SOS The Return

[Greentreefrog]

Hi,
I've just returned from Symi and done a lot of walking there. It's a long way to Panamortis but possible.
If you look on the main Symi Visitor page there is 'walks on Symi' http://www.symivisitor.com/walks.htm if you look on Barry's walk pages or email him I'm sure he will know a way without going on roads. We had used his walks a few times.
Hope that helps and your foot is better in time!

[silverfox]

Well....Wednesday.

We had an early wake up at 3am in Sheffield to a great sunrise! (may find a photo later but currently under the influence of too much Ouzo!)

Our trusty son Martin took us across to Manchester via the Snake Pass, so green at this time of year, and also taken for granted as we have seen so many times.

We arrived in plenty of time as i'm obsessed with time keeping but by the time we'd checked in and gone through security we didn't have a great deal of time to wait at all.

Security seems tighter, which is not a bad thing, as we were made to take laptops, cameras and kindles out of the cases which they were in.

We were slightly worried by the change of airlines to Small Planet but this was to be unfounded as everything was fine with great time keeping and good legroom etc....we did however opt for a Boots meal deal for the plane but did not stop me have a couple of Jack Daniels and Liz opting for a Prosecco.

This was one of the smoothest flights we have ever had!

We arrived at a windy Rhodes and joined the coach which went the opposite way first to drop a couple off at a hotel close to a massive power station in the middle of nowhere...would not be our choice at all.

Onwards to Rhodes town and then the drop off at the Taverna near the ferry where we were first in.....we were given paperwork at the airport to get the ferry tickets from the booth and were met by a rep at the Taverna to explain things....even more organised than last year!

The Taverna was OK apart from running out of Mythos and getting very busy. We had a Greek salad, chips and Tzatziki all very nice....with Mythos before they run out!

We boarded the ferry with no problems getting tickets and enjoyed the late sun up top with a good breeze as we watched the massive cruise ships depart.

As we headed out it did get quite choppy and we, and most others, took shelter inside and another Mythos called.

We decided to go back up as we approached Symi and the sunset was watched as the sea calmed and the temperature seemed to rise!

The usual (listen to me) excitement from the first time visitors as we turned into the harbour was there as the ferry docked.

It was still a magical sight for us and I was instantly chilling out as IT IS like "coming home"

As we were pushed down the gang plank we saw a familiar face straight away and was instantly hugged by the lovely Jo, the Geordie lass, we met last year. She was their trying to get info about her parents arrival on Thursday but I think she was there to greet us anyway.

Straight on the Symi Tour bus and whipped up to the Sevasti Studios via Pedi to be greeted by Manilos and Nickos who once again helped Liz with her case.

We had asked Nickos for the same room as last year by email and he said he would do his best but never replied....but as we arrived he dropped the bags at the next room...then turned and said you have room 8...as you requested! This family is awesome and the welcome we have had is so so nice!

The room has been improved and they brought us water within 5 minutes!

Bags dumped and we were off down the maze to Georgios and food ordered within minutes.

Although as we walked passed the Rainbow we were spotted by Toby, Neil and Yiannis who gave us a great welcome back to Symi!

Sevasti, who happens to work at Georgios, instantly recognised us and another hug and kisses!

Shrimp and cheese Bourataki, Mushrooms and Courgette Fritters washed down with a litre of the house white.

It was getting late but we did call into "our" local with an Ouzo ( how many?) and was joined once again by Jo and stayed far too late, or was it early, for such a long day!

As first time returners all I can say is what an incredible welcome back to such a wonderful place!

Liz was falling asleep as she lowered her head!

[silverfox]

Thursday...

After our late/early night we had a lay in....I was up at 7:30am to unpack the cases!

Dry throat....don't know why?

Liz had a bad head (don't know why) and she left the paracetamol at home even though they were out to pack!

I went for a morning stroll...while Liz did the things that women do and seems to take the minutes and hours away.

I went up the road to the church looking over Pedi....need to find the name...and along the path. It did get a bit rocky and scratchy on the legs until I reached fences and what seemed like a dead end so I returned along the same way.

I did get the odd pic that I will try to upload later.

A walk back, shirt off as it's so hot, saw Liz almost ready for the day.

We wanted a slow relaxing day so we set off down the Kali Strata for a wander round to see what as changed.

We decided to call for a custard pastry and coffee at the place across from the International and very nice it was too but filling! A strange but nice choice for breakfast!

A wander round the back lanes and round to Tholos and back past the old boat yard before a coffee stop at Eva's.

It is very hot at the moment and we have had water everywhere we go.

Another wander before we end up at one of favourite tavernas To Spitiko where the lovely Jordana gave us a great welcome back! This place is so friendly!

More hugs and kisses!

After another superb lunch at To Spitiko of Sea Bream and Chicken Slouvaci, we wander around before Liz heads for the bus and I wander up the road for the superb views. You really need to walk it to appreciate the views!

Ps...Jordana was saying that the takings are down by 35% from this time last year so all you Symi lovers need to get across here soon! The UK press don't help and I suppose "the vote" won't be helping too! No migrants to be seen by the way.

Liz went for the bus and I did the road walk which was interesting in such heat....so wet with sweat! We met at the windmills and wandered off to the local.

We were soon joined by Jo, Neil and Toby and other regular visitors who needed cool drinks....I went for beer!

A quick trip to the shop for Ouzo and a few other things before the walk up the hill.

The last hour on our balcony was bliss with an Ouzo or two....

I have a great new title for a book...

"Cicadas and Chickens" It's all we can hear!



I

[D and E]

Great to read that you have arrived in paradise safely and have immediately got into the swing of things.

Keep up the good work and the Blog

[silverfox]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHBj1E_BISA/?taken-by=silverfoxblade&hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHBlFIvBHRU/?taken-by=silverfoxblade&hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHBlmN2hl-q/?taken-by=silverfoxblade&hl=en

[Gemma1]

Great read and cheered me up this morning, though the sun is shining here too

Has the new rep started on Symi yet silverfox?

Looking forward to reading your next instalment

[JuliaB]

Lovely to have our appetites whetted again. We'll be boosting visitor numbers in September - 14th to 28th, first time in a while for a visit later in the year.

[silverfox]

It's too hot to blog!

[silverfox]

Friday...

Well just to say the walking is not going too well....don't mind the distances or the hills but the heat is killing!

We started with breakfast at the Olive Tree with poached eggs on toast and coffee before trying to find the path through the Pedi Valley which i'd already tried the other day. Once again it defeated us as it linked up with the one i'd already been on. (although a later chat with Neil seems to confirm it is the right path and so again I will explore another day! We headed back to the road and headed down that way but the heat really took it out of Liz and all she wanted was shade and fluids!

Our backs can't really take lying on sunbeds etc so we sat a little while by the jetty and re-hydrated with water and Fanta. Liz decided she was on the next bus back to the bottom and I decided to walk up the hill and down the Kali Strata. I must be fairly fit as I was sat at the bus station waiting for the bus.

Fitbit stats this week:

Thursday 8.5 miles

Friday 8.1 miles

Saturday 7.7 miles

I wanted to do much more but it is hot!

We had a wander before landing in Alpidas for small tapas and beer for me and water coke for Liz. The tapas was ok but we thought nothing special.

We had another wander before a coffee/beer stop in Algerita before Liz went for the bus and I did my walking up the road. We met as usual at the old windmills and ventured down to the "local" where the usual suspects were to be found. Some talk about happenings at home but this could not spoil the mood! It is quieter than last year for sure!

As we left last year the Sevasti were just starting their "lazy nights" menu of food and drinks so we had ordered a mixed meat plate, chips and tzatziki for 7pm and when we arrived back we had a table cloth on the patio table. Nickos gave us a 10 minute warning before the feast arrived....enough to feed 4 people at least!!! Pictures to follow! A mini salad too and a sweet delight to finish.

As we started our meal in one of the few houses above a local started to practice a Violin and Accordian and started to sing and very good it was too.

What perfect timing and such a surreal moment.

Plenty of leftovers for tomorrows lunch and Liz needed sleep I had a few Metaxas and watched the stars.

We love Greece! We love Symi!

[Gemma1]

I'm loving your reports and how lovely having a proper Greek dinner - that you didn't have to cook - on your patio when you got back

I think I'd struggle doing much walking in those temperatures, well done for making it back to Yialos before the bus

Have you met the new Symi rep yet?

[silverfox]

Saturday...

I started the day with a wander up top...getting lost and finding a few new places i'd not seen. I took the camcorder today as I intend to make a short video of this years trip.

I headed for the old steps in incredible heat....it's so hot...and captured what I hope are good clips. I wandered down into the port, videoing where ever.

Last year I was trying to find a path high up behind Manos Fish Taverna and never quite found it so this was something I was determined to do...if anyone has been up the steps behind Manos right to the top they may understand why many can't find this path....these steps make the Kali seem easy!

After a while I was back down, stopping for water before heading up the road.....walked up every day so far.

Meanwhile Liz was still up top venturing down to the supermarket....with a stop at the Rainbow just for a coke (so she says) before getting supplies to add to our leftovers from our feast for our lunch today.

Liz had texted me but i'd not noticed so having walked the long walk and all the way back to the Savesti Liz was not there but still down in the supermarket...so having walked all the way up I walked back down again to walk back up with the supplies! Please note it's still chuffing hot!

We had lunch on our balcony with anything left thrown to the cats....fight fight!

After lunch we had a wander down to the Rainbow Bar for our usual afternoon get together with a few beers and cheerful positive chats with the usual. (talking crap....but we love it)

Although we don't agree on much, Liz had decided we would go straight from the beer fix to downtown so we headed down the Kali Strata to a very quiet Yialos.

It is really quiet and at this rate the Island could really struggle....so much crap and scare mongering that could really affect this paradise!

After a wander around we decided to try Meraklis but were there quite early and only the lady who cooks was there....she can't speak english and seemed quite reluctant to take our order....we were thinking of leaving just as two close by owners of shops came to the rescue and took our order and by the time the lovely lady had started to serve us staff started to arrive. Greece at it's best!

The food so simple but so good....Cheese Balls, Mushrooms in cream and perhaps the best Mousaka i've ever had all washed down with a nice house white.

The cake on the house was a stunning cool custard, sponge and chocolate sauce thingy....mmmmm.

Couple of bottles of soft drinks....and some beer we headed for the bus.

Quite early for the bus we had our first taxi ride on Symi....taxi looked like the worst on the island and the driver looked menacing....I asked him the price first 4.5 sounded ok.

As we got out...I did give him 5....he pipped as my phone had fell out of my pocket onto the seat.

So glad this guy was genuine and made sure I got my phone back.

Metaxa watching the stars!

[silverfox]

I'm loving your reports and how lovely having a proper Greek dinner - that you didn't have to cook - on your patio when you got back

I think I'd struggle doing much walking in those temperatures, well done for making it back to Yialos before the bus

Have you met the new Symi rep yet?

We were met by the rep off the ferry who just told us to get on the bus which we already know....she seemed nice enough but we don't do the welcome meetings etc..

Can't recommend Sevasti Studios highly enough to be honest....lovely people!

[Gemma1]

Saturday...

Quite early for the bus we had our first taxi ride on Symi....taxi looked like the worst on the island and the driver looked menacing....I asked him the price first 4.5 sounded ok.

As we got out...I did give him 5....he pipped as my phone had fell out of my pocket onto the seat.

So glad this guy was genuine and made sure I got my phone back.

Metaxa watching the stars!

We were paying 4 euros in September for a taxi from Yialos to Horio so 4.5 sounds very fair to me as you're higher up. Glad you got your phone back, the thought of losing mine brings me out in a cold sweat

[silverfox]

Oh no it's Wednesday tomorrow and i'm not up to date!

I will do my best....

Avrio

[silverfox]

Sunday

The long walk didn't happen again ..... Too hot or was it that last Metaxa after the usual beers in the Rainbow.

Morning walk round the lanes of Chorio before heading down the old steps and up the steep hill behind the square to Nimborio, when I got to the road I headed back along the coast road back to the harbour to meet Liz who got the bus down after going via Pedi.

Lunch at To Spitiko ...Tsaziki, Courgette Fritters and grilled prawns with beer, very nice indeed with the usual welcome by Jordana. The Tsaziki seems to have gone up a notch taste wise everywhere we have been....competition or is it the yoghurt that is just better this year?

Walked back up Kali Strata and was on first cold beer when liz arrived at the local, she opted for the bus. a very nice few hours in good company before opting for an evening back at base prepared by liz ...mushroom rice with egg, ham and feta cheese added with nice crusty bread. Sat and watched a delivery of plants in huge pots to neighbours further up the hill, they had to carry them up on their shoulders up hills and steps. They did give the guys a drink though! lovely cool breeze tonight.

Question is will i do the walk tomorrow morning?

Always avrio!

[silverfox]

Monday ...

The Walk didn't happen again, another late start after the usual day of too much food and drink.

We both walked down to the harbour by the long road, it is a great way to get down and up and i've walked up most days but Liz has been catching the bus back due to her bad back and arthritis. It is amazing though staying up here how many people with walking difficulties we have seen. It's great to see and I don't blame them as it's so nice up here. Down in the bottom we had a good wander round all the back lanes and eventually stopped for Frappe and apple pie by the one on the corner as you reach the bridge.

The custom house after the fire is almost finished by the way with much painting and goods being delivered, they are even clearing the front as we sit here.

Todays lunch was at Odyssia.....Feta cheese in filo with honey and sesame followed by goat in lemon and herbs with fried potatoes. Very nice and very filling and the owners daughter who serves is so nice. A walk back round the harbour for Liz to get the bus, i walked up the long road as usual, I really love walking in the heat even. Met the usual suspects for drinks in the Rainbow and a pleasant few hours, seems a bit busier up top today.

Off to the supermarket just up the lane from Zoe's for supplies for a simple snack of crackers, ham and tomatoes on the balcony watching the sunset.

It is cooling down so will I do the walk tomorrow? mmmmm Metaxa!

[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.