Silverfox on Symi

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Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 07 Jun 2015, 16:02

Hi everyone

Thought I would start the blog a little early as I'm sure like us you good people like the build up and research and see it as part of the holiday. We don't travel till the 24th June for 2 weeks deserved rest! We have been to many Islands in Greece, and the mainland, over the years which I will throw in from time to time but I think Symi may be the smallest. We have been very close though in a few places over in Turkey too.

We have got some Euros but with all the scaremongering about the banks we may get a few more just in case. Shall we get ALL the Euros we need or do we hope the Greek banks will be ok into early July?

The only other slight concern is the massive migration problem....but I'm sure it will not cause any problems for us....it's a major world problem but Greece is on the front line and will deal with it best they can.

Well we've read the blogs, we've read the books, http://www.amazon.co.uk/James-Collins/e ... sr=1-2-ent , we have all Anne Zouroudi books too http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_ ... ooks%2C159 (Liz has read a few, I'm still on the first book) and a few by Marjory McGinn about life in Peloponnese. We've also got a few ready for when we are there...Midas by Dominic Ranger http://www.amazon.co.uk/Midas-Dominic-R ... 1780882483 and Travels with Epicurus by Daniel Klein http://www.amazon.co.uk/Travels-Epicuru ... 1851689958 which a friend recommended as a great book for someone my age who loves Greece! ( I wonder if Chris will be around and I can get him to sign the book?)

We are starting to get our clothes ready (not usually this organised) but the nice shirt one of my sons bought me for my birthday took a battering at the Three Valleys Beer Festival yesterday http://www.sheffieldcamra.org.uk/3valleys/ , I did get a fair amount of sun in preparation and plenty of beer too! ....the plastic glasses make you spill so much beer....well that is what I've said to Liz but she knows I do like a drink! Beer festivals, wine and beer may feature on this blog I will admit!

I'm still hoping for updates on here and Tripadvisor for places to visit and food. Any advice on walking, things to do and food will be welcome.

Not long now!

Steve
Last edited by silverfox on 07 Jun 2015, 18:07, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby JuliaB » 07 Jun 2015, 17:52

Pleased to hear the countdown is going well. Just four days to go for us! If you and your wife are still looking for Greek-themed reading material, you might be interested in the novels about a Greek detective by Anne Zouroudi http://www.annezouroudi.com/ who spent some time living on Symi.

Have a brilliant holiday! We'll just miss you as we leave Symi for Lipsi on 21st June.

Julia
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 07 Jun 2015, 18:02

Enjoy your holiday Juliab.....we have all her books too!

Love to see any posts about Symi! :)
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Val » 07 Jun 2015, 20:54

Don't miss a walk or boat to Nimborio to have lunch at Maria's taverna. It's a gem. Also the one and only Mirakles in Yialos which is just the job for an evening of Greek bliss in the heart of the town. Also Odyssia around the harbour towards Nos Beach is just fantastic, lovely menu and people. For a special treat try The Muses, seems pricey but believe me you will have an unforgettable meal. We went for a special treat paid for by my daughter and it was sublime.

Have you been reading James' blog on the Symi Dream site? That will give you an Insight into Tilos which is lovely for a visit now I think you can get there from Symi quite easily. There is a book written by Jennifer Barclay "octopus in my ouzo" which is great to read while you're in Greece. If you do go don't miss the elephant museum in Megalo Chorio.

Have a wonderful time. Symi is one of the best places to be and I'm sure you'll get hooked just like all of us.
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 08 Jun 2015, 06:56

Thanks for the tips Val.

I think there are more places on the list to eat than we have already! :)

I'm reading James' blog every day and I see the Windmill may be added to the long list now too!

One of the things we are pondering is any day trips we may do. Not sure to have a night in Rhodes or not as that's an Island we have not "done" yet.
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Allan » 08 Jun 2015, 11:50

Thank you for your posts Steve, I'm looking forward to hearing more as your holiday progresses.

To answer a couple of your questions:

Don't worry about the banks. There are so many scare stories in the UK press that I can understand why you might be worried but the banks are functioning just fine. There is money, the ATMs work and no one on the island is panicking (I'm on Symi now) Bring as many Euros as you like and don't worry. Symi is a very safe place so if you do decide to bring a lot of cash you won't feel threatened.

I haven't been down to the harbour yet but I gather there are some refugees at the police station. They cause NO trouble at all, again, despite what the UK press would have you believe.

You can get to Rhodes and back most days if you want to do that but I doubt you will! Symi is a lovely place (much, much nicer than Rhodes) so you probably won't want to leave even for one day. The 'round the island' boat trips that leave every day from the harbour are very popular and I'd strongly recommend you trying one of those.

I'm fairly sure that Chris is in the UK at present but he could well be back in time to sign your book. James Collins is here of course so if you have any of his books he will be delighted to sign them for you.

I won't add to the excellent suggestions you've already had for places to eat. You will struggle to find a bad meal on Symi.

Oh, and one last thing: The weather is wonderful right now :D

view.jpg
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 08 Jun 2015, 17:58

Hi Allan

Thanks for the reply!

I'm not really worried about any niggles as long as I get there. I know the UK press are blowing it all out of proportion! I just may take a few more Euro's.....can't be running out of food and drinks on holiday!

I'm already thinking we won't be doing any big day trips as the whole Idea of coming to Symi was no car hire etc and we are not strong swimmers so may not do the round the island trip. We may fancy a few of the beach trips and a trip down to Panormitis otherwise it's some nice walks and relaxation.

Love the picture, I think we may have a similar view of sorts up at the Sevasti Apartments.

Steve
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 08 Jun 2015, 18:24

Just read Adriana's blog that puts the reality today in Greece across so well....http://adrianas-symi.blogspot.co.uk/201 ... ngers.html
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Joe Le Taxi » 09 Jun 2015, 08:19

Hi Allan
Good to know you are back in your spiritual home although I wish it was me. We'll be in Symi September so if you're doing the double we might see you then.Give my regards to everyone and particularly Yianni's Rainbow.
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Allan » 09 Jun 2015, 09:29

Silverfox:
Don't worry about not being strong swimmers, the boat trip is very good whether you swim or not. You get a different view of the island, an excellent meal (and drinks!) and get to meet new people. It's a very sociable event.

And yes, you will have a similar view to the one I posted. it was taken from a spot fairly close to Sevasti. It is a lovely view.

Joe:
Yes we will probably see you in September. Meanwhile, I will pass on your greetings to every bar owner I meet. ;)
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Colette » 09 Jun 2015, 14:39

I can confirm what Allan says about the round the island boat trip - I'm not a swimmer but always go - it's a great day out. I fly from Manchester tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Symi on Thursday morning - yippee
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Oor Willie » 09 Jun 2015, 20:39

See you on Friday Colette
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Colette » 09 Jun 2015, 22:05

Definitely Willie xx
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 10 Jun 2015, 07:55

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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Allan » 12 Jun 2015, 08:58

Silverfox:
I took a couple of snaps from the lane as I walked past Sevasti a couple of days ago. I thought you might like to see the view you will have fairly soon. :D

Img_0765.jpg



Img_0764.jpg
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 12 Jun 2015, 15:31

Allan

Many thanks my friend!

12 days and counting to see that very special view. Although Liz is getting anxious waiting for the tickets to arrive!

We have had a little practice this afternoon sat in the sunshine drinking wine.

:)
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 15 Jun 2015, 18:57

Well the slight panic Liz had is over! She decided to give Olympic a phone call just to check our tickets were on our way as it's only 9 days to go.

They said they had already emailed them to us to print out but we had not received them. But the nice chap on the phone sent them again so all is well.

Still the press batter Greece from all angles they can so I thought I would share this link I have just come across which seems to say a lot about the welcome even the needy get when arriving on Symi.

You can translate to English

http://bortomhorisonten.nu/verkligheten ... #more-1561

Steve
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby Val » 15 Jun 2015, 19:38

Thanks Steve for posting this link. I have seen queues of people when I visited the islands earlier this year and was struck by the calm composure the refugees showed in the face of what they must have experienced, and also by the age range and family groups who were queuing. Since leaving Greece I have never for one day stopped wondering what is and will happen to these people who find themselves in such desperate circumstances.

The article clearly draws out the contrast between our material world and what is really important in life. Surely if enough of us put pressure on those in power then the U.K. Will be forced to take in more than the paltry hundred or so they have up to now.

How can we help these desperate people beyond donating to aid charities. We all know that this is not going to stop any time soon.
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 23 Jun 2015, 05:39

Well despite what the Daily Mail and the rest of the British media are saying we are off to Greece in the morning!

Worried? NO! Excited? YES!

:D
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Re: Silverfox on Symi

Postby silverfox » 24 Jun 2015, 22:08

So this is the start of our first adventure to Symi. Liz and I have been to many Greek islands and explored a few places on the main land over the years.

We will try to give updates as new visitors of what we find and like. Well its a dry Wednesday morning in Sheffield with a lovely sunrise as we set off on the trip across the hills to Manchester airport. The first decision will be which way to go but that will be left to our son Martin who has kindly got up early to take us.

We take the journey across to the airport for granted as we pass through Hathersage then across the Snake Pass. So much greenery which will be a big contrast to Symi.

As I pass KInder Scout I wonder if at 56 I will ever climb it again as I did many times in my youth, slightly ironic when i think about all those steps to contend with during the next two weeks.

As usual we arrived at the airport early and found a quite spot to chill out and have a drink, resisting alcohol until on the plane.

The plane was delayed slightly with someone needing attention at check in but we made time up on the flight and arrived into a windy Rhodes 15 minutes late. We were soon on the bus to the ferry and catching sight of the waves I did wonder about the crossing. We visited Naxos a number of years ago and had a horrendous ferry trip back to Mykonos where most people on the boat were Ill and we vowed never to set foot on a ferry again.

Having worried the trip across was fine apart from a little spray and a few beers added to the Jack Daniels I'd had on the Plane.

The sun was setting behind Symi as we reached the harbour and it is indeed a magical sight as you arrive with all the hustle and bustle of a busy harbour. We were soon on the minibus and off past all the expensive boats and off up into the hills to reach our drop off point. We were met by the owner of the Sevasti Apartments who took us to the apartments with his son coming to help Liz with her case.

We were then escorted by the owner back down to Giorgos Maria's in Chorio where we tucked into a Mousaka (Liz) and the Village Lamb....both very nice washed down with a litre of the house white! 31.50 Euro.

A slow walk back up the hill with the torch on my phone coming in very handy.

Both tired as it's been a long day so unpacking can wait. Looking forward to explore tomorrow.
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