Randomn Symi Photos
This is one of those days when I stare at a blank piece of virtual, paper and have no idea what to write on the blog for tomorrow, Wednesday. So, instead of forcing out some garbled nothingness, like usual, I’ll find a few recent photos from my file, select them at random and see what comes out.
Sponges were a big part of Symi history until the trade died out, along with many over-fished sponges in the early 20th century. Up until recently there were still some sponge divers still living on the island, but many of the men who risked life and ‘the bends’ for work have long since passed on; there may be still some living on the island. The man here works for Dinos in his sponge shop and still cleans the sponges in the traditional way at the water’s edge. You can often see him in the mornings by the bridge in Yialos.
Here I am living out the title of one of my Symi books, ‘Carry on up the Kali Strata‘ on one of those days when it was too warm to wear a jumper to walk in the sun, but to cool not to be seen without one. Cool as in temperature, not as in ‘cool to be seen in,’ I don’t think I’ve ever looked cool in that sense of the word.
Romney Marsh or Symi, both places are dear to my heart but these are clearly not Romney sheep. But Symi in the spring can look like a British summer, in certain places.
Two years ago, and for some of last year, we were up early and walking up to this monastery tucked away in a crease of the hill overlooking the Pedi valley. It’s not been part of our routine this year mainly due to working hours, weather and uninsured knees (my excuse). But when the mood strikes I shall be off there again. It’s a good part of my writing day, when I have them, to take an hour’s walk to clear the head. Apparently Stephen King walks for four miles a day for the same reason. But then he can afford to.
And finally: love it or hated it, the train is here to stay, for the foreseeable future. I don’t mind it; tourists love it, it gives at least one family an income and it takes day-trippers to a part of the island they wouldn’t normally have time to see. This not only shows them some businesses they might not otherwise discover, it may also give them an incentive to come back and spend more time on the island. ‘It’s not very Symi, is it?’ some have said, and maybe they are right. But it’s a job, an attraction for many, and it’s fun.
There. Maybe I will be more inspired of a blog post tomorrow. Meanwhile, I must get out and take some more photos.
