Cheeky September Week

[Lisa B]

Not long now Gemma

[silverfox]

Friday

Early night and I've managed the blog....so a few Metaxas coming up!

A bit later start as we have been tired and we do always sleep better with the sea air. No early morning walk and we gave in to having another Nireus breakfast which is great but we are eating far too much...now there’s a surprise!

Talk over breakfast was the day plan haha...even the guy at Nireus says don’t make plans! I fancied the walk over the top to Nimborio but Liz fancied the bus to Pedi….guess who won!

We walked around the harbour and Liz waited for the bus and I did the road walk up past the windmills and followed the road down into Pedi….great as I turned the top corner it’s a different world with all the Chickens, goats and other rural sounds just reminding what we are missing staying down.

No Malt Loaf to be found either!

I was there before the bus and had to take off the sandals and dangle my feet into the clear and quite warm sea. Another film crew was on the jetty filming and once again if you see a fat, ugly guy dangling his feet in the sea in any blockbuster soon…..that’s me! I missed the old bit out on purpose!

Dangling

Liz arrived which put an end to all the dangling and we had a slow walk to the left and a slow walk to the right with a break inbetween for a cool drink from the kiosk before ending up in Katsaras where we shared a Greek salad and drinks….I didn’t share my beer! We had a great ommellette here in June but to be honest we didn’t rate the salad and it wasn’t cheap.

The Rainbow Bar was calling and as Liz waited for the bus I walked back up the road and with great timing met up top at exactly the same time.

Update on the walking, Fitbit says:

Wednesday: 4.38 miles
Thursday: 5.9 miles
Friday: 7.04 miles

And my leg hurts!

The Rainbow was rammed so we had to sit in the naughty corner with Yianni apologising that we could not have “our seats” and even Neil never sat down for the first hour...most of the people we saw in Pedi ended up with us too….today was weird as everyone seemed to be following each other around.

We managed to get back in “our seats” and as usual time slips away so quickly!

A conversation with Allan yesterday on this very subject was interesting as we discussed how to describe the Rainbow time warp and the feeling of being there….it’s a simple bar in a quiet place but so many people “get it”.

I’ll throw it open to others...what does the Rainbow do for you….or we could say Symi. Why does it capture your soul?

Anyway we stayed too long but made our way down the Kali Strata and being tired decided to call in the Dolphin where we had a Carbanara Pizza and Prawns with spagetti in a creamy sauce. Last time we ate here I have to say was not the best, but tonight it was excellent!! Well worth a visit if you are here soon!

Great Pizza

Great Meal

A easy walk back to the apartments with Liz getting some Ice Cream before writing up this blog with a few Metaxas to boot!

Loving this cheeky week that will end too soon!

This Rock rocks!

[D and E]

You pose a very interesting question Silverfox which we have often pondered whilst sitting in our fav seats.

What is it about the Rainbow ? Well for us it is the simplicity. There are no gimmicks. It serves drinks and does nothing else (OK there are ices and ice creams in the freezer). It attracts the locals at the locals table. And Yannis has this quiet dry sense of humour. To us it’s perfect.

What is it about Symi. Again much thought has been given over the years as to why we return again and again and it is the friendliness and generosity of spirit of the Symi people that make it so special for us.

Great to see the Dolphin being mentioned and we definitely concur on Katsaras where the setting clearly demands a premium

Have a great Symi weekend.

[Gemma1]

Another great report and all that walking - up and down and back up again - must we working off all the food you're eating The pizza looks delicious - not sure about the pasta with the big eye staring at you . I love the Dolphin, it's one of my favourites and I've spent many happy evenings eating there and it's a great place for people watching when I've been on my own

[Lisa B]

That is a mighty fine looking pizza!! Nearly there...

[silverfox]

Saturday

Slept very well as it’s cooler at nights and we seem to get a nice breeze through the window which gets left open all night.

We’ve decided to have a very lazy day, well Liz has, I set off up the steps behind Anastasoulla and right up to the flag behind the bank where you get such a stunning view of the harbour – well worth the climb if you are fit enough.

What a view!

I made my way down to the square and bought water, off up the steep road and on the path to Nimborio. I am glad I set off fairly early as its much warmer today. I paused just past the church to take in one of my favourite views on Symi.

What a view again!

The peace of the moment, all I could hear was the flag fluttering, the sea and bird song. Beautiful!

I made my way down the zig zag path and instead oif heading towards the Taverna turned back along the road to Yialos.

Liz met me as I rested on a bench watching the world go by as she had a leisurely hour on her own.

We sat a while and then headed for comfy seats and had a nice cafe latte, watching the water taxis fill up with the beach lovers. Collette said hello on her way past and we then had walk around the back streets looking in a few shops and dodging the day trippers from Rhodes before arriving at Elpidas for our first visit of the week with the usual generous mezes on the house and the ever so important cold Mythos!

Meze 1

Meze 2

We could hear the hills calling so Liz waited for the bus and I set off for my usual walk up the road and much to my dismay they are digging MY road up to lay cables by the look of things. I’m only kidding of course as Symi is a working Island, not a model Island just for tourists, and these jobs need to be done.

Another afternoon at the Rainbow Bar with like minded people and friends of course.

We’ve been invited to a special meal tonight as Toby and Neil celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary and it’s Neils birthday too!

We didn’t stay as late as we needed to go back and change before meeting up with Toby and his mum in “comfy seats” and soon followed by the rest of their guests and family and made our way round to Merakles for a great night with very nice people.

We had creamy mushrooms followed by a superb Beef Stifado washed down with plenty of white wine.

On the house

The night ended far too soon as it tends to on Symi and we said our farewells and was going to call in at Elpidas for a nightcap but alas it was full so the bottle of Metaxa was emptied back at the apartments.

Another special day on Symi

[Gemma1]

"Another special day on Symi" - and another great report including one of my favourite Symi walks

[Lisa B]

Seems so much to do, I guess if we just ask we'll find these walks/paths? The food is looking amazing!

[silverfox]

Saturday update – I failed to mention on Saturdays blog whilst sat at Elpidas the Coast Guard boat berthed with around 15 refugees and we heard somone mention that one of them needed medical help. The rest were walked around the harbour to the far side where there is a port office where they will stay until a ferry takes them on their onward journey. We haven’t seen refugees arriving for a couple of years.

I forgot to post a picture of the wonderful beef stifado at Merakles.

Beef Stifado

Ps for Saturday Fitbit says 8.7 miles…..lazy old bugger!


Sunday

This will be boring as we are going to have a very lazy day!

Up and about early and out to see the Army changing the greek flag in the Harbour. 7.30am!

Sunday morning

Then the short walk to comfy seats for cafe latte and toast followed by a wander around the shops where we found the houses that D&E liked and Liz perused a dress for our 2 year old grandaughter Ruby but at 35 euros thought better of it as it may not fit and even it it did probably wouldn’t get much chance to wear it as the good weather back home is probably coming to an end. A wander back up to the square and a small pie and soft drink at the Bakery.

Are these the ones D&E?

More refreshments at Elpidas where we started with soft drinks, then beer and ended with Ouzo accompnided by the usual very nice mezes….you honestly can’t get much better than this place!

Stuffed Vine leaves

Stayed a little too long so a brisk walk around for the bus and of course I did my “power walk” up the road….a few days of me walking on Symi does really boost my fitness levels despite all the food and drink! It was actually a power walk today!

Please, anyone who is a Symi virgin (haha) please take water with you anywhere, it really can catch you out with the heat and the hills/steps.

A quiet start at the Rainbow but gathered pace and Tobys mum starting a new trend with Liz and Libby ordering Rum Mojitos with more greenery than most Greek Salads!

So much laughter and great people to meet at the Rainbow bar!

We passed on most of our lives savings onto Yianni and made our way down the steps….the light at this time of night is great and we just love walking down instead of up! (This statement is not entirely true as most of you will know!)

Dolphin bar….same meal as the other night…..not quite as good!

Supermarket for night caps and juice and back home.

Early night!

Yes very boring to some.

We loved it!

[silverfox]

Seems so much to do, I guess if we just ask we'll find these walks/paths? The food is looking amazing!

Just ask and we will try to help!

Most of the food is really good!

[silverfox]

You pose a very interesting question Silverfox which we have often pondered whilst sitting in our fav seats.

What is it about the Rainbow ? Well for us it is the simplicity. There are no gimmicks. It serves drinks and does nothing else (OK there are ices and ice creams in the freezer). It attracts the locals at the locals table. And Yannis has this quiet dry sense of humour. To us it’s perfect.

What is it about Symi. Again much thought has been given over the years as to why we return again and again and it is the friendliness and generosity of spirit of the Symi people that make it so special for us.

Great to see the Dolphin being mentioned and we definitely concur on Katsaras where the setting clearly demands a premium

Have a great Symi weekend.

We still can't descibe to others how it makes you feel but I suppose some have other places that do the same for them.

It's all about the senses and the contentment and relaxation....still no words!

[Lisa B]

Silverfox, I think you leave as we arrive.

[silverfox]

Silverfox, I think you leave as we arrive.

We leave on Wednesday morning but there are many nice people who will offer wisdom and advice....ignore all of that and just enjoy yourself....you can't help it on Symi

[Lisa B]

Thank you Silverfox, we arrive Saturday. We'll raise a glass or two to you as we visit places you've mentioned

[Allan]

Thank you Silverfox, we arrive Saturday. We'll raise a glass or two to you as we visit places you've mentioned

Actually, I think you arrive as I leave but silverfox is right, chat to people and decide whether to take any notice of their advice or not. Either way you will enjoy yourself!

[Lisa B]

Thanks Allan, sad that we'll miss you, you've been such a part of our plans. x

[D and E]

Thanks for highlighting “the house” shop Silverfox - that will be getting a visit for the end of season sale.

Enjoy your last couple of days.

We need to start thinking about ferries today - the Sebeco or the Skiadeni via Panormitis. E pointed out that some of the mentions of the Sebeco on social media suggest it may be more of an “adventure” but then we remember the early ANES boats

[silverfox]

The Sebeco was a bit bumpy for the first half but fine if you prefer the timing.

We do prefer the big ferrys and we have just heard we are back on the Patmos but early (5am at the clock tower) and a few hours on Rhodes at the Anixis again.

[silverfox]

Monday

Sometimes in life you need to give yourself a challenge and today I needed to do something that i’ve always wanted to do - so an earlyish start after a shower just after 8.30am I set off with a rucksack calling off at the supermarket before climbing the old steps as we call them. I’m sure these steps have got steeper and I was overtaken by a much younger man and to be honest I didn’t care.

The old steps

Onwards through to the top of the village and on to the donkey track that winds it way up to the road. The track is pretty poor in places so if you do attempt take care and wear better shoes than me! I needed to take several rests to get this far and I finally made the road. I was so tired at this point that I did nealry turn back down the road but carried on upwards taking on loads of water as I walked. Finally I made it up and over the last corner and the road finally starts to head down hill and on the next corner I take the small concrete road off to my left and once again start climbing steeply. Its further that I thought (isn’t it always) Finally I reach my goal!

THE VIGLA - the highest point on Symi. (where all the communication masts are as you look up)

After a moment getting my breath and taking in the magnificent views I thought it was probably a good idea to text Liz and let her know where I was in case of any problems. I hadn’t actually told her where I was going as she would have probably tried to stop me.

The view from the Vigla

After a short rest and photos I started my long walk back and the views back down are incredible!

No Big Yin either!

As I reached Chorio I texted Liz again to meet up for lunch in Olive Tree. She had spent the morning in Pedi. I had fruit with yogurt and honey and Liz went for a BLT and I spent my time trying to re-hydrate!

Olive Tree

All was well so we made our way up the few steps (that was painful) to Yiannis Rainbow bar where the strange but yet wonderful time warp happened with great company, laughter and beer taking the minutes away so quickly.

If you are new to Symi please try this bar, it’s simple, no food but you may get a few crisps and just say hello to anyone and they will most likely end up your friends.

It’s good that we are not the last to leave (you know who you are) and we made our way down the Kali Strata, which in it’s self is one of the wonders of the world, and made our way to get a bit of cash out in case we needed on our last day.

Kali Cats

An early meal at To Spitiko without the delightful Jordana, which felt strange, but the lads did great and we had a wonderful Tzatziki followed by a superb lightly battered Sole and chips…..oh and some white wine! News is Jordana is fine but needs a few days rest….we so hope she does!

The wonderful Sole

A lovely meal and we had a liesurly walk around to the clock tower stopping off to phone son number 1 along the way.

Catch up with son number 2 before trying to catch up on the blog with Metaxa night caps.

I’m tired.

Fitbit says 11 miles….but they were very steep miles up and down!

Another great day on a very steep rock.

[Gemma1]

Another great report silver fox I haven't 'climbed' the Vigla since 2014 but intend to do it again this year whilst I'm still fit enough . The temperatures should have dropped a bit by the time I arrived so hopefully it won't be too strenuous - and of course I don't have as far to go as you as won't have to climb the Kataraktis first Last time I walked up the Vigla I made the mistake of trying to come back the 'scenic way' past Ag Ioannis and down the hillside. I got hopelessly lost and had to retrace my steps. Luckily some kind soul stopped and took pity on me as I was walking back so I didn't have to walk all the way back to Horio.

Enjoy your last day on Symi