We’ll get to that in a moment. First I have a quick question. If one dentist can give you an injection without you feeling a thing, why can’t they all? My dentist on Symi has performed this miracle twice now and I have no doubt that the other dentist on the island can do it too. I was also very impressed by the taking of a mobile phone call while examining inside my mouth with a mirror. But the thing that really makes you feel good when you visit the dentist (and yes, that is possible) is his art that hangs on the walls. Anyone who is as much of an artist with a brush as with a needle, well what can you say?  You’re in safe hands.

Random photo

As I say, there are two dentists on the island though I have only ever been to the one, for no reason other than I went to him first, but I’d have no qualms about going to either. The new (ish) surgery is at the bottom of the Katarraktis, (the path from Yialos to Horio at the back of Symi town), should you ever be visiting and need it – the other is closer to the tavernas in Yialos near the bridge. Simply ask someone if you’re not sure, or look in the local papers. Yesterday was the first time I’d been to the new surgery (it used to be by the flower shop but moved… last year? Year before?) It’s big, clean, airy, adorned with paintings, comfortable and the best bit, for me, was that I just walked straight in – though you can make appointments too – and received a cheery greeting, ‘Hello how are you?’ which is the kind of thing doctors and other medical people have a habit of opening with. ‘What’s wrong?’ seems more appropriate to me. ‘Well, I’m obviously not 100% or I wouldn’t be here…’ Anyway, perfect service, not at all expensive and most importantly painless – and I got a cracked front tooth fixed as a gift. I actually left feeling more cheerful than when I went in, even though I was doing that dribbling from the side of the numb mouth thing and speaking like John Hurt in The Elephant Man.

So, back in the shop this evening (last night) and I am staring at a plate rack. (See pic.) Someone mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago that they were looking for one and I can’t remember who now. Then someone else said they were throwing one out, so I said, Don’t! I know someone who wants one. How much do you want for it? Nothing. A few days later a helpful mate and I went to pick it up and brought it to the shop. Now I’m thinking it’s kind of in the way and Neil’s not going to like it when he gets back tomorrow. I’ve put books on it as it masks the book exchange shelves. So… If anyone wants it, or knows someone on Symi who wants it, it’s a case of first come first takes it away. The person to whom it belonged didn’t want anything for it but I’d be happy to put you in touch in case you wanted to speak to her about a donation to her favourite charity or something. But if it doesn’t go soon it may have to go back to the wasteland where we collected it from. (It’s in good condition, probably about 80 years on the clock, needs a dust but one careful owner and all that.)

And no, I am not posting it to you!