It’s going to be a fun weekend here on Symi, Greece. There’s a festival being held on the Kali Strata on Sunday, a concert by Alexandria Koniak, with Christos Serenes on the piano, organised by Ομιλός Αζιών Σύμις and starting at 21.00. Everyone is welcome and it is all completely free.
Oh, and apparently there’s a referendum taking place as well, though it’s still pretty unclear exactly what’s being referendumed and what the exact question is. I did see a post online that said anyone who is registered to vote in the mayoral elections is able to vote in this, Greek or not, but that was only a fleeting post and I’ve not seen or heard any more about that. I’m assuming it’s Greek nationals only. I did look around for more information but I reckon what I saw was a rumour that was quickly scotched. Anyway, that’s also happing on Sunday and so Monday’s blog post should be interesting. (Unless I write it on Sunday morning in which case Tuesday’s post will cover any photos I get at the concert.)
Meanwhile, from some reason Symi seems unperturbed by the growing disaster. Maybe we’re lucky and day trippers are bringing in cash, though they don’t usually spend much here as they are often doing the small business busting ‘all inclusive’ to the extent of bring packed lunches, or having their meals included in their trip. But, as far as I’ve heard, people have been managing to get their money out, everyone is knuckling down and getting on with it, and in the traditional Symi way, putting on a big smile, opening arms wide to visitors and friends alike, and enjoying the fact that we’re alive.
We had a lovely meal in Georgio’s on Thursday with Jenine, Ian and the boys, and the boys are coming to us tonight (Friday) with their fairy godmother (Tina) for an evening on the balcony. Here are a few more shots from Yialos:
As I write, with my window open, I can hear the carriage bell ring as it goes around the harbour. I can also hear the engines of the boats coming in and out, the day ferries and the super yachts, and I can hear Greek music playing somewhere. Someone’s lunch smells good as the smell wafts in through the window on a lazy breeze and through the leaves of the massive fig tree I can see groups of people walking around the harbour enjoying the day.
Taxi boat Eirini (and the others) are going out to the beaches and back all day long.
Someone has to keep control of all the boats.
Look closely and you can see that the top deck is more or less full with visitors. 🙂
Here’s Neil again. Same shot as yesterday but he had a van coming out of his head in that one. Today it’s people.
