Symi Sunday and some Monday thoughts
I went out for a very short walk on Sunday, mainly to see what was going on in the immediate neighbourhood and to try and get some photos for you. This is real Symi in the winter stuff: the cat having a wash on the roof, children playing football in the square, the occasional cat wandering around and following me… and very little else.
The Rainbow bar was open in the evening, though we didn’t go down – we do call in there in the winter from time to time. Usually it’s before we head to the taverna for a dinner on evenings when we have nothing in, or just feel too lazy to do anything at home. So far, we’ve been two or three times, but there will be more visits over the next few months I am sure.
On Monday morning I noticed a lot of teenagers walking past the house during school time and wondered what they were doing. You don’t actually feel any worry when you see a group of teenagers, not around here, not like you might do in other countries. They are more likely to offer to help you carry your shopping than to play knock-and-run or cause any trouble. You can even walk through a group of lads, late at night, outside a bar, and not have to clutch your handbag to you (not that I have one) or feel in the slightest bit concerned. I have to say, Greek teenagers are probably the most pleasant in that age group I have encountered in the world. Well brought up, polite, responsible and, at times, having the appearance of adults. I was at a parade last year, waiting for my 13 year old godson to march past. I was looking out for what I’d expect children of that age to look like and then thought, ‘Oh, they must have missed out as we’ve cut straight from juniors to the 18 year olds…’ Only to realise that I was looking at the right class. Many of the boys and girls are mature in appearance and in behaviour; the second being a credit to their parents and schools.
Anyway, why was I talking about this? I’ve just been distracted by the helicopter coming in to land; it’s not its usual practice day… Ah yes, I know what I was going to say: A couple of years ago we found ourselves in Belgrade for a few days and visited St Savas Temple, the largest Orthodox church in Europe (it said, actually the one in Tbilisi is bigger, I have since learned). There was a large crowd of teenagers outside waiting to have a look around and they were quiet, calm, chatting, taking photos, making notes, listening to their teacher and generally being studious. They were, of course, Greek.
I’ve just checked the helicopter again and can see a white van there which looks like it might be the ambulance. I hope the patient is okay. We don’t often have a medical evacuation, but when it’s needed, our air ambulance is there within a few minutes and the Symi ambulance is called in for transport up to the helipad. It’s good to know we’re looked after here, by the authorities, medical practitioners and even the teenagers. (Btw, I think some of the school classes were attending a special January 30th church service and were heading back from it when I saw them.)
