Symi Hat Trick

[D and E]

Your blog is the perfect remedy for a dull & damp Mid Wales this Sunday - thanks Silverfox.

We had the great pleasure of meeting Jack a couple of years back. He was a lovely boy and had a lovely life with T&N.

Looking forward to the next instalment.

[silverfox]

Saturday 24th

It's now getting hot and the days lazier.

Liz fancied a read so I went off up to try out my new gadget. I've bought a drone to hopefully get some nice pictures on the island, the only problem is i've not had much flying time at home so i'm useless and very scared i'll crash and hurt someone. I will try to get a few nice videos and pictures and will hopefully get them up on youtube and share the links. This maybe when we get back home...who knows. Anyway my first flight lasted about 5 minutes up near one of the nice churches. The drone is a Mavic Pro by the way.

The mozzies had struck in the night so we were off down the Kali Strata and into the chemist for some spray, I'll bring some next year as it cost e10!!

we were slightly peckish so called at Nicolas Patisserie for a slice of Galaktoboureko (custard pie) each with Liz having orange juice and I had a vanilla milkshake. It's round the back lanes next to the International Taverna which we have heard good reports on this year so we will have to visit if we can fit it in!

I went for a walk round to nos whilst Liz sat reading with a coffee on the soft seats at Aigialos cafe bar. Once back we had another drink before I did my usual walk up the road and Liz used the bus. I was tempted to get the drone out but it was a little breazy so i'm not sure i'll be brave enough to fly down in the harbour....we will see!

A quiet drink at the Rainbow as everyone seemed to be hiding from the sun as the temperatures rise.

I had the last hour on sun on the balcony before a quick shower and we headed back down the Kali for an evening meal, we nearly stopped at Merakles but opted finally to try the International. One of the reasons why we have never tried it is because over the last 2 years at lunch time it was always full of the organised day trippers that come in of the Symi Dream.

We were the first in and we had the cheese croquettes, boujiourdi (feta, tomato and peppers in olive oil) and the main was their take on lamb kleftico...all very nice! As we started our mains Jo arrived so we asked her to join us as the place started to fill up. We were presented with a large plate of melon on the house which was far too much for us to finish! We can't remember the exact bill but we think it was around e46 including our wine. "Down town" was quite busy with a good number of yachts in so we quickly did a small shop and the plan was for ourselves and Jo to share a taxi back but we stood 20 minutes with not one to be seen. It was soon time for the bus so we jumped on that and were joined by Neil, Toby and Collette who had been out enjoying themselves too!

The bus is great and it stops by the windmills up by the kiosk but all you have to do is ask the driver for Sevasti and he takes you all the way up near the apartments and drops you in the same place a taxi would.

As I settled down to a Metaxa night cap on the balcony the night finished with a little local drama as a solar panel pump on the hose below decided it was time to blow with much noise and finally a long hiss before it was finally deceased!

We were soon back to cicadas and the odd goat bell and the stars.

Another lovely lazy day on Symi

[silverfox]

Sunday 25th

No plans made!

We started the day with a breakfast after i'd wandered down to the supermarket near Georgios for a little bacon and some french toast as the bakers were not open today.

I had another wander through the lanes up top before eventually going down into Yialos. I really like walking and finding new paths and taking lots of photos on my way.

Liz had another lazy morning reading back at the apartments.

After a walk round to Nos beach and back up the road I met Liz at the Olive tree where we sampled the homemade lemonade and a fruit salad with yogurt and honey. Very nice.

The Rainbow was quite busy for our afternoon drink and a lot of the talk was about the temperatures and some were saying 41 was recorded down in Yialos. It is certainly hot and i'm, yet again, not walking as much as i'd like!

We have our meal booked at our apartments tonight so a slow walk up to ready ourselves for a feast of grilled Sea Bream, salad and chips, and some little cinnamon buns for afters with a Metaxa night cap.

[Gemma1]

More great reports and photos, it's really cheered up a very wet Tuesday morning in West Yorkshire

[silverfox]

I need to catch up....and we have plans for Wednesday!

Yes plans!

It's too hot and they predict a heatwave in the next few days!

[Eliza]

Plans!!! Heatwave!!! It's no problem just take pen notebook and camera with you and enjoy your holiday i for one will not mind one bit if your still writing you blog at Christmas. Just one thing if your at sea tomorrow don't forget your armbands.

[silverfox]

Monday 26th

It's getting warmer by the day just like last year. We still don't have the air con switched on in the room as it does dry our eyes out and we are lucky that our hosts provide 2 fans in our room. With those and our high ceiling we can cope.

Another slow and lazy start to the day before heading up the lanes towards the castle. I really never tire of wandering through the lanes with a surprise round every corner, whether a cat, goat or a chicken! I've never met a snake, yet, on Symi.

There's always another path to discover with yet another interesting ruin and It certainly must have been a very different place when the island was home to over 20,000 people.

We made our way to the oldest part of Chorio and then edged our way down the Kataratkis (the old steps). We spotted a few lizards and grabbed a handful of Oregano to sniff and took in the views. It is quite steep and you have to be careful not to slip or trip but well worth a walk down, or up if you have the energy!

We called for a cafe latte at what was becoming Liz's favourite cafe with the soft chairs the Aigialos.

We have "made plans" and so called at the Symi Tours office to book a trip down to Panormitis and Marathounda beach but as it was so busy we headed for lunch first.

Today was our "lemon potato" fix so we made our way round our favourite Tholos passing the clock tower and the boat yard. We were early and was informed that food will be served in approx 20 minutes time so we had a little walk round the corner to take a look at the ever expanding Nos beach. They seem to be constantly adding rocks and small pebbles to extend the very small beach.

As we settled for a seat by the sea the taverna was soon pretty full so you need to either book or be very early to make sure you can eat at Tholos.

Lemon potatoes, feta stuffed red peppers and chicken fillets in a wine and almond sauce with rice and orzo washed down with a beer and a large bottle of water to keep us hydrated. The food as ever was superb and you get the bonus of feeding the fish with your left over bread.

We made our way back round and booked our trip for Wednesday which cost e14 and they will pick us up at the bend in the road up near Sevasti so there is no need to walk down into Yialos on the day. Liz hopped on the bus as I walked up the road as usual.

I forgot the fitbit on Saturday but I estimate about 8.5 miles
Sunday 6.15 miles
Monday 6.2 miles

I'm not walking as much as i'd like but it's so draining in the heat.

Our usual beer stop at the Rainbow followed by a simple snack of eggs, ham etc on the balcony where I played with my new camera and took some shots of the moon....

[Gemma1]

Those lemon potatoes look delicious Enjoy all that Symi sunshine - and the heat - as we've had persistent rain for 2 days running here in Yorkshire. I was so fed up last night that I booked our June holiday for next year - a week in Kalymnos as OH can't stretch to 2 weeks. Now I just need to save up for Symi next September Hope you enjoy your day trip to Panormitis and Marathounda and aren't tempted to get out and walk down that big hill

[Sue]

Wow!
Great blog and beautiful photos. Really enjoying following your holiday, thanks.
Mid winter here in Aus so nice to read about warm weather.
Sue

[Val]

It's the feta stuffed peppers that I crave. I make them at home but with variable success and they're always my first choice in Mirakles. Enjoy Maratounda which is one of my favourite beaches and the food is superb. Perfect day ahead for you.

[silverfox]

Tuesday

We are really getting lazy now but Liz managed to rinse a few clothes through and I wandered down past the school to Yialos.

I sat on a few of the benches just watching the world go by with yachts coming and going and the shops getting re-stocked. The vans often block the road and do try to work as fast as they can even in the heat of the day.

Liz came down on the bus and commented on a little tummy upset so did not want a full lunch of anything too rich so we headed to the Dolphin where we shared a Carbonara pizza and chips. It was ok but didn't reach the heights of last years offerings as we remember.

We had coffee and beer (I'll leave you all to work out who had what) at Aigialos before Liz got the bus and I had my walk up the road. As you start the climb there's a new taverna and trendy seating deck opened just on the road to the petrol station but perhaps not a place we will visit this year.

Up at the Rainbow it was time to say goodbye to a few regulars who were heading back to the UK on Wednesday. A lot of returners seem to like the same weeks each year so you can get to know people if you wish.

I have always hoped of encountering a snake whilst on Symi but i've not had any luck like a young family who showed us a great video of 2 snakes dancing taken a few metres away on the square. One day!

We had snacks on the balcony and a lazy night watching the stars.

Tuesday fitbit 5.29 miles.

I'll leave you with some random pictures.

[silverfox]

Wednesday 28th

After a nice lie in we waited up on the corner for the Symi tours bus to pick us up just after 10.30 as planned. It was already very hot! There was only another 6 people on the bus so we had plenty of room and the air con was a real bonus. We had a couple of photo stops on the way but we were soon down at Panormitis. As we arrived we could see that the Nikolas boat had already dropped off all it's tourists and the Panagia was just docking with another load.

I rushed Liz into the monastry but it was too late as the queues were huge and a lot of barging and pushing was taking place. We had a drink by the waters edge and let them all fight for a while. 15 minutes later we did go back and even then people were pushing and jumping the queues! It was much nicer last year when I arrived before all the crowds but Liz would have never made the walk and still could not believe i'd achieved it in the heat.

We were back on the bus at 12 and bounced down the little track to the beach at Marathounda where we made our way to the taverna for some lunch. We had heard about the goats and they came to say hello to Liz, fought each other on the beach, pinched a swimmers packet of cigarettes to eat and generally annoyed the sunbathers! Liz loved this entertainment as one little cheeky goat danced on a table and laid on one of the sunbeds!

I had Chicken Souvlaki and liz opted for Moussaka, both nice meals but the chicken was slightly salty.

We spent the rest of the time lazing on a sunbed watching a few boats come and go and a few people having a little swim in the clear waters.

The trip back over didn't take long and we soon back at Sevastis where i freshened up and Liz at a 30 minute nap as I made my way down to the Rainbow.

We walk past the now opened museum every day and we plan to visit very soon.

Liz soon joined a quieter crowd than we have been used to but we still enjoy our relaxing time in the afternoon.....until...

There was quite a commotion going off in a house up the lane with load voices and child like screams and eventually, Hugo, a local, came out holding a snake about 2 to 2.5 feet long! I grabbed my camera but by the time i was up there he had killed the poor snake. I don't agree with him doing this but it was obvious all involved hated them. I'd at least seen a moving snake on Symi although it had just deceased! Picture below.

We finished our drinks , said our goodbyes, and walked slowly down the Kali Strata that we had all to ourselves, I don't think we saw another person. Although it's not great for the island it is nice that you get quiet special moments such as this. It's why we come back!

We did think about trying somewhere new but we headed for To Spitiko before it got too busy. Jordana has been turning people away in the last week as they have been so busy and with a fair few boats in tonight it looks like another busy night with at least half the tables booked.

We had a great Tzatziki, one of the best i've tasted, followed by some superb lamb chops washed down with the great house white wine as the sun went down. A complimentary Baklava followed.

Jordana looked stunning, as ever, as she wowed the punters!

A taxi back and a few night caps on the balcony finished a great day on this wonderful island.

[silverfox]

A few more photos from yesterday.

[Gemma1]

Another great report and I love the photo of the goat on the sunbed at Marathounda - not so sure I'd be keen lying on it afterwards though lol.

Wasn't as keen on the photo of the snake, I certainly wouldn't want to find one of those in my room

[Pink]

Loving your pics and comments its like reading a book I log in every morning when I get to work to get my Symi fix ready for my turn in September. Looks like you having a lovely relaxing time xx

[Mille]

Teehee, the boat called Middelfart is Danish.

Middelfart is a small- ish town on the island of Funen and has nothing to do with farting

Love the photos!

[D and E]

Loving the blog Silverfox.

Those photos with your new camera are simply superb - sharp, vivid colours and the zoom of the moon - wow.

Hope the drone is working. Looked up the make and model you mentioned and that looks a serious bit of kit. Looking forward to any videos you have been able to capture - presumably when you get home and have time to process the data.

Keep up the excellent "work" and we are relieved to read that you are regularly rehydrating in the best "watering hole" on the island each afternoon - and you can blame the heat

Yasou

[silverfox]

Thanks for all the nice words but it's so hot here...Avrio avrio!

[Fullenglish]

Thank you for the photos. Absolutely superb!
I see the temperature today is 44 deg and rising. I like the sun but I'm thinking it is a bit too hot for me. We were on Symi on the 8th June and I found the heat quite acceptable which was around 25-30 degrees then.
I see you went to Spitiko and there is a lovely picture of Jordana. Iv'e never met anyone so friendly and enjoying their job as this young lady. This is our favourite restaurant.
Phil

[silverfox]

Sorry for the lack of blogging I will try to finish as soon as I can.

The heatwave drained us both!