Well....Wednesday.
We had an early wake up at 3am in Sheffield to a great sunrise! (may find a photo later but currently under the influence of too much Ouzo!)
Our trusty son Martin took us across to Manchester via the Snake Pass, so green at this time of year, and also taken for granted as we have seen so many times.
We arrived in plenty of time as i'm obsessed with time keeping but by the time we'd checked in and gone through security we didn't have a great deal of time to wait at all.
Security seems tighter, which is not a bad thing, as we were made to take laptops, cameras and kindles out of the cases which they were in.
We were slightly worried by the change of airlines to Small Planet but this was to be unfounded as everything was fine with great time keeping and good legroom etc....we did however opt for a Boots meal deal for the plane but did not stop me have a couple of Jack Daniels and Liz opting for a Prosecco.
This was one of the smoothest flights we have ever had!
We arrived at a windy Rhodes and joined the coach which went the opposite way first to drop a couple off at a hotel close to a massive power station in the middle of nowhere...would not be our choice at all.
Onwards to Rhodes town and then the drop off at the Taverna near the ferry where we were first in.....we were given paperwork at the airport to get the ferry tickets from the booth and were met by a rep at the Taverna to explain things....even more organised than last year!
The Taverna was OK apart from running out of Mythos and getting very busy. We had a Greek salad, chips and Tzatziki all very nice....with Mythos before they run out!
We boarded the ferry with no problems getting tickets and enjoyed the late sun up top with a good breeze as we watched the massive cruise ships depart.
As we headed out it did get quite choppy and we, and most others, took shelter inside and another Mythos called.
We decided to go back up as we approached Symi and the sunset was watched as the sea calmed and the temperature seemed to rise!
The usual (listen to me) excitement from the first time visitors as we turned into the harbour was there as the ferry docked.
It was still a magical sight for us and I was instantly chilling out as IT IS like "coming home"
As we were pushed down the gang plank we saw a familiar face straight away and was instantly hugged by the lovely Jo, the Geordie lass, we met last year. She was their trying to get info about her parents arrival on Thursday but I think she was there to greet us anyway.
Straight on the Symi Tour bus and whipped up to the Sevasti Studios via Pedi to be greeted by Manilos and Nickos who once again helped Liz with her case.
We had asked Nickos for the same room as last year by email and he said he would do his best but never replied....but as we arrived he dropped the bags at the next room...then turned and said you have room 8...as you requested! This family is awesome and the welcome we have had is so so nice!
The room has been improved and they brought us water within 5 minutes!
Bags dumped and we were off down the maze to Georgios and food ordered within minutes.
Although as we walked passed the Rainbow we were spotted by Toby, Neil and Yiannis who gave us a great welcome back to Symi!
Sevasti, who happens to work at Georgios, instantly recognised us and another hug and kisses!
Shrimp and cheese Bourataki, Mushrooms and Courgette Fritters washed down with a litre of the house white.
It was getting late but we did call into "our" local with an Ouzo ( how many?) and was joined once again by Jo and stayed far too late, or was it early, for such a long day!
As first time returners all I can say is what an incredible welcome back to such a wonderful place!
Liz was falling asleep as she lowered her head!