Wednesday
Another early start in a cool Sheffield as we call at Martins our eldest son at 3.15am. We were well prepared and fully packed last weekend.
An easy drive across the Snake Pass in the dark and we were soon at Manchester Airport with thoughts of “just get me to Symi and quick”
The reason why we are so early is to allow Martin to return to Sheffield before any traffic build up and get back to daddy duties. So early that no check in desk numbers for our flight yet so we waited in the area we checked in in June. Scanning the board and the desks the ASL logo soon appeared above one of the desks so we were 1st again checking in.
Got our Boots meal deal and found a quiet spot near to gate 300 and as expected through and on the bus to the plane on time. A “grand tour” is the only way I can describe the route to the plane as it was parked in probably the most inaccessible place ever.
A very smooth flight saw us into Rhodes by 2pm Greek time and onto the bus to take us down to the port but….with the ferry strikes this week the news was we were to go from the tourist port on the new boat Sebeco.
We had a walk back into the town and had a Giros Pitta at the Maria in the old markets. Not the best choice when a trip across on a small ferry was due which I was not looking forward to.
We’d left our cases behind the ticket booth, looked after by the rep, and on return were greeted by Colette. Pete was also there, returning to meet up with Gwen who’s been on the Island most of the summer. Lucky Gwen!
As the Sebeco needed a diesel top up it was a little late setting off but made good time after what could only be described as a roller-coaster ride, well the first bit anyway.
Into glorious Symi and berthed next to the bus station we were told by Nancy, the current Olympic rep, that we’d have to wait for a bus transfer so we set off walking round the harbour to our apartments behind the Police Station.
Basic but fine room on the first floor so no spiral staircase to encounter.
- 20 yards from our room
We drop the case and after a very quick freshen up we are back round the Harbour full of Yachts to be greeted by a very busy Jordana at To Spitiko. No Sole, even though Jordana had rang round all of Symi, so I had some very tasty Lamb Chops and Liz the succulent Chicken Souvlaki washed down by a few cool beers.
- Chicken Souvlaki
- Lamb Chops
- Guess!
Tiredness now kicks in and the plan of nightcaps at Elpidas drift into another day so a quick trip to the supermarket for Metaxa and water (I know the holiday essentials). Some filming was taking place in the harbour and I'm claiming my fee if the old fat guy with carrier bag scene is used in any blockbuster!
- Nightcap
Liz had a quick call home and we needed sleep….oh and a Metaxa night cap.
Back in paradise!