A Symphony of Symi Sound
I had forgotten how loud dawn could be, and I am not talking about the lovely Dawn who runs the aerobics classes. Dawn on the Pedi road is what I am talking about. I went down there yesterday morning for a walk before work and took the photos you see today. Walking through the village, I was aware of the sound of my feet as it was so quiet. There were occasional sounds of people stirring behind their doors, and a couple of dogs gave me a morning bark as I passed, but otherwise, it was very quiet. Until I came to the road.
The sparrows were waking up in the trees, having a good old chatter, the chickens were discussing their night’s sleep, and the cockerels were letting everyone know that it was time to be up and about – as they do throughout the day and into the night. The cicadas in the trees by the church were deafening in unison, and along to my right, some sheep and goats were having a good old debate. A little later these sounds died down to be replaced by the water treatment plant’s engine hum, and there was some sound from the power station, but it was nowhere nearly as loud as it used to be.
Peace returned as I turned into Pedi to be met by the sounds of the sea. There was the occasional clank from an anchor chain as other early risers prepared for the day. A cargo ship was unloading with a crane, even though the sun was not yet over the headland, and I had the impression that they were trying to work as quietly as possible. The sea lapped at the shore, and the sun rose over the hill.
That was it really, no news today, just noise. Well, beautiful noise. If you’re going to be staying at the top of the Pedi valley or nearby, remember that it is rural there and the animals are in charge. Expect the sounds of the countryside and be grateful for them – they make a change from sirens and streets, cars and the cacophony of city life.
