
Lots of Symi photos today and a little backstory. We were out and about on Wednesday. It started off with a quick trip to the bank. You might be interested to know that the Alpha Bank gave me my money without quibbling, and the National Bank was issuing pensions only.

There was a small queue as the bank were only allowing people in a couple at a time I guess, to make things easier. Some tourists got caught up in the queue assuming it was for the ATM which is in the lobby. I just excused myself through and used the ATM there too. Working fine. And don’t think I was panic withdrawing – I only take out what I need. If everyone went bonkers and withdrew hundreds of euros (on their foreign accounts) there would be none left for those claiming their pensions inside the bank. Think before you withdraw (as the actress said…).

So, financial success, it was off to the post office to collect some solar lights for the courtyard, the pharmacy to collect something for Neil to shove up his nose or something, and while there I noticed that the pharmacy we used (there are two) was well stocked and selling Greek pharmaceuticals, like the one Neil bought and actually it was for his throat, and it worked brilliantly.

We had a wander around the back lanes where we noticed that the supermarkets were well stocked with supplies, and someone had even gone rather overboard with their beetroot rearing. Now that’s an enthusiasts sized beetroot of ever I saw one. (On the left in this picture.)

We then had a little more wandering time, having finished work and in the mood for a chill. So we went to Pacho’s and had the obligatory beer (brewed in Greece I believe so stocks are still doing well on that front, phew) and watched several hundred day trippers come in on and off of the Nikolaos X, the Symi and the Panagia Skiadeni.

Here are a few other observations from the last couple of days:

And, at the bars…

Warm welcome at The Old Markets hotel

And we can’t miss…

And, up in the village, the square prepares for Sunday’s Village Festival with all the chairs from the town square…

And new (and safer) railings.

Back tomorrow with more photos and things. Remember, if you want to support Greece, come on holiday here, and if you want to support us, use the search box, click the links/adverts (costs you nothing) and buy the books and calendars. Ta muchly.