by SueO » 05 Jul 2006, 22:47
Thanks everyone...I feel better now!
Actaully, rather than looking at all the things that have changed (for better or worse) it might be worth considering what hasn't. As mentioned in another thread, the sunrise, sunset, moon and a multitude of star are still there. The architecture is still superb, the sun still shines on a beautiful sea and the local people are still friendly and helpful. The herbs still grow up on the hills and, with an improved road network, getting up there and walking away from the crowds, is that much easier. There's no doubt that Chorio has benefited from tourism and a general increase in prosperity. The upper village was described in one guide book in the early eighties as "a desolate area of ruins and rubbish with little sign of life". OK, there are still ruins and rubbish but also plenty of rebuilding and what seems like real enthusiasm from locals and overseas owners alike, for the village to "live" again. As for the "island idyll"...it's still there if we look beneath the surface.
You will have guessed that I love Symi deeply and can get quite passionate in her defence!
Perhaps I'd better stop before I start sounding too much like a holiday brochure.