I had a pleasant day out on Friday when I popped over to Rhodes for some bits and pieces and teamed up with Jenine for most of the day. I set off into a calm and slightly humid morning and arrived at the top of the Kali Strata just as the ferry came around the headland. Years ago, that would have had me running, but these days, I know how long it takes to reach us from there, how long it takes me to get down, and anyway, if it says 7.45 on the ticket, it won’t leave before then (it’s not allowed to), even if it arrives early.
So, I wandered down past the school, along towards Haritomeni Taverna and down to join the main road and along the quay to more or less walk straight onto the boat, and off it again just over an hour later for a slow walk around to the Plaza Hotel for a cup of tea. (Note to regulars coming through that way this summer, you need a key card or a code to access the restrooms downstairs, but customers can ask for access with no problem.) After that, it was off to my first appointment which didn’t take long, then I met up with J and we headed into the New Town and the shops. A new pair of trainers for me from the excellent trainer shop just up from McDonald’s and on the other side of the road. Real Addidas, €50.00, not sure if that’s good or not, as I don’t usually buy such things, but they are more comfortable than any others I’ve bought. Not only a good price but a good service and a very friendly chat too. Then, to Zara for J to sort out some purchase or other, then to Pull & Bear for shorts, you know how it is…
We had lunch as tourists in the old fish market, a chicken souvlaki plate for €11.00, but three sticks of chicken and loads of other bits and pieces, and then, the highlight of the day (not) a trip to Ikea. I thought J was there to buy a chopping board, but she was actually there to order a kitchen. Not just order one, but design one. The last time I did this was in MFI in Brighton back in 1997, and it took over two hours. Well, it was just about that by the time every assistant had become involved, we’d had a nice long chat about Symi and other things, and it was all done with good humour. The shop is small, as it’s more of an ordering station, so it didn’t take me long to look around and then sit and watch the computerised demonstration of how this kitchen will look, right down to the door knobs…
My afternoon view
Released from the place, we headed back to town with just enough time to have a refreshment at Nimmos Taverna inside Akandia Gate where a guy who was seven and riding his little green bike around Symi only yesterday is now a six-foot-two waiter with plenty of friendly banter, and so are his brother and dad who also work there. From the taverna, it is only a short walk around to the Blue Star which we boarded, and as usual, sat outside at the back all the way across.
There’s something magical about dusk this time of year, the crepuscular light that gives the mountains a watercolour quality, and makes the air only semi-transparent as the sun goes down…
From then on, it was a case of being lucky enough to squeeze into a cab up the hill where we met Neil outside the bar for a catch-up on the day before heading home. A good day out, though the costs all mount up, and we are doing it again on Wednesday. Hopefully, after that, we won’t have to go back again for a while, not that we don’t like it, it’s just that it costs a bit and takes time out of my routine. It does though, give me something to talk about on these pages.
