SOS The Return

[Gemma1]

More great updates - now will he or won't he make the long walk ....

[silverfox]

Tuesday....

As the weather had been slightly cooler in the last couple of days...

Finally managed to get up early and packed my bag with all my photography stuff and 2 big bottles of water, one frozen. I'd also brought with me a good pair of running shoes to cope with any long walk.

So just after 6am I set off to Panormitis up the long winding road. Great views down to Pedi as I left Chorio and the views get even better as yo climb the hill. I'd asked Neil, of Symidream fame, if there was anything to look out for worth capturing along the way and he'd said not really. He was right and if I did the walk again I would not carry as much stuff as i took today.

Only thing of real interest, apart from the odd church and sea views, was a baby lizard about 1 inch long weaving across the road. I even thought it was a snake at first as my eyes could not make out it's tiny legs. I could have taken a couple of "shortcuts" along the 2 old donkey tracks but as I had a slight leg strain (yes I know setting off for a long walk with any injury in the heat we have had is probably a silly thing to do but that's me) I kept to the winding road.

As you turn the top corner you do get a great view of Panormitis and the coastline and you do think it will not be long before you are there but it does take around 2 hours before you get to the gates.

It was so peaceful when i arrived as there was only a few people around, some staying in the little rooms they rent out and a few locals. A few little fishing boats were tied up in the small harbour. I had a good look round and went in the little church, respecting the signs asking you not to take any pictures. I'm glad a did look round early as I rested on the bench outside it wasn't long before the Nicholas boat arrived and all the "tourists" arrived.

The bus arrived and I asked the driver what time he was leaving and just after the Nicholas had scooped up all the people and peace had returned it was time to head back. You don't need a great deal of time to look around. The bus took around 35 minutes to get back which isn't bad as it had taken me around 3 hours and 45 minutes to walk there. Cost for the trip back was 3 Euro which was an amazing price I thought.

I met Liz off the yellow bus as she arrived into Yialos from Pedi where she had spent the morning in the Taverna having breakfast and reading as she was not up to the 11 miles i'd just completed.

We wandered around and thought we'd try the Dolphin for a Pizza with Liz opting for a Carbonara Pizza and I had one with mushroom peppers and ham. We did share and they were very nice all washed down with beer. I did resist beer at Panormitis as I took on plenty of water to re-hydrate. It has been so warm on Symi and you do have to bully yourself to take on water and not just opt for cool beers.

Liz opted again for the bus and I walked up the road and met at the windmills before down to the Rainbow for our afternoon meet up to talk some more rubbish. I did get a few congratulations on achieving the long walk. The cool beers went down so well. Neil was a little worse for wear as he'd been across to Rhodes to meet his brother off the plane and had a good time.

We opted for an early night with some crackers, ham and tomatoes on the balcony, alongside a few buns that had been left as a gift by Savesti, with a few Metaxas as the stars came out.

A tiring but wonderful day.

[D and E]

Now that is one impressive hike - well done you.

[Val]

Wow! Great achievement Silverfox. Bet you slept well after such a strenuous day. Panormitis is a lovely spot and seems extra special if it's that peaceful time before or after everyone arrives. Trust you'll be having a laid back day today and thanks for all the updates for us Symi lovers back home. Enjoy the rest of your stay.

[silverfox]

Wednesday....

Plans, plans and plans!

Well the plan today was to go to St Nicholas beach via Pedi. Apparently the path is much improved from last year but we did not get that far.

Another plan was to get up early to fetch bread, another thing that never happened as i'd fallen back asleep. The sea air does do this to you, it's not the beer, Metaxa or Ouzo....honest!

As the plan had changed we set off to walk up through the village and down the old steps at the far side. As we were walking through the square a local came off his motorbike on the shiny surface. A few local women thought the worst but he got up and dusted himself down with hopefully just a little dented pride.

We never reached the old steps as once again plans changed and we winded down lanes we'd not used before. On the way down we came across some little chicks with their mother, you do really get a surprise round every corner up in Chorio. Pictures to follow if I get the time.

We met up with the Kali Strata a way down near the big 2 houses that are ruins....right hands up who would love one of those re-built?

We wandered round as you do taking in the sights and a big cruise ship was by the tower sticking out to sea it was that long. We walked round by the boat yard and headed up to the church high above Nos beach. Liz found the drag up to the top hard work so rested for a while under the trees at the top while I was taking pictures of the view.

After the decent we walked round to Nos Beach and thought of having a drink but it was quite busy and noisy for us so left quite quickly and settled at Tholos for lunch.

Tholos was one of our favourites last year and they did not disappoint.

A great spread of garlick bread, lemon potatoes, peppers stuffed with feta and a superb spicy meatballs dish with yogurt washed down with a bottle of Mythos and water.

It has been very very hot so the water is so important at this time.

We went back round into the port, which was so busy with all the boats having to swap berths and parking out in the bay as there are not enough spaces for them all. I do realise parking is the wrong term but i'm a land man myself. We had an ice lolly and drinks before Liz caught the bus back up top and I walked up the road meeting in the usual place before the Rainbow for our usual afternoon drink.

As Neils brother James is here, and a football nut to boot, the talking rubbish was divided into 2 groups with myself, James and later Chris...and Liz stuck in the middle, the talk was of Plymouth, Southampton and Sheffield United. We did venture into other subjects at times but James does love his football so it always went back. Not sure what the others were talking about but Chris paid the price as his wife needed cash to buy some goods from the clothes shop opposite.

We drank far too much and stayed far to late but a quick change back at the apartments before back down the Kali Strata to try Mythos Taverna for the first time. No menu was offered and the young waitress showed us a board with the menu but I asked about the chicken curry i'd noticed on the board outside when on my walks. She checked with Stavros the chef and all was ok so I ordered the curry and Liz went for Chicken with Gorgonzola. We were both very impressed with the meals, Liz really liked the potatoes in a creamy sauce, my curry came with perfectly cooked rice. All washed down with a Litre of house white which was very nice too.

A taxi back to the apartments and we then sat out with Metaxa watching the stars....

What a day!

[silverfox]

Thursday.....

Well that caught up with us....too much drink and saying up too late so the plans to go to St Nicks again cancelled as we got up very late with me having quite a sore head. Now I never really get hangovers so it must have been all the food!

A late walk down the Kali Strata where we avoided buying herbs, as you do, to an early lunch at Olivia of a burger for me and club sandwich for Liz and beers to take the headache away.....we did have water too. Probably the wort meal we've had but we needed something and regretted not going back for the small pizzas at the Dolphin.

As we sat having our meal I had a message from Neil and Toby asking if we'd like to go to their house for a drink and see the view from there balcony....so we went to the supermarket for a bottle of red wine and to the bakery to get bread ready for our late night meal on the balcony.

Liz found her white chocolate covered Oreo biscuits that she can never find back home so she was well please

Liz caught the bus back up the hill which will drop you just along from the Sevasti if you ask and I walked back as usual.

After a quick shower and change we were back at the Rainbow were Yianni knows what we drink and serves us as we sit down. The little tomatoes he serves on some days with the carrot and other delights are so sweet.....nearly as good as mine I grow back home!

After our afternoon refreshment we were given a tour of the great house where Toby and Neil live with Jack the alarm cat. What a great place!

We had a great time with them and Neils brother James and probably overstayed our welcome in great company and nice red wine too!

Jack stole the show though!

We said our goodbyes, although James was still trying to convince us to stay out and go to Georgios for his final night on Symi this year. James is a great character for sure.

As we arrived at the apartments another specials board had appeared for food on Friday so that was ordered off Nickos for our evening meal tomorrow.

Liz cooked bacon, eggs and tomatoes and fried the superb brown bread we bought earlier and fine it was too.

Another hour on the balcony with the stars ended yet another great day on Symi.

Ps....I do feel a little ashamed as the wonderful Lance book left for us to peruse by Allan has not really been used as the temperatures are such that we can only just manage the walk between drink stops!

[silverfox]

Friday....

So another late start as the previous day catches up with us. It is so hot it is draining on your energy and my eyes are so sore and dry. We did have plans to get up early but Liz sleeps so well here it's not nice waking her too early. The night has been hot but due to the high ceiling and our big fan, included, we've managed without air con. The mozzies have had me though with a few nasty bites on my legs.

We eventually dragged ourselves out into the blazing sun with a trip down to Pedi and up the improved path over to St Nicks planned! We naively thought with the extra information we had received about the path through the valley we could now find our way through easily....well I did....it's a man thing!

As we left the Sevasti a small goat greeted us as we walked down the steps....Chorio summed up?

We did well to begin with finding the gate that had blocked my path before and we followed what we thought was the main path but it just followed the ridge with no sign of dropping into the valley. As stupid tourists (man thing) we, or I, thought we could be down in Pedi within a short space of time so we never took water!

Oh dear!

We reached the last of the ruins and thought they may be a path beyond but it was not to be with the thistle like plants in abundance and just rocks instead of a path....It was time to retrace our steps and try to find the way down but it was now getting quite hot! (Old fools up in the hills)

I left Liz sat in the shade while I went scouting with my shirt now over my head! Eventually I found the easy path down and went to collect Liz from her shade....tending her bloodied legs from the thistles. Should have took a picture!

We wandered down the easy path into Pedi passing by the football ground....wonder if James has this on his list?

Reaching the jetty where the boats set off from we managed to re-hydrate, a paddle in the sea to wash the blood off, and have a snack before catching the bus back up to the kiosk....no St Nicks today!

We were up top earlier than usual so called at the Olive Tree for a jug of lemonade and yogurt with fruit and honey.....very nice!

Rainbow Bar....nuff said!

Supermarket visit...we are using the one just up from Zoes...for some wine before sitting on the balcony taking on the late weaker sunshine....the one you can actually sit out in without frying! Some are saying they may start to come in September in future as the heat as been too much!

Our meal was brought to our balcony....Greek salad, Tzatziki and Symi goat cooked with rosemary and lemon. with potatoes and rice. Oh forgot to mention the pitta bread too!!

If i'm honest this was one of the best meals we have had in Greece with such well cooked goat and subtle lemon flavourings in the potatoes and rice. The amount of food once again could have fed four people. Nickos offered more potatoes if we wanted, and sweets and a schnapps for afters....we just took him up on a small drink.

This food was better than the restaurants for sure....real home made Greek food.

Does this mean we are coming back again next year?

Pass the Metaxa and watch this space!

[silverfox]

A few pictures

To Spitiko with the lovely Jordana...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWUPEGBKj5 ... lade&hl=en

Our view last night...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWUGv5BW0O ... lade&hl=en

Our meal last night on our balcony....one of the best meals i've had in Greece....

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWTphlhYqy ... lade&hl=en

Harbour view...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWU25pBiok ... lade&hl=en

Pedi view....

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWU6RVhKuk ... lade&hl=en

[silverfox]

Early morning Saturday update....well 9.32am.

It is Liz's birthday and our 34th wedding anniversary and the plan is to wander though Chorio and down the old steps, up over the hill to Nimborio for a light lunch before heading back along the coast road.

Afternoon refreshment at the Rainbow followed by a meal out at the Windmill.

Let's see how that goes then.....



https://www.instagram.com/p/BHWU_29hpio ... lade&hl=en

[Gemma1]

What a great read on a wet and miserable Saturday morning in Yorkshire - is it really July and almost the middle of summer

So pleased you managed to do your 'long walk', it must be nice to see Panormitis in the peace and quiet before the tourists descend. Maybe I'll give it a try one day...

Happy birthday to Liz, hope she has a great day - though how could she not in such a wonderful place - and happy anniversary to both of you.

[silverfox]

Saturday.....

Well all went nearly to plan.

Liz opened a few birthday cards she'd brought from home before we set off.

We did wander though Chorio with a surprise round every corner whether it's a goat, cat chickens or the odd dog and we finally got to the old steps with great views down. It can be a difficult walk down as well as up having to watch your step all the time. As we reached the bottom we had a brief conversation in Greek with an old man heading up, although I don't speak many words I think he was saying that himself and I should be slimmer walking paths such as this. He was right!

We climbed the hill out towards the cemetery and onto the path in very high temperatures, much warmer than last year, but we were prepared today with a bottle of water left in the freezer compartment overnight helping us to hydrate as we walked.

Over the hill Nimborio comes into sight and as you descend the smell of the herbs is one of the highlights of the walk.

We passed the little beach which was very busy with locals cooling off in the water or hiding under the trees by the shack and then sat at the Taverna with a cool drink. We had planned to have lunch there but Liz fancied returning to the Dolphin to share a Pizza which she enjoyed so much on our last visit.

We walked back along to coast road jumping out of the way of the Noddy train with singing guests. We were quite disappointed to find the Dolphin closed so we ended up in the Kantirimi Cafe Bar for a sandwich.

Liz went for the bus and I did my usual walk up the road after getting my water from the kiosk next to the bus station.

Rainbow bar for our afternoon refreshment where Yianni is pouring our beer as we turn the corner and up the last few steps.

A quick change back at the Savesti before back down to the Windmill for our evening meal. It seems we went for exactly the same as last year with a starter of courgette fritters, Liz opting for the Pork with apple and Metaxa and L had the Chicken with saffron and orange, sumac and coriander both accompanied with rice and kritheraki and a litre of the house white. The desserts are to die for with raspberry puree, sponge and cream and a chocolate torte with whisky cream.

We chatted a while with a couple of English ladies about the Greek Islands, their favourite is Halki, before heading to the Rainbow for an Ouzo nightcap (number one).

A slow walk back to our room before nightcap 2 and 3 watching the stars yet again.

Quite a pleasant day!

[silverfox]

What a great read on a wet and miserable Saturday morning in Yorkshire - is it really July and almost the middle of summer

So pleased you managed to do your 'long walk', it must be nice to see Panormitis in the peace and quiet before the tourists descend. Maybe I'll give it a try one day...

Happy birthday to Liz, hope she has a great day - though how could she not in such a wonderful place - and happy anniversary to both of you.

Many thanks for the kind message Gemma.

[D and E]

Good to read that the Windmills is open - we were too early in May.
Fingers crossed it will still be open when we return in the last week of September - such a different menu.
Your description of the heat and then Yiannis pouring those cold beers is helping us count down the days.
Glad the Birthday / Anniversary went well - good timing to celebrate on Symi.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Keep up the good work and the attendance record

[Val]

So enjoying all these updates from Symi...they seem to be getting better and better. Are you sure you're not working for the Symi Tourist Bureau?

What a great place to celebrate your anniversary and that meal sounded divine. Never been to the Windmills but certainly hope to have a meal there in September. Sadly we will be leaving just the day before D and E arrive but we are hoping that we can meet up with Gemma after being neighbours in Halki a few years back.

Your daily updates are a real treat during this long wet Summer Silverfox. Much appreciated. Looking forward to reading the next episode already.

[silverfox]

4 days to update.....I'll do my best to post by the end of the weekend!

[silverfox]

Sunday..

Symi Tourist Board reporting with the latest update...

After our very nice day yesterday, with our lovely meal at the Windmill, it was a late start....so many of those this year!

We set off for a walk down the road way and as passing the kiosk Liz resisted getting on the bus just arriving (the bus is still 1.5 Euro to go anywhere and will even take us right up to the path near the Savesti Studios where we have stayed for the last 2 years) and as we carried on down the hill took in all the views on offer.

After a wander around the harbour It was nearly time for a late breakfast or lunch so we checked out the Dolphin which was still closed (found out later it was open on Saturday and Sunday night, just not in the day) so we tried the Yacht Bar to have some lunch....we fancied the bacon and eggs but decided on a "Full English" as it included orange juice, and coffee or tea. As the temperatures were rising we had a lemon granita to finish and very nice it was too!

I did the walk road and Liz did the bus and we went back to the apartments for a shower and change of clothes. We have been washing clothes which dry so quickly in this heat and once again vow to travel much lighter in the future.

I set off to Yiannis Rainbow Bar on my own as Liz wanted more time to get ready in this heat, she did try a little power nap before her shower. All the talk down at the Rainbow was about us being late! Talk about reputations!

After our usual afternoon "Symi family" (Jo's words I think) get together we headed down the Kali Strata with Neil and Toby who we had invited out for a meal. We thought we should repay them in some way for the Symidream blog that Toby keeps up throughout the year giving so much pleasure throughout the year and for Neil just being Neil. (And of course all those great photos)

We had booked To Spitiko and Jordana welcomed us in usual fashion, as we had starters of stuffed peppers with feta, taramasalata and a Greek salad, I went for the Kleftiko, mmmm, Liz went for Shrimp Saganaki, Toby one of the biggest pork chops ever seen and Neil went for some Meatball thingys. All washed down with plenty of red and white wine!

Watermelon was on the house.

I'm sure Jordana had looked after us as the bill was so little for our feast!

We had a drink in the Mediterraneo bar before getting a taxi back up top and back to the Rainbow for too many Ouzo nightcaps.

We walked, or was that staggered up back up to the apartments where I had a few red wines before the evening ended.

A great day in great company.

So many plans for tomorrow!

[silverfox]

Monday...

We the great plan was to walk to St Nicks beach and have lunch, we never planned the sunbeds with Liz's back problems.

With last nights total enjoyment it was yet again a sleepy night and a late morning before we got out of bed. This only happens on holiday as we are both usually up at home very early with 6.30am probably being late!

Liz told me to get off for a walk so off I went on a bit of a power walk down the road to Pedi and up the improved path to St Nicks...the guys have done so much work on improving this path and the steps down to the beach...unfortunately we never made it to the Taverna to repay all the hard work....perhaps on the next visit where the temperatures may be a little easier.

I had agreed to meet Liz down in Yialos so after an inspection of the steps it was a power walk back up the Pedi road following the steep road up to the windmills and down the road with all those great views. I did get water at the shop by the boats in Pedi to take on up the hill.

Liz finally found the Dolphin open and had the Pizza fix with beers before she went for the bus back up the hill whilst I got more water from the kiosk and headed up that road.

Our usual afternoon "Symi family" chat....so many subjects half of which should never be mentioned in public....all good fun with so much laughter!

Liz took time out to go down the steps to the herb shop below the Olive Tree to buy a supply of herbs to take home...Oregano, Basil, Thyme and Symi sea salt and the owner threw in some Sage free of charge. The herbs have such a strong aroma on Symi and I suppose I could have collected my own on my walks but it is important to support the locals in these difficult times. Well we think so.

We were Greek fooded out tonight so on the way back up we bought crackers, feta, ham and tomatoes and had a quiet night on our balcony with red wine and the stars.

The peace up here is wonderful.

[Gemma1]

More great updates, though I can't get over how many times you walk up and down that road in one day I've never walked down to Yialos on the road, only down the steps and it would be interesting to see how many miles you've walked on this holiday. You certainly deserve a few lie-ins after all that walking - you're on holiday after all

I'm looking forward to trying the new improved path to St Nick's when I'm there in September

[silverfox]

Tuesday....

Holidays always seem to go so quickly and this is our last full day on Symi and soon back to reality.

I wandered the lanes again to the top corner of Chorio looking for photo opportunities before heading back and down to the Kali Strata and down the school steps into Yialos. Liz stayed behind and did the majority of the packing before catching the bus down to meet for some light lunch as were planning on another meal out up top for our last night.

We called in at the Nikolas, across from the International and went to peruse all the cakes before choosing. Liz went for a slab of a ginger cake with cream and I had a banana tasting creamy sponge thingy. Huge portions and very reasonably priced washed down with cool orange Fanta.

It was so hot again today so we ended up in Eva's coffee bar for a frappe stop before going on our last walk around the busy harbour. There have been many more boats around in the last few days hopefully with people spending their money to help keep Symi going.

Liz stopped for a sit down on the benches near the clock tower as I carried on to the boatyard to take a little more video and photos. For anyone thinking of Symi I don't think you could tire of all the views you get just wandering around this place!

I did my last walk up the road way as Liz caught the bus back and into Yiannis Rainbow bar where we spent a couple of hours with the "Symi Family" chatting away with Jo, Toby, Neil, Terri, Colette and Penny. We said our goodbyes in case we did not see anyone later and headed back to the apartments for a quick shower and change of clothes.

As we left the apartments for our evening meal we said our goodbyes to Manilos and Nickos. Hugs all round as we thanked them for looking after us so well and their friendship, they are such a great family and deserve to be full all season. Back down the lanes where we had decided on Georgios for our last meal.

We ordered and as we waited Sevasti came out to chat with us. She is such a lovely lady, so kind, friendly and hard working.

We decided on a few dishes to share so went for fried potatoes, Shrimp and cheese Bourataki and Courgette Balls and Chicken in oregano and lemon. And of course a litre of white wine. As we asked for the bill an extra half litre of white appeared on the house that I struggled through not to cause offence!

As we are leaving the apartments at 6am tomorrow we called Sevasti from the kitchen with hugs all round as we said our farewells.

Toby and Neil had followed us into Georgios with a friend and as we left mentioned that we'd be at Yiannis for a nightcap before turning in and the duly joined us after their meal where the Ouzos flowed.

What was supposed to be one turned into at least four strong Ouzos and after our final, final goodbuys and thanking Yiannis for looking after us (and him thanking us for handing him such a portion of our holiday money) we made our way back for our "early night" Haha!

The biggest problem now is will we make the ferry?

[Val]

Great read Steve. Hope you and Liz are safe and sound back home now. Really enjoyed your updates and appreciate all your
efforts. What a great place Symi is and lovely to read about your time there. Thank you.