It's October and we have returned to Symi which is now a habit that we do not want to give up.
Having stayed in Chorio in May we are back in Margarita's wonderful apartments overlooking Nos Beach which we have watched develop over the years under that watchful eye and excitable demeanour of Dimitri.
The Journey Over
We set off from Mid Wales on Tuesday and stayed in the excellent Holiday Inn Express on Chester Racecourse with a room with superb views of sunset over the course. We didn't have to head up the day before as the EasyJet flight from Liverpool was scheduled for 14:15 on the Wednesday but a chance to have dinner in The Sticky Walnut could not be sniffed at. Starters of squab pigeon (D) and seared mackerel (E) was followed by braised ox cheek (D) and roasted halibut (E) with some fizz for E and a lovely Italian red for D was a great way of starting the hols. Suburbs cocktail bar across the road was a great choice by E for our aperitif(s).
Next morning after a stroll round Chester we headed for Liverpool Airport and as we go through security we spot a couple of Symiholics so we know Yanni's Rainbow Bar will be OK for the next couple of weeks even though we are staying "down".
The flight was slightly delayed (30 mins) and we arrived Rhodes 20:45 local time. The traditional Mythos from the vending machine, rescue the luggage and catch a taxi and we were in and out of the Best Western Plaza by 22:00.
Having used The International previously this was our first time at the BW and we were not disappointed - excellent room and a superb hot & cold buffet breakfast - now the hotel of choice when staying over in Rodos.
A 10 minute taxi ride from the hotel, with a drop off for a local businessman at Kolona, and we picked up our tickets for the 09:00 sailing of the Panagia Skiadeni from Akantia Harbour.
Arrived Symi 10:30, Margarita was there with the pick-up truck and we were welcomed by our very good Swedish friends Orian and Lillian whose stay overlaps a week with us. Unpacked, sitting out and starting this post by 12:30. The weather is perfect and everything in the world of D&E is good (despite D forgetting, for the first time he adds, the chargers for the cameras - thank goodness for mobile phones).
So our ramblings commence once again for the next two weeks.
There is only the two of us so mezes will not be as expansive as in May but living "down" does mean we eat in different places and so the debate about this evening's restaurant of choice begins. Tradition dictates if "up" it's Giorgio's and if "down" it's Tholos (D has started fantasising about lemon potatoes already).
Hope to include more photos this time.