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# Symi Dream

Writing on a Greek island

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://symidream.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Consider Yerself (beat) Well Read!](https://symidream.com/consider-yerself-beat-well-read/) - Continuing the ‘what to read theme’, I browsed my shelves yesterday searching for my next read, and decided I’d have a go at all those other H H Munro stories. You know, Saki, as he was also known. I’d read the Clovis short stories before, but not the others. Not all the others. I didn’t
- [Books](https://symidream.com/books/) - I have no idea what to ramble about this morning, as I did very little yesterday. I had one of those stay-at-home days, and I have to say, it was very relaxing. Just pottering around, doing some last editing on an MS, wandering to the balcony now and then to look at the view, then
- [Oh dear](https://symidream.com/oh-dear-2/) - As seems to happen more often these days, I start the day with one intention and immediately get swept off to something else. This, for example. I open up this website and find that yesterday’s post isn’t showing, only the one from the day before. I refresh the page (Ctrl+F5), which should bring up a
- [Vehicular Ramble](https://symidream.com/vehicular-ramble/) - Thanks to everyone who sent himself their best wishes. He’s now got the rather medieval name of Neil Blackfoot, though he is again mobile and almost back to being as normal as whatever normal is. As for today… I need to pop down to town and pick up a delivery from Skroutz, and that seems
- [A Step Too Far for Too Many](https://symidream.com/a-step-too-far-for-too-many/) - Weekend events? Rather quiet for me. Well, apart from Friday morning when I was many things. A writer editing a draft MS, then, unexpectedly, a triage nurse, chef, personal shopper, assistant barman, and waiter, because Neil tripped on a pothole and took a purler. Nothing broken, just banged about, and now, a very blue-black ankle
- [Compost and Carpets](https://symidream.com/compost-and-carpets/) - Yesterday, I popped into town for a dental appointment and nearly came home with a composter. I was minding my own business, waiting to use the ATM, when I noticed activity around a pile of boxes behind a white van on the other side of the road. Now, when I used to live opposite the
- [Book Rambling](https://symidream.com/book-rambling/) - Today will be an in and out day. I shall be in for most of the morning, editing, and then nipping down to the dentist, then home and then staying in, reading. I’d fallen out of the habit of regular reading, so I am giving myself at least one hour a day with a proper
- [Sparrows and Sunbeds](https://symidream.com/sparrows-and-sunbeds/) - Not much to tell you about apart from my day-to-day, which I won’t bore you with because I didn’t do much yesterday. In fact, I was at home all day writing, reading and doing not much else. Meanwhile, though, Neil photographed this in the square. They were only a few feet from his workstation table.
- [Welcome to my first thing](https://symidream.com/welcome-to-my-first-thing/) - I’ve just been through my morning emails. The usual. ‘Hi, I’m a visibility specialist…’ Yeah? So am I, when I put my glasses on, so what? ‘Hi, Wilson. I am from Capital FM, and we do interviews…’ (No signature, a Gmail account, no branding, no point, and who’s Wilson?) All that kind of thing, plus
- [Back to Work](https://symidream.com/back-to-work-2/) - We’re back to this. Me emptying my mind of whatever is in there onto virtual paper first thing in the morning. It’s 5.50, the temperature outside is a decent 25°, and I have the desk fan on because this room is always a little stuffy first thing. I’ll open the window when the mosquito hour
- [A Few Days Off](https://symidream.com/a-few-days-off/) - A note in advance. I am coming towards the end of an epic first draft, and I hope to have it finished over the weekend. Either way, I’m going to take a few days off from everything while I see to that and then put my writing feet up for another day or two. This
- [Wild Life](https://symidream.com/wild-life/) - It’s getting like a zoo around here, what with tarantulas sitting on Neil’s head and parakeets in the tree. The other day, you might remember, I witnessed an owl hunting warblers in the afternoon, and yesterday, while looking for the parakeet, we saw a chaffinch in the tree instead. The ravens flew past yesterday, a
- [Up and Down](https://symidream.com/up-and-down-2/) - A bit of an up-and-down day yesterday. I was halfway through writing a tricky funeral scene for a book when I was distracted by a parakeet causing a stir over the courtyard wall. I’ve never seen one in the wild here before, but apparently, they are quite common everywhere these days. I got the scene
- [Welcome to June! Welcome to queues!](https://symidream.com/welcome-to-june-welcome-to-queues/) - Welcome to June. And welcome also to any other reader named after a month of the year. Let’s get started with something guaranteed to ruffle feathers. The Greek Foreign Ministry has confirmed that UK passport holders will be subject to the same Entry/Exit System (EES) procedures as all other non-EU visitors, ending earlier assurances that Britons would
- [A Hull of a Hellabaloo](https://symidream.com/a-hull-of-a-hellabaloo/) - There was a hull of a hellabaloo outside the house yesterday. There I was ‘stood sitting there’ as Hilda Baker might have said, reading my book about the life of John Steinbeck when it all started kicking off up on the telegraph wire. There was this little chap chirping its beak off, loudly, and non-stop,
- [Locked. Why?](https://symidream.com/locked-why/) - I was just doing that waking up thing — blundering about the necessities of the early morning, kettle on, find mug, turn on laptop, open windows, make sure we still have sky, collect tea, stare at blank page and wonder what to write — when my eyes strayed to a post on some social platform,
- [More Places Open Now](https://symidream.com/more-places-open-now/) - Well, I'm up far earlier than I intended today, and with not much on my mind apart from what chapter 36 is to be about. I had a scroll through some social media groups ‘n’ stuff to see if I could find you anything relevant or of interest, and I can tell you that Nanou
- [From Pleasantness to Profit](https://symidream.com/from-pleasantness-to-profit/) - Today, I can mark myself free from alleged book promoters ‘reaching out’ to me because I’ve not found any such emails in my inbox so far today. Then again, it is only five in the morning. This is probably the first time in the last three months that I’ve not received an invite from a
- [Expecting a Knock on the Door.](https://symidream.com/expecting-a-knock-on-the-door/) - Saturday morning: Woke to the sound of the overflow gushing outside the bedroom window, and managed to prevent it from making me rush to the bathroom. It was just before five, and I remembered that, when falling asleep the night before, I had heard the clock tower bell strike the half, as clear as what
- [Whatever Next?](https://symidream.com/whatever-next/) - Sorry I’m a bit late, I was scrolling through the Symi Dream Facebook page and clicking off all the adverts so I could find a relevant post. Apparently, I won’t see Mother Goose & Grimm for 30 days now, whoever they are, ditto things called Faith Panda, Pirates Look at 40, Life in Georgia, and
- [A Few Photos and Thoughts](https://symidream.com/a-few-photos-and-thoughts/) - Neil has been giving me so many wonderful photos to use, it’s sometimes hard to know what to post. This one, for example, shows how the greenery of April is already fading on parts of the hillside, and the ground has the colour of late summer about it. That might be because it was taken
- [Today I am Hot Adult](https://symidream.com/today-i-am-hot-adult/) - It’s one of those starts to the day. Then again, it often is these days.Up and up my desk by 5.15, and the first thing to greet me is an email which starts like this: You were born in a blizzard on the south coast of England. I knew it was going to be a
- [Nothing of Great Import](https://symidream.com/nothing-of-great-import/) - I just started writing something to clear the sleep from my head, and realised, after 300 words, that it was for my other blog, not for this one, so here I am, starting again, with no particular thought in my head. Sorry about that.I had a glance at the headlines to see if anything grabbed,
- [Arachnia Season](https://symidream.com/arachnia-season/) - Thank you, yes, I had a very pleasant weekend. It ended a bit farcically last night, but we’ll get to that. The chatter over the weekend was about the new ramps that can take wheelchair users and those who’d otherwise have trouble getting into the sea, into the sea. There’s one at Pedi and one
- [End of the Week](https://symidream.com/end-of-the-week-5/) - Ah, the end of the week. For some. Not for those who work every day from now until November with no day off, even though they are supposed to have time off from work. We all know ‘everyone’ does it, even with the new signing-in and signing-out rules now in place, where workers clock on
- [Domestic Chat](https://symidream.com/domestic-chat/) - What do the following have in common?Toothpaste, peas, milk, cheese, onions… You know, it’ll be quicker if I just show you the photo: So, what does that lot have in common? Well, they all come with reusable plastic bags that will eventually end up hanging from branches up near the tip and stay there for
- [No Morning Wasted](https://symidream.com/no-morning-wasted/) - Chapter 24 wasn't going as smoothly as I’d hoped, so I set aside the typowriter after a couple of hours, and went to do something less creative instead. I pottered. The pottering around the house led to the idea that I might take a short 20-minute walk around the village, while pottering became pondering, and
- [Silver Tetradrachm](https://symidream.com/silver-tetradrachm/) - The other day, I saw one of those interestingly unusual ‘things’ on Facebook. I’m not sure what to call it; it wasn't exactly a news headline, nor was it a throw-away piece of trash, such as a photograph of any number of world leaders or wannabe politicians who have no idea about anything other than
- [Handtuchkriege Alert!](https://symidream.com/handtuchkriege-alert/) - It’s all going to kick off again soon, just you wait. To what am I referring? Handtuchkriege, of course. Otherwise known as ‘towel wars’, this is a story of a skirmish which could drastically change the face of beach behaviour as we know it. You probably read the story and thought, Oh, how ridiculous, but
- [A Parade and Things](https://symidream.com/a-parade-and-things/) - Symi comes in for recognition again today as the centre of the May 8th celebrations, marking the end of WWII and the signing of the surrender of the Dodecanese in the building which now houses ‘Los’ in Yialos. Services, a parade and other events are being held over a two-day period, as usual. I remember
- [Moany old Tartuffe Again](https://symidream.com/moany-old-tartuffe-again/) - A while ago, and a while before that, and then, another while before then, a photo appeared on ‘the socials’ (i.e., Facebook), showing an image of the sunrise at Pedi. This photo was taken by Neil, and it became a ‘viral’ favourite. When I say ‘viral’, I don't know exactly when something is deemed ‘viral’
- [Pink People and a Book](https://symidream.com/pink-people-and-a-book/) - Although it was chilly up here at altitude yesterday, it was warmer down near sea level. The current weather is at least giving visitors a taste of the answer to the inevitable question, ‘What’s it like in the winter?’ At times, like yesterday, it’s warm in the sun and cold in the shade. From today,
- [Calmer, Cornflakes and CPR](https://symidream.com/calmer-cornflakes-and-cpr/) - I think we might be returning to ‘normal service’, as far as the weather is concerned. The wind was still from the northwest yesterday, but this morning, it has died down and should be breezing from the west and dropping, with the temperature rising steadily to reach the 20° mark at the weekend. Gawd. I
- [I’ll Name That Storm in One](https://symidream.com/ill-name-that-storm-in-one/) - The last time we were together on this page, it was May 1st, and Greece was having its coldest Mayday on record. We’re still under the tail end of some winds strong enough to ban shipping, and I can’t help wondering if this storm has a name. Then, I can’t help also wondering why storms
- [What an utter niþing](https://symidream.com/what-an-utter-nithing/) - There was another cruise ship in yesterday, smaller this time, and, by the looks, more exclusive. I watched it sending its tenders back and forth throughout the day, except for when I was varnishing furniture and painting a chest of drawers in the courtyard and the upturned kitchen, where everything is out of said drawers
- [What’s around the corner](https://symidream.com/whats-around-the-corner/) - They say you never know what’s around the corner, and that’s certainly true here. You might think you know that when you pop out to the shops, spend your life savings and then head home, that as you round the corner, you’ll see the lane and the front gates, and thankfully, you do, but then,
- [What’s happened to Roger?](https://symidream.com/whats-happened-to-roger/) - Penny asked me the other day, ‘What’s happened to Roger?’ Roger, you may remember, is a young rock lizard living under our sofa, except now, he’s not. At least, I don't think so. He appeared on the day we were first able to leave the front window and door open, when the weather had turned
- [Where the Streets have no Name](https://symidream.com/where-the-streets-have-no-name/) - The weather has changed again, and yesterday, I had some things to do outside in the courtyard in the afternoon. This, of course, meant spending some time under the bed. That’s where my exclusive collection of summer clothes lives during the winter, away from dust and mould in a suitcase. I never knew I had
- [What is it about Symi…?](https://symidream.com/what-is-it-about-symi/) - And welcome to Monday. I don't know about you, but we get some kind of weather here every day, and this weekend was no exception. Thunder rolling around last night, some spatters of rain earlier, sunny skies before that, and not cold. My goal for the week is to paint a chest of drawers. It
- [A Friday Gallery](https://symidream.com/a-friday-gallery-2/) - What can I tell you? Grey skies and some rain didn’t stop us from going to dinner at Georgio’s last night, where he had a dish on the menu I’d not seen before; pork baked in the oven with feta and potatoes. Everyone’s favourite dishes are still on, of course, and his chips remain the
- [Steps](https://symidream.com/steps/) - It’s all about steps. The pop group. As was. I hear they’ve made a musical based on the classic songs of ‘Steps’ using their wonderful music, those national treasures of melodies that saw us through the late 90s and early new century. Such original and breathtaking sounds, like their famous cover versions of other people’s
- [A piece of local news.](https://symidream.com/a-piece-of-local-news/) - Lots on today, so I’ll not be hanging around and rambling as much as I have been. So, what can I tell you?Yesterday, two of the regular day-trip boats came over on their first visit of the summer. I heard the first one and saw the second, and both gave us a great long blast
- [Grab a cup of Tea, it’s a Long One](https://symidream.com/grab-a-cup-of-tea-its-a-long-one/) - Following on from yesterday’s post about the new EES checks, or lack of them, I was reminded of Rhodes airport. To lighten the strain of reading this tale, I have, as usual, added random photographs, because it has been clinically proven that the insertion of a visual holds a reader’s attention. These ‘clinical trials’ apparently
- [Border checks, EES and ETIAS](https://symidream.com/border-checks-ees-and-etias/) - (Not as boring as it sounds.) The summer season hasn’t even started properly yet, and already the debates and confusion have begun. Not necessarily at airports, but at the kafeneion tables, where soon, the topic of the month will be sunbed prices. Before that, though, there has been great confusion, causing great distress to some
- [It’s Lodger Season](https://symidream.com/its-lodger-season/) - It’s around this time of year that I start looking for dark shapes in the kitchen first thing in the morning, and I check my shoes before putting them on. I always associate the time between cold winter and hot summer (i.e. April/May) with spider time, likewise the cooling down time after the summer, as
- [Three Bears](https://symidream.com/three-bears/) - It was a case of the Three Bears out at sea yesterday. For most of the day, we had a large cruise ship moored out to sea and ferrying its privileged back and forth to the island. I meant to remember the name so I could look it up and give you more details, but
- [Fryers, Fireworks and Fings](https://symidream.com/fryers-fireworks-and-fings/) - Although it is Wednesday, it feels like the weekend has only just finished. I don’t know why. I had a perfectly normal working day yesterday, without parties, festivities, expositions or fireworks, and I got a whole chapter first drafted. This morning, I have one of those mornings with bits and pieces to do before I
- [When Breakfasts go Wrong](https://symidream.com/when-breakfasts-go-wrong/) - Now then, breakfast. Not my favourite meal of the day, in fact, I often rather naughtily forget about it. However, when you’re up at 04.30 ready to attack the day with gusto (and other cleaning products), you might start to feel peckish around nine in the morning, kind of lunchtime on the shifted body clock.
- [Easter Weekend](https://symidream.com/easter-weekend-4/) - Today is Good Friday here in Greece. Apart from the religious services, the dressing of the biers this morning and the parade tonight, this is a bank holiday for most businesses. Being a holiday island, the tourist businesses will no doubt be open, but others, not. I’m still open for business and have two projects
- [April 9th, 1894, Greece](https://symidream.com/april-9th-1894-greece/) - I’m sitting here at 04.20, wondering what I can tell you that you don't already know, and suddenly, another thought pops into my head. No, it’s not What am I doing up at 04.21? I have been up since 03.30, mainly because I was asleep by half eight last night. The thought was, I wonder
- [Village and Shipping News](https://symidream.com/village-and-shipping-news/) - Here’s some news I picked up. Scena, up in the village near the bus stop, is to reopen on Sunday, 12th (Easter Sunday) at 16.00. It’s been closed for a short while to prepare for the summer. They will also be back to having their late-night live music sessions. Meanwhile, the top kantina, ‘Constantinos View’
- [On the Subject of ‘Red’ and Other Random Thoughts](https://symidream.com/on-the-subject-of-red-and-other-random-thoughts/) - This morning so far: Awake at 04.20 for no apparent reason. Cup of tea for obvious reasons. Dozing off on sofa, 04.40. Wake up again, 05.20. Second cup of tea, 05.22. Off to work at 05.30, luckily, no traffic as I pass the internet router en route, and no rain in the porch to negotiate,
- [Happy Monday](https://symidream.com/happy-monday-3/) - Here we are in Big Week, and suddenly, the village square is alive in the evening. Boys setting off bangers, people going to and from church, and both bars with tables outside and folks to sit at them. The weather might also have had something to do with it, because we were able to sit
- [Πλανήτης Άρης](https://symidream.com/πλανήτης-άρης/) - Here we are at the end of what turned out to be a wet week. A wet one, and for some, a red one. You may have seen photos of Crete and elsewhere under a cloud of Saharan dust. The news headlines last night were comparing it to Πλανήτης Άρης, Planet Mars. Click here to
- [Weather and Withering](https://symidream.com/weather-and-withering/) - We have a few drips in places we don't usually get drips, and the porch is an inch under water with nowhere to drain off, but other than that, we’re still standing. It’s too dark to see what’s going on out there, but when I went to bed at 21.30 last night, the wind was
- [Tempest revelat omnia.](https://symidream.com/tempest-revelat-omnia/) - It’s a day for battening down the hatches, staying indoors, and, in our case, putting towels around the windows. According to the weather channels, we’re in for a force nine overnight tonight, with rain and high winds developing through the day. Yesterday’s forecast showed more severe weather than this morning’s prediction, but still, best be
- [This is how it goes:](https://symidream.com/this-is-how-it-goes/) - Set the alarm for 03.15 and head to bed at nine. Wake up at 1.45 to do one of those nighttime visits in the cold. Back to bed. Alarm at 03.15 met by groans and, ‘Gotta get on with it.’ Kettle, tea, check Marinetrafic.com and boat looks to be on time as it’s just coming
- [Thank Y’all](https://symidream.com/thank-yall/) - Thank you everyone who sent birthday wishes. I’m sorry I didn’t do individual replies, but I notice the trend these days is to put up a social media post the day after and collectively thank everyone, so that’s what I shall do. I had an idea to take you through my yesterday, which began at
- [Almost, but Not Quite](https://symidream.com/almost-but-not-quite/) - A brief post today with a couple of recent photos, which clearly have the Neil touch. I have decided on the name of the autobiography I am never going to write, ‘Almost, but not Quite.’ I've always thought this sums up most of many people’s lives, and it can be said about times in mine
- [Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow…](https://symidream.com/tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow/) - It was Fanarakia last night. The festival of little lanterns is celebrated every year on March 24th, the eve of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Today is an important day in the Greek calendar, being both the Anunciation and Independence Day. There will be a parade later, special church services and so on, and
- [A Day in the sun](https://symidream.com/a-day-in-the-sun/) - Actually, we had a good time, and plan to walk everywhere when in Rhodes anyway, unless the weather is terrible, in which case we’ll splash out on a cab. There were no cabs yesterday (strike), the weather was fine, the people at the clinic were friendly and helpful, and we were in and out before
- [End of Week Stream of Consciousness Stuff](https://symidream.com/end-of-week-stream-of-consciousness-stuff/) - According to Windfinder.com, it looks like we’re heading into a cloudy and cold weekend, with the temps at 12° to 16°, the wind between two and four Beaufort, and no rain forecast – as yet. The Poseidon weather system has a ‘cloud’ option under its weather reporting, and this shows the position of the Sahara
- [Things You Might Not Have Seen on Symi #25](https://symidream.com/things-you-might-not-have-seen-on-symi-25/) - First: good news. The boy downstairs is back after 2.5 weeks, and has turned off his dripping tap. Yah! Our lovely neighbours saved us from the tea shortage, and more supplies are on their way from sympathetic friends, thank you! And now, before things get rough, here’s one of Neil’s images of spring on Symi.
- [Stare as Sheep or Cows](https://symidream.com/stare-as-sheep-or-cows/) - I once read a book by Paulo Coelho. Actually, I have read three: The Valkyries, The Alchemist and… No, it was only two (I was thinking of something else). In one of them, the Valkyries, I think, he, or one of his characters, is giving a chat about… Buddhism, was it? Something like that, and
- [Irony and Timed Tea](https://symidream.com/irony-and-timed-tea/) - Well, that’s ironic. I’m about to spend a small fortune each on Dodec Seaways tickets to Rhodes next Sunday, and a hotel for the night, so we can avoid getting up at 03.00 on Monday to get the 05.00 boat and hanging around Rhodes until 09.00 when we have our first MOT appointment, all without
- [I Think we're Okay](https://symidream.com/i-think-were-okay/) - We almost weren’t, but now, we are. I did that ‘pressing the button’ thing over the weekend, expecting all kinds of nasty when I did so, and I transferred my websites to a new host. That part of the process went suspiciously smoothly and took a couple of hours. Then came something to do with
- [Time to Migrate](https://symidream.com/time-to-migrate/) - There’s an end-of-the-week gallery of some of Neil’s older photos of the island. This time, I tried to find ones that are of the hinterland, or of places most day trippers don't see. They were taken a couple of years ago now, mostly in the winter or autumn, by the looks. There’s a feeling of
- [Carry on up the Kali Strata (all over again)](https://symidream.com/carry-on-up-the-kali-strata-all-over-again/) - I wasn't sure what to talk about this morning, so I sat down at the typowriter and thought for a while… Ah, yes! That. Before setting fingertips to plastic, though, I went online to check a fact as best you can these days, and there, I became distracted. First, by arriving emails, and then by
- [On With Wednesday](https://symidream.com/on-with-wednesday/) - What can I tell you this morning? Not a great deal. We had another quiet day at home yesterday, and I finished the rough first draft of a new mystery, except for about two page,s which I will get done this morning. Then, I can start on the editing and produce a draft two. If
- [A Few More Weeks](https://symidream.com/a-few-more-weeks/) - It’s coming to that time of year when those who have jobs set up for the summer season start to think, ‘Only a few more weeks to go. What happened to winter?’ It’s funny how that happens, isn’t it? When you’re little, even a day and a night (such as Christmas Eve) can feel like
- [Monday Musings](https://symidream.com/monday-musings/) - Thought I’d start the week with some interesting information about a thing we see around here in the spring. I expect most readers will know what it is when they see it, but I’d not seen such a thing until I moved here, so here it is, and it has nothing to do with tourists
- [Weekend Gallery](https://symidream.com/weekend-gallery-2/) - Yesterday, I was working on organising our annual health MOTs, merrily trying to arrange the first major appointments for the 25th, forgetting that it is a National Holiday (Independence Day), so I’m having to start again this morning – hey ho! Old age, probably. Better get that checked out, too. There’s no need to worry,
- [Tea ‘n’ Things](https://symidream.com/tea-n-things/) - That’ll teach me to have an early(ish) night. Up at 4.30 as bright as a brass button that fell off a garment 60 years ago and has lain beneath a floorboard ever since. First things first, of course, and a cup of tea. Thanks to generous donations last year, I had enough ‘proper’ tea to
- [Things to do in the Dark](https://symidream.com/things-to-do-in-the-dark/) - There was great excitement in the house yesterday, because I actually left it and walked down to Yialos. I've been bent over the typowriter for the past couple of weeks, and haven’t put my head above the parapet much, but yesterday, I made an exception. A power cut was due at eight, which came along,
- [How to Tell](https://symidream.com/how-to-tell/) - Another point-and-laugh at AI today, or at those who use it to scam. This morning, I received a very professional-looking email from something called Smart Promotion for Meaningful Books. As soon as I see ‘I came across [Title of Book[ …’ I know it’s not real. In this case, they had read the blurb for
- [Plugs ‘n’ Things](https://symidream.com/plugs-n-things/) - We’ve enjoyed a quiet, calm, blue-sky, sunny kind of weekend, with the temperature in the sitting room on Saturday evening reaching a balmy 13° after having a heater on most of the day, and the office staying at 10° no matter what. Morning routine: Windows and door open for an hour or so while we
- [Noises in the Night.](https://symidream.com/noises-in-the-night/) - Before I forget. If odd things happen to this blog in the next couple of weeks, panic ye not! I will be moving the site to a new host, and this may go surprisingly smoothly… or not. Even at this young age, I occasionally get up during the night for reasons of easement, and last
- [T’mou, m’dear?](https://symidream.com/tmou-mdear/) - I have a couple of photos today that Neil took yesterday when he was in Yialos. As you can see, all was calm on the southeastern front. Cold, but calm. There’s a breeze from the north which is possibly to become a force five wind later, with the temperature being forecast as between 10° and
- [Which are You?](https://symidream.com/which-are-you/) - A morning of cold, damp air awaits anyone else who is getting up right now. Judging by the ghostly wake left by a departing ship, the Blue Star has been and gone, and that explains the rush of mopeds that passed the house about five minutes before departure. Funny that, ain’t it? He asks, his
- [Poetic Rambling](https://symidream.com/poetic-rmabling/) - It’s a morning for the self-warming, USB-plug-in fingerless gloves that can become mittens. It’s a cold one this morning, with a slight breeze and a cold blue sky. No doubt it will be warm in the sun later, but for now, I’m straight from my bed to my desk, by way of the tea urn,
- [After the Ball](https://symidream.com/18806-2/) - The ball being carnival, which took place in Yialos yesterday. The air up in the village was thumping with the beat, and the music went on throughout the afternoon and into the evening. (If I hear ‘Vida Loca’ one more time, I swear I’ll spit. It’s like Summer when all we are serenaded by at
- [Must be Quick](https://symidream.com/must-be-quick/) - Can’t stay long. There’s due to be a planned power cut in an hour or so, and we could be without electricity from eight this morning to four this afternoon. Some place should be back on by 11.00, so we might be in luck. I never know exactly what area we come under, as we’re
- [Water, water everywhere](https://symidream.com/water-water-everywhere-2/) - Not much to report today. As far as I am aware, the harbour is still suffering from the high tide/waterline, caused by atmospheric pressure caused by climate change and a new moon or some such. The taxis sometimes have to park further out, so if you’re looking for one, and they’re not at the paddling
- [Pole Dancing](https://symidream.com/pole-dancing/) - At last, I can share with you the thrilling sight of a telegraph pole being dragged up the road. I bet you had a sleepless night wondering whether you’d be seeing it today, and here it is, below. I finally managed to get my phone gallery to connect to my OneDrive without it insisting I
- [Mind of its own](https://symidream.com/mind-of-its-own/) - It’s great isn’t it? You’ve got the morning to get some work done, you know what you’re doing, and there are to be no disruptions. You open your PC, and go to cloud storage to find the photos of telegraph poles you took yesterday, and although they are on your phone, they have not gone
- [Not in Kansas](https://symidream.com/not-in-kansas/) - I haven’t been out of the house for so long that I forgot it was Monday. Yesterday we were in ‘It’s a twister, Aunt Em,’ country, with the tiles rattling, the air conditioning thing on the roof playing like a harmonica, and the draft coming through shutters/window/towel/heavy curtain (all on the same window) on one
- [Missed it](https://symidream.com/missed-it/) - Today, I am staying in under a cloud. A real one, not a figurative one. I’ve just been paddling in the bathroom, where the uncloseable window allows the rain to reign with a full rein. (Don’t you just love homophones?) It’s the only window in the house with no shutters, but it’s also beneath a
- [Waiting for a Rainy Day](https://symidream.com/waiting-for-a-rainy-day/) - Well, here’s some cheery news. It’s raining, and the Poseidon weather map shows us looking like this: The darkest parts are the heaviest rain, and I think the worst of that lot’s not long passed overhead. Then, fast forward to Friday night/Saturday morning, and we’re in for this: Can’t wait. Towels at the ready. Staying
- [Business Morning](https://symidream.com/business-morning/) - While showing you some photos from one summer not so long ago, I shall be having a business morning this morning, by which I mean, probably no time for creative writing because I have some technical issues. Mainly, my emails. I’ve been having trouble with Outlook over the past couple of weeks. It would open,
- [That Old Chestnut](https://symidream.com/that-old-chestnut/) - I’m talking about water. At least, I will be in a minute. First, some parish announcements. To conclude yesterday’s tale of Sunday: our power came back on later in the afternoon, but we weren’t there at the time. We were having lunch with the family, finally trapping both godboys under one roof for the first
- [A Moment in the Old Days](https://symidream.com/a-moment-in-the-old-days/) - Well, this is rather fine. I’m sitting here on Sunday morning, lit only by the overhead laptop light running from the battery, in an otherwise blacked out room, and Neil is in the courtyard with the camping stove, a saucepan and tea bags. There is no sound but the hiss of the gas and the
- [Meanwhile, Outside too](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-outside-too/) - I’m sure you’re fed up with our winter view, the ‘shots from the balcony’ type stuff that always shows the same bit of sea and island. Apart from keyboards and television, it’s about all I see at this time of year. So, to end the week, I had a trawl through last year’s photos and
- [Meanwhile, Outside](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-outside/) - The courtyard’s looking forlorn. It’s the time of year when most things are on hold, waiting for the warmer weather. I say most things because the orange rose is currently blooming, and the chilli plants were still going right up until Neil harvested yet another hundredweight of the things and cut back the plants. The
- [A Side Quest](https://symidream.com/a-side-quest/) - Sorry if I’m a bit late this morning, I had to go to the bank at 7.40. You know how it is… You sit down to start the day by typing random thoughts off the top of your head, and then something catches your eye, and you think, ‘I must check if I have recorded
- [Ships ‘n’ Stuff.](https://symidream.com/ships-n-stuff/) - It’s still all about the sea. Yesterday, a shot of the flooded part of the harbour, today, the Blue Star Patmos (below). This’ll be old news to Facebook fanatics, but yesterday, the Patmos bumped a harbour wall while trying to land at Kastellorizo in a force six wind. Some of the translations refer to the
- [Water Day](https://symidream.com/water-day/) - As the old postcard used to say, ‘We get some kind of weather here every day.’ This weekend was no exception. What with a full moon raising the tide from underneath, the skies pouring down from above, and the wind trying to keep the two apart, it was a varied weekend out there. Yesterday, the
- [Bobby and Broom](https://symidream.com/bobby-and-broom/) - Being in a not particularly creative or thoughtful mood this particular first thing, I thought I’d mention the biography of my godfather ‘what I wrote.’ I just had a quick look at the Amazon page where people leave reviews, and was happy to read, in one of them, “At times felt I was in a
- [Things to do](https://symidream.com/things-to-do-5/) - A quick correction to yesterday’s local news: apparently, Lefteris Kafeneion in Horio opened up again the night before last. (Open mornings and late afternoon/evening.) That came in from Peter, who we’ll be seeing later as there’s a quiz at the Sunrise later today – assuming we can scrape together a few pennies, because for me,
- [Quiet](https://symidream.com/quiet/) - Don’t panic. This was taken a few years ago, now when there was so much snow in the region, some even landed on Symi for a day or so. This morning: rain, but the howling wind of yesterday has passed by. We’re in the changeable-weather season, which doesn’t help if you’re planning a trip by
- [Usual Stuff](https://symidream.com/usual-stuff/) - We’re back to this. Short, unprepared, early morning rambles about weather and whatnots. I can tell you that this morning, we’re waking up to wind, grey clouds, and the chance of rain, again. Since we got back on January 2nd, we’ve had days when the office hasn’t reached above 8° even with the heater on.
- [Home](https://symidream.com/home/) - Athens airport, at eleven on New Year’s Day night, is so busy, it might as well be the first day of the summer getaway. You have to wonder who’s travelling where on such a day, but then you remember you’re travelling too, and you have a pickup arranged. We follow the instructions from the remote
- [You know you've had a good New Year’s Eve when…](https://symidream.com/you-know-youve-had-a-good-new-years-eve-when/) - You know you've had a good New Year’s Eve when you wake up to three empty bottles of prosecco, three of wine, and the scent of leftover Chinese takeaway, and all for under €20.00 a head. However, you also have on your mind the fact that you are meeting a driver/guide at 13.00, you’re meant
- [Symi to Rhodes to Verona](https://symidream.com/symi-to-rhodes-to-verona/) - Hi, all, and Happy New Year! Yes, we’re back, and yes, we have been away, and yes, some of you may have seen these images and heard these stories before via Facebook, and, yes, the next several days will all be about our recent trip. I don't know about you, but I like reading other
- [New Year’s Eve in Bucharest](https://symidream.com/new-years-eve-in-bucharest/) - Here’s a quick history. Commissioned by communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu as part of his vision for a monumental civic centre to showcase state power, the Palace of the Parliament was built between 1984 and 1997. Construction required demolishing large parts of an historic district in central Bucharest, displacing many residents and erasing old neighbourhoods. We
- [Trains, Toilets and Touts](https://symidream.com/trains-toilets-and-touts/) - This day begins with packing and a cup of tea. A couple of cars have been booked to take us to the train station, and the train isn’t until later in the morning, so there is no rush. We have nothing booked today, apart from the train and the accommodation at the other end. Apparently,
- [On the Feast of Stephen](https://symidream.com/on-the-feast-of-stephen/) - Boxing Day was almost a day off. We finally did that thing we always say we’re going to do at Christmas, and that’s to go for a long walk. We used to haul ourselves away from excess on one day over the festive season and waddle and burp our way up a hillside, but we’ve
- [Fangs Ain’t What they Used to be.](https://symidream.com/fangs-aint-what-they-used-to-be/) - We kept on ascending, with occasional periods of quick descent, but in the main always ascending. Suddenly, I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose
- [Brașov in Brass Monkey Weather](https://symidream.com/brasov-in-brass-monkey-weather/) - The locomotive steamed west from Budapest, its steel plough slicing snow and hurling it aside in swathes. Its pistons pumped an incessant pulse, while the chimney belched a constant stream of smoke that billowed from tunnels and trailed behind to hover above the sleeping countryside. Cities fell away to become dense forests topped with silvery-blue
- [Prague to Vienna to Brasov via Budapest](https://symidream.com/prague-to-vienna-to-brasov-via-budapest/) - 3 May. Bistritz.—Left Munich at 8:35 P. M., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late. Buda-Pesth seems a wonderful place, from the glimpse which I got of it from the train and the little I could walk through the streets. I feared
- [Christmas Day in Prague](https://symidream.com/christmas-day-in-prague/) - Christmas morning comes, and the house creaks gradually into life. It never fails to impress me how teenagers can sleep for 12 hours and still be silent until after their first feeding. I’m sure when I was 18, I was up at six every day, even if I hadn’t gone to bed until after midnight.
- [Trains on a Travelling Day](https://symidream.com/trains-on-a-travelling-day/) - It’s Thursday morning as I write this in readiness for tomorrow. The wind is howling somewhat, the sea is grey and troubled, the Patmos is currently still in the Saronic Gulf, but at least it is on its way, and it’s due into Symi tonight at 19.30, instead of yesterday morning – news of which
- [Much Ado About Mozart](https://symidream.com/much-ado-about-mozart/) - You know, it’s a good job I've got all this to talk about because, apart from Epiphany yesterday, there’s not much going on in Symi right now. Not that I would have seen it had there been. It’s windy, cloudy, sometimes wet, not too cold, I’m pleased to say, but still, not even the Rainbow
- [Four Go Up and Down in Austria](https://symidream.com/four-go-up-and-down-in-austria/) - The next day began in what was becoming a standard fashion: a walk to a train station. Actually, before that, we took advantage of the hotel’s breakfast room, and at the Hotel Mastino (the one beside McDonald’s in Verona), you get more than your average continental. There was an array of baffling coffee machines, a
- [Being One of Those Daytrippers](https://symidream.com/being-one-of-those-daytrippers/) - Monday (Yesterday). Woke up to heavy skies and the threat of rain. Well, as far as I can see, I did, because it’s only possible to see out of the bathroom window at the moment. Every other one is shuttered, so the house is dark, but it’s also being kept warmer and drier. Also, yesterday-yesterday
- [In Which There is Only One Day to Go, and I am Gone](https://symidream.com/in-which-there-is-only-one-day-to-go-and-i-am-gone/) - Actually, as you are reading this, I am probably packing, because we are off early tomorrow morning. Whereas some people rehearse their packing months before they set off on a trip, I’m a bit more blokeish about it. This reminds me of something that made me laugh last Friday. Youngsters these days, I don’t know
- [In Which there are Two Days to Go](https://symidream.com/in-which-there-are-two-days-to-go/) - Now then, you might have picked up that we’re off on a trip, and this begins on Friday. After months of planning, scrimping, saving and desperately trying to sell books, there are now only two days to go before we set off. I shan’t be following the adventure on here (though I may when we
- [In Which a Pleasant Surprise Occurs](https://symidream.com/in-which-a-pleasant-surprise-occurs/) - Earlier this year, we were in Rhodes for various things, and I bought myself a new laptop from Public. (Harry was to have my old one for his college work, hence yesterday’s side quest.) After that, we wandered along towards the new marina and came across a very pleasant café. Next door was a good-looking
- [In Which our Hero Almost Fails a Side Quest](https://symidream.com/in-which-our-hero-almost-fails-a-side-quest/) - Last Friday, I had a main mission that came with a side quest. The mission was to attend an appointment at the dentist in Rhodes, and the side quest was to deliver Harry’s laptop to him before going out for lunch. The ferry was on time, though it left slightly late due to the number
- [Things to do](https://symidream.com/things-to-do-4/) - Things to do today: Arrange boat tickets, contact the dentists, upload a new book (‘1893’), write a handout about Dracula ready for our trip, and pick up my old laptop (which I gave to Harry which he left with his mum which I now need to collect so I can take it over to Rhodes
- [Village Square by Night (Winter)](https://symidream.com/village-square-by-night-winter/) - The village square plays several roles throughout the year. It’s a playground, a meeting place, a dance floor, a car park, an artists’ studio, a cut-through, a place to store building supplies, a place to celebrate, a live music venue, and a gossiping ground. It remains some of those things throughout the winter, but there’s
- [Missing Letters](https://symidream.com/missing-letters/) - I love it when the day starts with you not knowing your own name. My cover designer just sent me the full cover for the next set of Clearwater Tales (‘1893’), and very fine it looks too. She’d sent me the front cover a couple of weeks ago, and I've been touting it around in
- [Mopping Up](https://symidream.com/mopping-up/) - We had something of a stormy start to the weekend. The main Athens-Rhodes ferry, the Blue Star Patmos, didn’t come in at 7.30 on Friday, but was postponed until around midnight. So, that put paid to my follow-up dentist visit. Mind you, I wouldn't have been able to get down to the boat at the
- [Introducing Mr Byron](https://symidream.com/introducing-mr-byron/) - As you may know, and as more local people will definitely know, we’re currently under storm Bryon, and the day is set to get worse. That’s one thing. Another is, when did all this storm naming start, or have we always had it? Do records really exist of the famous storm Æðelþryð of 590? Whatever
- [Weather Whitter](https://symidream.com/weather-whitter/) - The return trip to the dentist in Rhodes tomorrow is off. That’s thanks to the weather and the resulting change in the Blue Star timetable. (And not wanting to add another €300 or so to the bill by going yesterday and spending until Monday there, or coming back on a boat at two in the
- [Annoyances and News](https://symidream.com/annoyances-and-news/) - One of those starts to the day. Five random emails from people’s AI bots all fishing for me to write back and pay them $$ to do something or other with this book or that. Here are the opening lines of each one: I hope your day is unfolding gently and that the creative space
- [Stormy Things](https://symidream.com/stormy-things/) - I took these photos and this video at the weekend during the heavy storm that came across. I was at my desk when the hail started, and I attempted to get a quick sample of the sound. However, this doesn’t do the noise justice. You might be able to see the hailstones bouncing off the
- [Wet Weekend](https://symidream.com/wet-weekend/) - We’ve had some wet weather over the weekend, but so far (Sunday morning), we have escaped the worst, unlike other parts of the country. I wasn’t looking forward to the latest Rhodes trip, because the forecast said it was going to be wet all day, but as often happens, it depends on which forecast you
- [Discount Friday](https://symidream.com/discount-friday/) - This post is designed to last you the weekend, and comes with recent and random photos. Apparently, it’s this thing that’s called Black Friday tomorrow, a time when we are bombarded with advertising for things we don’t need until we realise we might need them after all. At least, we’d like to have them because
- [No News Day (NND)](https://symidream.com/no-news-day-nnd/) - It’s a no-news day today, as I suspect it will be for many days through the winter. I was going to start telling you about our upcoming trip, as it’s less than four weeks away now, but the details can wait a while longer. (The same details I have been boring everyone with through the
- [Reaching Out](https://symidream.com/reaching-out/) - Hope you're having a great day. I came across your Facebook page and noticed your email, so I wanted to reach out. As a fellow author, I thought it might be nice to connect and share a bit about our writing experiences. I received another one of those today, two in fact. Rather, the same
- [Very Last Minute](https://symidream.com/very-last-minute/) - Friday didn’t happen. Well, yes, it did, but not in the way it was meant to. I had booked an appointment for a consultation with a dentist in Rhodes, and that was set for 11.00. I booked the boat ticket (07.45 out, 18.15 back), and that was that. An hour later, I had a message
- [News From Abroad](https://symidream.com/news-from-abroad/) - I have this friend in England who sends me daily ‘doom and gloom’ emails, usually about UK politics and the weather. I hear there has been some snow, freezing temperatures already, and other adverse weather things going on further north than here. The reactions to a little bad weather in Britain are becoming increasingly more
- [Planning](https://symidream.com/planning/) - We had a planning meeting last night. It involved us two, Jenine, hot dogs, a little wine, much web browsing and some decisions, but we got through it. We were, and will be for the next six weeks, planning for our alternative Christmas. You will no doubt hear much about it over the coming weeks.
- [In Today’s Mail](https://symidream.com/in-todays-mail/) - If you were wondering why there was no blog yesterday, it was because I didn’t have anything to put up. Things are very quiet for us at this time of the year, there’s never much new to tell you, and looking at the same old photos day after day ain’t that thrilling. So, you may
- [Wittering](https://symidream.com/wittering-2/) - A while ago, I had a to-do list of what I call admin things. The list included arranging a dentist visit, authorising a new bank card, talking to another bank about another card which was ready to authorise yet hadn't arrived, ordering a book for someone else, and so on. Well, yesterday, I was finally
- [Helmet Evasion](https://symidream.com/helmet-evasion/) - This being another slow news day, I have some old photos to share. I can’t remember what time of year they were taken, spring and summer, I reckon, but they’re something to look at. Meanwhile, there was an earthquake in Cyprus yesterday. We didn’t feel anything here, of course, but we are used to tremors
- [A Shed off Leicester Square](https://symidream.com/a-shed-off-leicester-square/) - It’s another no-news day (get used to them, it’s out of season). Except to report… No. No news so here are some random photos. One of them’s a cruise ship in Rhodes (don't know why I took that one). That was last month. I am back there next week to set up some dental business,
- [That Time of Year](https://symidream.com/that-time-of-year/) - I suppose the big news story from the island today is the Christmas lights. They’ve been up for a while, and probably on for some nights, but last night was the first time I’d seen them. They’re not all the way through the village lane (yet) like previous years, but there are some wrapped around
- [Celebration](https://symidream.com/celebration/) - Waking up to a calm morning after a very quiet weekend. All the activity was going on at the other end of the island this weekend, with some evening outings, music, celebrating down in the harbour, and in the village taverna at night. There was live music playing at Georgio’s on Sunday afternoon, which might
- [Panormitis Festival Weekend](https://symidream.com/panormitis-festival-weekend/) - …is upon us. The day, at this end of the island, has started grey and chilly, a little damp, but calm and quiet. Hardly any boats down in the harbour (that I can see, but I can only see half of it), and the Blue Star isn’t in yet. That's expected in about an hour,
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-10/) - Good news and not-yet good news yesterday. After finishing a short story, possibly for a new collection, we headed down to Yialos for an appointment. I was expecting a new office chair, and had a message from ACS saying I had a delivery. I only ordered it last Friday, so that was impressively fast. Except
- [Quieter Days](https://symidream.com/quieter-days/) - Something of a disappointment today. Ordered a new chair for the desk last week, and found out today, from Skrouts, that they’ve had to cancel and refund. I was hoping it was the thing waiting for me at the courier this morning, but that’s going to be something else now, and not the new chair
- [Early Morning Thoughts](https://symidream.com/early-morning-thoughts-2/) - Things are definitely calming down now. The day boats have all but stopped, several businesses have closed for the winter, while others remain open until after next weekend, which is the Panormitis Festival. Pilgrims have already started arriving, and I expect the cells/rooms at the monastery have been booked up for months. We still see
- [Here’s November](https://symidream.com/heres-november/) - We’ve had a couple of hazy, misty mornings over the weekend, which is caused by humidity, I guess. Today, you can’t see the coast of Turkey, but that should clear later in the day. We spent the weekend mostly at home, pottering around, doing some odd jobs, and preparing to have Jenine and Sam over
- [Old, nay, Ancient](https://symidream.com/old-nay-ancient/) - Before I leave you for the weekend, I wanted to give the calendar another plug and remind everyone that you can only buy it through this link: Symi Dream Calendar (Or click the banner.) That’s that done, and now, this. I did it again, though this time on purpose. I found the old, nay, ancient
- [A Few more Old Photos](https://symidream.com/a-few-more-old-photos/) - I’m a little late this morning, because the cover for the new book arrived and I wanted to post that up first (not here, but on Amazon). It’s a part of the process that only takes a couple of minutes, so here I am, back at the typewriter ready for another day. I had no
- [An Ancient Photo Find](https://symidream.com/an-ancient-photo-find/) - I spent some time yesterday morning checking the finals of the new book, and, I’m pleased to say, the Kindle version has now been published. So, for those of you who follow the Victorian mystery adventures that Jackson Marsh publishes, this link should take you to the Kindle and Kindle Unlimited version. The paperback should
- [Back to the Usual](https://symidream.com/back-to-the-usual/) - I’ve run out of exciting stories from Rhodes last week and am now back to the usual day-to-day with whatever photos I can find lying around. Oh, I found this one… That was as I was about to leave Rhodes, which was, at that time, under a heavy, dark cloud. I don’t think it rained,
- [After my Blood](https://symidream.com/after-my-blood/) - Continuing the adventure begun last week with 29 hours in Rhodes, and including some random images. Tuesday. I had two appointments that morning, and the first was at the new H-pad at nine, where I had been invited for coffee. So, after I’d breakfasted on a banana (because at the hotel breakfast was €12.00 extra,
- [It's Not Sotiris’, is it?](https://symidream.com/its-not-sotiris-is-it/) - In Horio, as you might know, we have three very good supermarkets. Except they are ‘super markets’, unless, that is, you are an officious holiday rep supervisor who once insisted the rep tell the guests they are ‘mini’ markets. Whatever. One of them, closest to us, is Sotiris’ Super Market, a place known for its
- [Just like Buses](https://symidream.com/just-like-buses/) - As you may know, I spent Monday and part of Tuesday in Rhodes to help H move into his digs for two years at college. In fact, from setting foot on the island to taking foot from it, I was there for 29 hours. In that time, I met five people I knew from Symi
- [Back and Better Tomorrow](https://symidream.com/back-and-better-tomorrow/) - I’m back from 29 hours in Rhodes and I have a couple of stories to tell, but not today as I have other things I must attend to, namely, trying to sort out why my online banking tells me I need to update my details via Taxisnet, yet my details there are already up to
- [Today is Friday](https://symidream.com/today-is-friday/) - It’s one of those days today when I think it isn’t the day it is or I think it’s the day it’s not. Today is Saturday, right? Feels like it should be, maybe because we were in Yialos yesterday, and that’s usually a Friday job. We had business to attend to and nearly completed all
- [Slip Sliding Away](https://symidream.com/slip-sliding-away/) - Good morning. Just one image today, and not much news. The discussion in the café yesterday was about the new marina, as it will one day be, apparently. There’s been work going on opposite the garage at Petini for some time now, and I believe the idea is/was to strengthen the quay or expand it
- [Round Up](https://symidream.com/round-up/) - It’s one of those mornings where nothing springs to mind except: I had something to write about today, and now I can’t remember what it was. So, I’ll just have to let my thoughts wander free. Now, what did I get up to yesterday? Not a great deal. I did some editing in the morning,
- [Wittering](https://symidream.com/wittering/) - You know how it all comes at once… Yesterday was one of those days, what with the electricity bill coming in, our new house contract arriving, the rent going up to 63.5% of my pension income (but at least it will be the same for the next two years), and the website registration up for
- [Party](https://symidream.com/party/) - Here’s a thing. We were invited to a very special birthday party on Friday night, as were about 70 others, by the looks of things. After meeting up at the bar, we went to George & Maria for a meal. Had a lovely time, but I didn’t stay around for long afterwards. Apparently, the party
- [Weekend Gallery](https://symidream.com/weekend-gallery/) - I have scoured my backup files of photos to produce a gallery of ten, which should see us through the weekend. These were taken at different times over the past few years, as you’ll see. I hope you enjoy them. We have a couple of special events to attend this weekend. A birthday party at
- [Symi 85600](https://symidream.com/symi-85600-3/) - Last night, had a brilliant idea of what to write about this morning, and now I've forgotten what that was. So, instead, let me tell you this… Recently, there has been a lot of interest in ‘Symi 85600’. I've had emails from people asking where they can find it, or is there a follow-up, and
- [Not Done Yet](https://symidream.com/not-done-yet/) - I woke up slightly late this morning, and the first thing I had to do? Waterworks, obviously. Not mine, the ones on the bathroom roof. Long story, but I had to reattach the mains feed pipe because, late last night, we heard a strange sound coming from the bathroom, and traced it to the water
- [Water, Water Everywhere](https://symidream.com/water-water-everywhere/) - This great lump of raincloud has just dumped on us, and intends to return throughout the day, so I doubt there will be much beaching today. I have to go out at midday, which, apparently, will be pretty wet too, but it’s only around the corner, and I have Neil’s flippers, or fins as they
- [Sunrises](https://symidream.com/sunrises/) - You’ll be pleased to hear I am wearing trousers. I mention this because Saturday was the first day since May that I put any on. The shorts are consigned to storage for the winter, I’m having to go through the trauma of wearing socks and tying shoelaces instead of sandals, and I have a hoodie
- [Wet and Wellness](https://symidream.com/wet-and-wellness/) - Looks like we’re finishing off the week with rain. It’s still dark outside. I was woken at 5.20 by thunder, which has now stopped, but it’s certainly been raining. According to the Poseidon forecast, it’s going to hang around all day, but not be too severe. We shall see. I had a fun day yesterday.
- [Villa Something](https://symidream.com/villa-something/) - If you wonder why there are hapless people wandering about our village, or yours, paying more attention to the palm of their hands than the way ahead, it’s because of our old friend Google Maps, and our old enemy, Airbnb. This, I have decided, is a dangerous combination. Yesterday, I saw someone wandering aimlessly, looking
- [Three Views](https://symidream.com/three-views/) - Three unrelated photos today, and not much to talk about. The weather has calmed (for a day or two, Friday might be a bit rough), and there is supposed to be a strike but apparently, it’s again illegal, so boats and airport should be working as normal. Up here in the village, life continues as
- [Rain, Siren, a Rose](https://symidream.com/rain-siren-a-rose/) - It’s another shot from the balcony, I’m afraid, but one that was taken just after we had the first teaspoon of rain yesterday morning. There was more to come later in the day, and although not a great deal by Symi winter standards, there was enough to run down the wall and cause a puddle
- [A Kind of Autumn](https://symidream.com/a-kind-of-autumn/) - Good morning, and welcome to the almost end of September. Already? I know! So, what can I be telling you this morning… Well, for those who know him but don't already know, yesterday, the mayor made Hugo an honorary citizen of Symi at a ceremony at the cultural centre in Yialos. As if by happy
- [Looking at the Sky](https://symidream.com/looking-at-the-sky/) - I thought I’d leave you with a sky gallery today. A what? I was looking through an old folder where I stored photos a few years ago, and among them were several shots of the Symi sky in all seasons. So, I thought, before we see the return of the clouds and rain, and while
- [Random](https://symidream.com/random-3/) - Three random photos from the files today. First, our local supermarket, or as they are labelled here in Greece, super market. This is the place to come for fun while shopping. There’s always something inappropriate being talked about, always a cat or two sleeping among the boxes of bin liners and cleaning products, and sometimes,
- [Boats Today](https://symidream.com/boats-today/) - I thought I’d put up some photos of boats today. No reason except we rely on boats ’round these parts because, well, when you live on an island with no airport or bridge to take you to the next piece of land, you have to. Boats are often the topic of conversation at the kafeneion,
- [A Splash of Red](https://symidream.com/a-splash-of-red/) - We had a splash of red in the harbour yesterday as the F/B Ariadne is currently calling in on a Monday. This Super Fast Ferries ferry leaves Piraeus at 18.00 on a Sunday and arrives in Symi at 11.20 the next day, according to their schedule. That’s 17 hours and 20 minutes, at a basic
- [Views](https://symidream.com/views/) - Morning. Let’s start the week with a sunrise. Right, got that out of the way… Actually, that was from a month ago or so, and it’s a Neil photo, but sunrises are still to be had. You can either get up early (around six) to wait for the sunrise, or you can go out late
- [A Friday Gallery](https://symidream.com/a-friday-gallery/) - Well, what can I tell you? Another five days have gone by, we’ve had day trippers, and we’ve not had day trippers (too windy), we’ve had a seal come ashore and taxi boats stay ashore, we’ve had high winds and low, and we’re seeing the September regulars and others coming for what is usually the
- [Rear Window](https://symidream.com/rear-window/) - Woke up feeling cold this morning and had to put a shirt on for the first time in ages. It’s 24° outside (at 6.45) and there’s a breeze, which makes it feel cooler, and the humidity is at 60%, so now you know. There’s not a lot of harbour action going on yet, and it’s
- [Favourites](https://symidream.com/favourites/) - It’s always good to see people writing on social media things like, ‘We’ve booked to come to Symi next year, what restaurants do you recommend?’ But I do wonder about the value of asking such questions. I know, potential visitors are excited and want to have something to look forward to, and want to do
- [A 50/50 Visit](https://symidream.com/a-50-50-visit/) - Hm. That’s my opinion of the new camera so far. I knew it was cheap, but the specs sounded decent enough, and it’s fine for general shots, not that I have taken many so far. Zooming in isn’t so successful, but I've not wrestled with all the settings yet. I will leave that for the
- [Fascinating](https://symidream.com/fascinating/) - You know how you sometimes become fascinated by something? At least, I do, now and then. Well, my mind was recently set to wondering about a boat. This white one you can see in this photo… I noticed it there one day and thought nothing of it, because we get them like this quite a
- [I Mean, Would You?](https://symidream.com/i-mean-would-you/) - Imagine this: You’re at home in your kitchen, pottering around and minding your own, when you hear your patio furniture being moved. You know you're alone, and there’s no-one outside, and yet… Another scrape. Now, I should mention that in this case, the ‘patio’ is actually a flat roof, and you've got a table, two
- [Sub-Idiots](https://symidream.com/sub-idiots/) - I had three today. Three ridiculous attempts to engage me in a conversation about how I might promote my book. All of them clearly generated by an AI, probably in this manner: Idiot spammer sets up AI programme and tells it to go fish for books by [randomly chooses my name from Amazon], and to
- [Random Thoughts](https://symidream.com/random-thoughts-2/) - I meant to say, we went to Georgio’s for our anniversary day lunch, and I mention that because we’re often asked by newcomers where the best place to eat in the village is. We never single out any one place, but say it’s a case of what you are after, and then run off the
- [Waking Up](https://symidream.com/waking-up/) - Thank you to everyone who sent anniversary and birthday wishes (for Neil) yesterday, and happy birthday for yesterday to Claudia and Justine (and my grandfather, who would have been 120 yesterday), and anyone else who does the 8th September. We met up with a few friends in the village square and went to lunch at
- [Early Morning](https://symidream.com/early-morning-2/) - It’s anniversary day in our household today, three of them falling on one day. Other than that, it’s been a quiet weekend with early starts at the desk… Some writing, some plotting, planning and some research too. This morning’s job is to look into the structure of the City of London police as it was
- [Just Some Photos](https://symidream.com/just-some-photos-2/) - Just some photos to round off the week, and some are from much earlier this year, and some are more recent. No theme, just a random collection from my folder. I have no plans for the weekend, just the usual, but who knows? Anything can happen, and there may be something to talk about by
- [To Spend a Wednesday](https://symidream.com/to-spend-a-wednesday/) - ’Twas a very pleasant day yesterday, starting at the desk at 5.30 where, by ten, another chapter had emerged. We took advantage of the water intake and took showers before meeting a godson at 11.45 to head down to Yialos. There, we visited the jewellers to arrange an alteration before heading off on separate missions
- [About AI Spammers](https://symidream.com/about-ai-spammers/) - (Today’s post is shared with my author website, so sorry about that. There will be random photos of Symi to lighten the mood.) Here’s a note for anyone else who might have published a book or two, and it’s about the way scummy scammers are using AI to make money. Here’s the start of an
- [A Fresh Breeze](https://symidream.com/a-fresh-breeze/) - It looks like we are in for a blustery day today. The wind is forecast only to 4 or 5 Bf. Beaufort Force 5 is, apparently, a fresh breeze. The wind will be up to 17 to 21 knots, or 30 to 38 kph or 19 to 24 mph. (I wish it would make up
- [Happy September!](https://symidream.com/happy-september/) - Wasn’t that a fun weekend. Oh. Why? What did you do? Not a lot, to be frank. Wrote a couple of chapters, watched a bit of TV, used buckets of water to flush the loo, listened to the pump going off every 10 minutes, finally turned it off on Sunday afternoon because we’d run out
- [The Illustrated Bench](https://symidream.com/the-illustrated-bench/) - You may remember that a while ago I put up a photo of the graffiti wall, the place opposite the corner shop with some very interesting graffiti on it, medical pictures and all. It has a strange kind of charm about it, knowing that it’s a place where youngsters hang out (near the sweet shop,
- [That Old Devil Called Water](https://symidream.com/that-old-devil-called-water/) - It’s that old devil called water again. Yesterday was water intake day, and because we had run out the day before, it was vital we had a full tank, otherwise, we would be dry until Friday. So, we’re waiting and waiting, and the needle on the meter isn’t going round, and Neil had to go
- [Totally bonkers.](https://symidream.com/totally-bonkers/) - Other things that happened during my week off and since… Let me see… I mentioned the birthday, and if you're on the same social media as us, you will have seen pictures from Harry’s 18th, so that happened. He chose to go to lunch at the Kali Strata Restaurant, where he works in the evenings,
- [A minor Incident](https://symidream.com/a-minor-incident/) - Yesterday, I mentioned a few of the things that had happened last week, one of which was a bush fire. I say ‘bush’ because I’m not sure if a forest was involved. I think not. But there was a small fire on the other side of the island, apparently, just above Moroni Bay. As with
- [Normal Service](https://symidream.com/normal-service/) - After a week of nonsense, we’re back to more nonsense in the usual way as normal service resumes. It’s been quite a week, and I will tell you about it as the days go by. We’ve had all sorts of things happening, including festivals, a big birthday, a bush fire, the biggest tuna salad ever,
- [SV 2025 Part Four](https://symidream.com/sv-2025-part-four/) - To the Beach! It begins the next day when Shirl heads out to find that perfect café beside the sea, where she can sit with the water lapping at her toes to drink a glass of retsina in the tranquillity of a Greek day. Well. What can I tell you? The first beach she comes
- [SV 2025 Part Five](https://symidream.com/sv-2025-part-five/) - The Days Pass Despite the trials of modern travel and modern travellers, Shirl soon finds herself relaxing. This has much to do with a large piece of limestone that has a very ancient story to tell. It does so silently, which, after being a woman alone in Greece for a week, she is happy about.
- [SV 2025 Part Three](https://symidream.com/sv-2025-part-three/) - Arrival And the crossing ends some time later, as the already-red are read the riot act in a virtual rep email and warned to stay out of the sun even though they are on their hollibobs, but it’s too late anyway, and they trapse off with their luggage and vomit-covered children, leaving Shirl to arrive
- [SV 2025 Part One](https://symidream.com/sv-2025-part-one/) - This week will be different. I have a long/short story for you which I will post in instalments day by day. Should you feel the need to share these posts with your friends, real or social-media virtual, feel free. A few of us were chatting recently, and the classic play/film, Shirley Valentine, came under discussion.
- [SV 2025 Part Two](https://symidream.com/sv-2025-part-two/) - Act Two – The New World Shirley steps off the plane and takes her place in a two-hour queue for her EES checks. Thanks to no-farage-on-a-small-boat man, and other self-serving idiots, Shirl, the family from Hull/Hell, and even social media ‘influencers’, must prove they have fingers and a pulse before entering sacred EU land. Those
- [By the Seaside](https://symidream.com/by-the-seaside-2/) - As today is a national holiday, many people will be taking up residence by the seaside, I assume. So, I thought I would look through my folder of photos and see if I could find five different beside-the-sea shots. This should go some way to prove that I do sometimes visit other parts of the
- [Upright Photos](https://symidream.com/upright-photos/) - Upright photos today, from the old collection, so probably taken in the winter. The Kali Strata and one shot that was definitely taken last November, because I remember the walk we were on with the boys. Hopefully, these will set you up for the day. I have a day of editing ahead, interrupted later this
- [Public Holiday Friday](https://symidream.com/public-holiday-friday/) - It looks like I’m having a quiet week this week. Highlights might include collecting Sam’s name day present from the courier and having a final read of my next mystery, which should be back from checking today. Friday is the day the Virgin Mary's body and soul were taken to heaven, so it’s a public
- [Just Oddments](https://symidream.com/just-oddments/) - Just some oddments today. I am working on something for next week, which is taking all of my attention today, so I am being brief. What I have in store will take me another day or so to get right, and over the weekend, I will schedule it all to happen while I am asleep,
- [What do you do in the Winter?](https://symidream.com/what-do-you-do-in-the-winter/) - Yes, this old chestnut again – and yes, we do do chestnuts in the winter, if you can get them. I know it’s August, and 35° out there, you’re keen to be at the beach, or on the patio with a G&T under the parasol, but it’s only 7.00 and it’s cloudy, so you're making
- [Symi Dream Calendar](https://symidream.com/symi-dream-calendar-2/) - I started out putting together next year’s Symi Dream Calendar and ended up with a new-look website. Ah, well, that’s how Thursdays go, I suppose. This was all before nipping downtown, paying my insurance bill (which involved a walk around to the bank where the air conditioning is perfect for dying off after a walk
- [A Kind of Madness](https://symidream.com/a-kind-of-madness/) - I was just hanging around on the street corner, waiting for himself to come out of the shop, when I noticed the late afternoon light. The way it warmed the upper storeys of the houses, and caused long, out of perspective shadows on the walls. It highlighted the mismatch of solid buildings against the organic
- [Last Week Over Time](https://symidream.com/last-week-over-time/) - (Not last week’s overtime.) It’s a late start today thanks to a lovely evening with Jenine, catching up on news and chat while having a Scena pizza delivery, so here’s a quick dive into a folder that is titled, ‘Last week over time’, which gives me a nice collection of memories, including: Having lunch at
- [All Quiet on the Siesta Front.](https://symidream.com/all-quiet-on-the-siesta-front/) - Is it because it’s siesta time that the village square is just about empty of a mid to late afternoon time? It often used to be quiet in July and August, I recall from when I worked there. Yet, it wasn’t always every day. There were many days with most tables full at both bars
- [Festival, Promo, Insurance Tax…](https://symidream.com/festival-promo-insurance-tax/) - A couple of weekend sunrise shots to show you today. One taken from the house, and one from further up in the village. Meanwhile, at night, the Symi Festival continues with more concerts in Yialos, and one later this week in the village square where, on Friday, a young band of Symi musicians will be
- [August Already](https://symidream.com/august-already/) - Kalo mina! First of August and it’s 26° at 6.30, probably the coolest it’s been for ages. I may even have to put a shirt on as there’s a breeze, and it doesn’t feel like a hairdryer this time. As per, there’s not a lot to share as I've not been doing much apart from
- [Work](https://symidream.com/work/) - Yesterday, a barge arrived, accompanied by a tug, and has ended up over in Petini where there is some major work going on along the quay. Such excitement. There’s also work taking place at ‘Council Corner’ on the road up, where a treatment plant is being installed. Recently, we’ve had temperatures of 35° at 6.00
- [When You're Lying Awake](https://symidream.com/when-youre-lying-awake/) - “When you're lying awake with a dismal headache, and repose is taboo'd by anxiety…” I had one of those nights last night, where you wake up for no reason and can’t get back to sleep. Or it may have been early this morning rather than late last night, but annoyingly, when I was awake and
- [Nothing Much, Honestly](https://symidream.com/nothing-much-honestly/) - It’s certainly cooler this morning that it has been of late. The thing in the courtyard reads 27° and 70% humidity. That’s slightly different from last week when we reached 38° in the afternoon in the courtyard. Other people were posting different readings and I’ve seen numbers from 38 to 45, but it all depends
- [Just Another Monday](https://symidream.com/just-another-monday/) - Where I was mildly inspired to write things last week, today I’m not quite awake yet and haven’t much to report. I can tell you the Symi Shrimp Festival night went off well last night, and if you want to enjoy the spectacle and atmosphere, I suggest you have a look at the Symi TV
- [Shady Fun](https://symidream.com/shady-fun/) - This week we’ve had a discussion about day-tripper charges, discovered that the potential fire hazard glass at Panormitis is probably the remains of an old dump, seen sunbeds in the wild, and I’ve had my weekly rant about how AI is already dumbing down human intelligence. (Did you know it is also giving out my
- [When you Can’t Sleep](https://symidream.com/when-you-cant-sleep/) - Don't ask me why I can’t sleep tonight. I went to bed just after eight and was awake again at 00.30. I lay there for an hour, then gave up. So here I am, just me and the night, the fan and the cicadas, a cup of tea and some stray thoughts. At 2.00, I
- [Meanwhile, Elsewhere](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-elsewhere-3/) - I thought: just some photos today. A trip to Pedi in the early morning. Before that, just to point out that yesterday’s post revealed a possible answer. A historic (or an historic) dump, to put it bluntly. Also, to point out, if you read the sentence again, you’ll see I wasn't talking about the boat
- [Another Hot Topic](https://symidream.com/another-hot-topic/) - Here’s a strange thing. A visitor brought this to me the other day, and I am still baffled by it. There’s a section of coastline on the seaward side of the windmill at Panormitis that looks to be covered it flotsam. However, that flotsam is mainly made up of broken glass and crockery, and it
- [The Current Big Debate](https://symidream.com/the-current-big-debate/) - Sunbeds are taking a backseat here on Symi, at the moment, at least. One might say, they have been consigned to the back row of the beach where the cheapest beds lurk, while downstage centre, where you can pay upwards of €25.00 of the right to lie down, a new news story is about to
- [Meanwhile, in the Courtyard](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-in-the-courtyard/) - Despite the temperatures and lack of water, the plants in the courtyard are doing well. Here, for example, is the chili corner. These plants prefer to be in the shade, so they are huddled in the northwest-facing corner beneath the vine. Also faring well are the two roses and some unnamed things, and even the
- [Pure Greed](https://symidream.com/pure-greed/) - Here’s a story which, in my opinion, came about simply because of greed. Once upon a time, somebody thought, ‘I have a spare property. I will do it up and make it a holiday let.’ So, they put in a sink and fridge unit, supplied a bed, and listed it on that website where the
- [Nothing Much](https://symidream.com/nothing-much/) - There’s nothing more exciting than a blank piece of paper, virtual or otherwise, except for today when I have a blank piece of virtual paper and can’t think of anything to write about. I have a subject that came to mind yesterday, but I am in a rush this morning and want to give that
- [Birthdays and Bargains](https://symidream.com/birthdays-and-bargains/) - Had a lovely evening celebrating the godson’s birthday yesterday, even though they were both at work at the time. We managed to see them for half an hour beforehand and were able to hand over a gift. It was a bit of a working gift – new kitchen shoes, but what he wanted, apparently. After
- [Weekend things](https://symidream.com/weekend-things/) - I am just this second back from paying the phone bill. This used to be a case of going down to town, collecting the post, taking it back up the hill, opening it, finding the bill, going back down the next day with the bill, to find the OTE office closed, going home again, going
- [Quick Dip into Rhodes](https://symidream.com/quick-dip-into-rhodes/) - Is it possible to pop over to Rhodes for 3.5 hours? Yes. In fact, I’ve popped over for a shorter time. When collecting my biometric residency card a few years ago, I went on the early Blue Star, came back on the Sebeco and was home before lunch. Yesterday, was more leisurely. I left on
- [Through the Square Window](https://symidream.com/through-the-square-window/) - I’m popping over to Rhodes later this morning, so no doubt, tomorrow’s blog will include some photos of that adventure. I recently had this idea to do one post a day showing the view from my office window, so you could see the change day by day. Then I realised that was totally boring because
- [That Quiet Moment](https://symidream.com/that-quiet-moment/) - You know how it is when you wake up and think, ‘I’ve got nothing to do today, how marvellous… Oh.’ It’s water day, so there’s the washing to do, the plants to water, and I can have a shower, so I best do the exercise routine first, and I’m playing the piano at 11.00, and
- [No Cat Here](https://symidream.com/no-cat-here/) - Now then, may I politely direct you the About page on this website… About. It’s there in the top menu and let’s face it, there aren’t that many menu items. Here’s a summary of the About page: The blog is here to serve my self-publicity as an author. (I sell very few books from here
- [Symi Dream + 1 (A repeat.)](https://symidream.com/symi-dream-1-a-repeat/) - There was some discussion yesterday about that old devil called sunbed. Again. Yawn. I know. It is, however, a popular topic of discussion in all manner of fora, so here we go. Again. A friend who was with us hadn't read the piece I’m about to regurgitate, so, David, here is the piece I was
- [Meanwhile in the Upper Village](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-in-the-upper-village/) - I wonder what percentage of day trippers to the island get to visit the village? Maybe 5% per day? I have no idea. I wonder how many of that, let’s say, 5% do more than sit in the village square, and how many actually find the museum? Fewer will see sights like this: A classic
- [On This Day One Year Ago…](https://symidream.com/on-this-day-one-year-ago/) - Well, I never. I was looking at my photos trying to find inspiration, and the title of a film came to mind, ‘My life in Ruins.’ The film is known as ‘Driving Aphrodite’ in the UK for some reason. Set in and around Athens, it’s a Nia Vardalos rom-com, and cute to watch. It came
- [Bare Cheek if You Ask Me](https://symidream.com/bare-cheek-if-you-ask-me/) - I slept far too well and long last night and have still woken up needing another five minutes. Must be the heat? Then again, it’s not been any different to other years, heat-wise. I was chatting to a neighbour yesterday who was saying she expected the high temperatures to have started weeks ago. It’s usually
- [Things I Hate #1: AI.](https://symidream.com/things-i-hate-1-ai/) - Woke up stuffed up with hay fever. In a grumpy mood, and computer things are trying to take over my life. Sounds like a line spoken by a character who wears a tin foil headpiece and thinks Area 51 is listening in, but it’s actually spoken by me every time I turn on my laptop.
- [Last Day of June](https://symidream.com/last-day-of-june/) - Last day of June, 6.50 am, 27° degrees, 20% humidity. Yesterday afternoon it was 39°, and the ten-degree difference is noticeable. Do you get used to it, you ask? Yes, in time, though the older you get, the more you feel it, and it depends on the humidity. Dry days are easier than humid ones,
- [Random Friday Thoughts](https://symidream.com/random-friday-thoughts/) - Another sighting of the laughing doves yesterday. They were happily investigating the path between the chairs and coming closer, so I could get a better photo on my camera, when this lump of a tourist comes through taking a walk while she’s on the phone and wearing a bathmat or something and scares not only
- [Laughing](https://symidream.com/laughing/) - Thanks to Christine, I believe we have solved the curious incident of the doves in the day-time… What I thought might have been turtle doves turned out to be laughing doves. See this: The neat thing about this is, according to Wikipedia, other names for this dove include the laughing turtle dove, so it could
- [And a Partridge in a…](https://symidream.com/and-a-partridge-in-a/) - They were back again yesterday, the two doves who have taken to wandering through the village square in the afternoon. Seemingly unbothered by the cats and people (until they come too close) this pair are happy to mill around beneath tables and chairs, seeing what’s been left lying around. The thing is, I am sure
- [The Birds and the Sneeze](https://symidream.com/the-birds-and-the-sneeze/) - A bit of a bird day yesterday in that I found two sparrows eating our succulents, and a couple of young doves came to the taverna in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the swallows and suchlike are still whizzing around, I heard the owl in the evening, the chickens continue to fuss around the bins, and the
- [Let's Get On](https://symidream.com/lets-get-on/) - Apart from the mule tethered up the road it’s been a quiet weekend for me. A peaceful time of reading, writing, chatting and doing very little else. In transport news, the bus timetable has changed, and there is now a bus from Yialos every hour, on the hour, from 08.00 until 23.00, except for 15.00
- [Quick End of Week](https://symidream.com/quick-end-of-week/) - House guest day #1. The bother-in-law arrived yesterday evening to stay for a night and a day. (That almost sounds like the magical time period from a fairytale.) He’s off to Tilos this evening, and will be calling back in for a day and a night on Monday. So, you have been warned. We ate
- [Let the Train Take the Strain](https://symidream.com/let-the-train-take-the-strain/) - You either love it or you don't, I suppose. The ‘Noddy’ train that runs between Guadalquivir and old Seville… Oh, no, that’s a Chris de Burgh song (someone else you'll either love or hate, perhaps). The tourist train that runs between the town square and the suburbs of Almost-Nimborio, offering you views along the way.
- [Empty Chairs](https://symidream.com/empty-chairs/) - Let me throw some numbers at you: January-April 2025: 3.2 million international air arrivals, an increase of 197,000 (6.5%) compared to the same period in 2024. Dodecanese: 217,000 arrivals (+6.1%). April 2025: 1.6 million international air arrivals, an increase of 122,000 (8.4%) compared to April 2024. (GTP Headlines and Tornos News.) “Rhodes is among the
- [Garden and Things](https://symidream.com/garden-and-things/) - After the silliness of yesterday’s post, today, something quicker. A ‘garden’ update. We still say, ‘I’m going to water the garden,’ when we don't have one. It’s a courtyard, and we’re off to water the plants, not the concrete, so… The innumerable chili plants are doing well, the second rose is growing, other things are
- [On the Streets of Yialos](https://symidream.com/on-the-streets-of-yialos/) - In which this anonymuncle encounters a horde of brainless rapscallions divested of most clothing and is compelled to put quill to paper with the use of some vulgar tongue. (And some illustrations of quieter times to break up the nonsense.) I was in Yialos on Friday, and although I was only walking from the main
- [Pedi in the Early Morning](https://symidream.com/pedi-in-the-early-morning/) - You have Neil to thank for the gallery of photos today, and what a lovely way to end the week. A walk to Pedi early in the morning, to catch the sun as it came up, a mix of silvery grey and heat, cooled slightly by the sea slurping on the shingle. You can tell
- [A Mozart Morning](https://symidream.com/a-mozart-morning/) - It’s a Mozart morning. I have just put on the clarinet concerto in A major to accompany my random thoughts and photos, and to celebrate three mosquito bites in the last five minutes. It’s that time of year again, with flying things, crawling things, and things that go whir in the night. Or not. I
- [Early](https://symidream.com/early/) - It is 5.30, and my day begins with a pink sky, shimmering water, and the romantic sight of a boat gliding into the harbour. Behind the picture are the calls of cockerels, the onboard announcements, and the waking sparrows. Heading to my desk, I select Debussy from my library and have his music playing as
- [Ramblings](https://symidream.com/ramblings/) - What are we today, Gilbert? Well, today, we are waking up early due to an early night, a fan and a strange dream about the worst opera I have ever seen. Apart from the part where a train came through the audience, it was pretty dire. It had something to do with the fan, I
- [Long Weekend, Food, Books…](https://symidream.com/long-weekend-food-books/) - Yesterday was Pentecost here in Greece, which means a long bank holiday weekend with visitors from all over the country coming to see friends and family, attend church services, and take time out. It has also been a weekend of quiet, calm sunrises in the morning and feasting at sunset in the evening. On Friday,
- [Hearsay, News, and a few Photos](https://symidream.com/hearsay-news-and-a-few-photos/) - Some hearsay, news, and photos. That’s it. A quick note today and I’m off for the weekend. If you are here this weekend, the church of Agia Triada is holding a celebration of its namesake (the Holy Trinity) on Sunday evening at 19.00 with festivities afterwards including music and dancing. This is the church at
- [Teeth, Pi, and Other Matters](https://symidream.com/teeth-pi-and-other-matters/) - A trip to the dentist yesterday meant a brief discussion later about wisdom teeth. I was interested to learn I still had one, and it reminded me of what happened to the other three. One, I had out when I was 17. A friend’s dad worked at Dungeness power station, and he drilled a hole
- [Books & Things](https://symidream.com/books-things/) - What rambles do we have today? What news? Not a great deal, I fancy. Yesterday was a quiet day at home for me, with time to start on a new story. I’ve been hanging around since the end of the last one, not being sure what the next subject is, and so I thought I’d
- [A Little Shaky](https://symidream.com/a-little-shaky/) - Well, yesterday was a varied day for sure. After reading some newspapers from 1893, and searching out ballooning accidents and related crimes, I took a walk up to the top of the village and down the road. All very civilised and peaceful. After lunch, the piano lesson went very well, I am pleased to say,
- [Here we go Again](https://symidream.com/here-we-go-again/) - Finally, it’s starting to look more like early summer. Friday was amusing. My forecast said a slight chance of 0.5mm of rain at nine o’clock in the evening. What did we get? A massive thunderstorm at 17.00. Routers and computers unplugged, towels down… At least it washed away some of the Sahara that had settled
- [Well, It’s Not Like It Was in My Day](https://symidream.com/well-its-not-like-it-was-in-my-day/) - A holiday has been ruined by a sunbed. Apparently. We were talking about this yesterday, and I was hearing stories of how people’s visits to Symi have been ruined by a few things. Well, one thing, manly, it seems. By progress. Yes, I too dislike the idea that those with enough money to buy a
- [The Courtyard at the End of the Island](https://symidream.com/the-courtyard-at-the-end-of-the-island/) - Actually, two courtyards and a place to sit. It was a day for doing the ‘garden’ yesterday. Not for me, but for Neil who set about replanting the orange rose, weeding the pots and tidying up our courtyard, and this was the end result. Taken with a wide-angle lens by the looks. Only the other
- [Too Many Legs](https://symidream.com/too-many-legs/) - Yesterday was a wild one with the wind howling all day bringing the temperature down to 20° and making it feel like autumn, the shutters were closed making the house dark, and the ones that were open were rattling, as was the glass in some windows. In the afternoon and evening, the square was deserted
- [Snippets](https://symidream.com/snippets-2/) - The news from our part of the world today… I heard on the grapevine that the excursion boat, Maria, is making its first trip of the season on the 31st. I’m sure this is right, but please check in with the boat at the harbour to make sure, as this info was plucked from the
- [Friday to Monday](https://symidream.com/friday-to-monday/) - That was the weekend that was, and it started on Friday when I went down to Yialos and had three fillings done. We have two dentists here, both wonderful, kind and quick. Inquisitive visitors are always surprised at the prices too, particularly when compared to the UK. After that, I called into ACS to collect
- [Achievements](https://symidream.com/achievements/) - Massive achievements yesterday: buying and fitting a new shower head… er… Think that was about it… Oh, no, there’s more. Spotted the first large cruise ship of the year hanging around and spending some time in the harbour before leaving again. Organised my proofreader, sent a message to my cover designer, commissioned an illustration from
- [Blah Blah](https://symidream.com/blah-blah/) - The joy of language. Recently, I ordered some electrolytes from Skroutz.gr, which isn’t a shop itself, as such, but links you to loads of Greek and European online outlets, and often, things are cheaper than you can find on the island. Anyway… these ended up coming from Poland. At least, the writing on the tube
- [Finding a Way…](https://symidream.com/finding-a-way-2/) - Yesterday was a varied one spent trying to finish a first draft and dithering about the ending, taking a walk around the lanes to clear the head (unsuccessfully), fiddling with some new technology in the afternoon to bring my book covers to life (that’s weird, see below), and then, rounding it all off with a
- [On the Move](https://symidream.com/on-the-move/) - Things are on the move again, by which I mean, I heard that some of the taxi boats have started going out, but to where and when, I can’t tell you. Late morning, I believe. ‘Late’ for me being ten or eleven. There’s a new bus timetable up too, though how ‘new’ I can’t say.
- [Monday](https://symidream.com/monday-6/) - I seem to have entered a phase of quietness on the ‘news’ front. A lot of staying at home working on the next book, and seeing friends in the late afternoon, and that’s about it. I can tell you the dust cloud has moved on, the sun is back and it’s getting warmer by the
- [End of the Week](https://symidream.com/end-of-the-week-4/) - We’re heading into a day of planned power cuts and high winds with boat disruption thrown in for good measure. I’m planning to stay in, keep warm and remain un-windblown, if there is such a word. I’ll have four hours on the laptop battery if needed, I've a book draft to read and edit, and
- [Wind & Warnings](https://symidream.com/wind-warnings/) - I’m expecting to suffer from wind. I had it yesterday, and tomorrow will be worse, but so far today, things are calm. There’s been a warning that high winds tomorrow have already stopped the Sebeco and Dodekanisos boats, so they won’t be sailing (unless things change). If you’re intending to come to or from Rhodes
- [News, Wandering, and Sofa so Good](https://symidream.com/news-wandering-and-sofa-so-good/) - A couple of parish news items to get out of the way first. The new Poseidon is starting its trips around the island on Thursday, I believe. You will be able to find the details in Yialos along the harbour front where the taxi and other pleasure boats are moored. We’re having some maintenance work
- [Colours and Change](https://symidream.com/colours-and-change/) - I’ve heard a few people recently commenting on how colourful the island is at the moment, plant-wise, that is. It’s probably because we had a fair amount of rain, and it’s not yet been too hot. Because Easter was early, it feels like we should be in full season swing by now, and you have
- [Whether](https://symidream.com/whether/) - Windy, cloudy, sunny, a bit of everything apart from rain over the weekend, and this morning looks to be the same; grey, windy on this side of the hill and with a slight chill. That’s the weather. As for whether the wethered wether will weather this weather, well, that’s a different story. (Isn’t the language
- [Into the Weekend](https://symidream.com/into-the-weekend-2/) - I suppose yesterday’s highlight was seeing the fighter jets going overhead during the May 8th parade, the helicopters landing and taking off, and seeing a police motorbike on the island. At least, they were the highlights for our godson. For me, it was the story he told of seeing the cavalcade of officialdom in their
- [May 8th](https://symidream.com/may-8th-2/) - Today is May the 8th, but you don't need me to tell you that. You also don't need me to tell you why there is a parade in Yialos today, and a service at the church, or the history of this date, because a historian would tell you better and more accurate information, but in
- [That Old Devil Called Sunbed](https://symidream.com/that-old-devil-called-sunbed/) - It’s sunbed and day trip question season again on some social media, so let’s put the Q&A to (sun) bed. Yes, there are beaches on Symi, yes, they have sunbeds, no, they are not likely to be free. Do you have time to visit the beaches and ‘coves’ when on a day trip? That depends.
- [Spam, Plants and Double Dots](https://symidream.com/spam-plants-and-double-dots/) - In the emails today… A chance to enter the KDP Storyteller Award, a message from my cover designer who was charged €12.00 for receiving a payment from me – daylight robbery as I was charged €5.00 to send it, some messages I was expecting (i.e., ‘Your money has been sent’), and the usual spam. Which
- [Famous Last Words](https://symidream.com/famous-last-words/) - Just a quick chat this morning, and a couple of photos to welcome you to the week. One, Neil took just now from up on the roof, and the other, I took over the weekend when I was bothered enough to go for a wander along the hillside. It’s a fine time for walking because
- [Drying Off](https://symidream.com/drying-off/) - The furthest I went from the inside of the house yesterday was across the courtyard to the gate, and even then, I needed an umbrella. Today, it looks like the rain that’s sat over us for the last two days has moved on, and the skies should be clear again later in the morning. It’s
- [It May Rain](https://symidream.com/it-may-rain/) - Happy first of the month to you, kalo mina, and all that. May is being welcomed in with rain that started yesterday around midday, and is still going on. According to the Poseidon System, it’s going to be with us until this evening, so those plants I showed you are in for a good, long
- [Spring in the Courtyard](https://symidream.com/spring-in-the-courtyard/) - Not something I do often, spring in the courtyard, I’m usually passing through it, or putting out the washing – or bringing it in as we’ll have to do later if the predicted rain appears. What I was trying to do was introduce you to some of the spring events taking place in the pots.
- [Building Work](https://symidream.com/building-work/) - The other day, there was some chatter on the wire about building work on the island and whether it would spoil a holiday. Fair question if you don’t know that place well or have heard a rumour and want confirmation. The thing is, there’s always some kind of work going on somewhere, so it’s hard
- [A Varied Weekend](https://symidream.com/a-varied-weekend/) - Another week begins and follows a weekend that for me included taking a walk (wearing shorts for only the second time this year), spring cleaning parts of the house (though Neil did most of the hard work), being taken out to dinner, writing, of course, and enjoying some calm and warm weather. While working, I
- [Visitors](https://symidream.com/visitors/) - It seems strange that people who have been here for a break are already leaving, but that’s the way it goes when Easters collide. A rise in visitors for a week, and then a lull until the more usually holiday months: May/June for the northern Europeans, July/August for those from the south, September/October for those
- [Complete Randomness](https://symidream.com/complete-randomness/) - Complete randomness this morning, after waking up with a song in my head that won’t go away. We watched a film last night and part of the musical soundtrack sounded a little like a couple of bars from a song in Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd’, so guess what? I woke up at 4.45 with the whole
- [Dusty](https://symidream.com/dusty/) - Yesterday was a strange weather day; cloudy, a little cold when the breeze was up, sunny, warm, then repeat in uneven measures. We were also covered by a dust cloud, as we still are. If you want to keep an eye on that and the weather over Greece, I recommend https://poseidon.hcmr.gr/ Click on the weather
- [Chocolate](https://symidream.com/chocolate/) - Well, I was going to share some photos of feasting, festivities and fun but for some reason, my photos haven’t uploaded to the place I usually find them, and I can’t get them off my phone and onto the laptop, so that will have to wait. Instead, I can tell you that, in our house,
- [Easter Weekend](https://symidream.com/easter-weekend-3/) - I’m going to leave you until Tuesday, so here are a few photos to take you over the Easter weekend. Good Friday has started, as it always does, quietly, because no work is allowed (except at my desk where I have chapter eight to quietly type up). If I am awake for the celebrations over
- [Sunny](https://symidream.com/sunny/) - It looks to be another warm and sunny day this Easter Thursday. In a rare moment of ‘could be bothered’, we called down to Yialos yesterday evening, so we were able to view the harbour in its own particular pre-sunset light. The buildings take on a warm glow at that time of day, and the
- [Enjoy the Green](https://symidream.com/enjoy-the-green/) - Everywhere is so green at the moment. There are poppies among the Marguerite daisies, the hillsides are covered with herbs and shrubs, and the valley if lush with grass. Yesterday, I put on a pair of shorts and went for a walk, so there was some white among the green. Eek. I also wrote more
- [A Couple of Accidents](https://symidream.com/a-couple-of-accidents/) - How about this for accidental timing? The Harland & Wolff Shipyard that has been our kitchen table for the last three months, finally closed last night after successful completion of the Titanic by a 17-year-old shipbuilder. This, quite by accident, coincided with the 113th anniversary of the ship’s accidental sinking on April 14th, 1912. (Struck
- [Weatherly ups and Downs](https://symidream.com/weatherly-ups-and-downs/) - It was a menopausal weekend: jumpers on, jumpers off, shutters open, shutters closed, umbrella? No umbrella. Towels down, up, water plants? No need… and so on until this morning when the wind has dropped, the clouds have gone and, allegedly, there will be no more rain until the next time. It’s Easter Week. The Friday
- [Another Success](https://symidream.com/another-success/) - One successful day follows another! The new television arrived on Monday, but Tuesday was too wet to go out and collect it and we were away on Wednesday, so yesterday it was. A march down to town, a few shopping things attended to and a visit to the courier was followed by a taxi home
- [A Rhodian Success](https://symidream.com/a-rhodian-success/) - Yesterday was one of those days that went well. Despite the roaring wind and cold blasts, we were up at four and out of the house by ten past five to walk down to the harbour. The Blue Star was only a few minutes late, but Neil decided the day was going to be a
- [New Books to Read](https://symidream.com/new-books-to-read/) - As I am not here, I thought I’d leave you with this list of promotions. You've seen them before: no cost to you unless you want to buy a paperback, a Kindle or add a book to your Kindle Unlimited, but good exposure for indie authors, myself included. If you see a genre you like,
- [Memories](https://symidream.com/memories/) - One of the things about having apps and galleries that supply you with memories is that they also sometimes supply you with ‘This day two years ago…’ type stuff. Well, today, I have news that two years ago I was in Prague on a culture tour with Godson #2, and, having seen the cathedral of
- [That was the wet weekend that was](https://symidream.com/that-was-the-wet-weekend-that-was/) - Actually, it wasn't all wet, it was a case of rain one minute and sunshine the next. I’ve always said April weather can be changeable, and it’s certainly been that this year, as was March. There’s more rain to come, apparently, and it’ll be colder, but then warmer, then cloudy, windy… You know how it
- [This ‘n’ That ‘News’](https://symidream.com/this-n-that-news/) - It looks like it’s going to be another calm and sunny day today, so there should be no trouble with boats and such like. Talking of which, we’re off to Rhodes again next week so Neil can get paperwork for work, we can pick up some framing and other things, and that will be on
- [A Room with one View](https://symidream.com/a-room-with-one-view/) - It’s all rather lovely in the office this morning, as the weather has cleared, the view is delightful and sunny… …and I have Debussy playing on my new speaker. I will turn that off when I start to write the rest of chapter one of ‘Holywell Street’ as the next mystery is currently titled. Yesterday’s
- [After the Storms](https://symidream.com/after-the-storms/) - If you follow Greek news sites or TV, you might have seen the state of some nearby islands over the last couple of days. As I mentioned yesterday, the weather was foul for a while, with warnings arriving by phone, travel cancelations, floods… The whole kit and kaboodle of kakokairia hit across the country with
- [Not an April Fools](https://symidream.com/not-an-april-fools/) - Here, it’s been a little stormy these past few days while in other parts of Greece, mainly the Cyclades… I saw some of the news last night with videos of cars being washed down streets, rivers of mud-coloured water across Mykonos, Paros and over in Patmos, where they must have had masses of rain. There
- [Weekend](https://symidream.com/weekend-3/) - Here I am back at the desk after a long weekend. It started on Thursday when Harry wired up my new Bluetooth speaker to the TV. Now, we have to rewatch every film we’ve ever watched because they all sound so different. Then, on Friday, we spent the day in Rhodes as did half of
- [A Busy Day](https://symidream.com/a-busy-day/) - Well, yesterday was a fun and busy day. I took the whole day off, as you may have noticed, and spent it firstly at home doing little but unwrapping a very special gift (a Bluetooth speaker) and signing up for Spotify so I can use it. Then, the afternoon with the boys and their mum
- [March 25th](https://symidream.com/march-25th/) - The harbour will look different today as the school and military parade to celebrate Independence Day. This will be happening across all of Greece of course. Last night was the celebration of Evangalismos, and the harbour was lined with lanterns – see the Symi Dream Facebook page or go direct to Symi TV to see
- [What I’m Doing](https://symidream.com/what-im-doing/) - I was sitting here going through my emails and was delighted to see the final proof and layout of the next book is in, and I was thinking… ‘There’s something I should be doing…’ So, here I am, a little late because I completely forgot about doing this and have no idea what to put
- [A Quick Stop](https://symidream.com/a-quick-stop/) - I’m a little out of kilter today, so I’ll not be staying long. My editing has been put back by two days because we got stuck in Rhodes due to gales, and I have promised to get the MS to the formatting team by Monday. So… Anyway… We got to Rhodes a little late but
- [Boats, Ships and Chips](https://symidream.com/boats-ships-and-chips/) - We’re keeping an eye on the weather today, the wind in particular. I don't think it will be a problem, but it’s forecast to reach 7/8Bf tomorrow at around the time we’re due to come back from Rhodes. I don’t mind a rough crossing but what you don't want is to be told at five
- [Beyond the Barricade](https://symidream.com/beyond-the-barricade/) - I don’t know about you, but we passed a quiet weekend, mainly at home where I got some work done, watched some films, and put my back out. We popped out on Saturday and, for the first time this year, sat outside the café until after dark. It was a warm weekend with temperatures reported
- [End of Week Photos](https://symidream.com/end-of-week-photos/) - A few random photos to end the week, starting with one taken just now as the Friday Blue Star was coming in. The weather’s calmer today, after some wind and cloud yesterday, and apparently, it’s set to get colder again, having been warm for a while. Still dry though and there are already BBQ bans
- [Polari Pie](https://symidream.com/polari-pie/) - News of the day? Not much, really. Last night, I made a cottage pie, as opposed to a shepherd’s pie because of the kind of meat involved. It’s interesting how a cottage pie is made with beef and in gay polari* a ‘cottage’ is a public toilet. Ponder that for a second. I don’t think
- [Spring Cleaning](https://symidream.com/spring-cleaning/) - The spring cleaning has begun – at home, I mean. The idea is to thoroughly do one or two rooms each week, starting, this week, with what we call the laundry room. We have a wardrobe in there, and the original idea was, we stored the winter clothes in it in the summer and the
- [Chat](https://symidream.com/chat/) - As usual, I had a good idea of what to write about, last night, but have now completely forgotten what that was. I could tell you about my dream where I lost my cello on a flight from somewhere to somewhere else, but that’s not very exciting. What’s more entertaining is that, when leaving the
- [Spring is Springing](https://symidream.com/spring-is-springing/) - I’d say spring is springing, or has sprung, or is about to spring a surprise, because I took a quick walk yesterday through greenery, as you’ll see from the photos. That was on Sunday morning after I finished the almost last draft of my next mystery, ‘Acts of Faith,’ which Neil is now reading, and
- [Round the Back](https://symidream.com/round-the-back/) - I’m just sharing a few photos today which Neil took yesterday when he was out and about. As you can see, the new road surface is well underway, as mentioned yesterday. There are also a couple of shots taken from that end of the lane which overlooks the upper side of the village one way
- [Paths and Things](https://symidream.com/paths-and-things/) - Here’s a photo of the house I was talking about yesterday. I took a few snaps coming up the steps that day, and this was the last one I took before turning right and entering Chickenland, never to be seen again… It looks like today is going to be another sunny and calm day, though
- [The Path Less Trod](https://symidream.com/the-path-less-trod/) - The other day I took a walk down to the harbour using the usual route (Kali Strata) and walked back up via the road. This is a pleasant, gradual climb, though you do have to negotiate trees in the middle of the path and cross the road on the big corner which can be a
- [The Ship and Chopin](https://symidream.com/the-ship-and-chopin/) - Here’s a question many people ask when visiting in the summer: Does everywhere stay open in the winter? The answer is, no, not everywhere, because some businesses are summer enterprises only (beach tavernas, boat hire, water taxis, some souvenir shops, etc.). Essential businesses remain open, of course, banks, pharmacies, health clinic, town hall, etc., and
- [Carnival](https://symidream.com/carnival/) - It was carnival weekend in Greece, and Symi held an all-day celebration in the harbour, with, it looked like, Disco as the theme. Lots of youngsters dressed as disco divas and John Travoltas, music from that era, belly dancing, and later, fireworks. There are some videos courtesy of Symi TV over on the Symi Dream
- [Ahha! Photos.](https://symidream.com/ahha-photos/) - Today, I can show you a couple of the photos I was talking about yesterday but couldn't reach because of the internet thing. It’s fine today (150 Mbs), so I don't know why it was so slow yesterday. However, the image you see here of the blue sky… well, you can’t actually see that this
- [Unconnected Thoughts](https://symidream.com/unconnected-thoughts/) - Looks like another clear and calm day today, like yesterday when I managed to escape the house and nip down to the harbour. I came back up via a faster but more tortuous route, turning right near the bottom of the Kali Strata and heading more or less vertically upwards to the chicken slope (near
- [Why is there always only one?](https://symidream.com/why-is-there-always-only-one/) - You’re going to have to make do with a lesser service today. I store my photos on OneDrive and download those I think the least uninteresting as I need them and post them, but today, I have a ‘Network error when attempting to fetch resource.’ In other words, something’s gone wrong up there, and I
- [Rolling Backwards](https://symidream.com/rolling-backwards/) - This morning, I am not sure if I have been hit with a cold or the cold: forehead ache, badly behaving nose… It may clear when the house gets above 4 degrees, if it does. Whatever it does, I am working backwards this morning, starting with yesterday’s progress report from Harland and Wolff. It may
- [Briefly Back](https://symidream.com/briefly-back/) - Well, I am back to it after two weeks away visiting family, resting the withered arm, and spending money we don’t have. How long I will be here for remains to be seen, but today, I am coming to you live from the kitchen, because it’s not worth trying to heat the other part of
- [And Rest…](https://symidream.com/and-rest/) - Another chilly day today, but not as windy, so hopefully, we won’t have to have all heaters running all day, and we might be able to open shutters later and air the house. Meanwhile, the dehumidifier is running to draw the damp from the bedroom, but the bathroom is a lost cause. Well, it’s not,
- [Something of a Chill](https://symidream.com/something-of-a-chill/) - I’m coming to you today wearing three jumpers, with both heaters on, and a hole in the sitting room window. It’s still rather blowy out there, so much so, it blew off part of the frame around the ox-eye, allowing the north wind to come straight in. Later, we’ve got the unenviable task of getting
- [Weather](https://symidream.com/weather/) - Just a quick update today, and mainly about the weather, and because I got up very late (for me), because I didn’t want to leave the warmth of a duvet, quilt, and two blankets, which is kind of what we need in the middle of winter. At least we’re not rushing to catch a 4.30
- [Another Pleasant Day](https://symidream.com/another-pleasant-day/) - Another pleasant day yesterday, though still with a chill in the air, and damp around the place. After work, I took a walk down to the main road and back up it, had a look at the new treatment plant, which is coming on, wandered home again, made lunch, did the piano thing, and made
- [Symi on TV](https://symidream.com/symi-on-tv/) - Isn’t it odd how the power of television still grabs? We walked into Rainbow last night to discover Symi on the TV. Actually, as we arrived, it was Takis on TV showing his incredible leather work. Later, we had a guided tour of Yialos, a quick foray into Horio, a drive across the island to
- [Rain Again and Train](https://symidream.com/rain-again-and-train/) - Yesterday was a fun day. Despite waking up at 4.30 like the good old days, I was bright and dandy in the morning and managed to get a few thousand words written for the next Delamere book. I am currently tied up in a mystery to which I know the ending, but not the path
- [Symi in Spring](https://symidream.com/symi-in-spring/) - Three photos today to show Symi in spring: The clear blue sky and sea, the abundance of green, and the dampness of the stone. Damp is an issue in winter and this year seems to be the dampest I can remember. For the first time in ten years we’ve had trouble with black mould in
- [Unexpected](https://symidream.com/unexpected/) - Let’s start today of with an unexpected photo of Yiannis doing some wiring work in the bar on a January evening. I think he was tidying up the internet line to the modem. This, a few years ago, would have been an unheard-of sight – a modem in the Rainbow Bar I mean. Not so
- [Finishing the Weekend](https://symidream.com/finishing-the-weekend/) - Continuing the brief chat about the weekend… The Rhodes boat on a Friday may as well be called the Symi boat as half the island seems to pop across that day. Mind you, it’s a decent sailing time (08.45) whereas the others are much earlier. It also means you see a fair few familiar faces
- [An Interesting Three Days](https://symidream.com/an-interesting-three-days/) - Well, that was an interesting three days. I’ll drop in the details during the week, but the weekend included boats, lots of walking, cracking joints, a cracking lunch, good fun, a certain amount of money, frustration, laughter, good food, good company, and now, is being rounded off by a bad back and a nice cup
- [Four-Day Week](https://symidream.com/four-day-week-2/) - As previously announced in Parish News, I will be in Rhodes tomorrow with a list of things to do and find. These include all sorts of things from aftershave to osteopath, and from Perio Guard to a new laptop, so it should be an interesting day. Here’s hoping the rain holds off because yesterday was
- [Wet & Walking](https://symidream.com/wet-walking/) - As you can see, it’s not all sunshine in the Southern Aegean. In fact, it’s raining this morning, and it looks like it will be here all day. It was cloudy yesterday and a little drizzly at times, and there was an earthquake near Lesvos, not that that has anything to do with the weather.
- [The Journey’s the Thing](https://symidream.com/the-journeys-the-thing/) - I’m hoping to bring you news from Harland & Wolfe in a short while; I am just waiting for the photos to upload after changing a setting on my phone which had become unset somehow, so my gallery wasn't communicating with the cloud where I keep the images before sending them to the laptop and…
- [Four Day Week](https://symidream.com/four-day-week/) - I mention this only to give you fair warning that I am on a four-day week this week. What that means is I am going to Rhodes on Friday, so I won’t be here to bring you up-to-date news on very little as I usually do. Before then, though, I can bring you some of
- [Aye-Aye, I Ate AI (get it?)](https://symidream.com/aye-aye-i-ate-ai-get-it/) - Select the icon – or press (something or other) for… There’s some new AI thing that’s just appeared on my Word screen as soon as I open a blank page. Didn't ask for it, don't want anything to do with ‘creative’ AI, doubt I shall use it, and I am already sick of AI generated…
- [Rainbows and Relaxation](https://symidream.com/rainbows-and-relaxation/) - Yesterday was a mixed bag. Writing and rain in the morning, followed by rainbows and relaxation, followed by music and mayhem. Let me explain… I am just over 30,000 words into my next Delamere Files mystery, book number eight in the series, so I spent the first part of the morning writing and researching… Here’s
- [Symi, Stones and Seats](https://symidream.com/symi-stones-and-seats/) - There’s not a huge amount going on, for me, up here, at the moment. January is a quiet month all round. Except for those who work in the necessary industries and shops who keep going all year round. I’m always very impressed with the guys who empty the bins and clear up the bin-store areas.
- [An Odd Collection of Notes](https://symidream.com/an-odd-collection-of-notes/) - Well, here’s an odd collection of notes. Yesterday, after piano, Harry and I met Steve, and we walked up to his house where he has a recording studio. Very generously, he spent over an hour showing us around his recording software, letting H record a few bars and see how you can layer instruments, record,
- [What do you do in the Winter? (Again.)](https://symidream.com/what-do-you-do-in-the-winter-again/) - It’s been a weekend of various activities, including, taking a walk around the village on a sunny afternoon, playing cards, writing, of course, putting the washing out, bringing the washing in, putting the washing out, making plans for a possible winter trip at the end of the year, and carrying furniture around the village after
- [End of the Week](https://symidream.com/end-of-the-week-3/) - I have a quiet weekend planned. That is, a weekend where, apart from a few odd jobs, I have nothing to do. Next week is a little busier, and I will report on that as and when. Today, there’s not a lot to tell you. The Blue Star has just come in on its way
- [Early Morning](https://symidream.com/early-morning/) - An early night led to a very early morning made more confusing because, when I gave in and got up at around 3.00, I sat in the living room reading for what I thought was an hour, only to discover it was still only 3.15. Then, I come in here to get this done and
- [Patties, Clouds and Trains](https://symidream.com/patties-clouds-and-trains/) - We had a productive day up here yesterday. The other day I rashly suggested I might make some spicy beef patties if Neil would make the pastry because he’s good at that and I'm not. So, yesterday, he reminded me of this and after the morning’s work was over, we took to the kitchen for
- [31st March 1909](https://symidream.com/31st-march-1909/) - It was on that date (31st March 1909) that the Titanic’s keel was laid down in the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast (slip 3). Monday, 6th January 2025, the same thing happened in our kitchen. The winter build project has begun. Yesterday afternoon was great fun. A piano lesson where we started on two
- [Starting the New Year](https://symidream.com/starting-the-new-year/) - By the time you read this, it will be Epiphany, and the New Year will be well underway. Today, young men will be diving into the waters to retrieve the cross, there will be church services, and the waters will be blessed according to tradition. Meanwhile, up here, I shall be working on a new
- [I’m Saying it Now…](https://symidream.com/im-saying-it-now/) - … because I won't be saying it then. I’m taking some time off from the blog(s) and books to put my feet up more than usual and have a fun Christmas time. This fun will start on Monday, if not sooner, as on Monday, we’re going to the Christmas carols and sing-a-long at Scena. Dawn
- [Preparing](https://symidream.com/preparing/) - At last, I have some out-and-about photos to share with you today and tomorrow. After that, I shall be taking some days off over Christmas, though I might pop in to share some of the festivities before returning in the New Year. Before putting those images up, I need to let you know that the
- [Meanwhile, on Wednesday…](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-on-wednesday/) - The path to Christmas is paved with good intentions. Last night we went to Jenine’s house to play cards, hang out, and have hot dogs. Much fun was also had. The nice thing about such an evening is that the venue is downhill, until you come to go home when it is uphill but, by
- [One Either Side the River Lie…](https://symidream.com/one-either-side-the-river-lie/) - There are two things I need to do. One, is to start getting up earlier and doing the blog before half past eight in the morning, and the second is to start reading things properly. I’ve started getting up later in the morning than I used to and I’m quite enjoying it. It’s mainly because
- [All Quiet.](https://symidream.com/all-quiet/) - All quiet. Fireworks to open the Christmas festivities in Yialos over the weekend, a mild thunderstorm last night, nothing too heavy, no reason to go very far from home, got some films watched, did some work on the book, had a day off. That’s about my weekend summed up. As for my week ahead. Today,
- [Things to Do](https://symidream.com/things-to-do-3/) - I have one of those mornings with bits and pieces to see to. First, after this, I must take photos of the house for the landlord’s estate agent, because, the landlord says the agent can't make it across from Rhodes to actually see the property for valuation, so would I mind terribly…? Not at all,
- [Omelettes and Fairy Lights](https://symidream.com/omelettes-and-fairy-lights/) - A trip to the local is never guaranteed to be a straightforward affair. We popped out last night to have a quick drink before supper, only to have supper turn up unexpectedly in the form of a chip omelette made and served by your friendly neighbourhood barman. Well, I’m not saying no, and very nice
- [In Brief](https://symidream.com/in-brief-2/) - Just a brief chat this morning because I woke up late. Unheard of. I had such a good sleep, I feel like I'm still there, and it has nothing to do with calling into the Rainbow last night to deliver a card. Here are your season’s greetings from Yiannis Christmas. I had a delivery arrive
- [Weekend Gone, Week Ahead](https://symidream.com/weekend-gone-week-ahead/) - Grey, warm and wet, just about sums up the weekend over here. Grey the skies, warm the air (between 10° and 16°), and wet everything else. Quiet the seas, in hiding the cats, sofa-bound was I, but some exercise was had. I have this app that sets me the hideously embarrassing challenge of a ten-minute
- [Blue Sky](https://symidream.com/blue-sky/) - The weather’s being a little kinder to us today, with hardly a cloud in the sky and no wind. Finally, the washing can go out, and we can move on down the pile. I can keep my shutters open, turn my head, and see the helipad across the harbour – why, I can even see
- [Out for Delivery](https://symidream.com/out-for-delivery/) - As you can see, a cloudy start to today. For the first time since whenever, I have a day with nothing in my diary, nothing in the typewriter, and nothing much to do around the house. That’s because I've finished the latest MS and sent it off to be proofread, so I can't work on
- [Trees ‘n’ Things](https://symidream.com/trees-n-things/) - Things around here are starting to get festive. There’s the Christmas tree in the Rainbow bar and the lights around the village, and now, we have splashed out on a new tree too. For years we were dealing with one we’d had since before 2007. I know this because on New Year’s Eve that year
- [Some Sights](https://symidream.com/some-sights/) - Much inspired by our new Christmas tree, Yiannis at the Rainbow Bar has invested in one of his own. Calling into the corner shop last night, I was as impressed as always with the Wonder Wall; the place where any child of any age is able to pass by and add their contribution to modern
- [Last Week in Rhodes, Part Two](https://symidream.com/last-week-in-rhodes-part-two/) - The thrilling saga continues… I went out to eat on Monday night, over the road to the Wok and Roll. (See what they did there?) I’m not usually one of those who share photos of their noodles and things, so I shan’t, but I had Singapore noodles for my supper, and very nice they were
- [Last Week in Rhodes, Part One](https://symidream.com/last-week-in-rhodes-part-one/) - Here I am, back after my week off. The reason I was away all week was because Neil was coming back from Scotland and was due to land around midnight on Tuesday. We’d booked the Castellum for Tuesday to Friday, and it occurred to me that I might as well use the room on the
- [Photos to Keep You Occupied](https://symidream.com/photos-to-keep-you-occupied/) - In the name of being organised, I’m writing this yesterday so when I wake tomorrow, I can launch straight into finishing my first draft. The aim is to complete it by Monday and take it to Rhodes with me to start rereading and editing, although I have been doing a lot of that already. As
- [A Question of Timing](https://symidream.com/a-question-of-timing/) - Well, that was a day, that was. I didn't go to Yialos in the end because there was a general strike, and I joined the picket line by staying at home and working. I have almost finished a first draft, just a couple of chapters away, and I have set aside Friday to Sunday to
- [Pie & Mash and Other Things](https://symidream.com/pie-mash-and-other-things/) - Something random today photo-wise. Yesterday, in much better weather conditions, I got some writing done, did some housework, and went for my physio which is helping immensely. I treated myself to a walk in the afternoon, before settling in for more ‘Treasure Hunt’ and 'University Challenge,’ and similar. Today, I have a music book to
- [A Bit of a Bang](https://symidream.com/a-bit-of-a-bang/) - Right, I can get back to normal now. We had a storm pass over us on Saturday/Sunday, with the worst of it on Sunday morning. Usually when we hear thunder coming closer, we ‘unplug’, as in, ‘Let’s unplug,’ which isn’t as rude as it might sound. Out come the telephone cable from the wall, the
- [Random Rain](https://symidream.com/random-rain/) - That washed away some dust. We’ve just had a fly past by a heavy downpour and an attention-seeking thunderstorm that had me rushing to unplug everything and close some shutters at six in the morning. I was too late in a couple of places, so there are now some wet towels to dry when the
- [Can you hear me?](https://symidream.com/can-you-hear-me/) - I suffered one of those embarrassing moments yesterday when I completely forgot I had an online meeting. Neil left in the morning to head to Rhodes (with everyone else on the island judging from the line of cars queuing to get on the boat), and I got on with some work. Later, I had a
- [Quick Chat](https://symidream.com/quick-chat/) - Some village photos today as I am in something of a rush. Well, as much of a rush as anything around here is rushed. Neil’s off on his travels in a minute, I have some small jobs that must be done ahead of an appointment at 11.00 and another none at 13.00 (online) when I
- [Owl, Ghost, Scotland, Mozart](https://symidream.com/owl-ghost-scotland-mozart/) - The owl was with us again yesterday, this time at around 13.00 and closer to the house than before. The photos again aren’t great, because I currently only have my phone, but if you look closely, you can see him on one of the metal rods that are meant to support a vine in the
- [Dinners, Cards, and an Owl](https://symidream.com/dinners-cards-and-an-owl/) - That was the weekend that was. I can't for the life of me remember what I did on Friday. Not very much I expect, but we had the boys around on Saturday night for a roast dinner cooked by Neil, homemade ice cream for afters, and a round of a very inappropriate card game. During
- [Family Rambles](https://symidream.com/family-rambles/) - While the festival continues at Panormitis, let me show you some photos from the southern side of the Pedi Valley, a place that is not much visited, but which is very historic. These are from last Sunday, of course. I've hardly been anywhere else since, apart from up to the top of the village and
- [Random thoughts and Photos](https://symidream.com/random-thoughts-and-photos/) - Some random photos today as I wonder about nothing in particular. I guess we can safely assume the day-tripping season is over, save for the Symi II and any tourists who have broken from the herd and made their own way over for a day. There are, though, plenty of visitors around who have come
- [Drakos, Drakou Symi](https://symidream.com/drakos-drakou-symi/) - I have just spent some time going through my Symi guidebooks (one from 1975), and trawling the internet, to find information about Drakou (or Drakos). At first, all I could find was a reference to it being ‘An ancient fortification.’ However, after some skulduggery in my search string, I came across a more informative site
- [Boats ‘n’ Things](https://symidream.com/boats-n-things/) - Last night we saw something we’ve never seen before. No, it wasn’t the inside of my wallet, nor was it Neil in sensible clothing, not even was it me doing sit-ups, it was, in fact, two boats. I put this distant photo up on Fakebook so you may have seen it, but if you zoom
- [A Little Stroll](https://symidream.com/a-little-stroll-2/) - We had a very nice weekend thank you, not that I much like the word, ‘nice,’ but you know what I mean. “You’re not good, you’re not bad, you’re just nice…” (‘Into the Woods’). We went into the valley, the Pedi Valley, with the family and friends and had a fabulous walk and explore, taking
- [Spooky Little Mozart](https://symidream.com/spooky-little-mozart/) - Yesterday was Halloween as I am sure you are aware. We don’t have so much of that trick or treating around here, although it sometimes takes place. There were a few younger people out and about in costume yesterday, maybe heading to a private party or just dressing up for fun, but no great big
- [Drifting Through Words](https://symidream.com/drifting-through-words/) - Here are a few more shots from a recent morning in Yialos. Boys fishing, fishing boats moored up after being washed down and having had their nets mended; those two things remind me of the age-old question, ‘What do you do in the winter?’ Although I don't go fishing, it continues through the winter months,
- [Today’s Activities](https://symidream.com/todays-activities/) - It is starting to sound like the winter season, at our house at least. Today’s activities have already begun with a one-hour workout (Neil), and a cup of tea (me). After posting this blog, and my Jackson Marsh update blog, and after typing up half a chapter, and sweeping the floors, we’re having an ice
- [This ’n’ That](https://symidream.com/this-n-that/) - What can I tell you? It’s still pleasantly warm, there are fewer boats coming in but still day trippers, and the Blue Star timetable and booking only reaches to the first week in November at the moment. Hopefully, that will be extended soon. I expect the company is waiting to hear the details of subsidies
- [Friday Fun](https://symidream.com/friday-fun/) - We had something of a triumphant end to last week. On Thursday, halfway through Harry’s piano lesson, there came a knock at the door followed by a chap bearing four copies of the new contract for the house. We arranged, with some helpful translation by my student, to meet at the KEP office the next
- [Whatever Awaits](https://symidream.com/whatever-awaits/) - Yesterday morning around eight, I thought I'd go for a walk. I'd done the blog, reread and edited what I had written the day before, and wanted to take a short time out to think of what came next in the story. I left the house, wandered through the village and out onto the road
- [High on a Hill](https://symidream.com/high-on-a-hill-2/) - A week or so ago, I went on an exploration walk with Harry. He’d told me of some ruins above the Pontikokastro, the ‘Mouse Castle’ up at the windmills, and I told him of a grey pipe I'd seen sticking out of some rocks, so we went up for a closer look. (You may have
- [Strike on Greek Ferries](https://symidream.com/strike-on-greek-ferries/) - Here’s a quote from a Greek newspaper that gave me pause for thought: Andora, one of Athens’ historic movie theaters, in the Panormou district, is relaunching itself under the name Newman and after a radical revamp that has equipped it with stage, sound, screen and lighting systems. Ignoring the use of ‘American’ English spelling, in
- [Clouds](https://symidream.com/clouds/) - Although the weather has cooled, it’s worth remembering that the ground is still bone dry, so be careful with naked flames and other hot things. Only a few days ago there was a forest fire over the water in Turkey. The smoke was apparent all along the coast, as you can see from this photo
- [Hello!](https://symidream.com/hello-2/) - And we’re back in five, four, three, two… Well, that was a week of doing nothing but applying ice one minute, ointment the next, making tea with my left hand, and not even being allowed to wash up -which I was secretly happy about. I managed to read two books about Jack the Ripper and
- [Calendar and Colette](https://symidream.com/calendar-and-colette/) - No news, no gossip, what’s going on? Actually, for those who know Colette, she is now, finally, back in the UK and is having her operation today following a fall which occurred about two weeks ago. I know she reads this, so here’s us sending our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery now
- [No Need for Google Maps](https://symidream.com/no-need-for-google-maps/) - That subject again? The one about helpless and hapless visitors wandering the lanes with their noses buried in a mobile phone, certain they are on the right road to somewhere that doesn't have a street name, let alone an address. Yeah, but not quite. I was reminded of this yesterday when we saw a group
- [Spam and Chilies](https://symidream.com/spam-and-chilies/) - My spam collection was a disappointment this morning. I use a thing called Mailwasher so I can see the emails on the servers before I download them. That means I can weed out anything I don't like the look of and keep my computer a little more protected. But from what? This morning, it was
- [Somewhat Indulgent](https://symidream.com/somewhat-indulgent/) - Actually, the line is ‘Somewhat over indulgent’ and if you sing it to the strains of ‘Somewhere over the rainbow…’ you have Forbidden Broadway’s interpretation of Mandy Patinkin, but that’s another story… Anyway… I was indulging in a scrape through my past pics and came across a coincidence which allows me an opportunity to further
- [Sunday Morning](https://symidream.com/sunday-morning-4/) - Sunday morning in our house. Me beavering away on publicising books before settling down to write another author interview and hopeful then move on to actually writing half a chapter while being careful of my bad arm. Neil and Ms Tina Turner in the sitting room. Her growling her way through a couple of hits
- [Week’s Photos](https://symidream.com/weeks-photos/) - To end the week, some photos. As I was coming back from a short walk yesterday, I noticed the rising sun in this tree up the road, and it looked spectacular. More so than it looks in this photo. I cropped it and still it doesn't look as spectacular as it did at the time.
- [Sale of the… Month](https://symidream.com/sale-of-the-month/) - There used to be a British TV show called ‘Sale of the Century’ (I can still hear the theme tune and the ‘Live from Norwich’ announcement), but these days, I appear to be having a ‘Sale of the Month.’ Yes, it’s that time of the month again when I seek your assistance in gaining me
- [That Was the Wind That Was](https://symidream.com/that-was-the-wind-that-was/) - We were down in Yialos yesterday to meet friends we met in Canada in 2020 who were meant to come over on the Sebeco, but it was cancelled, so we’ll have to wait until next year to see them on their next trip to Rhodes. Still, we had lunch with our departing family who left
- [Wind, Walks and Wondering](https://symidream.com/wind-walks-and-wondering/) - Our niece and her husband have been on the island for the past few days, and yesterday evening, we all walked up to the top of the Kastro to take in the view. It was a little windy up there, as it was everywhere, and as the wind was from the north and west, the
- [I Have no Idea](https://symidream.com/i-have-no-idea/) - I'd forgotten about this annual ceremony, The Procession of the Pitsos. Actually, I don’t know what make of fridge it was that was being carried out of the taverna the other day. Hopefully, it was on its way to a better place. Or maybe I should say a ‘different’ place, in case someone sensitive thinks
- [Airbnb? You’re on Your Own, Mate.](https://symidream.com/airbnb-youre-on-your-own-mate/) - Here are five shots of the Kali Strata I took on my way down a few days ago. They are appropriate because of something that happened… Bear with me… Last night, our niece and her husband arrived to stay for a few days. They are staying in an Airbnb in the village and had someone
- [Not Much to Report](https://symidream.com/not-much-to-report-2/) - Looking from the balcony yesterday at some point, the only boats I could see moored up were day-trip boats. Five of them. All the smaller sailing boats and larger yachts had gone. It just looked a bit odd, that’s all. The other boats were back later in the day, and we can only see one
- [Last Week Through the Years](https://symidream.com/last-week-through-the-years-4/) - Another late start today. I could get used to this not getting up until 6.30 business… Anyway, a glance at my collection of ‘Last Week Through the Years’ images shows me: Neil showing off his new teeth (having had a couple fixed), a chicken in a tree, an aerial photo of my home town, and
- [At Sunrise](https://symidream.com/at-sunrise/) - Sunrise photos today, the same one (this morning) in different versions, so you can choose the one you like the best. This was just before seven, in case you want to be up for the sunrise tomorrow. The dawn chorus starts early here, although the cockerels are constantly rehearsing and sounding off no matter the
- [Day Off and House Guests](https://symidream.com/day-off-and-house-guests/) - I took a whole day off yesterday and did nothing but play games on my tablet, read, watch a little TV, and straighten a photo in a frame that’s been wonky for at least two years. Neil went back to work in the evening because there was live music at the kafeneion, and, after watching
- [We Get Them All Here](https://symidream.com/we-get-them-all-here/) - My intention was to finish the week with some more photos from the ‘Last Week in the Past’ collection on my One Drive. However, I discovered that I'd exhausted the past yesterday because there was no more past past 2020 and that photos of the goats. Instead, I hit on the bright idea of trawling
- [Last Week Through the Years](https://symidream.com/last-week-through-the-years-3/) - Here’s a thing: the ‘Last week through the years’ feature on One Drive. With a lack of much else to tell you, I thought I'd put up a few shots from this last week from the last four years. The one with the goats is 2020. Maybe I’ll go back further tomorrow. Before then, though,
- [Today’s View](https://symidream.com/todays-view/) - Today’s view looks something like this. I took this photo from the window because we closed the balcony doors last night as there was a chilly breeze blowing in. It seems as though things have cooled down very quickly, yet it’s still not cold. It just feels cold because we were so continually hot for
- [Wittering On](https://symidream.com/wittering-on-2/) - Another quiet, typical-for-me day yesterday. This year, I've not been getting up in the middle of the night so much and starting work at three or four, but later. No idea why. I’m usually a very early morning person but this summer, five or six has been the norm. I’m pleased to report I still
- [Starting the Week](https://symidream.com/starting-the-week/) - That was a good few days ‘off.’ My piano student did me proud, returning to lessons after two months away, playing his Fur Elise flawlessly, and playing through all white note major scales before working out the relative minors and going through them, then concentrating for the rest of the hour on the next technical
- [To End the Week](https://symidream.com/to-end-the-week-3/) - It’s been good to hear that the village has been busy of an evening of late. At least, it’s good for me who doesn't have to go back to work at seven-thirty and run around until midnight. September is traditionally what I call Northern European month, and follows the Southern European months of July and
- [Autumn](https://symidream.com/autumn/) - It’s starting to settle towards autumn, the heat I mean, although yesterday was very muggy. The mosquitoes were out in force at our place, and we had to put the hot water tank on for the first time since the start of June. Only 20 minutes a day to do the washing up and take
- [Five Places to Eat in Horio, Symi](https://symidream.com/five-places-to-eat-in-horio-symi/) - Waking up to rain and distant thunder to the north this morning, such a change after nearly four months of heat (bar one night of showers in June, I think). The plants will appreciate it. No wind to speak of, so boats shouldn’t be affected, just distant rumbles, the odd flash over turkey, and all
- [Boats and Bites](https://symidream.com/boats-and-bites/) - Two things on today’s parish notices. Firstly, I've noticed a fair few people asking which boat ends up where so here’s a very quick and rough guide as things stand right now. Coming from Rhodes to Symi by the Blue Star ferries, or the ANEK on a Monday, or the SAOS Stavros, or the Panagia
- [A Quick Start](https://symidream.com/a-quick-start/) - As in, this will be a quick post to start the week, because it was the general anniversary and Neil’s birthday day yesterday, and this morning, we are meeting people at 11.00 to have brunch at Pavone, and it’s already half seven and I've not even started work yet. Lots to catch up on during
- [Away For a Week](https://symidream.com/away-for-a-week/) - When I say away, I’ll be here, but I won't be here on this page, because I am taking a week off from blogging about this and that, mainly this, but sometimes that, but in any case, I shan’t be doing that this coming week. There, now you know. Before I go and put my
- [Green, Leads, Newspapers](https://symidream.com/green-leads-newspapers/) - I was hankering for something green, hence today’s photos were taken in the spring, and that’s also why I had a lettuce for my tea last night, or part of one at any rate. I was also hankering for some water, again, as in the photo, and I am sure we will see rain again
- [Flowery Tea](https://symidream.com/flowery-tea/) - Bless the husband. Yesterday afternoon, we were at the Rainbow Bar because he started work again, and we were sitting, chatting with friends, when he got up and, I thought, went inside. About ten minutes later, I’m starting to wonder if some kind of incident has befallen the gents’ washroom when he comes up the
- [Antisocial Media](https://symidream.com/antisocial-media/) - I see the great sunbed debate has started up again on parts of antisocial media. It makes for fun reading as long as you're not easily offended, and that, it seems is a rare trait these days. I also saw some outrage about one of the beaches being privately booked for a couple of days
- [What a Chopper](https://symidream.com/what-a-chopper/) - There has been a lot of this kind of activity in the past few days: (That’s not a rescue or anything dramatic so don’t get your loukoumades in a twist, Maureen.) Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed a lot more helicopter activity than usual, and have been speculating on why. (Speculating, Shirl’, this
- [Iris Oratoria](https://symidream.com/iris-oratoria/) - Have you met Iris Oratoria? At first, I thought she was a piece of classical church music, but that’s an oratorio. She could be a drag queen, I suppose, or the punchline of a limerick, but actually, she’s a Mediterranean mantis, and she was out on the razzle last night. I think she’d had a
- [Everest, Tourists and DSB](https://symidream.com/everest-tourists-and-dsb/) - I had all kinds of ideas for things to bleat about today, but then forgot them. One returned to me as I was browsing my Fakebook thing, and I made a connection between Yialos and Mount Everest. I saw this video of the climbers on Everest queuing up to summit. It was horrendous, I mean
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-9/) - Fabulous day yesterday. Did some editing, met H, walked down to Yialos, met up with Neil then Sam, had a pre-lunch drink (thank you, Cobi!), then to SeeMe, met Jenine, ordered burgers, opened presents (H), had a great laugh, said hello to Tina via video thing, plant delivery from Symi Flower, had post-lunch drink (‘What
- [Going for a Spin](https://symidream.com/going-for-a-spin/) - As you might know, I’m currently writing a series of mysteries set in London in 1893. One of my most helpful assistants in this task is a large set of road maps of the city from 1888. Apart from giving me routes and distances, it’s interesting to see how many places and streets have changed
- [Weekend Report](https://symidream.com/weekend-report/) - Just offering my weekend report as demanded, Ma’am. What can I tell you…? Highlights? A visit to Panorama, the kantina on the road out of the village. We arranged to meet up with Jenine for supper, and enjoyed a very juicy beef burger, a great view and a good old chat as we’d not managed
- [Quick End of the Week](https://symidream.com/quick-end-of-the-week/) - Some views along the lane today taken a couple of mornings ago as I wandered lonely as a cloud. Well, not lonely, as I had the chickens, birds and cats for company, then a little further on, the chicks at the bins with more mother hens fussing around them. There’s not a huge amount to
- [A Case of Three](https://symidream.com/a-case-of-three/) - Three early morning balcony shots today. The Blue Star on Wednesday morning when it came in at 5.30, then, the cruise ship a little later, and this morning as the younger set were making their way home at around six, following a night of happiness, following a concert in the town square. Tonight is the
- [Four and Counting](https://symidream.com/four-and-counting/) - It’s only 6.20 and I've already picked up three mosquito bites. It’s a humid morning again, and we’re heading for yet another hot day by the feel of things. We’ve been in the high 30s for how long now? Seems like forever. Fine if you're here for a couple of weeks’ holiday, but every day
- [Morning Sounds](https://symidream.com/morning-sounds/) - Two unusual things occurred this morning. One, I woke to discover I had slept for eight hours solid for the first time in ages, and two, when I went to the sitting room, the first thing I heard was a car or building alarm. That’s a very odd thing to hear around here, and I
- [Symi Dream Calendar 2025](https://symidream.com/symi-dream-calendar-2025/) - I achieved my goals over the weekend. I did the writing I wanted to do, and I put together next year’s Symi Dream calendar, using 12 of Neil’s photos, plus one for the cover. We now have to wait while our proof copies are sent, and as long as they look as good as usual,
- [Neil’s Famous Sunrise Photo](https://symidream.com/neils-famous-sunrise-photo/) - There’s a photo that’s been doing the rounds on social media for a couple of years now. It’s one of Neil’s from a few years back, and it shows the sunrise over Pedi. It's from the same batch/time as the ones posted here today. The thing is, some sites and individuals have shared it claiming
- [Lovingly Crafted](https://symidream.com/lovingly-crafted/) - A little self-promotion this morning following a review of my book, ‘Bobby’ which appeared on Amazon yesterday – the review, I mean, not the book. That’s been out for a few weeks. ‘Bobby’ is the biography of my godfather, written by me based on interviews where he told us his life story. I started on
- [Last Week Through the Years](https://symidream.com/last-week-through-the-years-2/) - My cloud storage has this thing where it shows you photos from this day in (my) history, in today’s case, last week through the years. With a distinct lack of anything else on my mind apart from chapter 17, which I will get to later, I thought I’d have a browse through and see what
- [Highlights](https://symidream.com/highlights-2/) - Highlight of yesterday? Buying a new shower attachment from the Chinese shop and finding out we do actually have water pressure in the shower, at least, we do now. Other highlights? Writing a chapter of the next book, being able to breathe through one nostril for half an hour, meeting a 14-year-old violinist already at
- [Early Start](https://symidream.com/early-start-3/) - I was going to write all kinds of things today and chat about this and that, but the truth is, I’ve been up since 2.30, because the cold returned in the form of a completely blocked nose, and I’m having to mouth breathe like a ‘stop the boats’ protestor. Instead, I’ll put up some of
- [Symi Shrimps](https://symidream.com/symi-shrimps/) - I am told that tonight is the Symi Shrimp Festival. Held annually up in the village square, there is usually traditional costume, music and dancing, plus free Symi shrimps provided by the municipality. I’m not sure of the start time. For my part, I’m afraid I am not a great lover of these delicacies, which
- [Early Morning Madness](https://symidream.com/early-morning-madness-2/) - Feeling much better this morning after two days on the sofa doing very little but drinking lots of vitamin C stuff, water, and not much else. So, normal service is being resumed, and being resumed early, because it was too hot to sleep for long. I can do that later. Here’s a rather gloomy ramble
- [W.S. Gilbert](https://symidream.com/w-s-gilbert/) - W.S. Gilbert knew what it was like. When you're lying awake with a dismal headache, and repose is taboo'd by anxiety, Iconceive you may use any language you choose to indulge in, without impropriety; [From Iolanthe, 1882] That was me last night. After passing a wonderful (not) day on the sofa in front of the
- [Day Off](https://symidream.com/day-off-2/) - Sneezing, head full of cold, sore eyes, not a lot else to talk about, woe is me, not man flu, I’m pleased to say, but might as well be, could be too much dust in the air, or an allergy, but one of those non-drowsy tablets and I’m asleep for a week, tennis elbow getting
- [Malaphorious](https://symidream.com/malaphorious/) - I often prepare Monday’s blog post on a Sunday morning when my mind is more lively because I've had a rest from writing for a day and have things on my mind that need putting on virtual paper. Well, today is no exception as I’m writing this yesterday, but I don't really have much to
- [To End the Week](https://symidream.com/to-end-the-week-2/) - I woke up this morning to find myself thinking I was chilly. There’s a bit of a breeze, you see, and that means the temperature was only 25°, though the thing on the wall says the humidity is still 70%, but it doesn't feel like it. I might have to put a T-shirt on as
- [A Little Bit of Sunshine](https://symidream.com/a-little-bit-of-sunshine/) - Not that we need any as we’ve been getting plenty, and the high temperatures to go with them. According to some sources, this is the new norm, and we can expect hotter summers from now on. The planet has just had its hottest day ever recorded, which is another sign of the times. The ‘times’
- [Anyone for Tennis?](https://symidream.com/anyone-for-tennis/) - I’m feeling rather chuffed, because I have a sporting injury, and I don’t do sports. Apparently, I’m suffering from tennis elbow, which is clearly a latent condition because the last time I played tennis was in 1979, so why it’s chosen now to come out… Actually, it’s because of my incessant typing regime, and it
- [Food is Food, Right? Wrong.](https://symidream.com/food-is-food-right-wrong/) - I’m in one of those moods again, but have added some of my random photos to decorate the page. I go out to dinner for two reasons; 1) to eat, and 2) to eat. Pleasant company is also acceptable, as is ‘couldn't be bothered to make a sandwich when I get home.’ What I don't
- [Don’t get it Write](https://symidream.com/dont-get-it-write/) - Here’s a morning ramble of the first degree with some random shots of Symi just so there’s a point to this Symi site other than me rambling about all and anything. I have this phrase which I pass on to newer writers when they ask for advice: Don't get it right, get it written –
- [Ten Photos](https://symidream.com/ten-photos/) - I’m ending the blogging week with ten photos. Having had another early morning thanks to the stuffy, humid, sultry night, my brain’s not completely on form as yet, but it’s five o’clock and I want to get on with the next project. It’s also 30° and 70% humidity, and the streetlight outside the house has
- [Forbidden Words](https://symidream.com/forbidden-words/) - Another mixed bag of oddments for you today. Let's start with some words I was forbidden from using yesterday: Stooge. Acerbic. Claustrophobic. Why, you ask, was I banned? Because I was putting together a chapter set in 1893, and because I am developing a sixth sense about these things. When I started on my first
- [Random thoughts and Cats](https://symidream.com/random-thoughts-and-cats/) - Today, I’m turning away from the ongoing debate about the cost of sunbeds, Greek salads and holidays. I’m not paying any heed to the debate about whether the island is pricing itself too far to the rich right and losing the loyalty of its regulars who, one might say, are from the economic left (of
- [That’s That Then. No?](https://symidream.com/thats-that-then-no/) - When I’m writing, I keep a notebook beside me, and some scraps of paper, and I also make footnotes in the MS to remind me of important plot points and items for my author’s notes. Right now, beside me, I have a scrap of paper that reads, “Razor/end of chapter. Will + Jack tied up.
- [Yakety Yak](https://symidream.com/yakety-yak/) - Sunday afternoon. Hot again, cicadas nearby, boats far away, fans turning, time passing, and people on social media discussing the prices of everything on Symi. Is the island going too far towards the expensive end of the market, and are people being greedy? That’s countered with the cost of living generally and more so here
- [Football Heads to Ancient Rome, or China, Or Athens, Or…](https://symidream.com/football-heads-to-ancient-rome-or-china-or-athens-or/) - It’s been an interesting week. My postal vote papers arrived six days after the election, our godson came to lunch, and I received a message from my football-mad bother-in-law to effect that, ‘Football’s coming home.’ Apparently, this means the game is returning to its roots in China. Or Greece, or Rome, or, as the Bundesliga
- [Men in Shorts II](https://symidream.com/men-in-shorts-ii/) - There’s not a great deal to report today. We spent the evening at Jenine’s house yesterday, and stopped off at the Rainbow on the way home. The square was busy with people watching ‘Men in Shorts II’, or some other entertainment, and, by the sound of it, they were having a jolly time. The television
- [The People Watching Awards](https://symidream.com/the-people-watching-awards/) - You know that old postcard line, ‘We get some kind of weather here every day’? Well, here on Symi in the summer season, I could well say, ‘We get some kind of oddball here every day,’ and I’m allowed to call people odd because I’m not bothered about accusations of being judgemental or ‘non-woke’, whatever
- [A Day Off](https://symidream.com/a-day-off/) - We were beginning to wonder if our Chinese shop €5.00 garden thermometer was faulty as it seemed to go no higher than 37° when other people were reporting temperatures of 40° and 41°, so, to check, I put it in direct sunlight for five minutes. It was climbing past 47° when I whipped it back
- [The Game Never Ends](https://symidream.com/the-game-never-ends/) - I just looked through my photos from the weekend and thought, ‘What on earth…?’ The cover of a new book, a newspaper cutting from January 1893, a shot of the taxi boats in Yialos, a couple of the dinner table at the Taj Mahal restaurant last night, a cruise ship leaving the harbour taken from
- [Ending the Week with Photos](https://symidream.com/ending-the-week-with-photos/) - It’s Friday! At least, I think it is. When I don’t have Harry for piano twice a week, I lose track of what day it is. It’s too hot for lessons in July and August. We barely made it through June. Assuming it is Friday, let’s end the week with fewer words and more images.
- [A Load of Old Walls](https://symidream.com/a-load-of-old-walls/) - Apropos walls. I went out on a walk yesterday morning and I'd not gone more than twenty paces when it occurred to me how many walls there are in the village. I’ve only been wandering between and by them for twenty odd years, and, of course, I've noticed walls before, but for some reason, I
- [It Set My Mind to Reminiscing](https://symidream.com/it-set-my-mind-to-reminiscing/) - Continuing from yesterday’s discussion about power cuts. I noticed that some people had gone to the trouble to extend the discussion on various Facebook posts, and among them, were some tips on how to ease pressure on the grid, and how to save water. Simply put, don't use the air con and shower with your
- [Where Was Moses When the…?](https://symidream.com/where-was-moses-when-the/) - It may surprise no one that one of my favourite Hammer films is Quatermass and the Pit. What’s maybe more surprising is that I can spell Quatermass, and that I know off the top of my head it was written by Nigel Kneale. In the film, scientists and archaeologists are digging up what turns out
- [Turn Left at Lewisham](https://symidream.com/turn-left-at-lewisham/) - On Saturday, Neil opened a humorous yet important can of worms on social media which, today, I am going to spread on toast and pass around for general amusement. I'd like to thank Neil for giving me the idea for this post, and Ola, who put up an image that inspired me to do the
- [Not Wishing to Cause a Car Controversy…](https://symidream.com/not-wishing-to-cause-a-car-controversy/) - Maybe the title should be, ‘Not wishing to open old wounds.’ I don't want to take sides either, merely observe, because that is what I do, and perhaps, to offer a warning. Well, I've been unusually vociferous these past few days, so in for a penny, in for a bag of them, I say. Wednesday
- [A Ton of Noise](https://symidream.com/a-ton-of-noise/) - Dear, gentle reader… I find myself in the unenviable position of having what is now commonly known as an ‘early start.’ That is, being woken at a premature hour from sounds within the household which, due to their persistence, have kept me from sleep since one o’clock this morning. My condition of insomnia has not,
- [Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant on Symi](https://symidream.com/taj-mahal-indian-restaurant-on-symi/) - Following on from yesterday’s taster, let’s again talk food. Of late, on Facebook groups and probably others to which I am not privy, there has been some dissent in the ranks, concerning this fact: We now have an Indian restaurant on Symi. Oh my word/days/life/god/whatever! You’d have thought it was the end of the world.
- [Food, Feasting, Floods and Fabulous](https://symidream.com/food-feasting-floods-and-fabulous/) - Yesterday seemed to be all about food, floods and feasting. Oh, and fabulous things. After a morning at home with me hassling Amazon to get on and release the next book (and being told it will happen, just be patient), I prepared myself for my piano student’s end-of-season recital. This year, he was to play
- [A Social Weekend](https://symidream.com/a-social-weekend/) - It’s been a mixed and social weekend and it’s only Sunday as I write. For a start, I released my next Jackson Marsh book, and it’s still not gone live on Kindle. Why? I don't know. It usually only takes a couple of hours, but it was stuck in the system, as ‘Publishing’ for three
- [Where There’s a Weekend](https://symidream.com/where-theres-a-weekend/) - Well, this is quite refreshing, waking up to the sound of rain… Okay, so it’s only a few heavy drops, and it’s 7.00, and I've been awake a while, but you know what I mean. It also rained last night, just after we left the Kali Strata Restaurant and returned to Rainbow for a nightcap,
- [After Dark](https://symidream.com/after-dark/) - What happens when too many people turn on their air conditioning at the same time? This: At least, I assume that’s what’s been causing our power cuts these past couple of days; overload. Still, it gave us and our nephew an excuse to go out and sit on the balcony watching stars and satellites, while
- [A Late Start](https://symidream.com/a-late-start/) - Today has already started oddly. For a start, I didn't get up until nearly seven, and now it’s just after nine (so I am very late), the boys are still in bed, and the boats have come and gone. It’s a day for being at home, avoiding the midday sun, and chilling with the fam,
- [Bezos, Boats & Books](https://symidream.com/bezos-boats-books/) - I woke up this morning to note that Mr Bezos had left the building. There were two ships in Nimborio yesterday, one, a three-masted schooner, the other, a great big grey thing with a helicopter on it, and both belonging to Jeff Bezos. Harry and I examined them from the balcony after piano yesterday afternoon,
- [In Brief](https://symidream.com/in-brief/) - My weekend in brief: Mother and nephew arrived on Saturday. Walked to Pedi on Sunday, crowded 7.30 bus back for music in the square. (God) Father’s Day message from the boys to bring a tear to the eye. Chatting with nephew until far too late, thus, late getting up on Monday, a day during which
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-16/) - Today, I have a varied collection of photos for you. These are from my OneDrive, where, I noticed this morning, there’s a thing that says, ‘Last week through the years.’ I clicked on that, and all kinds of things came up, but not all of them took place during this second week of June. It
- [Hot](https://symidream.com/hot-2/) - Greece has just recorded its earliest heatwave, by which I mean, the earliest in the year, because until now, we’ve never had an official heatwave until after 19th June. ‘Official’ is recorded as temperatures of over 38° for three days or more. Outdoor tourist attractions are closed between midday and 5pm, including the Palace of
- [Things To Do](https://symidream.com/things-to-do-2/) - Five thirty in the morning, I’m at the desk, and the fan is on. It’s 22 degrees, and 45% humidity in the corner of our courtyard, not that I am there, I’m in here, with both windows open, and a can of mosquito spray beside me which I blast beneath the desk at the slightest
- [Colours](https://symidream.com/colours/) - I was wandering through my folders on the PC yesterday when I came across a large collection of photos taken by Neil. These are from a couple of years ago, but they are mainly landscapes, and as Symi’s landscape hasn’t changed much in thousands of years (sea, sky, rocks, plants), the age of the image
- [Running Late](https://symidream.com/running-late/) - Because I didn't wake up until 6.30 today and am running late, I only have a few random photos from the past couple of days and a few comments on them. After this, I must get on with editing ‘Bobby, a life worth living.’ This is the biography/autobiography of my godfather, who died in 2007.
- [Today's Catchup](https://symidream.com/todays-catchup/) - I see Symi has been in the news these past couple of days, and maybe so again today. I've yet to hear if there is any more news on the missing visitor story. I don't mean this to sound disparaging or rude, it’s meant to be polite, but this is my general reply to unsolicited
- [Bitzer](https://symidream.com/bitzer/) - I had a Bitzer day yesterday. Bits a this, bits a that… I've been working on two writing projects and both are now with proofreaders, so that’s got them out of my way, leaving me free to start the next one, but first, I have to decide what the next one will be about. I
- [What Can You Do?](https://symidream.com/what-can-you-do/) - There’s only so much you can do, right? I'm just back from half an hour on the DEH website, that’s the electricity company, where I've been unable to enter my home meter reading. It’s all very odd. Usually, they send me a message to say, ‘You can read your meter and enter the number’, and
- [Talking Voks](https://symidream.com/talking-voks/) - Things are gradually warming up. Yesterday, on the west-facing, shaded wall in our courtyard, the thermometer read 33 degrees with humidity at 40%. The rising temperature means the walking, if being done, needs to be done earlier in the day. On Saturday, I went up to the monastery overlooking Pedi, known locally as ‘To Vrisi’
- [Perfectly Pavone](https://symidream.com/perfectly-pavone/) - “I’ll get my people to reach out to your people, and we’ll do brunch,” said someone in a film, probably in the 1980s. Do brunch is exactly what we did last Friday. Come this way, and I will tell you all about it… Neil was at the gym, I walked down to Yialos to pick
- [Skyscapes](https://symidream.com/skyscapes/) - The theme of today’s quick chat? Skyscapes, or at least images with some sky in them. Just a few pulled from my collection, including one of Rhodes, morning and evening views, and last night’s view which is what set off the idea. This was after the final kit-building session of ‘modelling season.’ All kits are
- [Strange Night](https://symidream.com/strange-night/) - (And random photos.) That was a strange night. I found myself unknowingly involved in the football celebrations at 00.50 hours, and all I was doing was going to the loo. I'd gone to bed around 21.30, and unusually, had to get up during the night, which I did. I didn't put any lights on, because
- [Yialos Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yialos-yesterday/) - Thank you to everyone who replied to yesterday’s post and suggested nail varnish remover. We’ll give that a go just as soon as I track some down. In the meantime, here’s a photo of the harbour that Neil took yesterday. As you can see, blue skies. It was a fresh morning after an overnight thunderstorm
- [Indoors and Out](https://symidream.com/indoors-and-out/) - (But mainly in.) A couple of photos today, taken when I was last wandering the lanes and road enjoying a fresh, almost October like day. The other was taken right opposite where I am sitting as I wrote this, at the kitchen table. Harry hasn’t quite finished his Lexus, but I have finished my project.
- [A Little Fall of Rain](https://symidream.com/a-little-fall-of-rain-4/) - It’s a bright and sunny morning this morning, but yesterday afternoon was a bit of a damp squib. It didn’t rain for long, and it wasn’t hard, but it did make a nice change. There’s something very pleasant about sitting inside with the windows open on a warm day listening to the rain, and later,
- [Today’s Challenge](https://symidream.com/todays-challenge/) - Today’s challenge was to find 10 photos of plants and post them. So, here they are. I thought I’d end the week on a colourful note with these photos, most of which were taken in the last couple of months. Things are still looking pretty green out there, though the long grasses are dying back.
- [Some Points of Interest](https://symidream.com/some-points-of-interest/) - Some points of interest arising from a walk the other morning. Lots of things are blooming, an aloe vera and an olive tree can be neighbours, and the old souvlaki shop has been tied up with string. Why? Who knows. (I suspect to stop parkage, so someone can get to the woodwork and paint it.
- [Weather Watch](https://symidream.com/weather-watch/) - No, not a case of it depends on whether we watch Netflix or not. Nor is it a case of standing outside viewing passing clouds. The question is, which channel do you use to check on the Symi weather? I’ve been here a few years now, and during that time I've used various weather sites
- [That Old Devil Called POA Again](https://symidream.com/that-old-devil-called-poa-again/) - I’m making a change to my financial advisors, which sounds awfully posh and first-world, but actually, it’s not. One of the things I need to provide is proof of address (POA), and this is always something of a nightmare. Here’s why, and here are a couple of shots from yesterday morning to lighten the read.
- [Spent in a Quiet Haze](https://symidream.com/spent-in-a-quiet-haze/) - I’ve not much to report this Monday morning, as I spent most of the weekend at home working on a couple of projects and, and in the case of yesterday, doing not very much at all. You might have read we’ve had this Sahara dust hanging over us for the past few days, and it’s
- [I’ll Get Started in a Minute](https://symidream.com/ill-get-started-in-a-minute/) - It’s looking a little cloudy out there today, but calm and warm. It’s one of those days when I have nothing planned but to write a few words and move the next story along. That’s often how days start, but not always how they go. For example, today, I have already signed documents for my
- [Getting things sorted](https://symidream.com/getting-things-sorted/) - We were treated to a lovely lunch at Trata yesterday (thank you!), and before meeting up for it, I had some admin to take care of that I should have done years ago. I'd asked our accountant to arrange for me, as Neil’s spouse, to benefit from his national health insurance, as married couples can
- [The scenery or the screen?](https://symidream.com/the-scenery-or-the-screen/) - I can’t remember if I mentioned Google Maps the other day. I meant to, but then probably forgot, but if I've forgotten that I didn't forget and this is a repeat, then read it anyway and then forget about it, because this, like a lot of what I put here, is pretty unmemorable. Now I’ve
- [Books and Booking](https://symidream.com/books-and-booking/) - I had a stay-at-home book day yesterday, not just writing one but continuing to read the book about Victorian London that Colette bought and brought me for my birthday. So, today, I thought I would take ‘book’ as the word of the day. Booking a ferry to Symi? You’ll see there’s a link to Ferry
- [A Sunday Report](https://symidream.com/a-sunday-report/) - Yesterday. Up at six, check the temp: 19 degrees. Cup of tea, look at emails, laugh at spam, bin it, do some admin, pay a bill, check on sales. Go for a walk, up to the top of the village, say hello to a goat… Continue onto road and down, find a visitor following Google
- [Clouds and Colour](https://symidream.com/clouds-and-colour/) - The clouds are back, but it’s not yet as rough and windy as predicted, nor have I seen any Sahara sand, as yet. I can feel it blocking up my nose, and when it rained the other day, we found some of it on the newly painted outside table, but otherwise… just this. Talkin of
- [The Night of the Mosquito](https://symidream.com/the-night-of-the-mosquito/) - Sounds like a 1950s B movie, but last night was definitely the night of the mosquito. The joy of wearing earplugs is that you don't hear the little blighters, but that doesn’t stop them from treating you as a pin cushion. I’ve not yet started on my summer habit of rising early (like, three in
- [May 8th](https://symidream.com/may-8th/) - There’s a parade on Symi today, as there is every May 8th. This celebrates the end of WWII and involves the school children, local organisations and services, and the laying of wreaths at the war memorial. If you are here and want to see it, the best place to be is on the north side
- [Brief Catchup](https://symidream.com/brief-catchup/) - As it turned out, we were fine, or we are currently fine, for water. Having said that, Tuesday is a bank holiday, and Wednesday is the May 8th parade, so we’re still favouring what we stored in the buckets over the tank, but as that was full on Monday, we should… That’s all rather boring,
- [Suprises and Songs](https://symidream.com/suprises-and-songs/) - It’s Good Friday here today, so it will be a very quiet day, until this evening when there will be dynamite and bangers going off to ward away evil. For my part, I am planning a quiet day at home doing very little. We had a lovely day yesterday with a surprise visit from Aunty
- [Water Rationing Begins](https://symidream.com/water-rationing-begins/) - We are now on water rationing. Not the island, just us. Ages ago, our sterna was infiltrated by a rampant fig tree, and was emptying as fast as we could fill it, and our landlord installed a 500-litre water tank instead. That’s fine by us because the cold water comes out hot in the summer,
- [Your Portable Library](https://symidream.com/your-portable-library/) - It all looks very quiet in the village in this photo, but a few minutes later, it was much busier. Things are set to get busier still as more people arrive for Easter weekend, and the photo was taken during siesta hour, so that’s the main reason there’s not a lot of activity. Now then,
- [Bits ‘n’ Pieces](https://symidream.com/bits-n-pieces/) - We’ve had a few explosions already, I've heard some random bangers going off, and a few short fizzles from fireworks, all in the leadup to Easter. So far, it’s not been as noisy as previous years. Maybe everyone is saving the costly SFX for later in the week when we will once again be rocked
- [Busying Up](https://symidream.com/busying-up-2/) - Today is the start of ‘Great Week’, the week leading up to Easter at the weekend. In case you didn't see Jenine’s photo that did the rounds on social media the other day, here’s her view of the Blue Star Patmos last Friday afternoon before leaving Rhodes. There was a big football event on Kos
- [That's Settled Then](https://symidream.com/thats-settled-then/) - The dust seems to have settled somewhat. Scroll down to see yesterday’s view, and then compare it with today’s. Much clearer and calmer… Which means I might be able to get out for a walk later this morning. I’ve stayed in as much as possible these last couple of days to avoid getting the dust
- [Misty](https://symidream.com/misty/) - This morning, it was 20 degrees at 7.30, with 70% humidity. Maybe that’s why today’s view looks something like this: It could also be dust, but we do have days where there’s so much mist you can't see Nimos – just like today. You can see other things, like cats strutting the streets and looking
- [Wind and Dust](https://symidream.com/wind-and-dust/) - Today, there is a report in The Guardian titled, ‘Athens swallowed up by orange haze from Sahara dust storm.’ This is one of the images: Photo from the Guardian It’s true, we are currently under a cloud of dust from the south, as are other parts of Europe. We get this every year and often
- [Well I Never](https://symidream.com/well-i-never/) - Another windy day today, with predictions of force seven or eight in some parts later. For me, another day at home is planned as I plough on through the next draft chapter of the next book, and in the evening, maybe another couple of Hornblowers. We stumbled across the 1999 British series last night, thought
- [Cloudy Drought](https://symidream.com/cloudy-drought/) - Here on Symi, we are back to having weather. Cloudy today, sunny/cloudy yesterday, wet and wild on Saturday morning but the rain was/is much needed. There is a short article in Ekathimerini talking about how Europe is suffering its biggest drought in 500 years, and how Greece is facing a ‘high risk’ drought, or will
- [Pierrot from Pedi?](https://symidream.com/pierrot-from-pedi/) - I don’t really have anything to tell you today, so I’ll show you a photo of an inscription you may or may not have seen on Symi. It’s up where the road coming up from Yialos joins the lane into the village, on the crest of the hill, by the windmills. I sent this image
- [What’s this for?](https://symidream.com/whats-this-for/) - We popped over to Rhodes yesterday, and it was a bit odd. We were sailing on the Blue Star, and were overtaken by the Sebeco. I have to say, it was a slow crossing for us. The journey is usually about 70 minutes, but yesterday, it was two hours, and it wasn't particularly windy or
- [Find a Ferry](https://symidream.com/find-a-ferry/) - I've added a service to the blog. It’s got nothing to do with me other than I’ve used it to find ferry tickets in the past, and if you book a ferry through it, I get two drachmae or something, which may help towards the cost of running the blog. There’s a box over there
- [A Day of Boats](https://symidream.com/a-day-of-boats/) - Yesterday was a day of boats. Mind you, from now until October will hopefully see a day of boats every day, but yesterday, I noticed and counted for the first time this season. Soon, I intend to put a widget up on the blog, over there >> in the right-hand column. It will be a
- [Another Day Out](https://symidream.com/another-day-out/) - I had a pleasant day out on Friday when I popped over to Rhodes for some bits and pieces and teamed up with Jenine for most of the day. I set off into a calm and slightly humid morning and arrived at the top of the Kali Strata just as the ferry came around the
- [The End of the Week That Was](https://symidream.com/the-end-of-the-week-that-was/) - As promised yesterday, while I am journeying across the sea to the great metropolis of Rhodes to buy a pair of shorts or whatever, here are some recent random Symi photos to see you through the weekend.
- [Almost the End of the Week That Was](https://symidream.com/almost-the-end-of-the-week-that-was/) - I’ll have to load up two blog posts today as I’ll be off to Rhodes tomorrow for a day trip, and won't remember to post anything before I leave. The day boats have been coming the other way too, and they’ve been full, or so I am told by those who go to Yialos in
- [Oddments](https://symidream.com/oddments/) - Something odd has been going on with the Symi Dream Facebook page. Recently, I've not been able to share the blog to the page by using the ‘share’ button at the bottom of each post. That’s the easiest way for me to do things but FB won’t have it. I’m not bothered. I can't write
- [That Time of Year Again](https://symidream.com/that-time-of-year-again/) - I’m slightly out of sorts today and have been since yesterday morning. There I was, quite happily wandering the kitchen while Neil was making a cup of tea, when out of the corner of my eye, I noticed this in the sink: (Apologies for the state of the washing up, we were trying to soak
- [Rock Around the Weekend](https://symidream.com/rock-around-the-weekend/) - I now have four ‘reels’ up on the Symi Dream Facebook page, if you use the platform and want a few 30-second snatches of Symi views. The latest one was taken on Saturday from the top of the village. It was a glorious day, as you will see. The only problem is trying not to
- [A Varied and Pleasant Week](https://symidream.com/a-varied-and-pleasant-week/) - For me, it’s the end of a varied and pleasant week, not that I really ‘do’ weekends anymore. We’ve had visitors coming to the island, the boats are starting to appear more frequently, and many businesses in the harbour are up and running already. The weather has been warm, though the air was a little
- [Keeping it Green](https://symidream.com/keeping-it-green/) - I’ve noticed there’s been an interest in the greenery of late. Many visitors arrive here in the summer or later in the year when the island has been sitting under the sun for several months. By then, the green has given way to the heat of summer, and everything looks a bit barren. Unless you
- [Reeling it in](https://symidream.com/reeling-it-in/) - I can't remember when it started, but I think it was between Christmas and New Year. I was wasting a morning browsing Facebook when I took a look at a ‘reel’ not knowing exactly what they were. Turns out, they are short videos, and they can be fun. They can also be stupid, nasty, pointless,
- [A Lovely Day](https://symidream.com/a-lovely-day/) - It looks like the tourist season has well and truly started, or at least, there are visitors here enjoying their Easter break. Things may quieten down after Western Easter, but for now, we have warm weather, calm seas, day-trip boats and visitors staying on the island. It seems too close to winter, as though winter
- [Symi in Three Hours](https://symidream.com/symi-in-three-hours/) - Thanks to the increasing number of people using Facebook groups such as Friends of Symi, I've noticed more and more enquiries about what to do on Symi when on a visit, so, I thought I'd put up some of my ideas. These came to me while I was on a walk on Saturday morning when
- [Blowing in the Wind](https://symidream.com/blowing-in-the-wind/) - Well, that was blustery. Yesterday, according to Windfinder, the wind was up to force six. Felt more like force 16 at our house, with the roof tiles rattling in new ways, the aircon unit vibrating up on the roof, and the windows shuddering as though a freight train was coming through. Strangely, the shutters didn't
- [Shameless Publicity](https://symidream.com/shameless-publicity/) - I’m talking about myself here. I’ve just published the latest Victorian mystery in my ongoing series of novels set, in this case, in 1892. You can find ‘Follow the Van’ by following that link. [Btw: the link is to Amazon.com, if you’re in the UK, then change the .com to .co.uk, otherwise it will tell
- [A Day After](https://symidream.com/a-day-after/) - It was something of a lovely day yesterday. A little writing, a walk, a birthday dinner with the boys, much eating and making merry, perfect. And now, back to normal and onwards, except a few pounds heavier, and with a volume of Schubert sonatas to work through, to go along with the Chopin sonatas I
- [A Picture Paints…](https://symidream.com/a-picture-paints/) - It’s a lovely day out there today, so I may well do some more of this… That’s after I do some of this… TWO Delamere House October 1892 William Reginal Merrit sat upright in his bed and made a decision. Today, for the first time in his life, he would put his left foot on
- [Saturday, Yesterday, Today](https://symidream.com/saturday-yesterday-today/) - Today is Greek Independence Day, and a celebration of the start of the war of independence, 1821. It’s a bank holiday, and there will be services and celebrations because it is also the Feast of the Annunciation. Last night, Yialos and the road to Evangelismos were lined with flaming torches as part of those celebrations,
- [Clouds, Lyrics, Porsche Windscreen…](https://symidream.com/clouds-lyrics-porsche-windscreen/) - Yesterday, not long after sharing that photo of the harbour in the sunshine, I went out for a walk, got so far along the edge of the hillside, and realised it was about to rain, so I came back. However, I managed to get this shot of two buzzards or eagles making lazy circles in
- [March 20th](https://symidream.com/march-20th/) - March 20th is suddenly upon me. Why is that important? It’s not, but today is one of those days when I woke up and thought I had nothing to do but edit my book. Then, I realised I've also got to do a piece of writing for someone else, plus this blog, my Jackson Marsh
- [A Mixed Bag](https://symidream.com/a-mixed-bag/) - Straight to the desk, straight to the last edit and check of the next book, and I’m happily reading away when I remember I've not been here and done this. So, I’m doing it now with a few photos and snippets. The carnival happened in Yialos on Sunday followed by ten minutes of fireworks, Clean
- [Symi Swimming Pools](https://symidream.com/symi-swimming-pools/) - It’s Clean Monday, the start of Lent, and we should be talking about seafood and fasting, but let’s talk swimming pools instead. Now and then I pop into some of the Symi-flavoured groups on Facebook just to see what topics are the talk of the day, and then, if they inspire me, I talk about
- [Places in Rhodes](https://symidream.com/places-in-rhodes/) - Some more photos of places in Rhodes to end the week. I’ll give you more details about this hotel next week, or whenever I remember, as I took some shots of some of the buffet, and it’s very impressive. A few minutes after that, a swarm of overnighters arrived from Sweeden and Norway and the
- [Being Brief](https://symidream.com/being-brief/) - I’m being brief today as we’re back in Rhodes for three days, and I’m coming to you from a hotel room. We’ve got bits and pieces to do and one of them can only be done today, and as there’s no boat to suit on a Thursday, we came over yesterday morning. This enabled us
- [Lawrence Durrell in Rhodes](https://symidream.com/lawrence-durrell-in-rhodes/) - No, I didn't see him there, of course, because he died some time ago (1990), but when I was there recently I passed by his old house. This is one of those places you might not know about, and might not think to visit, but should you find yourself in Rhodes with spare time, waiting
- [Colourful](https://symidream.com/colourful/) - Today, a few colourful images to brighten up what’s started as a cloudy and windy day. 14 degrees outside at 7.00, but colder in the house and certainly colder in the office. Things will warm up though, as I set about considering the next story to write while I wait for the last one to
- [My Life in Ruins](https://symidream.com/my-life-in-ruins/) - A wander around the upper village the other day resulted in a couple of interesting photos. With the first one, I was attracted to the straight edges and lines of the building behind the ruin contrasting with the stones and texture of the foreground. (That’s about as arty as I get.) The second one gives
- [A Pedestrian Conspiracy](https://symidream.com/a-pedestrian-conspiracy/) - There’s something of a conspiracy against pedestrians going on in certain streets in Rhodes. In some cases, the pavement is only about 18 inches wide, and yet, there’s still a tree in the middle of it, or a lamppost. This, I believe, is a way of keeping down the weight of pedestrians. Too much around
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-8/) - Yesterday’s stats: Miles walked, nine, worst giros in the world ever eaten, one. Rather, half a one, but I’m not telling you where it was, only that it was in Rhodes, where the weather was just right for wandering aimlessly around shops and sites. There will now have to be a few photos of the
- [A Model Afternoon](https://symidream.com/a-model-afternoon/) - Looks like we’re in for a wet and windy today, so that’s me staying at home. I’m out all day tomorrow in Rhodes (unless the weather stops the boats), so I’ll save my energy for that, and spend today at the desk and/or on the sofa. Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours at the
- [Party Anyone?](https://symidream.com/party-anyone/) - The village square has seen some party action this weekend. I assumed it was something to do with the carnival held just before Clean Monday, but then Clean Monday isn’t until March 18th. The Patras Carnival apparently started on January 20th and runs until March 17th, which seems like a long day out, but I'd
- [Pictures and Things](https://symidream.com/pictures-and-things/) - And, to finish the week, a roundup of a few images taken recently. Nothing very stunning, I’m afraid, but some snaps to give you a flavour of the island in February (and a couple from Rhodes). March has blown in on strong winds which have kept me from travelling to Rhodes. Have kept the boats
- [February 29th](https://symidream.com/february-29th/) - We should mark today as a special day because we only get one every four years. It was 20 years ago today my uncle died, so we can commemorate that event for only the fifth time, but as for what I might have been doing on other 29ths of February over the years, I have
- [Varied Post](https://symidream.com/varied/) - Nothing much to report today. I’m here, not there, as I’m now going there next week, so today I can stay here and edit. That’s about all the news I have, as I spent yesterday at home pottering about, and don't intend to do much more than that today. I've got some snaps I took
- [Weather, and Whether the Weather Changes](https://symidream.com/weather-and-whether-the-weather-changes/) - We had something of a storm blow through yesterday afternoon and evening. The edge of it is still hanging around in a stiff breeze and a few clouds, but otherwise, everything’s calmed down. We’d been summoned to Rainbow to see Yiannis who had been away for ten days, and were inside when the steps became
- [Weekend Update](https://symidream.com/weekend-update/) - Let’s kick off the last week of February with a photo of the harbour Neil took on Friday, which, apart from the lack of boats and people, could have been a summer view. Right, that’s done, now back to work. The house has been a hive of industry since we last spoke. I have finally
- [Preparing to Sail to Symi](https://symidream.com/preparing-to-sail-to-symi/) - Following on from yesterday’s chat about preparing to visit Symi later in the year and what hotels in Rhodes we’ve used, here’s some information about the ferries from Rhodes to Symi in the summer. There isn’t any. Not right now. That’s because the ferry companies don't release their schedules until nearer the time. The Easter
- [Preparing for Summer – in February?](https://symidream.com/preparing-for-summer-in-february/) - I’m not talking about Symi businesses, though I expect many have already turned their minds to the summer season. I am talking about people asking for advice because they are heading this way later in the year. Recently, I've seen questions about where to stay, how to get here, what to expect, where’s good to
- [A Remote-Control Symi Spider, anyone?](https://symidream.com/a-remote-control-symi-spider-anyone/) - Nothing much to report this morning, except a new line in toys I noticed last night at the kafeneion. A remote-control Symi spider toy operated by little Yiannis. Nothing like acclimatising yourself to one of the more unusual examples of wildlife on the island, the massive Asian tarantula, or whatever they are. It was very
- [First Time in my Life #1](https://symidream.com/first-time-in-my-life-1/) - Yesterday’s post was titled ‘Quiet Day Ahead (?)’, one of my random, ‘What shall I put as a title today?’ titles, yet, the question mark was portentous, as was my last line: We could be in for a week of not much news. Not that this is much news, but it was the first time
- [Quiet Week Ahead (?)](https://symidream.com/quiet-week-ahead/) - Back to the desk after what feels like a weekend off. Saturday morning was spent preparing for Saturday afternoon: Transforming the sitting room into a dining room, hanging the floating candles, moving furniture, while, at the same time, making bread and putting together a prawn cocktail. The godboys came to assist, one cooking, the other
- [Photos to Finish](https://symidream.com/photos-to-finish/) - Here are some more photos to finish of the week. It’s been something of a social one for us, and will continue to be over the weekend. Apart from the trip to Rhodes, we’ve been to Rainbow to see Yiannis before he headed off on his short break, we’ve been to Lefteris next door, last
- [Food and Wine](https://symidream.com/food-and-wine/) - Let’s stay in Rhodes a while longer. As we were there all day, we had to find somewhere for lunch, and out of season, that’s not as easy as it might sound, because many of the restaurants in the new and old town close for the winter. There are still places to go, though, including
- [Backstreet Wandering](https://symidream.com/backstreet-wandering/) - Let’s continue to wander the Old Town in Rhodes for a while. It’s so much calmer at this time of year, and if you're lucky enough to be there on a warm, sunny day, so much the better. The monuments are open, i.e. the museum and the palace, but I’ve not seen the old mosque
- [Rhodes Old Town, Some Photos](https://symidream.com/rhodes-old-town-some-photos/) - How quickly things can change weatherwise. On Friday, we thought our trip to Rhodes might be rained off, but it turned out to be a warm and dry day over there. Yesterday, we popped out for a drink after music lessons and model making and got stuck in the bar because of a thunderstorm, the
- [Sunday](https://symidream.com/sunday-2/) - I’m writing this on Sunday so I can have a clear run at chapter 26 on Monday morning, assuming we’ve not been blasted away by a storm that’s meant to be coming this way. The Patmos ferry schedule has been changed, and the Spanos isn’t running at all. Right now (Sunday morning) the weather’s cloudy
- [Written in Stone](https://symidream.com/written-in-stone/) - I once read a book by Paulo Coelho in which one character told another to always walk looking at the horizon, not at your feet. I expect there was some spiritual message behind that, or a good reason, and I tried it to see if it changed my outlook on life. It made me change
- [Photos](https://symidream.com/photos-5/) - Just a few photos today as I don't have any news to tell you, not unless you want to read that I have put an undercoat on the bathroom window ahead of painting it later today. That’s about as exciting as it got around our house yesterday, so here are a few shots of Yialos
- [Busy Day](https://symidream.com/busy-day-2/) - This is timely. Yesterday, I popped down to the harbour for a dentist appointment. A pleasant walk down the Kali Strata in the sunshine (it was warmer outside than it was in the house), taking some photos which I’ll share over the next few days, and off to the courier. Not to collect new teeth
- [Walls, Weather and Clicks](https://symidream.com/walls-weather-and-clicks/) - We now have a transformed outside wall. I know. About as interesting as watching paint dry, which is kind of what this is. The bathroom, which is accessed from inside the house, is an extension into the courtyard, and for the last few years, the paint has been flaking off. The concrete was cracked, and
- [Teeth and Good Mornings](https://symidream.com/teeth-and-good-mornings/) - Yesterday, I had to visit the dentist, which is never a trauma, not here, not financially nor in any other way. The only downer about it was that it was cold, and my feet hurt by the time I got there. The treatment was quick and painless, and I've to go back on Monday for
- [Morning Chitchat](https://symidream.com/morning-chitchat-2/) - Happy first of the month. Can’t believe it’s February already. The month is starting medically, in a way. I have a dentist appointment this morning, and I just had word that we’re down to have our annual health checks next Friday, so let’s hope the weather is good that day. The temperature is hovering around
- [Just a Photo](https://symidream.com/just-a-photo/) - I only took one photo on my walk yesterday, but it’s a decent one and shows the view from slightly higher up the road than I’ve been so far this year. As you can see, a clear day, bright and sunny, but also cold. There’s a shipping ban in force further north so today’s ferry
- [Time Passes](https://symidream.com/time-passes-2/) - We're nearly at the end of January, so I've taken down the advertisement for this year’s Symi Dream calendar. If you still want one, you can find them by clicking here. As you can see, over there on the right, there’s a list of my Symi books. The first of these, Symi 85600, is getting
- [Obstacle Course Friday](https://symidream.com/obstacle-course-friday/) - I managed something of an obstacle course on Friday. I was off to Yialos to pick up two deliveries at the courier, buy a tin of gloss paint, tea bags, and pay the post office box bill. Simple. Neil was in Rhodes to sort out his phone, and he'd taken all the money with him,
- [Random Photos at the End of the Week](https://symidream.com/random-photos-at-the-end-of-the-week/) - After some wind and rain yesterday, we’re back to calmer conditions today, though it still feels chilly. On my walk yesterday, I went up the hill, while today, I am planning to go down the hill to Yialos because I have two things waiting for me at ACS, the courier. I can't think what the
- [Keeping it Reel](https://symidream.com/keeping-it-reel/) - I feel a creative day coming on. I have just had some banners made for my other website, and my designer has done a great job. Here’s an example: She’s also designed all my book covers for the last five years, and I am more than happy with what she does. While that was going
- [Hills and Water](https://symidream.com/hills-and-water/) - There’s a photo below looking towards the Vigla, the highest point on Symi. I don't know how to take a photo so you get an idea of the height, but standing there and looking up the side of the hill, it’s easy to see why it’s known locally as the mountain. Here’s an interesting fact:
- [A Post Partly About Post](https://symidream.com/a-post-partly-about-post/) - The sunshine is back, calm has been restored, and my forecast isn’t showing any rain for the foreseeable future, so the view is something like this: It’s also something like this: Or at least, it was yesterday as we moved onto the spray-painting stage. That was after the music lesson during which we took on
- [Weekend Shenanigans](https://symidream.com/weekend-shenanigans/) - Let’s start with some confusion: Shenanigans. Although “shenanigan,” meaning trickery or mischief, is often attributed to the Irish Gaelic “sionnachuighim,” meaning “I play the fox,” others claim it derives from an American Indian word. Or: Shenanigans. Earliest records of it are in California (San Francisco and Sacramento). Suggestions include Spanish chanada, a shortened form of
- [Weekend News](https://symidream.com/weekend-news/) - Here we are at the end of the week. Almost. The end of my blog week at any rate, and what a lovely week it’s been. Yesterday, after a very satisfactory hour at the piano with my more than satisfactory student, we sat and modelled for two hours; H building a Toyota Something-Flash and me
- [Rose’s What?](https://symidream.com/roses-what/) - I took a gentle stroll into the top part of the Pedi Valley yesterday, attracted by the greenery. What with the warm winter and recent rains, everything’s coming up roses. There were other plants growing too, and blossom on some trees already, and yes, there were some roses. ‘Everything’s Coming up Roses’ is a song
- [Two Parish Notices](https://symidream.com/two-parish-notices/) - I have two parish notices this morning, and you’re probably aware of both by now. First of all, for those of us who lost the right to vote in our home country because of the 15-year rule, you can now register again and vote again. The full details are on this electoral commission page. If
- [Music, Models and More](https://symidream.com/music-models-and-more/) - We enjoyed a fabulously wet day yesterday, but luckily, the rain stayed outside – apart from the porch where the roof leaks although we can find no cracks for the rain to come through. One of those mysteries. It was a case of staying inside for me, getting some typing done in the morning, and
- [Monday Meandering](https://symidream.com/monday-meandering/) - So, what did I do over the weekend? Answer: Not much. I spent a fair amount of Sunday on the sofa with the return of a cold, but now, on Monday morning, I seem to have fended that off with some treatments. Saturday, we popped out for a drink and a catchup with Miss DJ,
- [To End The Week](https://symidream.com/to-end-the-week/) - There are but a few images left in my collection of ‘What I did in my holidays,’ because, after New Year’s Day, I was laid up in bed, or rather, on sofa. I’ve never been much of a one for taking to my bed when unwell; there’s so much else going on in the rest
- [A Quiet Start to the New Year](https://symidream.com/a-quiet-start-to-the-new-year/) - New Year’s Day began quietly with a gentle awakening in our rented apartment, and a lazy morning. Eventually, we headed out for a walk around the nearby cemetery… I know, sounds gloomy, but it wasn't. We were able to see monuments to Melina Mercouri and other notable figures from Greek history, and enjoyed a quiet,
- [What Didn’t You Do?](https://symidream.com/what-didnt-you-do/) - Athens trip, day two. What didn't we do? The day started with a hair appointment. Unlike when I cut my hair with a pair of clippers and little enthusiasm, and unlike a trip to a local barber or even one on Rhodes, this was something of a state occasion. Planned, booked, and looked forward to,
- [Flying in Winter](https://symidream.com/flying-in-winter/) - We're setting off to Athens today, except online in story world, not in the real world, because we’ve already done that, and here are some photos to prove it. But… ten days ago, we set off for our New Year adventure, and it started, as all good stories do, with a boat. (A train works
- [Here Comes 2024](https://symidream.com/here-comes-2024/) - As Randy Quaid, playing Russell Casse in ‘Independence Day’, famously said, ‘Hello, boys. I’m back.’ He then went and crashed his aircraft into a spaceship and saved the world. I don’t intend to do anything quite so dramatic as I take up my typewriter and bash out my regular morning nonsense. On which note, lets
- [Happy Christmas](https://symidream.com/happy-christmas/) - I’m just leaving this here as a surprise for anyone who stumbles upon Symi Dream on Christmas Day. Here are six images, one from each Christmas over the last six years. Yeah, I know, they’re not great, but they are all I have. Most of my photos are of us and our family, and I
- [The Festivities Have Begun](https://symidream.com/the-festivities-have-begun/) - The Christmas festivities have begun here on Symi with a week or more of events in Yialos, including concerts on the stage, a Christmas market, and celebrations. Yesterday, I watched and heard a brass band parade play Jungle Bells all the way from the clock tower until they were out of sight, though still playing.
- [Twinkle](https://symidream.com/twinkle/) - The period of ‘getting into the Christmas spirit’ has started up here in the village and in our house. The sitting room is festooned (kind of) with lights which looks cosy after dark, and we’ve started wrapping presents. For the first time in many years, everything I had to order from off-island has arrived in
- [Across the Pink Sea](https://symidream.com/across-the-pink-sea/) - Today’s first couple of photos are from yesterday evening, when the sunset was so pink, even the sea changed colour. This isn’t an unusual sight, but it is a brief one as the colours change so quickly. Like most of my photos on the blog, they were taken on my phone, so are not the
- [Today’s Chat](https://symidream.com/todays-chat/) - I was up early this morning, so I was on the balcony with a cup of tea when the Blue Star came in around 5.30, gliding gracefully through the dark on a flat calm. The night before, we’d seen a helicopter come in more or less at the same speed. It seemed to take forever
- [More Lights](https://symidream.com/more-lights/) - Continuing the Christmas build-up theme, here’s a photo of some of the lights in the village square. The ones I showed you yesterday, going along the lane, now go all the way to Taverna Zoi, so we have a twinkling path all the way from Georgio’s to the ‘American’ supermarket. Walking that way last night,
- [All Lit Up](https://symidream.com/all-lit-up/) - It was a quiet weekend in our house; writing, pottering around on off jobs, and then, Neil doing a Sunday lunch, which was perfect as always, followed by a couple of films on TV. There was some writing in there somewhere, and some Christmas sorting with a few presents wrapped, and the tree up. I’ll
- [Nothing Planned by Lots to Look Forward to.](https://symidream.com/nothing-planned-by-lots-to-look-forward-to/) - I was reminded of a scene in The Golden Girls… The ladies are talking about a specific sound, and Blanche explains that when she hears rain tapping at her window she takes a shower and changes into her special nightdress, and… “Oh, when you hear rain tapping at your window. I thought you said Wayne.”
- [Avrio](https://symidream.com/avrio/) - Another quiet day at home yesterday, staying in and dry as the island spent much time under rain clouds. The rain showed up an interesting anomaly in the bathroom; a puddle of rainwater beneath the window. Ah ha! ‘Tis the window which leaks,’ methinks, but, no. I felt the tiles around and beneath the window.
- [Time Passes](https://symidream.com/time-passes/) - Apparently, it’s going to be raining all day today. I've seen lightning over Turkey already, but it’s still too dark to assess the clouds. Keen to give you my near-daily weather report, I checked out windfinder.com and the next few days look to be wet, with a break over Saturday and Sunday. That would be
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-7/) - As you can see, yesterday was another calm, still day, and the light on the sea was spectacular. I took that photo after piano the lesson, around 3.45, just as the light is changing. There’s a period of a short while where the rocks of Nimos change colour gradually, but it’s hard to describe what
- [Warm, Calendars, and Shenanigans](https://symidream.com/warm-calendars-and-shenanigans/) - I know some parts of Europe are experiencing very cold weather right now, so you may not want to hear that it was so warm on Saturday evening, I was able to sit outside Rainbow for a few hours watching no world go by. I had my jacket ready if needed. It wasn't. Cloudy? Yes.
- [A Quiet Weekend?](https://symidream.com/a-quiet-weekend/) - I have one planned. Or semi-planned, as I've not planned to do anything except to do very little. Happy first of the month, by the way! I’ve turned over the last page in this year’s Symi Dream calendar, and noted the big days for this month; Christmas, of course, and the day we leave to
- [Bits and Pieces](https://symidream.com/bits-and-pieces-9/) - Another quiet day mostly spent at home yesterday. I got some work done, I've almost finished my last draft of ‘1892’ my cosy Christmas collection of short stories within the Clearwater world, so today, I should be able to send it off to have the internal files put into order ahead of uploading and sale.
- [Wednesday](https://symidream.com/wednesday-5/) - It’s always interesting to see where the annual leak is going to come from, and this year, I've not been disappointed, because we have two to investigate. One is a classic: the bathroom. However, how does the floor become wet during a rainstorm, and yet the wall beneath the window is dry, as is the
- [Day Trip](https://symidream.com/day-trip/) - Well, not exactly a day trip but a morning spent in Yialos. Okay, not a whole morning, just some time. Less than thirty minutes actually. Alright, so twenty minutes in Yialos…. Sometimes, that’s all you need to get your business done, and yesterday was one such success, not that I had much business to attend
- [Quietly Rough](https://symidream.com/quietly-rough/) - It was a quiet weekend for me. The storm wasn't as rough as expected, and although it’s noticeably colder this morning, and I've not yet seen the state of the sea, the wind isn’t battling the roof, and the rain isn’t creeping in under it. The Blue Star is only a few hours behind its
- [Leaving and Learning](https://symidream.com/leaving-and-learning/) - We popped down to the Rainbow last night to have a last drink of the season before Neil heads off to Vienna later today. Rather, heads to Rhodes later today, and Vienna on Tuesday. He’s got three extra days in Rhodes in case the weather is so bad the boat doesn't come on time for
- [The Wonders of Winter Travel](https://symidream.com/the-wonders-of-winter-travel/) - Today is a day for preparing to make a decision and keeping a watch on the forecast. Neil’s due to fly early on Tuesday morning. This means being in Rhodes on Monday evening. That mean catching the boat early on Monday morning. However, the current forecast is for the wind to be up to force
- [Work in Progress.](https://symidream.com/work-in-progress/) - I’m not staying long. It’s chucking it down out there, and the wind's a bit blustery, so I'm staying inside in the warm getting some work done. Neil’s planning to go to the gym, but some days… Well, it’s safest to stay home. I haven’t actually been out to look at the sky or the
- [This Time Last Year](https://symidream.com/this-time-last-year-2/) - I was just looking through my photos for this time last year and saw that the village Christmas lights were already up by the end of November. I came home in the dark last night but don't remember seeing them, and the photo I took may have been from slightly later in the month, but
- [Eeh, by ’eck, Ma, it’s Parky](https://symidream.com/eeh-by-eck-ma-its-parky/) - Not only has it been a little ‘parky’ this past couple of days, it’s also had something to do with plants. First, for anyone not familiar with Victoria Wood and the word ‘parky’, it’s an informal British word for cold, usually associated with the north of England. I woke up shivering yesterday morning and had
- [Today is…?](https://symidream.com/today-is-2/) - I’m having one of those days when I think it’s the day it isn’t. Today is not Saturday, it’s Friday, but I've been pottering around thinking, ‘I need to do my Jackson Marsh blog this morning,’ as I do every Wednesday and Saturday, only to realise I’m on the wrong day. Oops, better witter on
- [An Interrupted Day](https://symidream.com/an-interrupted-day/) - (The title sounds like an episode of The Hobbit, but that’s not what this is.) Yesterday was interrupted. It’s happened before — having an interrupted day, I mean. Once, it was by a boat, on another occasion, a child, but yesterday was interrupted by a wardrobe. Not long after we moved here, we were entertaining
- [Changeable](https://symidream.com/changeable/) - It’s feeling a little bit chillier this morning, though it’s not as breezy as it was yesterday. As you can see from Neil’s two photos today, the weather is apt to change very quickly at this time of year. That’s one of the reasons we always take care when traveling. Not because we might get
- [Wander, Signs and Wonder](https://symidream.com/wander-signs-and-wonder/) - A little wander up the road yesterday and took this photo looking down towards Pedi. I expect it’ll be slightly different today after an evening and night of rain and wind. It’s finally starting to feel like winter is on the way, though there’s still no need yet for the heaters to be dusted off.
- [Boats and Clouds](https://symidream.com/boats-and-clouds/) - What can I tell you…? Over the weekend, I've watched various boats take people away from the island after the Panormitis festival. The Panagia Skiedani collected many cars and people, there was a traffic queue for the Friday Blue Star which ran all the way back to the main road, and if you've ever used
- [Listen. Time Passes.](https://symidream.com/listen-time-passes/) - There’s not much to tell you. So little, in fact, I forgot to put up a blog yesterday, but there wouldn't have been much to share even if I had. I was on the balcony just now, and couldn’t help but notice how few boats there were at the end of the harbour. None, in
- [Happy Panormitis Day](https://symidream.com/happy-panormitis-day/) - Here’s wishing a happy Panormitis Day and festival to everyone who attends or follows the celebration. In the past, we have been to the festival in various ways. In the back of a transit van, on foot (it was a four-hour walk), in the back of a flatbed truck (a few times, sometimes sitting on
- [Weather & Boats](https://symidream.com/weather-boats/) - We're still enjoying warm weather down here. I just went outside at 3.30 this morning, and it was rather pleasant. Mind you, there’s no wind to speak of, the plants don't know what to make of it all, and I’m sure we’ll get some kind of winter weather before long. Meanwhile, the Nicholaos X made
- [Yesterday’s Village Wedding](https://symidream.com/yesterdays-village-wedding/) - I expect there are a few sore heads around this morning following yesterday’s village wedding. This was the wedding of Lefteris and Glykeria to which, I’m told, over 600 people were invited. If you were wondering, that’s ‘young’ Lefteris from the Lefteris’ Kafeneion in the village. As is the Greek tradition, he was given his
- [Online Shopping Season has Begun](https://symidream.com/online-shopping-season-has-begun/) - We’ve started early this year. Preparing for that joyous celebration on December 25th, I mean. I know it’s a long way off, but for one reason or another, we tend to start gathering things well in advance. This avoids the annual crush at Jumbo and other shops in Rhodes, a trip to which, although often
- [What Day is it?](https://symidream.com/what-day-is-it/) - Apparently, today is National Authors’ Day. This day was first recognised by the US Department of Commerce in 1949, following a campaign by a book lover that began in the 1920s. I think it’s mainly an American thing, although now it’s probably spreading globally through the internet, and gives us indie authors an opportunity for
- [Amazing](https://symidream.com/amazing/) - Yesterday, I was sitting on the sofa happily reading about the Gaiety Theatre in the late 19th century, when I became aware I was being serenaded. The strains of ‘Amazing Grace’ were floating across the harbour and up to the house on a breezeless day. Unusual, but not unpleasant. It was being played on a
- [Symi Sunrise](https://symidream.com/symi-sunrise-2/) - There’s no great earth-shattering news today. It remains warm down here, clouds are gathering for some unsettled weather that’s due later in the week (allegedly), although weather reports come and go. When there are clouds, they can make for incredible sunrises, as Neil’s photos demonstrate. We tend not to get a sunset view from our
- [Things done and to do](https://symidream.com/things-done-and-to-do/) - If you think things quieten down on Symi at the time of year, you’d be right, but also, not 100% accurate. Over this last weekend, there was a wedding complete with many church bells and a large procession coming past the house. There were fireworks in Harani on Friday, which may have been related to
- [No Idea](https://symidream.com/no-idea/) - It’s one of those mornings when I have no idea what I might put down here, so let’s see what comes out. I just spent a few minutes looking through my photos only to realise the ones in my ‘to be used one day’ album are ancient, and the ones on my cloud are mainly
- [You Have the Power! Or Not.](https://symidream.com/you-have-the-power-or-not/) - Today looks like it’s going to be interesting and varied. Apart from my usual work at the typowriter, I’ve a music lesson to see to this afternoon and a name day party to attend this evening, and I've just read we’re in for a power cut from 7.30 to 12.30. I’ve no idea why, but
- [The Adjustment Bureau](https://symidream.com/the-adjustment-bureau/) - It’s that time of year. The time when we gradually start adjusting from summer to winter. I've heard people say there are only two seasons down here in the South Aegean, but I’m not so sure. Yesterday morning, the air smelt spring-fresh and warm, then later in the day, autumnal and humid. It was warm
- [Quieter Seas and Village News](https://symidream.com/quieter-seas-and-village-news/) - We're definitely into the quietening down part of the end of the season. I looked from the balcony this morning and saw only one boat at ‘our’ end of the harbour. That is, the end we can see. The other end might have been rammed with the things. The day trip boats were in yesterday,
- [Quiet but Varied](https://symidream.com/quiet-but-varied/) - It was another quiet weekend for me working on an article and a new idea for a ‘Christmas special’ for my series of novels set in Victorian times. I’ve asked the followers of my Facebook page to have input into this by suggesting up to five characters who’ll find themselves together sharing a story each
- [Chickens and a Novella](https://symidream.com/chickens-and-a-novella/) - I was just wondering what I could tell you this morning, and coming up with nothing, so I have a photograph of some chickens and a panoramic view from the balcony. It makes it look like it’s an odd shape, but the plan was to show you the clear October skies and flat sea. What
- [A Little Fall of Rain](https://symidream.com/a-little-fall-of-rain-3/) - It doesn't take much to get the newshounds stirring around here, and I suppose yesterday’s downpour constitutes news. I'd just done some washing, of course, and all the windows and shutters were open, as it’s still not cold enough to close them. Then I looked out of the window and saw this… Looks like it’s
- [Busy Day](https://symidream.com/busy-day/) - I’ve just received the ‘final files’ for my next book, which means I have a couple of jobs to do this morning. Checking the files, and unless I notice any obvious errors, uploading them to Amazon so the book will ‘go live’ as soon as it filters through its process. This can take anywhere up
- [October Seas](https://symidream.com/october-seas/) - Four images today, each one taken from the same place over the last four years and around the same time, this week in October or as near as I could find. As you can see, it’s the view from the balcony, and things don't change much. October 2020 What the photos can't show is the
- [Thoughts from a Random Balcony](https://symidream.com/thoughts-from-a-random-balcony/) - You know how I’m often on the balcony having my early morning cup of tea, listening to the sounds of the darkest hours, and planning my day ahead… Well, it seems it’s a good time and place for random thoughts, such as: The other morning about an hour before sunrise, the moon was coming up
- [This Week? (Clue: Very Quiet)](https://symidream.com/this-week-clue-very-quiet/) - This week saw a few regular visitors heading home after their stays, but that doesn't mean the season is coming to an end, it seems. Apart from the weather remaining fair, and warm(ish), the day boats continue to come in (at least four yesterday, plus two Sebecos), and as far as I know, nothing much
- [Nice Chopper](https://symidream.com/nice-chopper/) - Another quiet day for me yesterday, and there will be many more as the season quietens and I spend more time at home. When I say ‘quiet’, I mean apart from the helicopter which came in a couple of times and sat with its rotors going for some time before taking off again. Why? I
- [Preparing for Winter](https://symidream.com/preparing-for-winter-4/) - Some village snaps as illustrations today, a day on which I have nothing much to report to head office. Except… We had a very pleasant lunch at Georgio’s Taverna yesterday. It’s one of the village businesses that stays open through the winter, only pausing, if it must, to redecorate for the next summer season. Next
- [Cooling Down](https://symidream.com/cooling-down/) - A breeze on the balcony this morning meant I had to put on a hoodie when I stepped out to look at the view and have my cup of tea. We're heading towards mid-October and during the day, it’s still pleasantly warm, around the mid-twenties, but first thing in the morning (or halfway through the
- [A Cover, a Taverna and a Slum](https://symidream.com/a-cover-a-taverna-and-a-slum/) - A quiet weekend for me, with some research, a new book cover to approve, and a birthday dinner at a packed taverna. It was voting weekend, so many people had returned from wherever they now live, as they must/should when there is an election – a local election for mayor, and regional elections too, I
- [The Week-never-end](https://symidream.com/the-week-never-end/) - It’s funny how many people still ask me what I am doing for the weekend. These days, I tell them I am doing the same as I do on any day of the week. Writing a blog, writing a book, maybe taking a short walk ‘to let some air in’, then researching, chilling, and no
- [The Village Bypass](https://symidream.com/the-village-bypass/) - I took a little wander along the new ‘road’ yesterday. For some time, there has been talk of a new road linking the main road of the village to the area of Ag Athanasios in the centre of the village. The area was originally only reachable by foot, but over time, local residents have made
- [Sales Day](https://symidream.com/sales-day/) - Not even my OneDrive photo collection can help me with inspiration today, so allow me to do some plugging instead. First, what’s new? In case you've failed to notice the advert over there >> Neil has a new Symi Dream calendar available. This one is for next year (2024), and it’s on sale now only
- [Last Week Through the Years](https://symidream.com/last-week-through-the-years/) - For want of something else to witter about, I clicked a button in my OneDrive photo collection that said, ‘Last week through the years,’ and today’s photos are the result. There were also images of a house I grew up in, a wedding on Symi, the East End slums of the 1880s, Harry when he
- [I wandered Lonely as a…](https://symidream.com/i-wandered-lonely-as-a/) - For someone who had little to do, I had quite a busy weekend. It started on Friday with some cloud spotting, and it wasn't a hard task. The weather is becoming more autumnal, but not the ‘Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun’ of Keats’ imagination, more the ‘… from whose unseen presence the leaves dead
- [End of the Week](https://symidream.com/end-of-the-week-2/) - Friday, so a look back on what’s been going on this week. The weather is finally starting to become more like its old self for this time of year. A short, sharp thunderstorm early on Thursday morning cleared some humidity and brought temperatures down to a more late-September level. The winds are still calm, so
- [My Big Fat Early Wakeup Call](https://symidream.com/my-big-fat-early-wakeup-call/) - Last night, we watched ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’ and had a few titters at some of the details, a few ‘Ahs’, and a few moments while we waited for something interesting to happen, and ultimately decided we had enjoyed the film. A strangely satisfying moment came near the beginning, and it followed on
- [The Day in the Life of a Symi Resident](https://symidream.com/the-day-in-the-life-of-a-symi-resident/) - The Day in the Life of a Symi Resident (with random photos to take your mind from the dreariness of my day). Yesterday, I managed to get around to doing one of those odd jobs that have been waiting months to be done and yet takes very little time to do, so that was something
- [This Time Last Year](https://symidream.com/this-time-last-year/) - With inspiration at something of a low ebb this morning, I scrolled through my gallery on OneDrive to see what I was up to this time last year, and found a screenshot and two photos that could not have been more different. A picture of the view from just above Nimborio, an image of Romney
- [Lights, Opera, Action. Nurse!](https://symidream.com/lights-opera-action-nurse/) - That was a weekend full of pleasant and interesting bits and pieces. On Friday, we had lunch in Yialos with our Neice who was set to leave for Athens on the Blue Star in the late afternoon. Due to a strike on Thursday, the boat didn't depart until midnight, by which time Neil was at
- [Allegedly Disgusting](https://symidream.com/allegedly-disgusting/) - You’ll be pleased to know I’ve not been ruffled by any Fakebook posts so far today. Well, one, actually. Another Greek-themed group where someone had posted a photo of a quayside in Greece showing three people walking by a row of boats. In it, it appears as though two guys are holding hands while a
- [November? Are you Mad?](https://symidream.com/november-are-you-mad/) - I was just having the best cup of tea of the day (the first one), and idly scrolling through Fakebook while waking up, when I came across a post which demanded a contribution. It was in a group about Greece, and, it seems, mainly populated by people who come to Greece on holiday once or
- [Why not Wander?](https://symidream.com/why-not-wander/) - Needless to say, the Teams meeting didn’t happen via Teams, but by phone, but let’s not go back there. Instead, let’s go up to the village for a wander. Some people investigate the village while they are here for the day, but many don’t have enough time. Others don't see it at all, because they
- [Not a Teams Player](https://symidream.com/not-a-teams-player/) - Well, today’s got off to a great start. Not. You know how I like to moan about these things, so… Microsoft Teams. I hate it, so we’re off to a good start there, but today I hate it more. Having had an accidental lie-in and set my working day back by an hour (so I’m
- [My Favourite Waste of Time](https://symidream.com/my-favourite-waste-of-time/) - I was innocently wandering the hillside the other afternoon when, quite without permission, a song leapt into my head. ‘You’re my favourite waste of time.’ I didn't think I was wasting time, I was merely getting in a few steps, a modern-day euphemism for what used to be called taking a walk. There I was
- [Shots from on High](https://symidream.com/shots-from-on-high/) - Below are some shots from on high to round off the week. By contrast, one of them is a shot from underneath. It’s one of the tunnels you can find if you wander the upper village. I’m told these came about because parts of the village were built with narrow lanes to a) help support
- [Too Tired to Sleep](https://symidream.com/too-tired-to-sleep/) - I had one of those nights where I couldn't sleep. Yesterday afternoon, I went for a long walk (for me). Sensible shoes, water, a hat, and off I went, up through the village to the ‘lone tree’, and out onto the path along the hillside to Xissos, and back to the village via the road.
- [Things to Do](https://symidream.com/things-to-do/) - Today’s list of things to do: This blog post (obviously, and quickly), my other blog post to do, a short story to edit, four hours at least of another project, water the ‘garden’ as it’s a water day, washing (ditto), continue to rearrange and edit the first four chapters of the next book as I
- [Plot Holes and Pot Plants](https://symidream.com/plot-holes-and-pot-plants/) - Yesterday, I was able to take down the notes stuck around my writing station, tick them off a list in my notebook, transfer the facts/details to the main ‘bible’ notebook for my current series, and say, ‘That’s the first draft done.’ I then spent the rest of the day with my head inside the book,
- [A New Week Ahead](https://symidream.com/a-new-week-ahead/) - And so begins another seven-day working week. Can't wait. But first, a big thank you to everyone who sent anniversary wishes last Friday and over the weekend. We had a lovely afternoon at the bar and an evening with friends. As a special treat, Neil didn't have to go to work at the bar in
- [21 Years On](https://symidream.com/21-years-on/) - We arrived on Symi 21 years ago today for a planned year abroad to see how we got on. We’d left Paros the night before on a ferry that arrived and departed 90 minutes before the time stated on the tickets, spent the night ‘sleeping’ on the floor of one of the lounges, lost a
- [Calendars, Birthdays, AI and Stuff](https://symidream.com/calendars-birthdays-ai-and-stuff/) - A few bits and pieces in the parish notices today. First, our copy of the new Symi Dream calendar arrived yesterday and has been put away ready for when it is needed, which will be, er, next year. There’s a link to where you can get hold of one if you want 12 images of
- [Mornings and Morlocks](https://symidream.com/mornings-and-morlocks/) - You know what it’s like when you fire up the PC with your mind set to certain tasks, and then…? This morning, I must post something on the blog, finish an article, write a review, do a little admin and publicity work, pick something up from ACS, possibly make lunch because Neil’s going to the
- [Will it? Won't it? It will, but how?](https://symidream.com/will-it-wont-it-it-will-but-how/) - It either will or it won't. Rain, that is. It’s been the topic of conversation for the past couple of days, and the weather forecast wars have already begun. ‘We're going to have a storm.’ ‘Tuesday is going to be dreadful.’ ‘My weather app doesn't say anything about a storm.’ ‘There’s the possibility of 0.03
- [Sunday Early Morning](https://symidream.com/sunday-early-morning/) - Well, this is ridiculous. It’s so early on Sunday morning it might as well be Saturday night, and I am up and about, raring to go after an astonishing five-hour sleep. I can’t even blame the heat, as it’s nowhere near as hot and humid as it has been of late. I can only blame
- [Friday Roundup](https://symidream.com/friday-roundup/) - I think Fridays will become ‘A catchup on the week and random photo day,’ not that any other day on these pages isn’t random enough. What have I done this week? Not an easy one to answer as I can't remember what I did yesterday, let alone… Oh yes. One of the highlights was celebrating
- [Not That Exciting After All.](https://symidream.com/not-that-exciting-after-all/) - I can now return to the story of how, 21 years ago, it took us 11 days to reach Symi. This has been made possible by Wonder Woman sending me a couple of screenshots, and me working out that it was the ‘translate this page’ command on my browsers that was kicking me out of
- [21 Years Ago Today – Coming soon](https://symidream.com/21-years-ago-today-coming-soon/) - I was going to tell you that 21 years ago today Neil and I were in Athens on our way to a new life in Greece, rather a year in Greece to see how we got on, as that was the original plan. But… 21 years later, I find myself at my PC wrestling with
- [The Scent of a Holiday](https://symidream.com/the-scent-of-a-holiday/) - Had a strange moment yesterday. Strange but also pleasant. I went out onto the balcony in the mid-morning to take a break from work and suddenly had the smell of holidays. By which I mean, the smell of the sea and the sun as you might find when going down to the beach knowing you
- [A Corner, Dustbins and a View](https://symidream.com/a-corner-dustbins-and-a-view/) - Hello and welcome to the week ahead. I was just looking through the photos I took over the weekend (there were only three, it didn't take long), and thought I'd share them this morning because they sum up what I have recently been about. A corner, dustbins and a view. The corner is my writing
- [Symi to Athens by Ferry](https://symidream.com/symi-to-athens-by-ferry/) - This week’s one-way discussion has been mainly about water; Neil and Harry diving, plumbing, sternas and water tanks, water bottles and so on. Today, I want to take you on a seabound adventure and welcome you aboard the Blue Star Patmos from Symi to Athens. I am in no way on the Blue Star payroll,
- [Sterna](https://symidream.com/sterna/) - Continuing the water watch theme for the week, let’s talk sterna. I don’t mean the plural for sternum as in breastbone, but the water chambers found beneath Symi houses. Before pumps and pipes, water would be drawn from this well by hand, having been collected from the roof during the winter and any other time
- [Water Bottle Tops Take Over the World](https://symidream.com/water-bottle-tops-take-over-the-world/) - Continuing the water theme, let’s talk bottles. I shudder to think how many plastic water bottles are used and thrown away on the island every day. I know in our household we get through about three a day between us, at least, so I hate to think what the bars and tavernas are using. Good
- [Creatures from the Blue Lagoon](https://symidream.com/creatures-from-the-blue-lagoon/) - The cinema astute among you will notice a film crossover reference in the title, but today’s post has nothing to do with young people marooned on a desert island and a strange creature from a 1950s B movie. It has to do with water, which seems to be the trend for this week’s posts. I
- [Cloud, Light and a Whiff](https://symidream.com/cloud-light-and-a-whiff/) - Good morning, I hope you had a good weekend. I had a productive one, thank you for asking, though it started as a cloudy one. It has been very humid of late, which is what I assume caused the cloud you can see in the photo, because it was gone a couple of hours later.
- [I Think](https://symidream.com/i-think/) - I was wandering aimlessly about the lanes the other morning and found myself passing by the place I stayed at when I first came to Symi in 1996. It’s still there, but, I think, no longer used. A lot of what follows comes with ‘I think’ attached because it was 27 years ago, and I
- [Finding a Way](https://symidream.com/finding-a-way/) - Today’s news comes lukewarm on the heels of yesterday’s news that Neil has released his Symi Dream calendar for 2024. (Scroll down to read more details.) My news is that, also yesterday, I released the first book in a new series of Victorian mysteries. That is, mysteries set in Victorian times (1892). As I have
- [Symi Dream Calendar 2024](https://symidream.com/symi-dream-calendar-2024/) - It’s four in the morning, the festivities continue down in the harbour, and I am setting about a full day of writing what I want to write, starting with today’s blog. Two, actually, as I write one on my author website www.jacksonmarsh.com every Wednesday and Saturday. I may go for a stroll around the village
- [Lots Happening](https://symidream.com/lots-happening/) - Well, I say lots… Today is a big day in the church calendar. I’ll let Jenine explain: 15th August is one of the biggest days in the Greek orthodox church calendar...the day that the Virgin Mary is celebrated. Everyone takes their holiday at this time, a chance for the city dwellers to visit their families
- [Random](https://symidream.com/random-2/) - I predict a random week, hence four random photos this morning. I don’t know why I am predicting this, probably because I have woken up with no idea what to put on this page, so you’re getting random thoughts. Having said that, the day has started with no random tune in my head, whereas most
- [Into the Friday to Monday](https://symidream.com/into-the-friday-to-monday/) - Had to put on a t-shirt this morning. Only 24 degrees in the courtyard. Mind you, there’s a stiff breeze and it it’s 3.30, so that might have something to do with it. As we head into the weekend, I have a day ahead doing what I like to do: writing, eating, playing the piano,
- [The Things you See](https://symidream.com/the-things-you-see/) - I took a walk around the village lanes yesterday afternoon, mainly for the purpose of taking some snaps for these pages, and came up with a few – as you can see today. If you are wondering what the black thing is snaking its way through the lanes, it’s the mains water pipes delivering water
- [Three Random Shots](https://symidream.com/three-random-shots/) - Three random shots from my photo file today, apropos nothing in particular, as that’s what I have to say today; nothing in particular. Mind you, I often start like that and then wander on and see what comes out, and a whole page later… well, there we are. These aren’t the best photos ever, but
- [A Day Trip After a Struggle](https://symidream.com/a-day-trip-after-a-struggle/) - Day Trip Yesterday was my first ‘lunch downtown’ for several weeks, and it made for a pleasant change. The King Saron is back in action, bringing day trippers over once or twice per day, there were three or four other day trip boats operating as well, so the harbour was busy, which is good to
- [Just Another Humid Monday](https://symidream.com/just-another-humid-monday/) - Sunday started so humid I could smell the moisture in the air. I've noticed it before over the years, the smell of damp rock that somehow holds a tang of dust. The balcony rail was wet, always a sign that the weather is sultry, and there was a cloud blanketing the Turkish coast, and another
- [The Right Side of Bed](https://symidream.com/the-right-side-of-bed/) - It’s far too early in the morning, even for me, in fact, it’s probably not even morning. It started just before two when I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and having wondered how I got there, decided it must be time to get up. It wasn't. I might have started on
- [Silence Leads to a Chorus of Disapproval](https://symidream.com/silence-leads-to-a-chorus-of-disapproval/) - It’s a lovely peaceful early morning after what, I am sure, was a lively and fun night. I've not seen images of the concert yet, and I was well asleep before it started, but I am sure it was a great success. This morning, I was up at three and surprised to find the harbour
- [Stars, Fans, Covers and Rubber](https://symidream.com/stars-fans-covers-and-rubber/) - August has started with more visitors arriving from the mainland, standard temperatures (rather than the excess of July), and the Symi Festival, which has its official opening tonight with Helena Paparizou on the main stage in Yialos town square/amphitheatre. In our house, we have a couple of pinups for the month… The same pair will
- [A Free Book for August](https://symidream.com/a-free-book-for-august/) - Well, a free book for five days (1st to 5th) and possibly not one you’ll be interested in, but if you click the link at the bottom of this post, you’ll get to the book’s Amazon page and see what I am talking about. Not now! Wait until you get there… By the way, these
- [Sunday Morning Ramble](https://symidream.com/sunday-morning-ramble/) - The temperature has dropped a little, there have been a couple of windy days, but there’s been nothing like the heat of last week. In fact, some mornings, it has felt almost autumnal, especially when it’s been humid, but that’s only by comparison to the 40° + we had recently. Over the weekend, as well
- [Friday This & That](https://symidream.com/friday-this-that/) - At least I know the cause of this morning’s earworm. I woke up early, even for me, and found myself trying to decide if I should put on a T-shirt and go back to bed. After a few moments of staring at the clock as though it was to blame for the early hour, I
- [Village Views](https://symidream.com/village-views/) - I was just having a cup of tea on the balcony—listening to the new neighbours’ new air conditioning unit and watching nothing happening because it was too early in the morning for anything to be happening—and realised it was July. I’d suspected this for a few days, but you know how it is when one
- [Six Random Photos](https://symidream.com/six-random-photos/) - I was going through my folder of ‘photos to be used on the blog one day’ and chose six at random. Some of these date back a couple of years, and they weren't all taken at this time of year. They are here to liven up the page, if tortoises and petals can liven things
- [There are Worst Things I Could Sing](https://symidream.com/there-are-worst-things-i-could-sing/) - Woke up this morning at three to find it 26° in the courtyard as opposed to 31° as it has been (42° in the afternoons), and to hardly any wind, after the force fives of yesterday. That info, like today’s photos and text, is apropos nothing apart from trying to raise a smile. We’ve probably
- [Greek News in English](https://symidream.com/greek-news-in-english/) - Today, it doesn't seem right to post one of my usual frivolous and throw-away posts about all and nothing, not when there are fires raging in Rhodes, people are evacuating for their lives, and losing their livelihoods, and there is so much disruption taking place. My Facebook feed is full of horrific posts of wildfires
- [Friday](https://symidream.com/friday/) - To complete my week of one-word title blog posts, I came up with the original title, ‘Friday’ because that’s today, and I couldn't think of anything else. I thought I’d have a quick glance through any photos I'd taken this week, have a ramble about whatever comes into my head while trying to remember what
- [Wildlife](https://symidream.com/wildlife/) - The other morning while standing on the balcony listening to the world at 3.00 am, through the sound of a superyacht’s chugging generator came the screech of an owl. This made me wonder if I could mention on the blog the wildlife I’ve seen from the house. I don’t mean the ‘Another hundred people just
- [Questions](https://symidream.com/questions-2/) - I’ve often thought about having a t-shirt made saying: Yes Cold Same as summer These are the answers to the three most common questions asked by new visitors to the island. Do you live here? What’s it like in the winter? What do you do in the winter? Between Neil and I, we have worked
- [Sunbeds](https://symidream.com/sunbeds/) - Continuing this week’s theme of one-word titles for blog posts, the word of today is ‘sunbeds.’ It seems to have been the word of the season so far with visitors and locals alike endlessly discussing the things at the bar and on social media. Everyone has an opinion, it seems, and when talking about beaches,
- [Hot](https://symidream.com/hot/) - Yes, it’s hot. Maybe not as hot as other places around the country and Europe, but 40 degrees in the shade in the courtyard on Saturday is still pretty warm. We’re reading about the Acropolis closing at the hottest times of the day, the government ordering no deliveries are to be made between noon and
- [Thoughts from a Midnight Balcony](https://symidream.com/thoughts-from-a-midnight-balcony/) - Talk about an early morning ramble, this is a very early morning stream of semi-consciousness, and with a pretentious title too! What more could you ask? I woke up at 2.00 this morning. Actually, it was 1.30 but I managed to go back to sleep and have a lie in. The night before, I'd watched
- [Can’t See the Full Picture](https://symidream.com/cant-see-the-full-picture/) - Here’s a thing. Thomas kindly contacted me the other day to report that when he is using Chrome, he is unable to see the images on the blog, only the placeholder and image title. (See his screenshot below.) After some investigation, he discovered the problem, and it’s to do with the little padlock you can
- [Wiping up a storm](https://symidream.com/wiping-up-a-storm/) - No, I’m not talking about a weather spillage, the recent high winds, or the storms that occasionally batter the island, nor did I mean to write whipping. I'm talking about my WIP. As I mentioned last week, one of the things this blog is now to do is direct interested readers over to my other
- [Hidden Gems: Giannas House, Yialos](https://symidream.com/hidden-gems-giannas-house-yialos/) - How often have you walked past a particular pair of gates and glanced into a courtyard? You often see visitors do this on Symi. They’re ambling around the village or up the Kali Strata, and someone’s left a gate open, so they have a peek through out of curiosity… Usually, people don’t stop and gawp,
- [To Hear the Breeze Singing](https://symidream.com/to-hear-the-breeze-singing/) - Welcome to Monday. I was going to start this week by taking a look at how many visitors the blog had last week, but I can't get into my stats package. I've sent a support ticket to Brad in Arizona who lives to serve customers at all times of day and night and asked him
- [Early Morning Madness](https://symidream.com/early-morning-madness/) - ‘That’s the middle of the night’, so say outraged acquaintances when I tell them what time I get up in the summer. ‘Why do you get up so early?’ What I’d love to say is, ‘Mind your own business,’ but what I usually say is, ‘Because I like to’, and it’s true. Apart from anything
- [Thoughts on a building. Taverna, café, taverna, restaurant.](https://symidream.com/thoughts-on-a-building-taverna-cafe-taverna-restaurant/) - Today, a shout out for a (relatively new) restaurant in the village. The Kali Strata opened last year to great success. From what I've seen and experienced, it doesn't need any publicity as it’s proving so popular, but I wanted to mention it because I have an association with the building going back to my
- [High on a Hill](https://symidream.com/high-on-a-hill/) - During our long lunch break, one of the things Neil did a fair amount of was walking. Well, we all do it. I walk my daily commute from one side of the house, across the congestion of the porch to the workhouse every day before dawn, and back again each time I need another cup
- [The Week Ahead (and links)](https://symidream.com/the-week-ahead/) - One thing you might remember is that I tend to write these posts a day ahead of posting. I’m out of bed and leaping around gazelle-like bright and early, have a cup of tea, read the news and wish I hadn’t, and then sit down at the typowriter to start on the day. Being someone
- [Starting with an Early Start](https://symidream.com/starting-with-an-early-start/) - It is summer, which means I am in the routine of waking very early to set myself to work. When I say early, I mean three in the morning, or 2.30 as it was the other morning, or 3.30 as it was today. All well and good, because I love the peace of what to
- [Symi Dream Returns: Reasons and Rules](https://symidream.com/symi-dream-returns-reasons-and-rules/) - I last posted here on July 2nd 2021. That’s a pretty long lunch break even by Greek standards, so, I thought it was high teatime I started again, at least for the time being. There are reasons for restarting the blog, and this time, there are some rules. Or, if not rules exactly, then guidelines.
- [Wittering off](https://symidream.com/wittering-off/) - Wittering off Yesterday’s short blog post was titled ‘wittering on’, and today’s, appropriately enough is ‘wittering off.’ That’s because I've decided not to keep this blog up to date so much from now on if I update it at all. There are several reasons for this, and the list is below. Mainly, I’ve been doing
- [Wittering on](https://symidream.com/wittering-on/) - Wittering on Happy first of the month to you. Had rather a successful day in Yialos on Tuesday, collecting post and pottering about, having lunch at Meraklis, and later catching a cab back to the village in time for Neil to start work. I’m not saying it was hot, but… It was pretty warm. It
- [Early Morning Dreaminess](https://symidream.com/early-morning-dreaminess/) - Early Morning Dreaminess We have a guest arriving today, so it’s another early start. I had a very early start yesterday too. Heat, mosquito, strange dream, waking to look at the time hoping it said it was five, and I’d had eight hours sleep; it read 2.45, and I'd had nearly six, so that would
- [Monday](https://symidream.com/monday-5/) - Monday After what seems like an age of nothing much happening, things are starting to pick up. When I say not much happening, I mean for me; writing, the occasional walk, piano lessons, staying home a lot. Now, though, with more visitors, things are becoming more social. Not so much this week, but next when
- [Latest Chicken News](https://symidream.com/latest-chicken-news/) - Latest Chicken News Sunday morning, Neil’s off for a swim, the bells are ringing (not because he's off for a swim, but for the Sunday services), the sea is calm, and I am on chapter 20. A typical Sunday morning at our house. It’s not so typical in front of it where a chicken has
- [Friday Photos from Neil](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-from-neil/) - Friday Photos from Neil We have some of Neil's photos to round off the week. He was over on Rhodes on Wednesday, making sure he was fit to dive (he is) as he's planning to take a dive training day with Blue Lagoon as soon as he can organise it. I was at home and
- [Typically Village](https://symidream.com/typically-village/) - Typically Village I've had a few typically village days this week, by which I mean I've seen things which are what I'd call typical of the village. These are sights such as a donkey carrying shopping across the village square and a stray goat wandering the lanes in the middle of the village nowhere near
- [The Children of the Night](https://symidream.com/the-children-of-the-night/) - The Children of the Night 'Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make.' Dracula was talking about the wolves beyond his castle walls. My children of the night yesterday was actually only one, so a child of the night, or rather, early morning. Picture it: I'm sitting there on the sofa
- [Boats and things](https://symidream.com/boats-and-things/) - Boats and things Standing at the window on Sunday afternoon, I saw a speedboat pulling people around on inflatable tires (or something, it was a distance away). The watersports place at Nos must be open, I thought, that's good. Then I noticed the large umbrella was up at Petalo and saw a line of luxury
- [Bits and Pieces](https://symidream.com/bits-and-pieces-8/) - Bits and Pieces Hello, and here's wishing you a good week ahead, happy solstice and all that. Or, happy Witchling Day if you happen to live in the imaginary village of Saddling, down on Romney Marsh. Not sure what I'm talking about? Click here. (Note, that's book two of a series, but it's set around
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-15/) - Friday Photos To end the week in what’s become my usual fashion, here are some photos. Firstly, Taverna Zoi is opening tonight (Friday). I took these and other photos early in the morning while walking up to To Vrisi. The others were taken on a walk down to Yialos, as you can probably tell. Here
- [Sometimes…](https://symidream.com/sometimes/) - Sometimes… Living on Symi, sometimes the simplest of tasks can take a terribly long time. For example, let's say you needed to get your incoming orders from the bank and give them to your accountant so she can prepare your tax returns. This can involve gearing yourself up to head to Yialos, an event in
- [This and That](https://symidream.com/this-and-that/) - This and That I've got some odds and bods to show you today. These are photos that don't seem to fit anywhere or haven't yet found a place in one of my quick 'catch up' blog posts. Oh, apart from the boot which falls under my 'things found by the side of the road' collection.
- [A view from the bridge](https://symidream.com/a-view-from-the-bridge/) - A view from the bridge Well, not exactly from the bridge, but from the balcony looking towards the bridge… of various ships. Hey! It’s early. We had a new Blue Star boat coming in yesterday. The Ariadne is doing the Monday run for the time being. According to Yiannis, it is 197 meters long, and
- [Busying Up](https://symidream.com/busying-up/) - Busying Up I'm not sure if that's a phrase, 'busying up', but it kind of describes Symi these past few days. More visitors are arriving, some from the UK, many from other parts of the world, all tested and so on, and those I've spoken to report that are double-vacced, which sounds like what Sam
- [Friday Photos: Takis Leather Art](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-takis-leather-art/) - Friday Photos: Takis Leather Art To see us through the weekend, a collection of images from Takis Leather Art. Neil took these when he was passing the shop recently. These works of art are made by burning tiny dots into leather. In some cases, Takis uses a whole hide, and in other cases, a smaller
- [Black & White](https://symidream.com/black-white/) - Black & White Today, I thought I'd share some more of Neil's black and white photography work. We were invited to dine in Yialos on Tuesday evening, beginning with a drink at Eva's, one of the cafés on the harbour front which looks out onto the taxi boats and yachts. A few more yachts are
- [One Drive Me Mad](https://symidream.com/one-drive-me-mad/) - One Drive Me Mad Had one of those mornings yesterday, not helped by it being Yiannis' birthday the day before, and he slipping in another full glass every time you thought you were able to go home. But that's another story, and one I don't remember much about. Anyway… Neil had shared some more photos
- [Recent Aimless Wanderings](https://symidream.com/recent-aimless-wanderings/) - Recent Aimless Wanderings I was just browsing through my photos folder and thought I'd post some random shots from the collection. These are just my 'happy snappy' efforts taken in idle moments while wandering aimlessly about. If you want to see top-class photos, you need to check Neil's images on Facebook. We used to share
- [Symi Wind](https://symidream.com/symi-wind-2/) - Symi Wind We get it from time to time. I mean the Symi wind, and we had it for three or four night's running at the end of last week and over the weekend. The days were a little blustery, but the wind turned to force five, rising seven from the northwest and west in
- [Busy, Chickens and the Partridge Family](https://symidream.com/busy-chickens-and-the-partridge-family/) - Busy, Chickens and the Partridge Family It's all go this weekend. Neil has started work back at the Rainbow Bar, so that's put us back into the regular summer routine, and let's hope it continues and we don't get locked down again. It would help enormously if visitors would wear their masks as they are
- [Shopping like a Cowboy. Rhodes Part Two.](https://symidream.com/shopping-like-a-cowboy-rhodes-part-two/) - Shopping like a Cowboy. Rhodes Part Two. After the fingerprinting was done, I had plenty of time before my next appointment, so we wandered around a little while, window shopping and bumping up the step-counter on my phone. I think we'd already walked four miles by then, and we were to manage 10 by the
- [Fingers and Thumbs. Rhodes part one.](https://symidream.com/fingers-and-thumbs-rhodes-part-one/) - Fingers and Thumbs. Rhodes part one. Apologies for my absence yesterday, I hadn't prepared anything for Tuesday, and tbf, but the time Tuesday morning came, I couldn't be bothered. Later in the morning, like now, I prepared this, so we're now back on track. (Btw, tbf = to be frank.) So, the adventure that is
- [I'm not here](https://symidream.com/im-not-here/) - I'm not here Well, I shouldn't be here. I am here now, early on Sunday morning, preparing this for Monday when, all being well, I should be in a police station in Rhodes. Don't panic! I'm going there to give a fingerprint for my biometric residency card. I was over in Rhodes five weeks ago
- [Going out with a bang](https://symidream.com/going-out-with-a-bang/) - Going out with a bang I was sitting on the sofa yesterday at 4.00, drinking my cup of tea and aghast at the headlines from the Guardian as usual, when there was a loud bang from somewhere outside. The lights dimmed, the internet went off and came back on again, and the flickering continued for
- [Taking to the road](https://symidream.com/taking-to-the-road/) - Taking to the road I took another wander up the hillside the other morning just as the sun was coming up. Varying the route I have been taking of late, I followed the main village ‘road’ across the square, up the lane past the bakery (now closed), and turned left at Zoi’s Taverna, not yet
- [Photos](https://symidream.com/photos-4/) - Photos A few random photos for you today. It’s 5.30, and I’m off out for a quick stroll before settling down to work, although I've been up since 2.30 and have already written 2,000 words. I was woken up by a throaty motorbike tearing past the house, and could hear it even through my earplugs.
- [This day in 2013](https://symidream.com/this-day-in-2013/) - This day in 2013 Today, I had the idea of looking through 'Village View' to see what I wrote on this day in 2013. 'Village View' is a collection of blog posts from that year and takes the reading through an entire year on Symi. I thought I'd put yesterday's entry here and afterwards note
- [Wind and Smoke](https://symidream.com/wind-and-smoke/) - Wind and Smoke Symi was buffeted by high winds on Friday night/Saturday morning. On Friday, the wind brought smoke from a large forest fire near Corinth. I opened the window for a better photograph and could smell the smoke which also passed over Rhodes. On Saturday, when the wind had died a little, and the
- [Blue Lagoon Divers](https://symidream.com/blue-lagoon-divers/) - Blue Lagoon Divers Okay, so now I can tell you about Blue Lagoon Divers. That's the company that has taken over what used to be the Symi Dream shop on the Kali Strata, and we couldn't be more excited! Blue Lagoon is run by Will Zouroudi, and he's supplied me with some information and photos:
- [A quick chat and an ostrich](https://symidream.com/a-quick-chat-and-an-ostrich/) - A quick chat and an ostrich Is it just me, or is there an ostrich in this window? Sorry to start the day with a bit of an odd question, but I couldn't think of anything else to start with. I'm just back from a short walk up a long hill and keen to press
- [The old shop becomes new](https://symidream.com/old-shop-becomes-new/) - The old shop becomes new Coming across the 'news desk' this morning, news of the old shop. That's the old Symi Dream shop that we used to have towards the top of the Kali Strata. You might remember a couple of weeks ago, I walked past it and saw it was being done up. Well,
- [Certificates and Trains](https://symidream.com/certificates-and-trains/) - Certificates and Trains So, the news today… I printed off our vaccination certificates yesterday. It's so easy to do with the right logins and an understanding of the language, but it can be done for you at the KEP office if needs be. We were out for a mild celebration on Sunday afternoon, which quickly
- [Usual Monday Chat](https://symidream.com/usual-monday-chat/) - Usual Monday Chat You may have already heard about how Greece has lifted some of its restrictions. Now, we no longer have to get permission via SMS before leaving the house, and it felt very odd going out on Friday without first sending a message. I had my second vaccination on Friday, and although I
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-14/) - Friday Photos I'm just back from a walk (Thursday morning), and I'm using yesterday's photos for today. We have our second jabs this morning (Friday), so I'm not hanging around to chat for long. Yesterday I followed that route I told you about and carried on up the hillside until I reached To Vrisi. That's
- [An Easy Way up Through the Village](https://symidream.com/an-easy-way-up-through-the-village/) - An Easy Way up Through the Village Here's a random thought and walk to put on your list of things to do on Symi – for when you are able to get here. Many people say they'd like to explore the village but are a) afraid of getting lost or b) can't hack the steps.
- [Symi Calendar](https://symidream.com/symi-calendar-2/) - Symi Calendar It looks like Neil will have a bumper crop of photos for next year's Symi calendar. This year's (found only on Lulu.com) shows various images of Pedi, but next year's looks like there will be shots from all over the island and some unusual views too. Not everyone gets the chance to head
- [Local News](https://symidream.com/local-news/) - Local News In local news… They still haven't moved that skip. It's dreadful. That was from a Victoria Wood sketch I saw on TV once, and it made me laugh. In close to home news, the taverna, George and Maria, has been painted and was due to open last weekend, I believe. I'm not sure
- [Pics and Dates](https://symidream.com/pics-and-dates/) - Pics and Dates Let's have a few more of Neil's wonderful photos to start the week. We had another of our 'typical' weekends, but with an added treat. 'Typical' being, working away on the final draft of the next book, a couple of walks (length varied depending on who was walking), plenty of sofa-surfing and
- [I must go down to the sea again…](https://symidream.com/i-must-go-down-to-the-sea-again/) - I must go down to the sea again… I thought I would post some of Neil's recent photos that feature the sea to see us through the weekend. They were not hard to find because we are on an island, and I hope these show you the diversity of Symi's coastline and beaches. For those
- [Random Photos and Updates](https://symidream.com/random-photos-and-updates/) - Random Photos and Updates I have some random photos from my collection today, and I thought I would explain what they are. To start with, there's one of the usual 'sunrise over Pedi shots' taken when I was walking the other morning. The camera never quite gets the colour right, the sky is often more
- [Monday Evening](https://symidream.com/monday-evening/) - Monday Evening There was something of a party atmosphere in the square on Monday night as the cafes and tavernas were able to reopen. We popped down for 'one' in the afternoon and ended up getting home in the evening. There were people to see and talk to, and after so many months of not
- [Monday morning](https://symidream.com/monday-morning-8/) - Monday morning Here we are on the other side of Easter with a few photos from the weekend. The weather has been warm. It was 30 degrees the other evening, so we were able to sit with the windows open for the first time in many months. That helps when the dynamite goes off, and
- [Happy Easter](https://symidream.com/happy-easter/) - Happy Easter It is Easter weekend in Greece, so I shall take Monday off and be back with you on Tuesday. The bangers and dynamite have started, there's a donkey tied up beneath our front window, and Neil is planning a cake. After Easter, the tavernas and bars that serve food are preparing to open
- [A Little Stroll](https://symidream.com/a-little-stroll/) - A Little Stroll I took a little stroll yesterday morning - just part way up the hill in a head-clearing exercise before I settled down to edit and improve the current MS. It was something of a landmark day as it was the first time I went out in shorts (at six in the morning).
- [Biometric Part Two](https://symidream.com/biometric-part-two/) - Biometric Part Two As I was saying… We ended up walking about 10 miles around Rhodes new and old town on Monday, and when I left you yesterday, we were reaching the end of the day. The dash to the supermarket to buy a bottle of wine was a necessity after such a long day.
- [Biometric Part One](https://symidream.com/biometric-part-one/) - Biometric Part One Well, yesterday was a long but pleasant day out. My first time off the island in 13 months made necessary because of having to change my residency permit from a card to a card (from paper-card to plastic, which is rather un-eco-friendly). Here is part one of the adventure in brief: Up
- [Sunday](https://symidream.com/sunday/) - Sunday Good morning. I am writing this yesterday so as to have a blog post ready to launch on its own while I am doing other things on Monday. It's been quite a busy weekend, and to intersperse the news, I've added some of Neil's recent pictures taken on his island wanderings. We had our
- [End of the week photos](https://symidream.com/end-of-the-week-photos/) - End of the week photos Time for some end of the week photos, and I thought we’d have a spring theme today. There will be more photos from Neil and his walks next week. Yesterday, he walked over to Panormitis, leaving here just after six and arriving there just before 10.00, which isn’t bad going.
- [Wine. A Pressing Matter](https://symidream.com/wine-a-pressing-matter/) - Wine. A Pressing Matter Today, I thought I’d share some photos Neil took while on a recent walk. He went up to the area commonly known as ‘the wine presses’ because, strangely, there is a collection of ancient wine presses. As far as I am aware, there are other areas where wine was once made
- [Do you hear what I hear?](https://symidream.com/do-you-hear-what-i-hear/) - Do you hear what I hear? Thanks to the recent warm weather, we can have the shutters and windows open again during the day. The other afternoon, I was sitting on the sofa in the living room listening to the silence, except there was none. Having had the sounds blocked out by the shutters for
- [The Quiet Pace of Island Life](https://symidream.com/the-quiet-pace-of-island-life/) - The Quiet Pace of Island Life Grey skies but warm, up to 26 degrees yesterday afternoon, and no threat of rain, just one of those plain cloud covers that doesn't seem to move. A calm, silvery sea, through which the Blue Star cut its way before dawn looking, as it always does at night, like
- [Monday general chat](https://symidream.com/monday-general-chat/) - Monday general chat Neil has been busy over the past few weeks, walking to various places on the island that he wouldn't usually get time to go to because of work. His summer job has often started by this time of the year, but not so this year. Still waiting to hear what's happening on
- [One Day More](https://symidream.com/one-day-more/) - One Day More I am nearly there… I have one more chapter to wrote/draft for my next novel, and I shall be doing that today. I have 151,000 words already, so this is by far the longest story I have written, which means it will take longer to edit, but that's all part of the
- [One Day](https://symidream.com/one-day/) - One Day I took a walk down to Yialos yesterday to get my photos for my biometric residency permit. I have the appointment a week on Monday in Rhodes and have all the paperwork I need, plus some. At least, I think I do. From what I've been told, the Rhodes office is organised and
- [The Same Old Sun](https://symidream.com/the-same-old-sun/) - The Same Old Sun Following on from yesterday's sun-themed post, here are some photos taken on Monday as the sun was coming up. The hills turn a dusty pink colour in the first rays, though that's not always easy to capture on a phone cam, and the low light casts longer shadows on buildings and
- [Symi Sun](https://symidream.com/symi-sun-2/) - Symi Sun Finally! The wind died down over Sunday night, so I thought I'd share some sunnier views today. Mind you, these were taken a couple of months ago, but we will have such skies again very soon. The sun is coming up earlier each day, so you can expect some sunrise shots once I
- [Weekend, Work and Writing](https://symidream.com/weekend-work-and-writing/) - Weekend, Work and Writing We are definitely in that changeable time of year weather-wise. The other day, the thermometer in the courtyard read 24 degrees. On Saturday morning, it read eight. Mind you, it was blowing a gale from the north, and this was at 3.15 in the morning. One of the bedroom shutters had
- [Yesterday's Post – Cause For Great Excitement](https://symidream.com/yesterdays-post-cause-for-great-excitement/) - Yesterday's Post – Cause For Great Excitement Great excitement in the house yesterday as a batch of new tea towels arrived. That was kind of the highlight of my day… Actually, there were more. My certificate of adoption came through at last. I'm not being adopted, but I have adopted a Galapagos penguin. Rather, Neil
- [Rough Seas](https://symidream.com/rough-seas/) - Rough Seas Today, so far, has been very calm but it’s still early and the high winds of recent days are apparently coming back later this afternoon. Here are some photos Neil took towards the end of last month.
- [This Day in (local) History](https://symidream.com/this-day-in-local-history/) - This Day in (local) History In the absence of anything better to write about… apart from the continuing high winds, the man who regularly decides to have a phone conversation outside the bedroom window at 4.30 in the mornings (why?), and my ongoing writing project… I had a dip into my memories to see what
- [Windy memories](https://symidream.com/windy-memories/) - Windy memories You can't really see much from my photo, but I tried to get a shot showing the waves being whipped up under an easterly wind on Sunday. It's still banging around the roof on Monday morning, and it's only force five or six. Sometimes, when it's really windy, you can see the breakers
- [Quiet Weekend](https://symidream.com/quiet-weekend/) - Quiet Weekend Another quiet weekend has passed. The highlight was a walk down to Yialos in the spring sunshine. Renovation work continues on the corner house on the Kali Strata. Other building work is going on elsewhere, and those earth bags are still down across some steps, as I showed you last week. In Greece,
- [Weekend photos](https://symidream.com/weekend-photos-2/) - Weekend photos Continuing on from yesterday’s random photos, here are some more to see you through the weekend. These are from Neil. Hopefully, I will have more news to tell you Monday, not that I am planning to go anywhere or do anything much, but there’s nothing of note to tell you today, so simply
- [A few random photos](https://symidream.com/a-few-random-photos-2/) - A few random photos Just a few random photos today. I took the first one because I'd forgotten it was there until I opened the sitting room shutters after about two months of having them closed to keep the heat in. The others are from various strolls around the village over the past couple of
- [Still on the Steps](https://symidream.com/still-on-the-steps/) - Still on the Steps Once upon a time, we had the Symi Dream shop and gallery on the Kali Strata. One afternoon, we had just set everything up for the opening of a new exhibition, put tables outside for the wine and so on, and were waiting to welcome guests to one of the Monday
- [Kali Strata, there and back again](https://symidream.com/kali-strata-there-and-back-again/) - Kali Strata, there and back again Yesterday, I had a package to collect from the bookshop, so I took a stroll down the Kali Strata for the first time in weeks. The package was a copy of my latest novel, which I had ordered via Amazon Germany to avoid the balls-up caused by the B-word
- [From the weekend](https://symidream.com/from-the-weekend/) - From the weekend I don't know about you, but I had a lovely weekend. It's currently Sunday morning at 5.30, except that's really 4.30, but that doesn't matter. The earlier I get up, the more time I have for the day. My weekend started on Friday, which you may have noticed was my birthday. My
- [Celebration Days](https://symidream.com/celebration-days/) - Celebration Days Two days ago, there was the festival of Evengalismos, yesterday was Greek Independence Day, the 200th year celebration, and today, it’s my turn as it’s my birthday. And, because it’s my birthday, and because it’s a Friday when I usually post just photos, I thought I’d share some pictures from various times over
- [Rainbows and other news](https://symidream.com/rainbows-and-other-news/) - Rainbows and other news The dust cloud and other shady weather passed over us on Tuesday, turning the sky a mysterious colour and, where the sun broke through, giving us some interesting lighting. There was a little rain in the afternoon, enough to produce a double rainbow over the harbour entrance. You can't really see
- [Poseidon Weather](https://symidream.com/poseidon-weather/) - Poseidon Weather I'm keeping an eye on the weather today (Tuesday). There was a news announcement on Monday saying a great cloud of Saharan dust was coming or way. This comes along at least once per year, and locally, we call it 'red rain.' When the cloud is up there, and the rain comes down
- [Pine Processionary](https://symidream.com/pine-processionary/) - Pine Processionary The other day, Neil was on a procession from Yialos to Horio, or vice versa, along the main road that zigzags up/down from the harbour's eastern end. He came across this… It's a line of Pine Processionary caterpillars (Thaumetopoea pityocampa, if you will), and seeing this image, you can understand where they get
- [Embroidery Machines and Other News](https://symidream.com/embroidery-machines-and-other-news/) - Embroidery Machines and Other News Let's start the week with a quick message for people living on Symi. I was asked to let you know that a friend has two of these sewing machines available for free, I think. (See photo.) They are standard-sized machines but are designed for stitching embroidery, such as you see
- [Friday Photos  To see us into another](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-to-see-us-into-another/) - Friday Photos To see us into another weekend, here are a few photos Neil took recently. It has been a week of changeable weather and the same old routine for us at home. It was this time last year that we were returning from Canada. Passing back through London, which had closed during our absence,
- [Weather, Symi Spring and Hangover](https://symidream.com/weather-symi-spring-and-hangover/) - Weather, Symi Spring and Hangover Time to delve back into Neil's photo album for some more spring shots from Symi. Yesterday started with rain in the very early morning, and that was a hangover* from the day before when we'd had some showers and a little thunder. Some of the showers were hail, and they
- [A twisting tale](https://symidream.com/a-twisting-tale/) - A twisting tale I was so lost in my writing yesterday, I nearly forgot to post a blog ready for today. I was also distracted by sending an email to a friend, and when I read it back, I thought I'd share part of it with you as it sums up where I am with
- [Rain, Routines and Rates](https://symidream.com/rain-routines-and-rates/) - Rain, Routines and Rates As you can see, Sunday brought us rain and cloud that was still around on Clean Monday morning. (A couple of these photos are from January, but the view was the same.) I took a stroll along our lane, greeted the sheep down from the hills to finish off whatever grasses
- [Starting Lent](https://symidream.com/starting-lent/) - Starting Lent Today is Clean Monday here in Greece, by tradition a day for flying kites, gathering with families and friends to barbeque seafood and mark the start of Lent. That, as you know, means 40 days until Easter. Of course, the mardi gras didn't happen this year. There was no gathering in the village
- [Friday Photos, Names and Trains](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-names-and-trains/) - Friday Photos, Names and Trains To end the week, here are a couple of photos I took yesterday while trekking all the way to the bin store about 20 yards away from the house. As you can see, the harbour remains empty, though there are rumours of opening the tourist season not long after Easter.
- [Spring Shots](https://symidream.com/spring-shots/) - Spring Shots After all the plumbing news excitement yesterday, I thought we'd calm things down a little with some general photos of the island. Neil took these recently, and they give you an idea of what spring can be like on Symi. This year has been unusually calm and warm so far. We're usually battening
- [Plumbing Challenge part two](https://symidream.com/plumbing-challenge-part-two/) - Plumbing Challenge part two You know that scene in Cast Away, where Tom Hanks finally manages to light a fire? He's beating his chest and doing the victory dance, it's all very tribal and a little cringeworthy? Well, that was me yesterday morning, and my rite of passage involved the same torture, but without the
- [Plumbing Challenge](https://symidream.com/plumbing-challenge/) - Plumbing Challenge It's Monday, and we've started with a mildly blustery day. The Blue Star came in at around five, and I thought of those who were due to catch it because they must go to Rhodes for the first of three appointments to get their biometric residency permits. If only they could be done
- [Nearly a year already](https://symidream.com/nearly-a-year-already/) - Nearly a year already A year ago today, we spent our last day in London before flying to Canada for our trip across the country by train. (I blogged about it towards the end of last year in day-by-day style if you want to search or scroll to find the full story.) Hard to believe
- [Lockdown Deep Red](https://symidream.com/lockdown-deep-red/) - Lockdown Deep Red (Not a new feature film starring Gerrard Butler, apparently.) If you're outside Greece, you may not have heard that Rhodes and surrounding islands that fall under its jurisdiction are now in the 'deep red' zone. This is because of the increase in cases nationally and, in the case of Rhodes, locally. This
- [Water](https://symidream.com/water/) - Water Water is today’s theme for photos. It is not rainwater, but the sea, and here are some photos to show you how calm and clear the sea around Symi can be. It can also be rough, and there are days when you can see the breakers crashing onto the rocks of Nimos, and there
- [Early Spring on Symi](https://symidream.com/early-spring-on-symi/) - Early Spring on Symi How about some spring flowers, fresh from Symi and delivered straight to your screen? Well, here you go. These are some of Neil's photos, as you can tell by the artistic quality. I can also let you into a little secret. He's started putting together images for next year's Symi calendar.
- [The countryside within minutes](https://symidream.com/countryside-within-minutes/) - The countryside within minutes I took a brief walk early on Monday morning, just down towards Pedi, as far as the football pitch and back again. The nice thing about this route is that I was in the 'countryside' within five minutes of leaving home. At least, that's how it felt. It's been a while
- [Monday Morning Thoughts](https://symidream.com/monday-morning-thoughts-2/) - Monday Morning Thoughts Hello, and welcome to March. Kalo mina, kalo evthoumada, kalimera, kali everything. Over the weekend, Neil sent me a batch of photos from some of his recent walks. He and Clare have been exploring some of the island's lesser-visited parts, and I have a heap of images to share with you over
- [Weekly Catchup and Photos](https://symidream.com/weekly-catchup-and-photos/) - Weekly Catchup and Photos And here it is, Friday again. Good Lord! The days seem to be zipping by. I have finished my 9th Clearwater Mystery during the week and am waiting for the files to come back from the typesetter. I have been doing all that myself but on my old PC, which, when
- [Wednesday](https://symidream.com/wednesday-4/) - Wednesday A short walk for me yesterday, just out on the mountainside and back again. While wandering that way, I spied Neil and Clare on their way over the top. They were heading to Kokimithes, which is, I believe, the second-highest monastery on the island. Please correct me if I am wrong. You can also
- [Symi Hinterland](https://symidream.com/symi-hinterland/) - Symi Hinterland We're currently watching the Welsh crime drama, Hinterland, and the word, not the series, made me think of Symi's hinterland. So, today, I thought I'd share a couple of shots Neil took on a recent walk to Stavros tou Polemou (the Cross of the War), the highest church on Symi. Apparently, the 'war'
- [An office view](https://symidream.com/an-office-view/) - An office view I've been working in the dark for a couple of weeks – shutters closed, curtains drawn, so, yesterday, I decided to throw wide the gates and open up the view again. There's a noticeable difference as the room chills; though the heater is on, the view is the thing. The first thing
- [On with the week](https://symidream.com/on-with-the-week/) - On with the week Here we are back to Monday again, back to slightly warmer weather, and back to work. Over the weekend, I posted on my other blog, the one I update every Saturday with something relevant to my pen name writing. This Saturday, I had a celebrity in the house. We had a
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-13/) - Friday Photos Here’s a collection of some of Neil’s recent photos to see you through the weekend. The wind had died by Thursday morning, though there was still a stiff breeze up here in the village and the thermometer read six degrees. The shutters are still closed, and the heaters are on as the house
- [Symi Wednesday morning](https://symidream.com/symi-wednesday-morning/) - Wednesday morning The wind is still battering the house, it's cold, the heater has been on all night, and I'm back in thermals and several layers. It's seven o'clock in the morning, and I'm just going to pop out and get a photo from the roof… [Cut to 30 seconds later] By Zooks, it's cold!
- [Tuesday thoughts](https://symidream.com/tuesday-thoughts/) - Tuesday thoughts Going on in my world today: A strong breeze, to say the least. It's showing force six at the moment, rising to seven and eight later, and the temperature is down to four degrees, from about 17 a few days ago. All the shutters are closed, and the draft excluders are up or
- [Monday at home](https://symidream.com/monday-at-home/) - Monday at home A couple of photos from home today. I've just sent a book off to be proofread, and so, can start on the next; thus I will be at the desk most morning jotting notes. The temperature has dropped, and it's a day for staying home and keeping warm. For now, the rain
- [Stavros Tou Polemou](https://symidream.com/stavros-tou-polemou/) - Stavros Tou Polemou A quiet weekend at home finishing off a book, watching some TV, taking a stroll, preparing for a cold front that’s allegedly coming our way this week… Not much going on but rumours of this, and possibilities of that… So, as there’s no news, I thought I’d share some more of Neil’s
- [Photos and Chitchat](https://symidream.com/photos-and-chitchat/) - Photos and Chitchat I've had a dip into my photo collection today to see if there's anything there with sharing, so it's a bit of pot luck in the image department today. Meanwhile, what's going on at our house? Well, Neil has a day off from wandering the island and has started to read my
- [Oh, Dear.](https://symidream.com/oh-dear/) - Oh, Dear. I'm writing this only a couple of hours after I wrote yesterday's post because I want to get ahead of myself. As only two hours have passed, you'd think that not a lot has happened. Actually, since 4.30 this morning, apart from the sun coming up on a more or less cloud-free but
- [An early morning news roundup](https://symidream.com/an-early-morning-news-roundup/) - An early morning news roundup I was so involved in my editing yesterday that I forgot to prepare a blog, so I am doing it at 4.30 this morning instead. Oh, the things I do for you, I don't know! Actually, it wasn't just editing that tied me up yesterday. I also had to visit
- [Wandering the Hills](https://symidream.com/wandering-the-hills/) - Wandering the Hills Wandering the Symi hills is not something we're doing today (Monday). It's windy out there, and although I have something to post, I think I'm going to stay home and edit rather than risk being blown down the Kali Strata. The high winds also mean it's not suitable to traipse across the
- [My Daily Washing Routine](https://symidream.com/daily-washing-routine/) - My Daily Washing Routine Before I can wash in the morning, my daily desk routine starts with a browse through my emails. I am always interested to see what spam has come in overnight. I use Mailwasher (look at mailwasher.net it's free for one email address usage and an excellent programme). It opens automatically when
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-12/) - Friday Photos Here are ten photos from various places around the island to give you something to look at over the weekend. This week started off chilly and windy and ended up warm and calm, almost spring-like with the promise of more of the same to come. While I am chained to my desk or
- [Warm, Bills, Cards](https://symidream.com/warm-bills-cards/) - Warm, Bills, Cards So what's new? Well, not a lot. As you can see from the photo, the amphitheatre in the harbour is coming along. I'm not sure how long it's been like this, as I've not seen it for a while, but this is how it looked the other day. Yesterday, I woke up
- [Arty](https://symidream.com/arty/) - Arty I don’t have much news for you today unless you really want to know that I’m now on my second round of trying to change our electricity bill into my name online, I’m searching around for a new home printer, and a stray cat sprayed in our porch this morning, none of which is
- [Biometric thoughts](https://symidream.com/biometric-thoughts/) - Biometric thoughts Monday wasn't a day for a walk, at least not early in the morning when the sky was gunmetal grey, and the wind was whipping the house from all sides. The forecast showed 7 and 8 Bf from the south-east, so at least it wasn't biting cold, but the roof tiles where whistling,
- [February. Kalo Mina and all that](https://symidream.com/february-kalo-mina-and-all-that/) - February. Kalo Mina and all that Happy first of the month to you. How quickly the days go by when there's not much going on. They become a round of routine, even at weekends. We try and mark weekends with something special like a roast dinner just to remind us that it's a Sunday. Otherwise,
- [A few village photos](https://symidream.com/a-few-village-photos/) - A few village photos Out and about a little yesterday, through deserted lanes, up the steps to the top road, along and then up another couple of levels until I'd done a mile. Then, a leisurely walk back down the road and into the village, passing a couple of people walking their dogs, through the
- [Wednesday](https://symidream.com/wednesday-3/) - Wednesday I'm having one of those days where I slept so well I woke up tired if that makes sense. Mind you, I'm not planning to do much as it's blowing a gale outside and the forecast is for high winds and heavy rain all day. This is Wednesday, and currently, there's a lull, but
- [New Grocer's, Models and Drips](https://symidream.com/new-grocers-models-and-drips/) - New Grocer's, Models and Drips A bit of a mashup today. A couple of photos from the top of the village taken on a walk the other morning when it was sunny, a shot of the models I have been making over the winter so far, and a photo of what was, for many years,
- [Meanwhile, this time last year…](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-this-time-last-year/) - Meanwhile, this time last year… Well, almost this time last year. I was wondering what to blather about today, and I thought I’d have a look at my old folder of photos taken in 2020. In order, between December 2019 and June 2020, these are a few shots from Symi through that year. They include:
- [My Monday Moan is free of the €700 import charge](https://symidream.com/my-monday-moan-is-free-of-the-e700-import-charge/) - My Monday Moan is free of the €700 import charge Don't read this if you are/were in favour of Brexit and don't want to hear some home truths about the consequences. Things like believing the NHS would get millions per week, you'd be running through sunny uplands (whatever that's meant to mean) and the lies
- [Cats, Goats and Weekend plans](https://symidream.com/cats-goats-and-weekend-plans/) - Cats, Goats and Weekend plans Let's enter the weekend with some animal shots, shall we? I have no idea why. I was simply browsing through my folders and saw a few cute cats and characterful goats, and thought, why not? While you're doing whatever you're doing over the weekend, I'll be working away on my
- [Photos today](https://symidream.com/photos-today-3/) - Photos today Today, some photos showing the wintery side of Symi as photographed by Neil over the past week or so. As you can see, there is a variety. Crisp, clear days, rough seas, windy waves, quiet, pastoral moments and sunny shorelines. We have it all here.
- [Cold and Covid Vacs](https://symidream.com/cold-covid-vacs/) - Cold and Covid Vacs Blimey. The temperature has dropped by at least 10 degrees in the last couple of days, and although the courtyard is registering 7° first thing in the morning, it feels a lot colder thanks to the north wind. Shutters are shut, curtains are up, and the heaters are on in the
- [Our Symi and Συμαιων Γη](https://symidream.com/our-symi-and-συμαιων-γη/) - Our Symi and Συμαιων Γη I was browsing Facebook yesterday morning and found I'd been invited to a Symi group. Unlike many of these groups set up by fans and visitors, this is a local one and is in Greek. It's the group or page for a Blogspot site called Συμαιων Γη. You may already
- [Weekend Thoughts](https://symidream.com/weekend-thoughts/) - Weekend Thoughts I'm reminded of that famous line from Downton Abbey, 'What's a weekend?' Every day is very similar these days, and the concept of a weekend doesn't apply to me any longer. There is no need to have a lie-in on a Sunday because I don't have to be up for work during the
- [Thursday](https://symidream.com/thursday-4/) - Thursday With the rain sweeping in on a cold wind, all walks have been cancelled this morning. It's one of those days for staying in, closing the shutters and turning on the lights, and only yesterday, I opened the shutters and windows to air the house in a warm breeze. Ah well, we get some
- [Village, Tests and Wind](https://symidream.com/village-tests-and-wind/) - Village, Tests and Wind A few shots of the village today. It's often quiet when walking around the lanes in winter, but especially so these days, and particularly in the early morning. The air was mildly damp, and so I could smell the wet stones, of which there must be millions, and the weeds growing
- [Wander, Wonder](https://symidream.com/wander-wonder/) - Wander, Wonder I took a wander on Monday morning, up through the village to the main road and down again, just for some fresh air. It was windy and cloudy but not cold, and not unpleasant at all. Among the things of interest I saw were cats, walls and greenery, so here are a few
- [Weekend, Behind Nimborio, Photos](https://symidream.com/weekend-behind-nimborio-photos/) - Weekend, Behind Nimborio, Photos Over the weekend, we spent about 15 hours watching the extended versions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed them. They don't feel that long, and, let's face it, there's not much else to do of an evening right now. Had the bars been open and things running
- [Walking, Photos and Things](https://symidream.com/walking-photos-and-things/) - Walking, Photos and Things Starting the week with some photos Neil took when out on his walks with Clare in recent weeks. They've been exploring behind Nimborio, over the other side of Nimborio bay, and over the other side of the island at Toli, a bay that's popular in the summer for its taverna and
- [Meanwhile, Home and Away](https://symidream.com/meanwhile-home-and-away/) - Meanwhile, Home and Away Well, where to start on a day like this? What with the scenes from Washington, and the dire news from the UK, and… No, I shall turn to cheerier matters, and, to start with, an important one for us immigrants on Symi who have residency and might be wondering about their
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-6/) - Yesterday It was Epiphany yesterday, but I don't know if any events happened here on Symi. I heard that, despite the government's edicts and restrictions, some churches were set to defy the no-gatherings rules and go ahead with the formal events. As I say, I don't know about here, I'm writing this before nine in
- [Weather, Wandering, Wondering](https://symidream.com/weather-wandering-wondering/) - Weather, Wandering, Wondering It's one of those weather update days today, as you will see from the photos (taken on Monday). We had some grey skies, and they persisted until eventually throwing down rain sometimes over Monday night. I was woken at 4.30 by lightning, and the storm rumbled on until around six. Good for
- [Are the cracks beginning to show?](https://symidream.com/are-the-cracks-beginning-to-show/) - Are the cracks beginning to show? From time to time, I read snippets of information in the news, and over the weekend, I read some of the less publicised side effects of Brexit that are starting to become apparent. You've probably heard more about them than I have, so I may not be 100% accurate
- [Bits and Pieces](https://symidream.com/bits-and-pieces-7/) - Bits and Pieces I'm starting off the new year blog with some bits and pieces drawn at random from my mind at 4.47 on Sunday morning. First of all, this news just in: Banyak & Fecks has made it to the next round of the Cover of the Month competition on AllAuthor.com. You can vote
- [Happy New Year](https://symidream.com/happy-new-year-2/) - Happy New Year You don't need me to tell you that today is New Years' Eve. Rather than do what many blogs to and provide a roundup of the year that was, I thought I'd not say too much about it. It started well enough for us, with a trip to London and Canada, and
- [You asked about winter](https://symidream.com/you-asked-about-winter/) - You asked about winter From time to time, I get asked what the house is like in winter, does it get cold and other questions about 'real-life' on the island. So, now and then over the winter, I thought I'd post some random thoughts about such things, starting today (Tuesday), with my early morning observations
- [Monday morning](https://symidream.com/monday-morning-7/) - Monday morning Monday morning and I woke up to the sound of rain hammering the roof and δripping from the porch (which needs recovering). For the first time in ages, I slept for a full eight hours, doing a rare (for me) nine to five, and getting up just in time to see the Blue
- [Welcome back](https://symidream.com/welcome-back/) - Welcome back I thought I'd fill in this week between Christmas and New Year with a couple of short posts and some random photos, just to get my mind back in the blog game. I left you on the 22nd, and now it's the 28th, and over the last six days, I've done… well, not
- [Off for a break - but where to?](https://symidream.com/off-for-a-break-but-where-to/) - Off for a break - but where to? I'm going to be off for a few days now, the only question is, where will I go? I may travel as far as the balcony, or if I can afford it, up to the roof to look at the view. For a change, I might spend
- [Winter Solstice](https://symidream.com/winter-solstice/) - Winter Solstice – Win a Signed Book It’s Winter Solstice today, so happy solstice to those who celebrate it. I wrote a post on my other blog about the solstice and the part it plays in one of my novels. A quick look at my Amazon page and the blurbs for my books there will
- [Random Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/random-friday-photos/) - Random Friday Photos Here are some random photos to see us through the weekend. Well, clearly some are not that random as a certain bear appears in more than one, and there are a couple with a Christmas theme. Neil took these on some of his walks, and down in Yialos where the decorations are
- [Ramble](https://symidream.com/ramble-2/) - Ramble It seems to me, the busiest places on Symi right now are the post office and delivery stations for couriers. Hardly surprising as much is being ordered online, especially in the run-up to Christmas. As well as singing carols this year, we should be singing the praises of the post office and courier workers
- [Monday](https://symidream.com/monday-4/) - Monday I made a quick dash to the harbour on Monday between the rain showers. I say 'quick', I ambled along the zigzag path between the church and us, said hello to the chickens, dropped down past New Villa George and took the steep steps that cut out the curve of the Kali Strata to
- [Preparing for Christmas](https://symidream.com/preparing-for-christmas/) - Preparing for Christmas I thought I'd share some of our Christmas preparations with you. This time last year, Bev and I were meeting to practice some carols for a charity sing-a-long at Bulmas. This is something Dawn has organised each year for several years and raises money for the orphanage in Rhodes. This year, of
- [Sunday morning catching up](https://symidream.com/sunday-morning-catching-up/) - Sunday morning catching up Sunday morning, early, and it's raining again. It's not getting light until around 6.30 to 7.00 these days, by which time I am into my working day. I still can't get out of the summer habit of waking up at 3.00 or 3.30, although the other day, I did manage lie-in
- [Weather, Free books, New books and an invisible man](https://symidream.com/weather-free-books-new-books-and-an-invisible-man/) - Weather, Free books, New books and an invisible man Today, I have some of my photos taken during the last week. As the old postcard says, 'We have some kind of weather here every day', and during the past few days, we've had sunny days at 16 degrees, colder evenings, wet days, some with hail,
- [The chapel of St Vasilis](https://symidream.com/the-chapel-of-st-vasilis/) - The chapel of St Vasilis Today, I thought I'd post some photos of St Vasilis. This little chapel sits on the rockface above St Vasilis Bay. You might have stopped off there on one of the 'around the island' boat trips. The boat doesn't pull in but stays out at sea, though you can swim
- [Wintery lockdown](https://symidream.com/wintery-lockdown/) - Wintery lockdown A few wintery shots from Neil's collection today. It's raining (Tuesday), and although we need shopping, I'm staying in and holding out for a break in the weather when I might make a quick dash to Sotiris' supermarket. The supermarkets are about the only things open on Symi right now, everything else is
- [A rare photo](https://symidream.com/a-rare-photo/) - A rare photo I have a rare photo for you today; Paddington Bear on his way to the bay of St Vasilis. Neil went for a walk there recently, taking the bear with him, and there are other photos from that trip which will be posted in the days to come. We're still mainly enjoying
- [And Back to Symi](https://symidream.com/and-back-to-symi-2/) - And Back to Symi Well, here we are again, back to the usual kind of blogging after our three-week virtual trip abroad. While we were 'away', Neil was out and about taking photos, so over the next couple of weeks, you can expect to see a lot of morning images from around the island. I
- [One Photo per Day](https://symidream.com/one-photo-per-day/) - One Photo per Day Today, I have given myself the impossible task of choosing one photo per day from the 21-day trip we've all virtually just been on. You may have seen some on the posts, but others you won't have seen. A lot of activities and people have been missed, but with over 1,000
- [The end of the line](https://symidream.com/the-end-of-the-line/) - The end of the line Holiday Day 21 (March 22nd) Piraeus to home with minutes to spare. Piraeus We really are on the very last leg of the journey now, as long as we can get onto the ferry with our pdf copies of our tax information now stored on our phones. From our
- [Passports, Tickets, Money, Marriage license…](https://symidream.com/passports-tickets-money-marriage-license/) - Passports, Tickets, Money, Marriage license… Holiday Day 20 (March 21st) I'm still titling these posts 'holiday', but it turned into more of an adventure. When I left you yesterday, we had just taken off from Heathrow, and here we are, still flying, only now, we're flying over Split, in Croatia where we went on our
- [Reshuffle](https://symidream.com/reshuffle/) - Reshuffle Holiday Day 19 (March 20th) A Friday reshuffle I woke up around six the next day (I had a lie-in) knowing that we had a long day and a long night ahead what with overnighting in Athens airport to look forward to. What I didn't know then was that we weren't going to end
- [A Day with Leonardo but not Tutankhamun](https://symidream.com/a-day-with-leonardo-but-not-tutankhamun/) - A Day with Leonardo but not Tutankhamun Holiday Day 18 (March 19th) Heathrow The distance so far We are on the last leg of this trip now, but not entirely on our last legs, despite travelling over 12,000 miles so far. I was interested to know the distances of the stages of the journey, so
- [Mainly About Flying](https://symidream.com/mainly-about-flying-2/) - Holiday Day 17 (March 18th) In the air, on the ground, in the air again And starting to change plans Today, officially our last day in Canada, was mainly about flying. We were due to meet everyone at the hotel in the early afternoon to board the coach to the airport for the homeward flight.
- [The Second Day in Vancouver](https://symidream.com/the-second-day-in-vancouver/) - Holiday Day 16 (March 17th) A second, and rather gay day in Vancouver Our second full day in Vancouver dawned sunny and chilly, much like the day before. Unlike the day before, however, there was a change to the breakfast arrangements. Today, we were welcome to take breakfast in the dining area next to reception,
- [A Day in Vancouver](https://symidream.com/a-day-in-vancouver/) - Holiday Day 15 (March 16th) A Day in Vancouver. Stanley Park, Granville Island and other places We had two and a half days in Vancouver, not enough time to see everything. Not even enough time to see 10% of "A bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, and one of Canada's densest, most ethnically diverse
- [Last Day on The Canadian: Rockies and Arrival](https://symidream.com/last-day-on-the-canadian-rockies-and-arrival/) - Holiday Day 14 (March 15th) Last day aboard. Kamloops to Vancouver via bridges, tunnels and views The problem I have with this post is deciding which photos to show you. Between us, we have over 350 shots from the day, plus videos (which I can't upload here for some reason), and many of them are
- [Fourth Day on The Canadian: Train-speak and Flashing Rear-Ends](https://symidream.com/fourth-day-on-the-canadian-train-speak-and-flashing-rear-ends/) - Holiday day 13 (March 14th) Third full day aboard. The wilderness to Edmonton to Jasper, 17 hours behind schedule Time is starting to play tricks on me. Not only are we passing through time zones and changing clocks, but the itinerary no longer matches the days, let alone the hours. Our list of arrival times
- [Third Day on The Canadian: Flush, Chase and Bears](https://symidream.com/third-day-on-the-canadian/) - Holiday day 12 (March 13th) Second full day aboard For me, this day started in the middle of the night. The original plan (according to that brochure) was to stop in Winnipeg for three hours, and there was some dissent in the ranks when this didn't happen. The journey had started late due to some
- [Second day on The Canadian: Snow and trees](https://symidream.com/second-day-on-the-canadian-snow-and-trees/) - Holiday day 11 (March 12th) First full day aboard Here are a couple of quotes for you. The only way to be sure of catching a train is to miss the one before it. (Gilbert K. Chesterton) Many times the wrong train took me to the right place. (Paulo Coelho) And, an old Ukrainian saying,
- [From Toronto on The Canadian: Day one](https://symidream.com/from-toronto-on-the-canadian-day-one/) - Holiday day 10 (March 11th) From Toronto Boarding We're on Wednesday now, and day 10 since leaving Symi. Breakfast done, packing done, wardrobes double-checked for left items, and on-board luggage separated from baggage car luggage, we are ready to set off from Toronto and start the main part of this trip, the train. Now then,
- [Highlights and high nights](https://symidream.com/highlights-and-high-nights/) - Holiday Day nine (March 10th) Niagara and Dinner in the air To Niagara Tuesday started with a pleasant, if costly, breakfast at the Hilton. (I remember the hotel now because I took a photo of it the night before.) This was a day for an escorted tour, complete with a knowledgeable guide, and we were
- [Mainly about flying](https://symidream.com/mainly-about-flying/) - Holiday Day eight (March 9th) London to Toronto Cabbies and Carriages Today's story is about the journey from London to Toronto. We checked out of the Travelodge, and while doing so, asked about a taxi to the airport. That was easy enough. You simply press a button on the counter and a moment later, the
- [Past-Blasts, Reunions and Reminiscences](https://symidream.com/past-blasts-reunions-and-reminiscences/) - Holiday Day seven (March 8th) London Sunday was to be our last day in London before setting off to Canada on Monday morning, and it was to be a day of past-blasts and a reunion, so please forgive the rambling reminiscences that follow. Morning dawned early and surprisingly headache-free. The day had been set aside
- [Food, Feet and Phantoms: A day in London](https://symidream.com/food-feet-and-phantoms-a-day-in-london/) - Food, Feet and Phantoms: A day in London Holiday day six Saturday morning in London We woke up in our subterranean car park-effect hotel room with the knowledge that we had a whole day in town ahead of a show in the evening. So, what to do? We'd thought about spending the day shopping, but
- [A Friday in London](https://symidream.com/a-friday-in-london/) - A Friday in London Holiday Day Five Covent Garden and bears Our basement room at the Drury Lane Travelodge wasn't as bad as it might sound. It was a large-ish room with a decent bathroom, a comfortable bed and a view of the pylons holding up the building above in what I first thought was
- [Holiday Day four - Athens to London](https://symidream.com/holiday-day-four-athens-to-london/) - Holiday Day four A morning in Central Athens Day four of our trip was one of those 'hanging around waiting for a plane' days. We'd booked a Welcome Pickups very welcome pickup for after lunch, and being the early-bird kind of folk we are, had done the breakfast thing and were ready to head out
- [A Day in Athens](https://symidream.com/a-day-in-athens/) - A Day in Athens Holiday Day three This day started with a discovery of something that wasn't there if you can discover such a thing. The thing that wasn't there was Neil's jacket, which he'd not needed since Symi. We searched but decided that it was either still hanging on the back of a chair
- [First day in Athens](https://symidream.com/first-day-in-athens/) - First day in Athens Day two - Athens Day two of our trip dawned peacefully and chilly while passing by Siros, Kithnos and Kea on the way to Piraeus. The good thing about the evening ferry from Symi is that you have time for dinner, and, in the morning, a decent breakfast, if you're on
- [Let's go on holiday (Day one)](https://symidream.com/lets-go-on-holiday-day-one/) - Let's go on holiday (Day one) I'm not going to have much to talk about over the next few weeks because we're lockdown again here on Symi. We can only go out for a few essential reasons and only then with permission, so I shan't have any new photos. If I hear of anything suitable
- [Back to lockdown](https://symidream.com/back-to-lockdown/) - Back to lockdown I don't think there will be many new Friday photos for a couple of weeks. If you haven't already heard, we're back into lockdown from tomorrow. Only seven viable reasons to leave home, and a form or SMS is needed before you go out. Bars, cafes etc., all shut, so today is
- [Wind](https://symidream.com/wind-2/) - Wind The wind is blowing in the wrong direction and sending the smell of the drains into our laundry room via the sink… somehow. I’ve taped up every join in the pipes, the trap is working, the plug is in, I still don’t understand how it’s possible, but there you are. Somewhat unpleasant but one
- [Panormitis Festival](https://symidream.com/panormitis-festival/) - Panormitis Festival In case you were wondering if the annual Festival at Panormitis is going ahead this year (7th to 9th November), the latest I heard is, yes, it is. But… Church services with mask-wearing supervision. No feast in the refectory, but take-away only. Market stalls only for traders from within the Dodecanese. Stalls to
- [Preparing for winter](https://symidream.com/preparing-for-winter-3/) - Preparing for winter What's happening today? Well, not a lot really. As you can see from the photos, the square was quiet (on Sunday), although the image of the light on the chairs is misleading. The other side of the bar, out of shot, was busy with the family having a barbeque. It was All
- [And into November](https://symidream.com/and-into-november/) - And into November It's been a bumpy year so far, and Greece is about to go into another lockdown situation with two tiers of severity. Here on Symi, we're classified into the lower level which means bars, tavernas etc., can stay open according to the current rules, but there's a curfew for everyone from midnight
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-11/) - Friday Photos It’s raining again this morning, so how about a few sunny photos from earlier in the year to brighten things up? Have a good weekend.
- [Before and After](https://symidream.com/before-and-after/) - Before and After We had a little rain yesterday, and I've got a couple of before and one after photo to share. The 'after' one is actually 'during' and not during the worst of it either, as that happened during the evening when it was dark. Nothing too bad, but worthy of a mention because
- [Bits and pieces](https://symidream.com/bits-and-pieces-6/) - Bits and pieces Just a few bits and pieces of news today. The Oxi Day parades have been kind of cancelled this year – it's Oxi Day today, btw. I heard that the parades are not taking place, but smaller memorials are. We may be treated to stirring music through the town hall speakers as
- [Chitchat](https://symidream.com/chitchat/) - Chitchat Here are some photos courtesy of Neil when he was out walking. As you can see, there's some cloud about, but we're still experiencing warm days, shorts weather and calm seas, though there's a storm predicted for this week. I've just finished the second draft of a new book and am doing my best
- [Philoxenia](https://symidream.com/philoxenia/) - Philoxenia Philoxenia in British English (ˌfɪləˈziːnɪə) noun: an act of hospitableness and welcome. The ancient tradition of hospitality, or 'philoxenia'. [Collins dictionary. (No relation.)] I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I can remember the days when there used to be a queue for Georgio's taverna, and people sat on the steps behind the two
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-10/) - Friday Photos You might be able to tell from some of these photos that the weather is changing. We had rain and thunder on Wednesday night, and it was still rolling around early on Thursday morning, but not directly overhead. It reminded me to paint the flat roof over the bathroom, find the old towels
- [Something for the Halloween weekend, Sir?](https://symidream.com/something-for-the-halloween-weekend-sir/) - Something for the Halloween weekend, Sir? (A play on the old barber's cliché, which, perhaps, only certain gentlemen will get.) It's Halloween next weekend, and last week I mentioned 'The Judas Inheritance' as a possible read for the spooky weekend to come. Well, today, I just wanted to shine a light on another novel of
- [Holidays not yet over](https://symidream.com/holidays-not-yet-over/) - Holidays not yet over The holiday season is not yet over. We had a cruise ship call in yesterday. I'm not sure how many people were on it, but I hope they spent well, stayed safe and enjoyed themselves. I've heard people talking about the cost of their flights (from the UK), and some prices
- [By the seaside](https://symidream.com/by-the-seaside/) - By the seaside Today, I thought I'd share some of Niel's photos. These were taken over the weekend when he went for a stroll to Yialos and around to Nos. As you can see, the season is changing. On some mornings, there's more cloud and grey, though there are still sunny days and the sea
- [Save the Symi Music School: Update](https://symidream.com/save-the-symi-music-school-update/) - Save the Symi Music School: Update As of yesterday morning, the Just Giving campaign to save the Symi Music School had reached £8,200, 41% of its target. That's excellent, but there's still a way to go. So, in an attempt to help, I'm reposting my initial blog in case anyone didn't see it. You can
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-9/) - Friday Photos How about a courtyard update to accompany some Friday Photos? As you might know, I'm not very good with plants, so I can't tell you exactly what all of these are. The big droopy thing probably needs a trellis, the succulent whatsit has done well this year, and so has the chilli which
- [A little fall of rain](https://symidream.com/a-little-fall-of-rain-2/) - A little fall of rain There was much talk of a storm on Tuesday night, but what we ended up with was a shower around half-nine in the evening. It wasn't enough to thoroughly water the plants or fill the reservoirs, but it was an indication of the changing season. The next day, there were
- [Symi Animal Welfare -  Winter Feed Programme  2020](https://symidream.com/symi-animal-welfare-winter-feed-programme-2020/) - Symi Animal Welfare - Winter Feed Programme 2020 I received a message from Symi Animal Welfare yesterday and was asked to share it to anyone on the island who looks after stray cats in the winter. Dear Friends & Volunteers, This year has been a very difficult one for many of us, especially those involved
- [An idea for Halloween reading](https://symidream.com/an-idea-for-halloween-reading/) - An idea for Halloween reading I was thinking… Halloween is coming up in just under three weeks, and if you're the sort who enjoys a creepy story, you might be interested in 'The Judas Inheritance.' This is the book I wrote a while back on which a film was based. Although the book doesn't say
- [Views and News](https://symidream.com/views-and-news/) - Views and News Looking from my office window on Saturday, I saw this unusual ship passing on its way towards Nimborio. Looking out of the same window yesterday morning, the sea was calmer, and the lighting different as this was earlier in the morning. Not a bad view. And, as you can see from the
- [Friday photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-8/) - Friday photos As it's Friday, here is a selection of photos. Neil took these when out and about earlier this week. As you can see, the sunrise seen from Pedi is no longer the glowing orange of August, but greyer. This doesn't mean it's cold, but being lower, the sun is behind the hills when
- [Birthdays, Cats and Mules](https://symidream.com/birthdays-cats-and-mules/) - Birthdays, Cats and Mules Happy birthday to anyone who has a birthday today. I open with this because there are several people we know who have birthdays today, and our third grandchild is due today too, though I think she might be held up. That gives me a slightly weird segue into the next subject,
- [A few random photos](https://symidream.com/a-few-random-photos/) - A few random photos That’s all I have for you today, a few random photos as my mind is a more or less a complete blank when it comes to thinking of what I can tell you. Unless you want to know that yesterday I took delivery of a new book, a sociological study of
- [Chugging along](https://symidream.com/chugging-along/) - Chugging along The weather has warmed, cloud is due on Wednesday and Thursday. The boats continue to come in, people have been taking advantage of cheap flights at the last minute, and a couple of the taxi boats are still running to the nearer beaches. I heard the Poseidon is continuing its trips for a
- [Saturday](https://symidream.com/saturday-2/) - Saturday Had to pop into town on Saturday to pick up a new PC keyboard. I seem to go through one every six months and haven't yet found the perfect one. The Microsoft one was flat, and I eventually got used to it, but then the keys' stuck' and all I was getting on the
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-7/) - Friday Photos Just received this message: “Thanks for the details about the music school in Symi, I've just done exactly what you suggested re the cost of a meal for 2 in Symi*, I hope all your other readers do it too. The longed-for calendar has also been ordered, so all is well in my
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-5/) - Yesterday It's good to see the Symi music school appeal total has doubled since yesterday. You know, we have between 800 and 1,000 readers visit this blog every day. If everyone donated £10.00, we could raise half the money needed (more or less) between us. Now that would be a wonderful thing. Apparently, there will
- [Save the Symi Music School](https://symidream.com/save-the-symi-music-school/) - Save the Symi Music School Regular visitors to Symi spend time sitting in the square watching the world go by. It's a popular thing to do, and a lovely way to relax and pass the time. As you've been sitting there, you may have noticed young people passing by with strangely shaped cases on their
- [Monday morning](https://symidream.com/monday-morning-6/) - Monday morning Monday morning, 28 degrees in the courtyard, just right for sitting outside reading a book, so I spent the morning inside writing one instead. For some reason, I was awake at three, and after reading the news and gasping in horror, as usual, I decided to get to work early. This enabled me
- [Symi Dream Calendar 2021 and other news](https://symidream.com/symi-dream-calendar-2021-and-other-news/) - Symi Dream Calendar 2021 and other news Good morning and welcome to Monday. It's been a couple of years since we've had a Symi Dream calendar, but Neil has produced one for next year, 'Pedi Sunrises' and it's now available. You can only find it on the outlet Lulu at this page, just make sure
- [Some Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/some-friday-photos/) - Some Friday Photos I'm still in the habit of forgetting what day it is. Yesterday felt like Friday for some reason, until I remembered it was Thursday, and that's when I usually set up a Friday blog. I always seem to be one day ahead. Perhaps that's why I have to ask my godson what
- [And today, some photos](https://symidream.com/and-today-some-photos/) - And today, some photos I’ve been writing far too much recently, so there’s just a quick update and some photos today. The update? Well, same as usual really, though the weather’s cooled a little, especially in the morning, but it was back at 30 degrees the other afternoon, so all is not lost. Some boats
- [Banking after Brexit](https://symidream.com/banking-after-brexit/) - Banking after Brexit After yesterday's bonkers ramble I thought I'd just put up a few images, but then I heard from my bank… I'll drop some photos in to lessen the tedium. I don't know if you've been following the news, but one of the many gifts of Brexit without a trade deal is that
- [Scitting an old word or two](https://symidream.com/scitting-an-old-word-or-two/) - Scitting an old word or two I have some more of Neil's photos to illustrate today's ramble about nothing in particular. The highlight of my Monday morning reminded me of an old lad joke, which is probably an old dad joke now and involves the use of the vernacular. The word in question was originally
- [Slumming it.](https://symidream.com/slumming-it/) - 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
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-6/) - 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,
- [Symi Colours](https://symidream.com/symi-colours/) - Symi Colours Yesterday was Symi animals, today it’s Symi colours.
- [Symi Animals](https://symidream.com/symi-animals/) - 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
- [A meal with a view](https://symidream.com/a-meal-with-a-view/) - 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
- [Distantly sociable](https://symidream.com/distantly-sociable/) - Distantly sociable It's Sunday morning, the sun is about to rise, and I've had a sociable yet lazy week. The note to self for this coming week is 'Must try harder', and I'm talking about taking walks up the hill and back before work. My trouble is, now the sun comes up later, I'm into
- [Friday Photos – various](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-various/) - Friday Photos – various Here are some varied photos taken recently. I have a varied weekend ahead during which I will be writing a blog post for my other writer self, reading the recent proof MS of the latest story, then laying out the files for publication, tinkering with what I have written of the
- [Reminiscence](https://symidream.com/reminiscence/) - Reminiscence My head is a little clearer now, so I can tell you what a lovely time we had on Tuesday evening. Tuesday was Neil's birthday, the anniversary of our CP and also the anniversary of the day we arrived to live on Symi 18 years ago. A lot has happened since then, what with
- [A few photos](https://symidream.com/a-few-photos-11/) - A few photos As yesterday was something of a celebration day, today is going to be a few photos and a lot of nothing much else.
- [Happy everything day](https://symidream.com/happy-everything-day/) - Happy everything day Today is our happy everything day, so I shan't be stopping long. It's Neil's birthday, the anniversary of the day we arrived on Symi 18 years ago, and also the day we made our civil partnership here three years ago. It's also the day Michelangelo's David was uncovered. Poor chap, he's remained
- [International Buy a Book Day](https://symidream.com/international-buy-a-book-day/) - International Buy a Book Day Hello, and may I wish you a happy International Buy a Book Day? Obviously, as I've written four books about Symi, I'd suggest buying one of them to celebrate, but I think most of my readers have already read them. I've been doing a lot of research of late which
- [Friday photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-5/) - Friday photos To see us through the weekend, here is a collection of photos taken on Symi over the past couple of weeks. Have a good weekend.
- [Up in the village](https://symidream.com/up-in-the-village/) - Up in the village I was asked to write a bit about what the village is like at the moment, but it's a bit difficult for me to say, as I only see it at certain times of the day. I walk through the square around 6.30 in the morning when Lefteris is setting up
- [Thoughts](https://symidream.com/thoughts/) - Thoughts What can I tell you? It's quiet around here, but not as quiet as it has been and nowhere near as busy as in the past, but that's to be expected. Throwing up hands in despair at those who have been putting out messages on Fakebook telling people not to bother with masks and
- [Smile](https://symidream.com/smile/) - Smile I couldn't think of what to tell you today, except the square was again busy yesterday evening, and the temperature in the courtyard was up to 36. So I thought I'd have a look and see what odd photos I have on my OneDrive. The sheep thing was funny, though it's not easy to
- [Just a thought](https://symidream.com/just-a-thought/) - Just a thought It was good to see the square busy yesterday evening, although it was a double-edged sword because there were empty seats to keep some people distanced from each other. Empty seats that could have been filled by other punters. Not that everyone is taking the distancing advice as seriously as they should.
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-4/) - Friday Photos Here’s a collection of shots that Neil has taken during his morning walks and swims. He puts some of these on our Symi Dream Facebook page which you are welcome to view, like and share, but not all of them go there, which is why I have added them here. Have a good
- [Strange lights](https://symidream.com/strange-lights/) - Strange lights I have three incidents of strange lights to tell you about, none of them suspicious, I don't think, and I'm not advocating UFOs or anything. I think I've mentioned the first one before, though some time ago. From our balcony, you can see across the water to the Turkish mountains. Looking at the
- [The best view of Yialos](https://symidream.com/the-best-view-of-yialos/) - The best view of Yialos Often, when I'm hanging out in the square, a passing visitor will ask where to find the best view of Yialos. These are usually day-trippers or yachties who have made it up to the village out of curiosity but who don't have much time to go searching. Many of them
- [News from the petting zoo](https://symidream.com/news-from-the-petting-zoo/) - News from the petting zoo There has been a massive yacht in the harbour for a couple of days. A three-masted, modern thing that, apparently, costs €44,000 per week to hire, or something similar. I guess you have to pay for fuel and food on top of that, plus staff tips, so it's not something
- [A Monday morning ramble](https://symidream.com/a-monday-morning-ramble/) - A Monday morning ramble As you know, I'm not going out and about much apart from the occasional walk up to the hill in the morning, the not so occasional visits to the bar in the late afternoon after work, and the necessary trips to Yialos, which tend to be early in the day before
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/electricity-bills/) - Random...
- [Pleasant](https://symidream.com/pleasant/) - Pleasant It was a pleasant morning for a walk yesterday, the temperature being 28 degrees at 7.30 as opposed to the 34 + it has been of late. I wandered up the side of the mountain while Neil took off to Nimborio and back. There was something of a surprise the other day as many
- [A few Symi beaches](https://symidream.com/a-few-symi-beaches/) - A few Symi beaches Neil has been receiving lots of praise for the photos he puts up on Facebook after his morning walk and swim. So, I thought I'd put up five images today that show beaches, or where land meets sea. No reason, I just like them, and I've got no earth-shattering news for
- [Awards, Random Enquiries and Supper](https://symidream.com/awards-random-enquiries-and-supper/) - Awards, Random Enquiries and Supper Sunday was an unusual day, or rather, a day with unexpected things in it. We had invited guests for supper in the courtyard, and so shopping was first on the to-do list. That done, Neil set about making his MasterChef inspired desserts, and I checked up on my recipe for
- [Ants](https://symidream.com/ants/) - Ants Ants are the latest thing. In fact, they are very nearly flavour of the month, except we check everything before we cook with it or put it on a plate. I'm sitting at my desk in the office nowhere near the kitchen, and there are a couple of them running across the rim of
- [Yialos, Wednesday](https://symidream.com/yialos-wednesday/) - Yialos, Wednesday All rather quiet in the harbour on Wednesday, but then we were there before the day boats came in. The taxi boats and others were at their stalls taking bookings, selling tickets, and hopefully, doing as good a business as they could. We stopped for an orange juice at Pacho's to watch the
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-4/) - Yesterday I spent some of yesterday morning working on an idea for a 'Clearwater Companion.' This is an idea to one day produce an accompaniment to the series The Clearwater Mysteries which I am writing under my pen name. It's come about because I have started blogging more regularly on my other blog which, until
- [Fun and games](https://symidream.com/fun-and-games-2/) - Fun and games Sometimes you just have to make your own fun, which is what was going on here. I've not been in the square late at night, which for me means after 7.30 pm, but when I have been there in the afternoon, things have been very quiet. It's always been a bit like
- [Inspiring photos](https://symidream.com/inspiring-photos/) - Inspiring photos How about some inspiring photos (mainly from Neil) to see you through today? Here you go…
- [Blazing blasé](https://symidream.com/blazing-blase/) - Blazing blasé It is easy to become blasé about some things when living permanently in a place like Symi. Goats wandering past your door, finding a stray cat asleep in the bathroom towels one morning (when the door had been shut all night), snakes in the courtyard, a roach in the washing up… But let's
- [Something for the weekend](https://symidream.com/something-for-the-weekend-2/) - Something for the weekend A collection of random images to be precise. Just a few I've pulled from the recent collection of shots taken when out and about which, as you know, isn't something I do very often at the moment. Some of them are Neil's. You can tell that from the quality. The upcoming
- [Rambling](https://symidream.com/rambling/) - Rambling Yesterday's walk, for me, was again up the hill following the main road, and this time, I went all the way to 'picture corner.' This is the place where the tourist buses stop so that people can get out and take photos overlooking Nimborio bay, Yialos and Pedi. As usual, the sun was coming
- [Boats, mainly](https://symidream.com/boats-mainly/) - Boats, mainly It's been a while since we had some shots from the balcony, so I thought I'd have a look at my camera and see what was on it. The camera tends to stay in the living room which looks out to sea, so I leave it on the windowsill for when something exciting
- [Sunrise shots](https://symidream.com/sunrise-shots/) - Sunrise shots And off we go a-wandering… Yesterday, before down, up the hill to the first bridge over the old riverbed just beyond the top cantina. The sun came up as I was coming down, and I saw the usual succession of cars and motorbikes with army officers on their way to work. I passed
- [Bits and pieces](https://symidream.com/bits-and-pieces-5/) - Bits and pieces We are well and truly warming up into August now, with temperatures in the high thirties even at night, and the courtyard plants are gasping for a drink, which they will get this morning. (Our hosepipe is connected to the mains, and so we only get water in it three days a
- [Something for the weekend](https://symidream.com/something-for-the-weekend/) - Something for the weekend To see us off into the weekend, here are a few photos Neil has taken during his 100-mile walk this month. He's done brilliantly, getting up early and going for long, regular walks, sometimes being out for three hours or more. Me? Well, I've written 90,000 words this month, and am
- [Oops!](https://symidream.com/oops/) - Oops! I am so into the last few chapters of a new story, I forgot to prepare a blog, so just some photos today.
- [Yialos](https://symidream.com/yialos-2/) - Yialos I've been picking up a vibe that lots of regular visitors and new ones from the UK are coming to Symi in September, and that's good news. Who knows what the situation will be with boat timetables, flights and overnight hotels in Rhodes where necessary, but assuming everything is running as smoothly as it
- [Going Mexican](https://symidream.com/going-mexican/) - Going Mexican We were treated to dinner at Scena on Sunday evening (thank you again J&J), and what a treat that was. This is the café, bistro, bar by the playground in Horio, not far from the bus stop, and offers a view down the Pedi valley to the sea. It changed hands last year,
- [And today is…?](https://symidream.com/and-today-is/) - And today is…? I don't know about you, but staying at home so much and being in a 'groundhog day' scenario, I forget what day of the week it is. This wasn't helped on Friday when we took a long walk to Nimborio for breakfast, then walked back and had lunch at Meraklis, and because
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-3/) - Friday Photos A collection of photos to see you through the weekend. We're off for a long walk this morning, around to Nimborio for breakfast, back to Yialos for lunch, and Horio for supper at home. Have a good weekend and stay safe.
- [Free car wash](https://symidream.com/free-car-wash/) - Free car wash Wandering back from To Vrisi the other morning, I was met by a traffic jam. Not the usual mules or goats, but the council fire trucks coming towards me with Yiannis from the village square watering the cars. I think (but I'm not sure) they were actually watering the verges, but the
- [Birdwatch](https://symidream.com/birdwatch/) - Birdwatch I was wandering up the hill the other day, my mind full of the next chapter so I didn't notice the aching legs, and I had a bit of a birdwatch moment. At this time of year, I'm forever disturbing flocks of partridge (or whatever they are, I'm not good at identification). They lie
- [Some of Neil’s photos](https://symidream.com/some-of-neils-photos/) - Some of Neil’s photos You might have gathered that we’ve been making more of an effort to do some walking, usually in the early morning before it gets too hot. Well, today, I have some of Neil’s photos from his walks. He tends to go to Pedi or, more recently, to Nimborio. Taking the main
- [Children of the Night](https://symidream.com/children-of-the-night/) - Children of the Night “Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things. Listen to them — children of the night. What music they make.” That’s from chapter two of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and it came into my mind as stood on the balcony early on Sunday morning. So
- [Quick rant and I'm done](https://symidream.com/quick-rant-and-im-done/) - Quick rant and I'm done I'm going to have a little vent this morning, so please excuse me, but the behaviour of some over-joyful visitors caused myself and some friends some concern the other evening, and it was unnecessary. I'll just get it off my chest and then be done with it. [Clears throat while
- [Journeys](https://symidream.com/journeys/) - Journeys Yesterday was about journeys, kind of. I was putting together an outline for a new story and needed to know if it was possible, in 1889, for someone to leave London at the same time a White Star Line steamer left Liverpool, and reach Queenstown, Ireland in time to intercept the ship. (Many thanks
- [Up the hill and far away](https://symidream.com/up-the-hill-and-far-away/) - Up the hill and far away Another wander yesterday morning. Up the main road to the top cantina, which has now been expanded and has a more organised seating area. A great place to sit and watch the sun go down, as there aren't many places on this side of the island where you can
- [Monday](https://symidream.com/monday-3/) - Monday A Monday morning walk to the hillside. I went up the hill as Neil went down to Pedi. I like peace and quiet at the start of the day to put my mind in order and plan the day's work – when I can be bothered to get out and do the walk. Back
- [Symi SNiP](https://symidream.com/symi-snip/) - Symi SNiP Animals were a feature of the weekend. Firstly, SNiP, the Symi Neutering Program was in, er, operation for two days, with people collecting stray cats and taking them to the visiting vet at the pet shop. The shop, at the bottom of the Kali Strata, is also a licenced vet premises, and a
- [Weekend Photos](https://symidream.com/weekend-photos/) - Weekend Photos
- [A PC morning](https://symidream.com/a-pc-morning/) - A PC morning I've been in the habit of writing a blog post the day before it gets automatically posted, so I don't have to stumble through writing one first thing in the morning, as I am doing today. The reason for that is I spent most of yesterday morning setting up a new laptop
- [I have a following](https://symidream.com/i-have-a-following/) - I have a following There were some beautiful sights to see on Monday morning as there are on many mornings through the summer. For example, the clouds over Turkey looking like snow-capped mountains at dawn… While I was taking a wander up the hill to To Vrisi at 6.30, I suddenly found myself being a
- [Weddings, walks and words](https://symidream.com/weddings-walks-and-words/) - Weddings, walks and words While I've been beavering away writing my usual one chapter a day, the world outside is gradually beginning to turn again. I popped out for an after-work glass of wine on Sunday evening and noted a few visitors in the village. There was a wedding at the weekend, with bells from
- [A warm weekend](https://symidream.com/a-warm-weekend/) - A warm weekend A warm weekend that saw a few more pleasure yachts and boats in the harbour (I counted four on Saturday night), some kafenion still partying until three in the morning like the 'good old days', some badly dressed visitors wandering the village… All the usual sights of summer but on a much
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos-2/) - Friday Photos Just a collection of photos today to see us through the weekend. Have a good one.
- [Hot and ready](https://symidream.com/hot-and-ready/) - Hot and ready Yesterday was July 1st. The temperature in the courtyard, in the shade, was 28 degrees at 6.30 in the morning. The day before, it had reached 36 at four in the afternoon, in the shade in the courtyard. My latest story, Artful Deception was published last month, and the next one, 'Home
- [Pedi at dawn](https://symidream.com/pedi-at-dawn/) - Pedi at dawn Happy first of the month and all that. Neil took an early walk to Pedi on Monday, setting off at 5.15 from home and arriving before the dawn. You may have seen some of his photos on Fakebook, but there are plenty more, and I'm sharing some with you today. Also on
- [Movers and Shakers](https://symidream.com/movers-and-shakers/) - Movers and Shakers After a day at home doing the final edits on a story, Sunday ended with a bang. Rather, a rumble and a bang as an earth tremor rumbled past in the evening. This was an unusual one, which I can only equate to being in a West End theatre basement when a
- [Weekend and blogs to follow](https://symidream.com/weekend-and-blogs-to-follow/) - Weekend and blogs to follow On Friday, we went out to dinner for the first time since March. Taverna Maria & Georgos was open, serving lunch to a party who came over for a baptism at Panormitis. A few of us 'booked' a table for the evening, and sat outside on the steps at the
- [A different path](https://symidream.com/a-different-path/) - A different path Another trip into Yialos on Wednesday. Gosh, that's twice in one week. This time it was to collect a book from ACS who had rung to say I had a delivery. The book is about 19th Century fashion as that's the kind of world I am living in right now, and is
- [A few photos](https://symidream.com/a-few-photos-10/) - A few photos A little more from the Kali Strata.
- [Picking up](https://symidream.com/picking-up-2/) - Picking up We took a quick visit to Yialos on Monday to collect a couple of things before walking back up the steps to home. The Kali Strata is being weeded and painted, and with the new flower and plant shop at the top, looks splendid. There's a new café in Trawler Square where the
- [An early start](https://symidream.com/an-early-start/) - An early start Monday brought me a very early start. 3.00 a.m., to be precise, and I have no idea why. It was only 23 degrees outside, there was no need for the fan, but for some reason, I was awake and raring to go, so rather than lie there thinking about it, I got
- [Brits In Greece](https://symidream.com/brits-in-greece/) - Brits In Greece. Info from the Consulate Hello and welcome to Monday. A couple of days ago, the British Consulate in Rhodes contacted me and asked if I would share a couple of posts from their excellent Facebook page, Brits In Greece. So, today, I'm posting up the images and texts of these two posts
- [Symi weekend photos](https://symidream.com/symi-weekend-photos/) - Symi weekend photos Here are a few photos to see you through the weekend. You may be able to see a cruiser in the harbour, the first I've seen from the balcony this year. As has become my custom, I am staying at home most of the time, writing, reading and researching.
- [Books. What's next?](https://symidream.com/books-whats-next/) - Books. What's next? As you know, my life these days consists mainly of staying home and writing, as it has done for several years now, and sometimes I've got nothing to tell you apart from what I see, write and do. Although many people think I spend my days doing nothing, sitting at home enjoying
- [Congratulations](https://symidream.com/congratulations/) - Congratulations What began as one small beer after work ended up being something of a party. For those who know the family at Lefteris Kafeneion and haven't heard the news, 'young' Lefteris and his partner had a baby boy on Monday, and we were treated to a couple of glasses of wine and a viewing
- [Yesterday](https://symidream.com/yesterday-3/) - Yesterday Just back from a three-mile stroll up the side of the Pedi valley and back, so expect some of my usual images. I took a video from the road above the valley and put it on Facebook if you follow the Symi Dream page. I wanted to capture the sound of the dawn chorus,
- [Quick weekend catchup](https://symidream.com/quick-weekend-catchup/) - Quick weekend catchup We had a lovely weekend, thank you for asking. We had the godboys to lunch on Saturday as mum was helping with the SNiP programme, collecting stray cats and taking them to the visiting vet for treatments before releasing them safely later in the day. All helping to keep the strays healthy.
- [Buzz off](https://symidream.com/buzz-off/) - It's mosquito season in our house right now. Woken the other morning at four with an itchy foot, and attacked under the desk yesterday. We have a plug-in deterrent in the bedroom which seems to work, and as I wear earplugs, I'm not disturbed by the buzzing, only by the scratching which always seems to
- [The rest of the walk](https://symidream.com/the-rest-of-the-walk/) - The rest of the walk The last part of my morning stroll took me down from the main road and along to Agia Triada on the track to Periotisa, although now, it is no longer a track. I'd not been along this way for a while, so was surprised to see the amount of work
- [Morning wander](https://symidream.com/morning-wander/) - Morning wander I finally got back to it yesterday, having a walk before I start my day, I mean. Up at five, out by quarter past as it was getting light, through the empty village and along the road. I only saw one truck, but I was deafened by the cockerels and birds in the
- [Busy weekend](https://symidream.com/busy-weekend/) - Busy weekend We had fireworks and dynamite on Sunday night as celebrations of Pentecost continued, and we had a pleasant couple of hours with Yiannis at the bar for his birthday. There were visitors about, quite a few actually, all from other islands or the mainland, and on Monday morning, I even saw a yacht
- [Mixed blog](https://symidream.com/mixed-blog/) - Mixed blog Let's go up the Kali Strata… A couple of years ago one of these blog posts was about 'Let's all go down the steps (' ave a moussaka)' sung to that old music hall song (which never originally had 'have a banana' in it, by the way), and today I thought we'd go
- [Into the weekend](https://symidream.com/into-the-weekend/) - Into the weekend And here we are heading off into another weekend. To celebrate, here's a collection of shots taken from the balcony mainly at sunrise, and others to keep you in touch with the island, from our point of view, at least. There is definitely an air of 'Empty chairs at empty tables', as
- [Symi 85600](https://symidream.com/symi-85600-2/) - Symi 85600 I just went to my Amazon Author page to look at something and noticed that a stray book had slipped in unnoticed. These author pages are where Amazon customers can see an author's complete listing of publications, so mine has the four Symi books and my thrillers, plus some older things that occasionally
- [Slightly wet](https://symidream.com/slightly-wet/) - Slightly wet Monday was a slightly wet day. We were down in Yialos for a while, and it had already been raining. Luckily, we were able to take a taxi back up the hill, and later, when Neil was at work, we had more rain. No problem there; the courtyard plants enjoyed it despite the
- [Poco a poco](https://symidream.com/poco-a-poco/) - Poco a poco As you can imagine, the island is still very quiet, but some of the bars are open, as are some of the tavernas. We've yet to see many visitors from other islands, presumably, everyone is in the same boat; little spare cash, working where they can, and staying home the rest of
- [Symi Sunrise, SNiP and Sunday](https://symidream.com/symi-sunrise-snip-and-sunday/) - Symi Sunrise, SNiP and Sunday Happy new month to you, kalo mina, and all that. We saw a glorious sunrise on Sunday, as you might be able to tell from my phone camera. This was around 5.45, so you have to be up early to get the full benefit. Here on Symi, we also had
- [Spider season](https://symidream.com/spider-season/) - Spider season Another spider invasion yesterday. Woke up at five, padded into the kitchen to put the kettle on only to find it guarded by this hairy, grey thing about two inches long. I didn't panic, and I didn't call for Neil who was still asleep, I simply encouraged it to go somewhere else, and
- [A post about post](https://symidream.com/a-post-about-post-2/) - A post about post We were on the balcony in time to see the Wednesday Blue Star pull in on its way down from Piraeus. Not a lot of activity going on there, which is to be expected, though the Friday ferry last week was quite busy. I have to drop down to Yialos later
- [A welcome sight](https://symidream.com/a-welcome-sight/) - A welcome sight Seeing visitors from Rhodes (I assume) getting off the Spanos boat from Rhodes yesterday morning, and then later, seeing people in the square at the bars, including Neil who had a reasonably busy shift. Locals only, of course, but in time, those with holiday homes may start to trickle back and stay
- [Able to get here? Good for you, dangerous for us.](https://symidream.com/able-to-get-here-good-for-you-dangerous-for-us/) - Able to get here? Good for you, dangerous for us. I'm writing this yesterday as I usually do because my head is never quite in the right place first thing in the morning. Today (Monday) is the day most places can reopen, and that means up here in the village, the Rainbow, Lefteris, The Sunrise
- [Opening](https://symidream.com/opening/) - Opening I don't know what your weekend was like, but ours up here on the north side of the village was a bit blustery. The wind was from the north-west, pushing the smell of drains back up the pipes in the laundry room (nice), blowing all kinds of things over the courtyard wall, and forcing
- [Changing weather](https://symidream.com/changing-weather-2/) - Changing weather Woke to cloud yesterday and lower temperatures. Went for a short walk up the road and back down through the village, just go blow the cobwebs away, and just in time to see the sun coming up. The news from here is that bars are reopening on Monday, or at least, they
- [Wednesday Morning](https://symidream.com/wednesday-morning/) - Wednesday Morning No great news from me today. Yesterday, the Blue Star came in and went again in the early morning, and the swallows were on the line chatting, as the slightly dodgy phone photos today show. The temperature remains high though we were due could and possibly rain, and some high winds later in
- [Aegean Airlines](https://symidream.com/aegean-airlines/) - Aegean Airlines Yesterday, I received an email from Dimitris Gerogiannis, the Chief Executive Officer of Aegean Airlines. He's not a personal friend or anything, the email would have gone out to thousands of people, but I thought it might give readers an idea of what's happening with the airline, in case you wanted to know.
- [The sequel](https://symidream.com/the-sequel/) - The sequel Just to finish off the spider story… The creepy visitor had been carefully removed from the sitting room and rehomed outside, and still wary, I settled back in to watch whatever film we had on. About twenty minutes later, during a pause in the action and a sudden, quiet passage, I heard what
- [Sun and spiders](https://symidream.com/sun-and-spiders/) - Sun and spiders The predicted heatwave arrived with a vengeance, and over the weekend we had out hottest May day for the last 50 years or something. It coincided with the reopening of beaches (under very strict rules), allowing some people to go to the beach for the first time in years. I'm not talking
- [Friday Photos](https://symidream.com/friday-photos/) - Friday Photos Did you notice I resisted the temptation to write Friday Fotos? As I've gone from six to five-day working weeks, I'm putting up on a Friday what I used to put up on a Saturday, i.e. around 10 random photos. These ones were taken during this week. Have a good weekend wherever you
- [Symi Views](https://symidream.com/symi-views/) - Symi Views One of the nice things about having a balcony overlooking Symi harbour and the sea is that you always have something to watch. Even these days when there are no day boats, small yachts or cruise ships coming in and out, there are still others to view. The coastguard and patrols, small fishing
- [Wildlife goes shopping](https://symidream.com/wildlife-goes-shopping/) - Wildlife goes shopping Do you remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned how nature seemed to be encroaching thanks to the lack of humans out and about? Well, the chickens are becoming bolder, and recently, one of the hens from up the road brought her three chicks to explore the front of our house
- [Monday](https://symidream.com/monday-2/) - Monday Yesterday dawned with a little cloud, but by the time I'd had my cup of tea on the balcony, that cloud had gone leaving a hovering mist across the coast of Turkey, and the sun free to break through, golden, and promising a warm day ahead. We're told to expect a heatwave later this
- [Sunday Morning Chat](https://symidream.com/sunday-morning-chat/) - Sunday Morning Chat A quick catch-up with what's been going on with us over the weekend. I'm writing this yesterday morning when it's sunny, warm and the sea is calm. The only sounds from below the balcony are the cockerels up the road and a cat scratching about in the abandoned garden next door. There
- [Thoughts on writing](https://symidream.com/thoughts-on-writing/) - Thoughts on writing I was wondering why I haven't done as much writing this year as I did last year. I was starting to worry that I'd lost the enthusiasm, but that's not the case. Then I thought I t as prehaps because I had become lazy (more likely), and then I realised what was
- [Easing](https://symidream.com/easing/) - Easing For me, the easing of restrictions since Monday as made little difference to our current way of life. The only thing that fees less restricted is not having to send an SMS or have permission to go out; it feels easier to take a walk now, and you're less guilty when you go shopping.
- [Random Tuesday](https://symidream.com/random-tuesday/) - Random Tuesday Random, as in: a few photos taken at random from the collection of images in the folder, that kind of thing. I woke up a bit late this morning and had promised myself I would get lots done today, so I can't hang around. On the list are the usual morning 'at the
- [And on the way back](https://symidream.com/and-on-the-way-back/) - And on the way back We're on the way back from Nimborio today. Well, Neil was. I've not been there since last year, and the photos were taken last week, but… Yesterday started sunny, but by half-nine, when I was writing this, the clouds had come over, and the sky was grey. We are planning
- [Nimborio](https://symidream.com/nimborio-2/) - Nimborio Let's get the week off to a start with a few more of Neil's photos taken while on a walk to and from Nimborio. As you can see, we had lovely weather towards the end of last week (followed by a damp weekend), which was good for the plants. Lockdown restrictions begin to ease
- [New ferry service](https://symidream.com/new-ferry-service/) - New ferry service Kalo mina! (Happy first of the month.) Wondering who was blasting their horn, we looked out of the window yesterday evening to see a ferry coming into the harbour and found the Stavros, a ship of the SAOS Ferries line pulling into Yialos. It backed up to the clocktower, stayed a few
- [Hello, Wall](https://symidream.com/hello-wall/) - Hello, Wall Could this be the first early start of the summer? Four-thirty, wide awake, raring to go… once I've had maybe just one more cup of tea… No idea why I'm up so early. Maybe it was because I was asleep by 9.30 last night, apparently just missing a power cut which happened a
- [Boats](https://symidream.com/boats/) - Boats The other day on some platform or other, someone asked about the summer ferry timetables to and from Symi, and someone else asked if I thought it would be okay to come to the island in September. You may be able to imagine my answers – no-one knows about either. It's still too early
- [One step at a time](https://symidream.com/one-step-at-a-time/) - One step at a time I took myself off for a stroll on Sunday morning, heading along the lane and around the back of the Castro to the top of the Kataractis. I intend just to do a circular route through the village, down to Campos and back around to home. Not a long walk,
- [Balcony photos](https://symidream.com/balcony-photos-3/) - Balcony photos Here we are starting another week. Our Prime Minister is due to make an official announcement later, outlining the lifting or not of the restrictions and where we go from here. In the meantime, I found some photos on my camera, taken from the balcony over the last week, and thought I'd share
- [Clearwater, walks and Araby](https://symidream.com/clearwater-walks-and-araby/) - Clearwater, walks and Araby After a couple of months off, I have started on another Clearwater novel. In case you're not sure what I am talking about, this is my Victorian mystery series that begins in October 1888 with the Ripper murders, and so far, has reached summer 1889. There are five books in the

## Pages

- [Symi Publications](https://symidream.com/symi-publications/) - James’ books are available only on Amazon Kindle, in paperback and Kindle Unlimited. Here’s James’ author page for: Amazon.com Amazon UK Amazon Canada Amazon Australia Amazon France Amazon Germany I can’t find my author page on the Scandinavian Amazon, but here’s a link to Symi 85600 to get you started.
- [About](https://symidream.com/about/) - The Symi Dream blog started in 2005 as a way to publicise our photography business called Symi Dream (which we closed in 2015). Over the years, it developed into a daily blog about our life on Symi. After a two-year break, it returned to the airwaves in 2023, picking up where it left off. Here’s
- [Privacy Policy](https://symidream.com/privacy-policy/) - We, at Symi Dream, are committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy policy is applicable to our website symidream.com. This privacy policy describes data collection, processing, sharing and usage rights. It also describes the choices of how your personal information is used. We periodically update this privacy policy and reserve the right to do so,

## Categories

- [Day to day on Symi](https://symidream.com/category/uncategorized/)
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- [Books & writing](https://symidream.com/category/books-writing/)
- [As it happens](https://symidream.com/category/as-it-happens/)
- [Guest posts](https://symidream.com/category/guest-posts/)
- [Hidden Gems](https://symidream.com/category/hidden-gems/)

## Tags

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