Symi Hat Trick

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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Val » 28 Jun 2017, 18:51

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.
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 29 Jun 2017, 06:47

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.
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 29 Jun 2017, 18:43

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! :D

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.
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 29 Jun 2017, 19:20

A few more photos from yesterday. :)
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Gemma1 » 30 Jun 2017, 07:57

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 :shock:
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Pink » 30 Jun 2017, 08:45

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
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Mille » 30 Jun 2017, 09:53

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 :D

Love the photos!
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby D and E » 30 Jun 2017, 12:17

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 ;)

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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 30 Jun 2017, 20:51

Thanks for all the nice words but it's so hot here...Avrio avrio! :D
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Fullenglish » 01 Jul 2017, 12:14

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.
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 04 Jul 2017, 07:12

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

The heatwave drained us both!
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Robert » 04 Jul 2017, 11:35

I am very curious as to the make of this new camera! the close ups are simply stunning and if you feel able to share what it is that you have bought I would be very interested. Love the blog - and the pictures - We have been when it has been too hot in the past and know what its like! Robert
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 06 Jul 2017, 22:09

The pictures are taken on a Nikon Coolpix B700 for the zooms etc...some others are taken on a samsung S8 phone.

I will finish the blog soon but after a 13.5 hour journey and a hot day at work i'm exhausted :)
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 07 Jul 2017, 12:51

Sorry for the delay but i'll try to finish the blog....

Thursday 29th

Now it's really getting hot and the humidity is rising fast so if at all possible we are getting even lazier. The heat had got to me and i didn't get up until nearly 12 noon.

We walked down the Kali Strata, avoiding Maria and her herb sales, and as we reached the bottom we were totally wet through! You always feel you are the only one with a wet through shirt but everyone is like it at the moment.

All the Tavernas and snack bars are looking at thermometers and we have heard talk of 42 being the magic number!

As the Sea Dream boat headed in for it's first appearance since we have been here we headed for lunch at The Trawler as we had never tried before.

We had a Ham and Cheese Omelette each and shared some very nice creamy Garlic Potatoes and Imam. This was washed down with a very cold beer.

After lunch I had a walk round to the boatyard while Liz had a sit down by the clock tower before heading back up top with Liz opting for the bus and I, as usual walked the road.

At the Rainbow for our afternoon meet up it was very quiet as some of the regulars had headed home.

We called at the shop on the way back the Sevasti and just shared a small bacon sandwich on the balcony and rested!

A hot but pleasant day!

Fitbit says 5.57 miles
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 07 Jul 2017, 13:14

Friday 30th

It's now very hot with 43-45 degrees being mentioned so no walking for Liz or me today. After a lazy morning we opted for a light lunch at the Olive Tree.

Beware the light lunch as you will see with the pictures their meze sharing plates are huge but washed down with their homemade lemonade we were feeling refreshed.

You do really need to force the water down you in these temperatures so we had a few bottles with lunch too.

Our usual drink stop and another lazy night on the balcony reading followed with a small sausage sandwich and a Metaxa night cap.

This blog is becoming very samey as it's too hot to do much else! :)

Forgot the fitbit but i'd suggest approx 2 miles!
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby Pink » 07 Jul 2017, 13:38

Stunning Pictures even I am sad you are home xx Cant wait for September HOPEFULLY it will be a bit cooler then. I am DEFFO going to the rainbow to see what all the fuss is about .
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 07 Jul 2017, 14:20

Saturday 1st July

Although the heat is so draining we are determined to carry on with some walking so we both set off down the roadway and I decided to have another go with the drone. As i said earlier i've not had the practice needed to fly in a place like Symi so I was very nervous and it's so difficult to see the screen in this bright sunshine. You can buy shades for the screen but i've not got round to sorting out things like that.

We sat on one of the benches near a tree that gave me a little shade and tried a 10 minute flight high above the harbour. With the nerves and lack of practice etc I didn't fly too far and even though there is a "return to home" button I flew back on manual. I did lose sight of the drone and i'm sure I nearly crashed into the side of the hill. :)

After safely packing away we headed the rest of the way down into Yialos and grabbed some more water at the kiosk near the bus stop.

We made our way round the harbour to Elpidas for a sit down and a drink. Elpidas is great to sit and watch the world go by and the boats coming and going. It is getting busy now the Sea Dreams is coming in alongside all the others that have been coming in on a daily basis.

I checked my phone as the drone copies a video across as a back up but none was found so i'm now worried that I may not have captured any video after all. I'll need to double check later on my chromebook!

As we sat at Elpidas they kindly brought out a few mezes so it was a nice free light lunch.

We both took the bus back up all the way to our apartments as we have booked Zoe's up in the village and invited Neil, Toby and Jo to join us for a night out.

After a quick shower and change we headed down the lanes past the Museum and were soon at the Rainbow for a couple of drinks. Neil and Toby had invited us round to their house for a few nibbles and drinks and Jo joined us and had her tour of the house (we've been before) and we had a lovely time sat in the courtyard chattering away.

Liz had taken her pristine copy of the Saddling and got her wish to have it signed by Toby. (You can call James Toby or James)

If you interested in his books here is a link to his blog:

http://www.symidream.com/

The view from their roof terrace is incredible and as I took pictures with my phone I got a warning that my battery was getting too hot so I had to stop as it was still 36 in the shade at nearly 7.30pm!!!

We arrived at Zoe's and were given the nice big table at the front with the nice views down into Pedi. All views do include power lines here as they would have real difficulty laying them all underground.

We, and Jo had the Beef Stifado and I can't remember what the boys had but we all enjoyed. We were too far gone (pissed) for nightcaps so bounced back up the lanes and to bed.

A wonderful day with some of our "Symi family" :)

Fitbit says 5.37 miles.
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 07 Jul 2017, 15:31

Sunday 2nd

As it's her birthday, Liz opened the cards she had packed and brought across as people usually know we are holidaying at this time. It's also our 35th wedding anniversary but we won't be able to have our usual meal at the Windmills as it's now closed. :(

We decide that after yesterday where we had a little too much booze we would have a more sensible day so ordered a meal on the balcony for later.

It is slightly cooler but still too hot for a long walk etc.. so we headed down the Kali Strata for a coffee stop at Aigialos as we like their coffee best and their seats are soft unlike some. These blogs would have been so different when we were younger with sun worshipping on beaches, swimming, boat trips and car, mopeds and quad bikes for trips. Now it's all coffee and soft seats! :D

We were planning on heading to Elpidas again as we have enjoyed our times there but with days running out and places we wanted to eat at we headed to Merakles on the back lanes. We ordered the Cheese Balls, Cheese and Ham Omelette, Creamy Mushroom and chips. All very very nice but again far too much in this heat but so be it, we didn't want to miss out. Call us greedy if you want! :D

We were served by a very nice young man who took time to engage and chat with us which was nice.

We walked back around to another bar on the other side which I never got the name of where we had a great fresh lemonade and water to help re-hydrate.

Usual usual usual.....me up the road Liz on the bus nice relaxing time chatting rubbish at the Rainbow! Once again staying later than planned we headed back up for our evening meal on our balcony.

A table cloth laid we were served with homemade hummas, boujiourdi (feta, tomato and peppers in olive oil), chips and a chicken gyros plate. We also had quite a nice white wine. As we were eating we had the usual rural noises of goats, cicadas, chickens and cats and we had the delight of a visiting goat down the path under our balcony.

Bliss and a great end to our anniversary! :)

Fitbit says 4.6 miles.
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 07 Jul 2017, 16:44

Monday 3rd

I was actually awake at 5.15am (yes I know it's starting to happen where you do have to wake up for the obvious) and a quick look out of the window at the colours beyond Pedi as the sun starts to threaten us once again. I was tempted to go out and capture the sunrise but being so drained with the heat I needed more sleep!

A little later, ahem, I headed up into the top of old Chorio for more pictures and another walk down the Kataratkis and was so disappointed to miss a picture of perhaps the biggest lizard i'd seen. I almost stepped on the poor thing but by the time my camera was switched on he was gone! Liz took the bus down.

By the time I was in Yialos I was wet and took on the much needed water.

After meeting Liz we had our usual coffee stop and then we did a very touristy thing. Before we set off i'd been boring my work colleagues with the Symi Web Cam:

http://www.symivisitor.com/webcam.shtml

I had agreed to send a text and then we would wave at all the people at my work so this had to be done! Stood waving for over 30 seconds as the cam updates is not easy especially as Neil is in Pacho's next door hurling abuse at us! :D We had a message that we had accomplished the task so headed around to Elpidas watching the world go by. I'll tell the truth as this was the day I wrote up a few notes to finish this blog! :D

I will never tire of the walk back, beers at Rainbow and a late sit on the balcony for the last of the sun. This is the bit I really enjoy and chills me out!

After showering we walked down the Kali Strata and turning right down the school steps and into the bottom we headed to Mythos Fish Taverna and luckily were afforded a table at the edge which has fantastic views of the harbour at night. The very nice waiter served us drinks (wine and water) and asked my permission to offer Liz a hand fan which of course was accepted and a nice touch. Now they do things a little different at Mythos, no menus are offered and Stavros the owner and chef will bring his chalkboard and explain his meze offering or offer others off a menu. We knew this and asked if he would make us a chicken curry as I had one last year which was so nice.

This was no problem and we had a wonderful curry, although more Chinese style than Indian. It had green beans carrots and garlic potatoes too! The creme brulee,which Liz had wanted, was unavailable so we opted for the Panna Cotta which I must say was superb.

I must say I think this place is very professional offering something different if you want and with superb views of the harbour at night with all the changing light.

Taxi back and a nightcap on the balcony.

Letter from rep to say we are on the early boat on Wednesday so no overnight on Rhodes! Great news!

Superb day on the rock! :)

Fitbit says 6.77 miles
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Re: Symi Hat Trick

Postby silverfox » 07 Jul 2017, 18:34

Tuesday 4th

Our last full day on beautiful Symi as i'm awake at 6.15am and look out at the sunrise over Pedi which is a pretty good sight!

I'm still tired so back to bed but on this last day the wind is up and shutters are banging so not much more rest at all. I was up and fancied a walk down the road which at times was really windy but much more comfortable and it's a pity our holiday is coming to an end. If it stayed like this I would have done some much longer walks for sure!

I met Liz down in the bottom as usual and headed for our usual coffee in the "soft seats" but it was full so we wandered around the lanes before heading back and was lucky to find an empty table. Probably not as lucky as we thought as the biggest cruise ship that can actually dock in Symi was here the Salamis Filoxenia from Cyprus with it's very welcome visitors to Symi. Some of us love a quiet island but understand that if we want choice in places like Symi they do need these visitors although many are all Inclusive so don't spend as much as us that stay on the island. We had a particular loud family next to us so left sooner than we would normally and headed around to Elpidas to see if it was calm there. It was but the King Saron, the smaller Sea Dreams catamaran was taking up half the view but we stayed anyway.

We had our drinks and the lovely snacks served as we watched a very busy harbour with the Panagia Skiadeni arriving as well as the Zeus and Nickalaous.

It was so busy today and as we sat the people started rushing past to get back to the Salamis...and as it left we had the deafening blast of it's horn which can surely be heard in Rhodes and Turkey...it rattled our seats! After the Salamis was gone the Panagia did a great turning manoeuvre to switch from the other side to it's usual berth by the clock tower.

Liz went to do a little shopping as I started a power walk back up to the Rainbow...as I passed To Spitiko I asked Jordana if I needed to book our last nights meal and she fitted us in despite once again quite full with many bookings. It's good to see but as the place is pretty small they are missing out on some good business.

Liz went back up to our apartments to have a quick rest before coming back down with some food that we had not eaten that we passed onto Neil and Toby. Symi needs a food bank where we can all leave surplus to make sure it's not wasted!

We had a great last session before saying our reluctant goodbyes to our "Symi family". It's always a sad moment but as someone said it's easier if you know you will return even if it's not next year. Very wise words!

After all the hugs and kisses we had a quick change and back down the Kali Strata and School Steps and were the first in at To Spitiko. With so many yachts in the Taverna was soon full as we enjoyed our final meal on Symi this year.

We had starters of tzatziki and cheese balls, I opted for lamb chops and Liz had stuffed tomato and peppers and a lovely orange cake on the house to finish. We had the house white and Jordana brought ice cubes.

A bus ride back with a nightcap on the balcony of the last of the Metaxa and a final picture of the moon.

A great day to end another wonderful stay on this magical island of Symi. :)

Fitbit says 6.97 miles.
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