21/22 September 2016
Flew from Manchester to Rhodes with Small Planet at 1830. The flight left on time and there were several spare seats. I was allocated an aisle seat with extra legroom by the emergency exit.
Arrived in Rhodes to temperatures of 23 degrees – lovely. Overnight accommodation was provided by Olympic Holidays at the Tina Studios in Faliraki. I was allocated a room on the ground floor which was very noisy as my ‘terrace’ looked straight out into the hotel lobby where the staircase was. I was unable to lock the door but as I was only there for a few hours and didn’t have any intention of leaving the room that didn’t really matter. I managed a few hours sleep before the coach pick up at 7am the morning. There were a few pick up en route and we dropped off at Kollona for those travelling to Halki and Tilos before arriving at Akandia at 8am for the 0930 Panagia Skiadeni to Symi. The ferry arrived at 11am and friends were there to greet me in the harbour – what a lovely arrival. Frank from Taxiarcris met the ferry and escorted me to studio 23 at the end of the row with a view of Horio from the terrace.
After unpacking I went to Manelos for the welcome meeting – which was very brief as there were only 3 of us there – followed by a tuna baguette for lunch (4.5 euros). After stocking up on provisions at the supermarket I returned to Taxiarcris for a catch up with M&A followed by a leisurely stroll down to Pedi and back.
After a pre-dinner drink at Lefteris bar in the village, we walked down the Kalistrata to do a bit of shopping in the harbour before dinner at To Spitiko. When M had asked earlier in the day she was told it wouldn't be necessary to book a table but when we arrived all the tables were full. Jordana told us there would be a table ready by 9 so unfortunately we were 'forced' to have another drink in the café bar next door . As we were quite late eating, and had crisps and nuts with our drink, we went straight for the main courses. I had a delicious moussaka for 8.5 euros, the others had grilled meat dishes and kleftico. We shared a carafe of wine and a large bottle of water and had a complimentary dessert of delicious orange cake with brandy - yummy The bill including a tip was 60 euros for 4. As there were no taxis to be seen we caught the 11 o clock bus back to Horio and after a hot chocolate and brandy nightcap I was ready for my bed.