before the Panagia Skiadeni was due in with fresh supplies.

The organic Greek speciality food shop has started selling postcards.  They are all quite old photographs of Symi and are quite fun to look at, to compare with how Symi looks today.  Some of the photographs of Harani in particular show an amazing difference in the number of buildings over the past 20 years, although at first glance you would not realise it as all new buildings on Symi have to blend in with the old ones.

9 a.m. and getting ready for the new day.

The schools are closed now for the summer holidays.  I spotted these two local lads playing backgammon in the shade of a vine at an ouzerie (a small traditional cafe bar that sells ouzo and mezzes) near our office.

Looking back up the same lane from the sea towards St John's church and the Albatros hotel.

Most of the buildings in the harbour area have been rebuilt in recent years but this roofless ruin just round the corner from our office has probably been in this condition since the Second World War. The owners are probably in Australia, or America or any one of a number of countries to which Symiots have emigrated over the past century or so.

Excursion boats and posh yachts in Yialos at 13.00 today.  The water taxis are out, taking people to the beaches.  A typical bright sunny summer's day on the small Greek island of Symi.

First of all, here is some news to reassure travellers to Greece this week:  Foreigners and tourists can make withdrawals and use their cards as usual. Most businesses, however, would prefer to be paid in cash as they may have difficulties in withdrawing funds from their business bank accounts to pay staff and tradesmen so cash is king to keep liquidity flowing.  We have heard that the ATMs on Symi have already reopened and while withdrawals for locals are limited to the new 60 euros cap, foreigners have no problem with making withdrawals as usual.

The anticipated ferry strike this week has been cancelled to enable Greeks to travel freely to vote in the referendum on Sunday 5 July.  This means that the Blue Star Diagoras should be leaving Akandia harbour in Rhodes as usual at 15.00 on Wednesday.

We have an interesting week ahead.  If you want to get a Greek perspective, http://www.ekathimerini.com/ekathi/news is a good place to go and their website is updated several times a day, as news breaks.

Have a good week.

Regards,
Adriana