The weather is back

As the old postcard used to say, we get some kind of weather here every day. Today (Monday) it’s the sun and very little wind, making it perfect weather for walking, sitting in the courtyard and, no doubt, swimming, for those who go in for that kind of thing. There are taxi boats still going out, the day trips and tours too, and with quite a few northern European visitors on the island, the bars and tavernas are still busy.

‘The 13^th‘ was shown again on Sunday night, there have been live music sessions in various tavernas and bars, and the village is still active and buzzing. Now might be a good time for a last minute getaway before the winter kicks in. Autumn is a very pleasant time on Symi if you don’t like things too hot, but warm enough.

And I have very little other news to impart today. Well, hardly any; I spent most of the weekend asleep, catching up on rest after the busy month before. I have now found time to work on ‘Symi, Stuff & Nonsense’ and it’s coming along. My deadline for completing the text is early October, and we’re still on course for publication sometime in November. More news to follow.

Meanwhile, I am pleased to say that ‘The Saddling’ has been climbing up the rankings on Amazon and has received a few more reviews. It’s the best-selling title of mine this year, outdoing even ‘Symi 85600’, although that title is the best seller to date – mainly because it’s been around for so long. Follow the links if you’ve not yet read the titles, or click to my author page for my full list. There, plug over, now it’s back to working on the next one.

Share on Facebook

Symi film news

I am having a very quiet Sunday at home doing nothing, apart from making lunch and posting a quick blog. This is a recovery day after all the excitement of the past few weeks, and three wonderful party evenings in a row. The strong wind has calmed and today is warm again. On Saturday night, I was out in long trousers and a cardigan, which drew some looks from visitors in their shorts and t-shirts. After a long hot summer, you tend to feel the cooler temperatures more keenly.

Here’s a piece of news about films. The Symi International Film festival went well, from what I have been told; I was unable to get there due to being away and then already invited to other engagements. While it was on, we received news that ‘The 13^th‘ had been accepted to the 8th International Film Festival of Peloponnesus “Bridges” – Corinth 12-18/10/17, Nafplio, 19-22/10/17. The thing is, it won’t be screened unless a member of cast or crew is present. It’s still in the running for awards there but not for screening. So, if any of the backers want to be a part of the festival, this is your chance. I shan’t be able to attend, but anyone who backed the film, and is, therefore, a part of the ‘crew’, can. You would have to make your own way there and finance the trip, but if you happen to be in Greece and that area, you only need to be there for a day or two, not for the whole thing. There are some details taken from their email below, and if anything takes your interest, please email me. (Email at the bottom of these pages.)

This year we received over 500 submissions from 65 countries and we are thrilled to recognize your outstanding efforts by accepting your film.  Attached are your Official Selection Laurels. As an official selection, your film is eligible to be screened over the period of October 12-18th in the Flisvos Cineplex in Corinth. Corinth is accessible from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport by proastiakos train and from Athens center by buses to facilitate your travel to this historical city. It is only 90 minutes far away from Athens.

Nafplio festival activities and selected film screenings will be held over the period of October 19-22/10/17. Nafplio is accessible from trains and buses to facilitate your travel to this historical and picturesque city.

Please note – although your film is an official selection of the festival, it will not be screened unless you RSVP and a member(s) of your cast or crew attend.  Due to the overwhelming response to our call for submissions, and tributes, we are prioritizing screening of films for filmmakers in attendance.

It is our hope that you will join us to celebrate for the entirety of the festival. You are also automatically shortlisted to be reviewed for the awards process.

C) Don’t miss the open discussion panel of Saturday 21st of October in Nafplio city: “The Importance of Music in 7th Art”.

Costas Ferris the legendary Greek film director, will speak about the Alchemy of Cinema.

D) We strongly encourage you to make every effort, along with your cast and crew, to attend the Golden Pegasos awards ceremony on Sunday, October 22nd in Nafplio city and receive your award should your film receive a nomination.

Share on Facebook

Symi to Split

I know, a strange headline, but today’s post is about our honeymoon trip, which is now (partly) organised. We wanted to let everyone know what the plan was so that those wonderful people who contributed to the fund will know that they are responsible for sending us. You can also see that your donations have been used, as promised, on the trip and not handed over in varying amounts to certain bars in the village. Thanks to Expedia, we have arranged the big part of the trip and have a little left over for spending when we are there.

So, we can now say to people that ‘we are going to Split on our honeymoon,’ which is a play on words that appeals to me. We chose it because we haven’t been to Croatia, it looks good, and from there we can spend a few days exploring other parts of the coast. I’ve spent the last couple of days being a travel agent and looking at all kinds of possibilities, finally settling on Expedia to arrange me the flights and a hotel. The trip is from Athens and back because, on the return journey, we want to try the Athens to Symi route on the Blue Star. So, all we need to do now is arrange the flight up to Athens, a hotel there on the way back and then the ferry once the timetable is published and bookable. Helpfully nothing will change, and we’ll have the same timetable as this year.

So, now you know all that, it just remains to say another huge thank you to everyone who contributed and who has made this possible. There will, of course, be photos and blog posts about it when we get back – the trip is planned for next March so that I am there for my birthday. More about all that in due course.

Have a good weekend.

Share on Facebook