Symi Hat Trick

[silverfox]

Oooooh the cats... This was from our first trip....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfjE2ssVeRY

And this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEOsypDDiGo

Update....

Liz has been to the doctors today after an insect bite which has inflamed....she's now on Antibiotics for a week!

No fizzy wine on the plane then!

[silverfox]

Wednesday 21st

We set off for Manchester at around 1.30am in our own car as the "son taxi" has recently become a daddy and we thought unfair to keep him up all night, that is little Rubys job! We saw a couple of nice little foxes as we headed out of the city which was nice.

We headed through the heavy mist and wind over the Snake Pass to arrive at the Meet and Greet in good time with a 100 yard walk to Terminal 2 in good time.

We were through security in no time and soon found a quiet place to sit and waited for Boots to open for their meal deals to have on the plane.

We were a little late with the Monarch Airbus A321 finally in the air at 6.39am. The leg room was great, as was the Jack Daniels, and after a pretty smooth flight we landed in Rhodes a few minutes early. After the usual wait for our cases we were ordered by the Olympic rep to stand in the corner to wait for another couple to take a taxi to the ferry. Within a few minutes we were on our way and we were soon at the kiosk getting our tickets.

On board early, up in the lift to a nice deck with a bar....e5.10 for a beer though!

We were on Symi before 4.30pm and taken up the hill by minibus. We were not met as usual by the apartment owners as they were not aware of the ferry timetable it seems but it didn't matter as we know our way. We knocked on Sevasti's door and we were invited into their home for cool fresh orange juice and Greek coffee. We spent a while catching up with their family news and accepting their great hospitality. Where else do you get such a welcome as in Greece?

Manilos by now had taken all our luggage and brought water to our room and we had a quick freshen up before heading down the lanes to the Rainbow!

We had a great welcome from the "Symi family" as Jo calls it....there are so many nice people who catch the same weeks and of course the people who live on Symi as well as all the lovely Greek hosts it just feels like coming home!

We had a little catch up before a short trip to Georgios where we had the pleasure of a fantastic meal of Cheese Saganaci, Fried Potatoes and Beef in Metaxa and Mushroom Sauce. The beef was sublime!

With bread, water and a litre of white wine it came to e34.00...we have heard that prices have risen so we will try to give prices to help people budget.

We headed up the lanes not stopping for night caps or shopping and flopped into bed as soon as we were there...unpacking would have to wait as it had been a long day!

[silverfox]

Thursday 22nd

We were so tired after the long trip yesterday and the lack of sleep back in England with the heat that we did not get up as early as we wanted.

I was still up at 7am though to unlock the cases and start to organise ourselves....coffee was made and Liz kept snoring!

We eventually left the apartments at around 9.30am and wandered down towards the square and it seems that the Museum may be open or maybe not? Who knows but it was closed as we passed. We checked out the new bakery, bear left after Georgios heading down from the square, and we will be paying a few visits no doubt!

I have a new camera with a great zoom so was taking pictures on the way down the Kali Strata...I may do another slideshow to put on youtube if they look ok.

We had a wander round and Liz chose a new hat to keep the sun off her head....she certainly didn't buy it to look nice!

We had a slow walk round to the boat yard which I always find interesting and I also love the smell of the fresh paint as the boats are made ready for the year ahead. Not a full harbour by any stretch but there was a few of the "obscene rich" in evidence.

We stopped off in Algrita where we shared a continental breakfast of orange juice, toast and coffee and watched the world go by for a while. It's a great place for taking photos and people watching whilst you sip coffee.

After another slow walk we decided on an early lunch and it had to be To Spitiko. We were warmly welcomed by Jordana and we decided to share a Greek salad, Moussaka and chips with me on the beer and Liz trying a non alcoholic Fix which she enjoyed. The bill was e31.00 with 2 beers each. It was a good decision to go early as it was soon full with people waiting or being turned away. It was good to see it so busy.

Although the Symi Dream is still not running there are a few smaller boats bringing the day trippers across from Rhodes.

Liz waited for the bus to take her back up the hill (sill e1.5 for any trip) and I walked up the road as I love to do. It's interesting to see how much work has been done on the new jetty and it looks like it could be in use soon. The views are superb further up and they have supplied me with some new benches near the top!

There were already a few sat at the Rainbow and we had a few beers and some idle chat....so much laughter too! Neil was very happy as i'd saved a bag of Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps but he refused to share them with anyone!

We are still tired so decided on a lazy night at the Sevasti so stocked up on ham and cheese, oh and a bottle of Ouzo, and took on the last of the sun on our balcony.

It's great up here with the sounds of cicadas, tinkling of goat bells, chickens and bird song , church bells and the odd dog barking. There are cats of course.

The last Ouzo of the night went down really well as the skies turned amazing colours and the stars started to twinkle.

Plans for tomorrow? More of the same?

[Gemma1]

What a great start and fantastic photos - I was almost there with you - and wish I was I love the beef in metaxa at Georgios - and the moussaka at To Spitiko . I had a giggle reading about you waiting for Boots to open for your meal deal - just like me I always stock up on a Boots meal deal, such great value, you can't complain about airport prices if there's a Boots meal deal available lol.

Looking forward to reading more about your trip and seeing more stunning photos

[Mille]

Thank you for the blog.
Can't wait to read more and seeing more of your fantastic pictures!!

[Val]

Great start Silverfox. Love the photos. It's almost like being on holiday. Symi looks lovely in the sunshine. Enjoy the view. Yamass.

[silverfox]

Friday 23rd

We woke to the sad news that Jack the "alarm cat" of Symi Dream fame had passed away during the night. Our thoughts are with Toby and Neil. RIP Jack.

For people who are not aware:

http://www.symidream.com/

We are sleeping very well so no early morning walks have taken place so far and Liz fancied a lazy start with her kindle on the balcony so I set off down the valley on the paths next to the church. Lot's of chickens, cats and goats down the valley and a few barking dogs to encounter before you reach the football ground and back onto the road. The road was dusty as they are laying a new fibre optic cable all the way from Yialos to Pedi so every where you go there is this little channel being dug or covered.

I took the left fork in the road and had a nice walk past the new jetty and up the path towards Agia Marina, I didn't go too far but saw quite a few larger lizards on the rocks. I made my way back and along to the kiosk to buy some water for the walk back up the hill. The bus came past me as I walked back and created a dust cloud which had me coughing!

Just passed the Windmills on the road I sat on one of the new benches and let Liz know I was on my way down to Yialos but her poor timing, or is it called relaxing?, she had no chance of the bus so set off down the Kali Strata. We met and had a wander round to Elpidas for a cafe latte each e7.00.

It does seem very quiet today with not so many yachts in and not so many of the little band wearers around.

We had our usual chat about what to eat and we can never decide whether a snack or full lunch and have a full meal later, its a hard life! After searching a few shops for some mozzie spray we opted for a Gyros Pitta each, I had a large Mythos and Liz a small water at the little place next to the herb stall. Very nice and great value for e7.90!

It's a hot day and after another bench stop we had another drink stop before heading back up the Chorio....Liz found the bus to be full and refused to take a taxi so we set off walking up the road. I do this for pleasure but not sure Liz found it so in the heat!!!!

We had our usual stop off at the Rainbow where the time just drifts away and the drinks flow but today we did raise a glass for the departed Jack.

We contemplated stopping off at Zoe's for food but Liz has been fancying the wonderful eggs you get on Symi so we had another lazy night in with eggs, ham, feta and tomatoes wash down with a little Metaxa!

It all sounds pretty lazy but my fitbit says:

Thursday 6.1 miles
Friday 9.43 miles

[Gemma1]

Not sure it sounds very lazy to me with a walk to Pedi and back and then Yialos and back on the road - especially with you being right up at Sevasti. Your photo of Symi harbour is absolutely stunning - what a wonderful view

I regularly enjoy a chicken gyros for lunch when I'm in Greece. It's a tasty snack and just right for me at lunch time - though it does leave enough space for a cake later in the afternoon if I'm in that frame of mind

It was sad news about Jack, I will miss reading about his antics on the Symi Dream website

Looking forward to your next update

[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.