A Walk in the Winter Sun

Wild cyclamens growing from a gate on the Kali Strata.  

Somehow the fat purple tubers find enough space between the dressed stones to survive from one year to the next, inaccessible unless the masonry is actually taken apart, and provide a charming floral interlude each winter.

Sunshine and shade in a lane off the Kali Strata. 

That is the little monastery on Nimos visible across the water in the background.  The puddle on the paving is the only clue to the recent heavy rain, that and the small clump of weeds at the base of the wall.  It is not unusual to find sheep browsing on the wild flowers on the Kali Strata at this time of the year.  Free grazing is always welcome.

Arbour Day?

Much to the amazement of many, Symi Town Hall has embarked upon a tree planting campaign in the town square in Yialos.  It is a strange location to be planting a new forest but no doubt the story behind it will be revealed eventually.  The first hurdle will be how well the saplings survive the annual carnival festivities that will be taking place in the square this weekend.  The children present their tableaux on the stage currently half-hidden by the diggers and plastic chairs are laid out in rows on the area now being planted.

A place in the sun.

At this time of the year many houses, such as Villa Iris and Spiti Grand Helene, are still closed up for the winter but those that are occupied are easily identified by the rugs and blankets airing over the balconies on sunny days.

Some Chorio cats soaking up the winter sunshine. 

This is the lane that leads from the Cottage to the shops and tavernas in the village.  In a few weeks that green patch will be a mass of yellow daisies and by the time the July tourists are here the same path will be baked bare.  Only the cats remain constant.  Symi's face changes with the seasons and there is always something new to look at, even as one walks the same paths and byways.  

Have a good week.

Regards,

Adriana