Slumming it.

I’ve had a great weekend. I’ve been slumming it. Did you know that the word ‘slumming’ came into existence in the late 1870s? It then rose in usage until around 1900 when it declined before rising in popularity again in the late 1970s. Interestingly it is now nearly three times more popular (in 2017) than it was in 1880. Slumming it came about in Victorian times when the middle and upper classes thought it great fun to go and poke their noses around the slums of the East End to see for themselves what life there was really like. It became a form of tourism, forays into ‘Dark London’, a social event that, for some, was nothing short of what we now call rubbernecking. I’ve been researching this phenomenon for a novel, which is why I mention it here. I think it’s going to form the basis of a longer post on my other blog over at jacksonmarsh.com where I’ve been posting a Saturday blog about writing, my books, and related subjects, currently Victorian London as that’s where my research is taking me.
Meanwhile, on Symi…

Neil’s sent me some more of his photos taken when out and about, and as you can see, Paddington is now reunited with Great Aunt Lucy, at least, that’s who we think the second bear should be called. This was knitted for us by a friend who brought it over when she came to visit recently. There are still some regular Symi visitors here, not as many as usual, of course, but the square has had a few busy nights. Some still have no idea about keeping a distance for a good few days after arrival, but we’re becoming quite adept at virtual hugs and kisses thrown across empty space while politely requesting at least one chair’s distance. This isn’t out of fear or rudeness, simply common sense. Even if a test was negative a few days ago, you’ve still been stuck in a metal tube with X number of strangers, maybe crammed into a bus or ridden in a taxi driven by someone you don’t know. You’ve been on a ferry for sure, and well, who knows what’s happened between filling out an online form and turning up on the island. Most people, I’m pleased to say, respect the fact that masks must be worn, and distances kept.

And what’s on this week? Well, I’ve ordered myself to get back to my short walks up a long hill, I have reading to do and another story on the go, but apart from that… Not a lot else. So, I shall get back to slumming it in 1885 and putting words together in what I hope will be a readable order.

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Friday Photos

Here are some of Neil’s recent photos to see you through the weekend. I think it will be a quiet weekend here because let’s face it, it has been a quiet season, to say the least. There are storm warnings for the north of the country, but looking at the Poseidon weather channel, it looks like they will miss us here in the south where we’re still reaching temperatures into the 30s during the day. I have a new book out his weekend and have already started on another because that’s what I do. I think this latest one brings the total to 30. It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it, but then, it is my job. Anyway, have a good weekend wherever you are. Now, here are some photos.

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Symi Colours

Yesterday was Symi animals, today it’s Symi colours.

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Symi Animals

Today, I wanted to share some photos of Symi animals. This came about because every time I open my folder of photos, the first thing I see is an image of a mule I took a few months ago. It stays there for a moment and is then replaced by newer photos, and I just wanted to upload the thing, so I didn’t keep seeing it. Can I find it? No. So, instead, I chose some other shots of birds, animals and a couple of silly ones, just to make a change.

On a serious note though, remember that if you’re here and want to help, the island runs a couple of organisations that help stray animals, and we have the pet shop and a couple of visiting vets. You can find them at the bottom of the Kali Strata. If you are holidaying, you are welcome to feed the stray cats at the bins (but most restaurants prefer you don’t feed them at the tables), and when it’s hot, like now, water is what the cats also need. Also, when dumping your rubbish in the bins, please always check first to make sure you’re not crushing a kitten. We’ve rescued several from our bins over the years. They fall in and then can’t get out, and it can’t be a very nice way to go – having a bag of trash dropped from a great height.

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A meal with a view

I was chatting with some friends last night, and they told me they’d been to the ‘top cantina’ and had a thoroughly good time, so I thought I’d give it a mention. This is the eatery on the main road above the village (sorry, don’t know its official name), and I have to say, I’ve only been there early in the morning when everything is closed. Today’s photos are from up there. You can walk to it if you don’t mind the climb, or arrange a taxi, or have one of the tour buses take you if you are a party of people, and it’s open in the evenings.

My friends were there on a Saturday night when they have live music, and where a number of local people came to eat, see the lights of Symi from above, and dance. Everyone had a good and safe time, they told me, it was very atmospheric and in the end, they wished they could have stayed longer, but a car had been booked. Oh, and the food was good too, of course.

There you are. Just another idea of something to do on the island, and whether you go there at night or during the day, you’re guaranteed a superb view. If you don’t fancy the walk up, there is another overlooking Pedi bed. The Panorama cantina is up the hill just before Ag Marina church, just up from the old Lavinia studios.

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