www.SymiNews.com March 2010 No 12 THE NEWS OF SYMI DISTRIBUTED FREE Monthly newspaper by the Municipality of Symi - in association with SymiGreece.com Dead bodies of illegal immigrants in open view Shameful Images in Symi’s Harbour 10 » BY CHRISTOS BYRON [email protected]

Progress of The bodies of two illegal immigrants who were drowned in the sea off Symi while Public Works trying to enter the “Paradise” of Europe from nearby Turkey were left in open view in A photo report from the public front of the Roloi (Clocktower), one of the works in progress on Symi most recognisable places of the harbour. The bodies remained there, without supervision, for more than five hours. The story and accompanying photographs were published on the SymiGreece.com website the following day and were quickly picked up by much of the local media, making front page articles in newspapers and reports on TV news. The story begun a few days earlier when the Symi Port Authority was informed by a fisherman that a dead body was floating in the sea in the “Diapori” area of Symi. A vessel from the Port Authority then collected Φώτο © SymiGreece.com the body, that of a man aged about 60 years old. That same day, Symi’s Police found 10 found a boat, about 5 metres in length, upside of local forensic services for post-mortem 9 » illegal immigrants in Pedi and one of them down and half sunk, leading to fears that examination. Due to the high winds blowing allegedly recognised the dead man saying maybe there had been more people on board around Symi at the time, the continuing Five Minute that he had been their trafficker. the boat at the time of its foundering. Soon searching of the sea had to be abandoned and At the instruction of the Unified Centre of afterwards, two more bodies were recovered resumed the following day. Lives Co-ordinating Research and Rescue, the port by the Port Authority and were transported to police sent two further vessels to the area and Rhodes where they were placed in the care Continued on page 8» A glance at old-time characters of Symi No more navy boats in our seas BY DIMITRIS CHRYSOCHOOS [email protected] The Mayor of Symi accepted an from Symi, particularly as the time official invitation from the Turkish to travel by road from Bozburun authorities of the Provincial to Marmaris is quite short (45 District of Mugla to attend a joint minutes). discussion about matters concerning The reception by the local the economy of both sides (e.g. Municipalities of the District of 12 » tourism). Mugla was warm with the hospitality The visit was timed shortly far exceeding expectations. before the start of activities at the The boat “Ostria” captained by The church bell new international entry/exit port of Makis Rodis and aided by Giorgos the Municipality of Bozburun on Konstadinidis departed from Symi of Merkouris the 5th of April. The new status of at 15:30 on Tuesday 2 March. the port is expected to enable better Memories of summer service for visiting yachts and to Continued on page 11» in Marathounda see the start of day trips to and 8 THE NEWS of Symi March 2010

The “Paradise” that is Europe Editorial « Continued from page 7 Symi is busy with activity in the run- Early in the afternoon of Friday the two coffins from the ANES boat “Symi not in another island in the south of up to the Easter weekend and the arrival 5th of March, I became aware of two II”, put the bodies inside the coffins, and the Dodecanese and as a result there is of the first day-trip boats of the 2010 large, yellow plastic bags laid out on then to arrange for them to be taken to a delay in it coming when there is an season. With the weather this past month the new jetty immediately in front of the Rhodes. emergency or else that it doesn’t come bronze statue known as Mihalaki. At one Immediately, the Mayor contacted at all. not quite knowing how to make up its end of the jetty (about 50 metres away) a a high-ranking officer of the Port At about 9pm, the bodies had been mind, as though it is reaching out for the group of half a dozen people were fishing Authorities in Athens to find out the moved a few metres further to the side coming summer while still holding on to and chatting. One of them saw me taking exact responsibility of an elected of the road on the right of the Roloi. the winter, we can be reminded that Symi photos and advised me to “take care” Municipality in situations such as these. This time they were inside simple is always a place of contrasts as can be to not “get into trouble”. When I asked The high-ranking officer (whose name wooden boxes but, yet again, there was why, the response left me speechless: has been disclosed to the editors) told no-one to look after them and passers- illustrated in the two main stories in this “there are two dead bodies in the bags”, him unequivocally that neither Symi’s by were going close to them. There edition of The News of Symi. said one woman and continued “they’ve Municipality nor its Police should were no notices at all telling people to been here since this morning. They involve themselves, saying that the total keep away or that the boxes constituted With the opening of a new abandoned them and left… I was here responsibility for transporting the dead a health risk. At 9:30pm, the lifeboat international port in Bozburun, just when it happened and when I asked the bodies to Rhodes lied solely with the arrived from Rhodes and immediately a port policeman why they were leaving Port Authority of Symi and adding that number of uniformed people were there across the water from Symi, the minds them here, he told me that it was because he wondered “why they are not doing to welcome it. Great fuss was made by of many on our island and also of our they weren’t his responsibility”. The their job as they should”. those who took the bodies onto the boat Turkish friends looks optimistically to woman, visibly upset, then asked “where The Port Authority also contacted to wear disposable rubber gloves before the future. The official visit of the Mayor are the TV channels to show this shame? ANES asking the boat company to touching the boxes. of Symi to the new port and his meeting is it because they’re illegal immigrants transport the bodies to Rhodes with the In this way these luckless immigrants that we have to leave them like dogs in “Symi ΙΙ” that same evening. However, left Symi forever, having made the fatal with officials in Mugla province (page 7, the open like that? No-one is watching ANES is not permitted to transport dead mistake of seeking a better fortune far 11) was a great success and should prove them, small children have gone to the people for whom there is an ongoing away from their homeland. Almost very beneficial to the tourist industry. bags while playing and there’s only been police, judicial or other investigation, certainly leaving behind family and The hospitality and friendship between me to tell them to keep away… they will without correct authorization and friends, and maybe children, it seems start to smell very soon…”. paperwork. In any case, the ANES quite possible that none of them will our island and our Turkish neighbours, The spectacle was quite unbelievable. boats, when they are on Symi overnight, ever find out what has happened to those already well-established in Datca, is now Two dead bodies in open view in the are obligated to be on stand-by to cover they have lost. Yet surely these are not spreading further and this can only be a most central location in the harbour, any medical emergencies involving the only ones who have disappeared in a good thing. abandoned by the authorities without living people who require immediate similar fashion in the Mediterranean sea, any supervision whatsoever. While I was transportation to Rhodes. after trusting to luck and unscrupulous there, many people walked by, looking After the intervention from the traffickers to get them to the “Paradise” In contrast, we are also sad to report at the bags and shaking their heads in Mayor, the Port Authority of Rhodes that is Europe. the deaths of five people, seemingly illegal disbelief. On one of the bags there was sent an “all-weather” lifeboat to collect Would a Symiot, another Greek, or immigrants and their trafficker, after their the notice “Beware, Infectious”. the bodies, something that could, and a tourist who was found floating dead boat capsised near to Symi. While this The Symi Port Police contacted the should, have happened more than 5 hours in our seas have been given the same tale would have been sad enough, it is Mayor of Symi about the incident, saying earlier. In an interview in the ANTENNA treatment, I wonder? Would they have that their vessel could not transport the Dodecanese radio station the following been abandoned in the same way to lie compounded by the shocking treatment bodies to Rhodes due to the weather, day, the Mayor talked about the lack in the open in front of the Roloi inside a of two of the bodies after their recovery and asking him to personally intervene, of a “good collaboration between the plastic bag? Let’s hope that the publicity from the sea several days later (page 7, 8). requesting that the Municipality receive Head of the Symi Port Authority and surrounding these events will ensure that It is to be hoped that the media interest his command” nothing similar ever happens again. surrounding the abandonment of the two and criticised THE NEWS of Symi that a lifeboat For more photos and comments corpses by the Clocktower for more than five hours will ensure that nothing like P.O. Box 41, Symi 85600, Dodecanese, Greece is based only www.SymiGreece.com/symiblog060310gr.htm in Rhodes and this ever happens again. We should also T 0030 2246072363 • E [email protected] www.SymiNews.com hope that with improving relations with Turkey, a way can be found to ease the problem of illegal immigration to Symi. Design & Production SymiGreece.com

Published by In this, the first anniversary edition of The Municipal Cultural Centre of Symi (MCCS) The News of Symi in English, we are also pleased to feature two articles sent to us Publisher El. Papakalodoukas (page 10 and 12), and encourage any of Editors Christos Byron, Will Sawyer you who are considering putting pen to paper to contact us... or failing this, we Printing BEST DESIGN always welcome letters (page 13). Annual Subscriptions Within Greece €12 • Rest of the World €35 We wish you all a safe and happy National Bank of Greece 832/296000-16 Easter. To subscribe, please make a deposit to MCCS and fax the bank receipt to H. Maravelias on 00302246071386

Advertising [email protected]

Letters & Articles [email protected]. We do not publish letters unless a full name, postal address and ADVERTISE daytime phone number are supplied. If you do not wish your name Inside The News of Symi published, please say so. Due to space restrictions, letters should be limited to 300 words and may be edited. for as little as €10 Copyright © 2009-2010 The News of Symi T 6947402722 Republication of any material is prohibited without prior written permission from the Editor. E [email protected] March 2010 THE NEWS of Symi 9 Five Minute Lives #4 The 7th March anniversary George and Kostas: Brothers in Bawling The 62nd anniversary of the unification BY JIM GIBBINS of the Dodecanese with Greece was celebrated in style on Symi. After the church service at Ai Giannis, officiated A moment’s silence, if you please… in of Northumberland, a Camelot in its own Extra! Extra! Hear all about it! Kostas, by the Metropolitan of Symi Mr. memory of two men with ear-shattering right, to the mystic isle of Symi, a perform- veritable editor of The Symi Daily Shout, Chrysostomos, officials, students and voices. ance that evokes knights of old and ladies of thundered the news at a time when Symi a large crowd watched the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial in Yialos One was a Symiot. Kostas. His devas- the royal court in ballads and choreography had no formal sources of information… and the parade that followed. tating decibels, so it was said, had a range that bespeak the tapestry of history…” * * * that stretched (wind direction permitting) He called up a full house for that con- And that was the story, told to him years Photo © SymiGreece.com the full length of the harbour in Yialos. He cert, with encores that went on for nearly before by old timers, that Foteinos related died, well into his eighties, sometime in the three hours. to George and the rest of the company, and I 1930’s. And the success of the night gave him was part of it, that night in Pethi. The other was an Englishman. George. his great idea – a regular convention of town Why, Foteinos said, Kostas’s voice was His voice, and I’ve heard it, could carry all criers in Symi at festival time, with partici- so powerful that at a distance of ten full the way to the shore from the thudding and pants from all over Europe in full regalia paces its impact could blow down a bottle the tooting of the old Symi I as it readied to and in even fuller voice. on a wall. George, a flick of his flourished make its turn from Yialos to Rhodes while George discussed it all with the late moustache, said he was sure he could do George yelled his farewell to the island – Foteinos in Pethi, that connoisseur of the that too. A bottle was duly put on a wall. “So long, Symi. See you next year.” He died quaint and the curious and the human idio- George took the required ten paces back and a few years ago, aged only 52. syncrasies that give the text of life its quirky yelled “SYMI…” Though nationalities and generations exclamation marks. Such a yell! It set dogs to barking, cocks separated George and Kostas, they were And Foteinos, enthusiastic about what to crowing, a donkey to braying… and, oh Women’s Day brothers in bawling. And they both served he heard, got round to telling George and yes, a bottle to toppling. the same cause: the dissemination of public the rest of the company that night at his A year or two after that act of liter- The Womens’ Association of Symi information. Drunken Sailor cafeneion, about Kostas and ally blowhard bravura George was dead. celebrated this year’s International To focus in on their roles, it’s perhaps his remarkable vocal prowess… A sudden and instantaneously fatal heart Womens’ Day at an organised event on better to start with George, who, in any case * * * attack in which he simply slumped forward Saturday 6 March at Syllogos restaurant – he’d spent his summers here for nearly Ah, Kostas! What a man! What a voice! while enjoying a Chopin concert in his in Horio. A large number of women were twenty years – is still widely remembered You could say that he did his voice train- home town. As for Kostas, he went to bed present including many from the several on the island. ing in the vast echo chambers of the oceans one night, sipped his usual nightcap of ouzo foreign nationalities who live on Symi. George was the town crier, by royal during his years as a ships’ look-out in the and listened , as was his custom, to a recital The president of the Association, Ms. appointment to the Duke of Northumber- days before radar when icebergs or a school of Greek love songs on his wind-up gramo- Sevasti Nikoli, talked about the importance land, in the county town of Alnwick, on the of whales or uncharted reefs could damage, phone and, according to the accounts, died of the day and urged all women to open English-Scottish border. Keeping up a tradi- even sink, a vessel. peacefully in his sleep. their eyes and offer their support to any tion that goes back to the Middle Ages and Through gales and typhoons and freez- And so even in death George and woman that needs it. all done up in a fancy cape, a three-cornered ing fogs, Kostas, on the deck, had to make Kostas, those two loudmouths (and I say Ms. Irini Semertzaki, vice-president of hat, and carrying a huge hand bell, George sure that his shouted warnings were heard in that respectfully) had a piquant bond, in that the association, talked about the Symiot would pitch his voice (he was a trained the wheel house. their passing was marked by pianissimo woman. opera singer) in the relaying of news of local He paid for his dedication. On a trip to grace notes… Afterwards, there was music and dancing with the group of Mihalis Missos, events (and Alnwick Castle, where one of Russia one winter he suffered frostbite so which included: Mihalis Missos, Georgia the Harry Potter films was shot, is one of the severely that, in port, one of his legs had to Papakalodouka, Iakovos Missos, Manolis top tourist attractions in Britain). be amputated below the knee. Megaloudis and Panagiotis Megaloudis. Kostas functioned essentially the same And so Kostas stomped back to Symi on Symi and might be said to rank as the on a wooden leg – an old-fashioned peg Photo © Womens’ Association of Symi island’s de facto town crier. leg, apparently – and, determined not to be Though, let’s stay with George for now, pitied as a cripple, set himself up as a kind because it was through him that the story of of perambulatory oral newspaper. Kostas came to light. Patrolling the harbour, he thrust his Not long before he died, George came mighty voice into headlines as he reported to Symi with a troupe of Northumberland on births, marriages, and deaths; the local folk dancers and musicians, one of them his shipping movements; who was newly back daughter, for their appearance at the Symi from the sea and who was about to embark festival. He promoted them here, working on a voyage; the day’s fishing catches. He the streets in full town crier mode: even, and that subject was his hobby, threw “Oyez! Oyez! From the enchanted land in the occasional astrology forecast.

Greek & Foreign Press Petalo Fish Taverna & Cafe Bar Papers, Magazines, Books, Cigars & Cigarettes The only authentic fish taverna on Symi - Directly on the sea! Next to Mina’s shop - Tel. 22460 71675 To Book call: 6937197330 or 6955925428 10 THE NEWS of Symi March 2010

The progress of public works

BY DIMITRIS CHRYSOCHOOS [email protected]

While the continuing and regular mention of the progress of the public works on Symi is tiring for some, there are too many readers who almost demand a constant update. So, once again, we present a summary:

The paving around the Municiality Building

However, we think the paving from the SymiGreece.com old Ionian bank to the port of “Kasapia” The marina in Pedi, photos © (where the ANES boats moor) should also start as soon as possible. - The Aegli reading room has been - Works for HYTA (hygienic disposal The football and athletics stadium in Pedi - OTE (the telephone company) finished, though we don’t understand why of waste) in the Glafonies area continues has already started the installation of the contractor hasn’t yet put the balcony while weather permits. in place. In contrast we are worried about - The school building at the Panormitio - The Municipality is continuing the optical fibres, starting from Nimborio. As we were told, they aim to finish the the works at the Cultural Centre (Old and Ioannidio schools is finished, but not paving in Yialos which has transformed Municipal Building). at the EPAL (technical) school where the look of the harbour for the better. installation in Yialos and Horio before the start of the tourist season. work needs to be speeded up. - The fourth desalination unit has just The fourth desalination unit - The study for the creation of the The indoor arena in Horio arrived and will start functioning in the commercial jetty at the Petalo area in next few days. Yialos has been completed and awaits - The work at the football and athletics its inclusion in the relevant EU funding stadium in Pedi continues as normal, programme (when this opens). weather conditions permitting, while the construction of the roof at the indoor arena TRANSLATION BY in Horio has almost been completed. THE NEWS of Symi - The work at the marina in Pedi has stopped and awaits the start of the relevant EU funding programme so it can The Aegli Reading Room continue like the indoor arena.

Crisis, Fakkelaki and Pride

BY LUCA CORABI [email protected]

Greece is going through a very difficult economy. taxes should be paid and the “stin mavro” moment of economic crisis. There are I say this to indicate that there is another practice abandoned and despised as it several factors that have led the country important factor in the origin of the Greek would be for a criminal offence. into the present situation. We have read of crisis. In my many years in Greece, and The true wealth of a nation is in its a long period of time when the books were on Symi in particular, I have never seen knowledge, in its sense of belonging to a cooked by the government, of a million invoices, or proper tax receipts, issued community, in its respect for the rules, in Greeks employed in the public sector by service providers. With due and rare its long-sighted view of a projection for life in spite of a much reduced need for civil exceptions (that I would love to quote), I and economic development. servants and of posts given to people on have mostly paid my bills in cash against There is however a belief the basis of personal connections despite a scribbled block notes’ sheet of paper. that I have when looking at lacking any skill to do the job, and of road Sometimes against nothing. the history of Greece (and and train tunnels that have been built and Let me say, also for the sad experience I am not talking of Ancient then filled back in again because the project that we have in my country, that this is a Greece but of Modern was wrong. We have read of the complicity system that only works in the short term and Greece) that makes me of so-called reputable international only to the benefit of a limited number of see things optimistically. financial institutions in covering up the people. Let me also say that this, in the long This is a very strong, well- real status of the Greek economy and of the run, will destroy the Greek economy and rooted sense of national state accounts and we have read about the will also lead to a situation of exasperated pride. A sentiment of pride fakkelaki, the little envelope, the symbol of individualism, of collective dislike for the and dignity. An ability of a widespread corruption. We have read lots importance of the State, and will open the reacting to offences, to rise DOMA Real Estate SYMI of things. doors to improvised authoritarian solutions after a fall. A very Greek The trusted expert advisors However, for those with a long that will make things even worse. A society thing. relationship of friendship with the country, based on false myths. I hope that the Greek but still with a clear view of how daily On the other hand, as we all know, national pride will prevail A house for your holiday in Symi is a business in Greece is conducted by ordinary a well-run State should help people in over the fakkelaki system privilege, and... if chosen wisely, it will also people, shops, businesses, restaurants, need and plan for the future and for the and over the bad habit of become a great investment plumbers, builders, professionals, development of the country. A well-run seeing taxes as an option accountants, lawyers and the rest of it there State should invest in research and in and not, as someone We are located at the centre of the Symi port is another astonishing factor for someone, the particular activities and features that rightly said, as a necessary like me, coming from a country (Italy) represent the true wealth of the country, evil. This would be good above Pahos kafeneio that has made tax evasion a way of life, that should help the younger generations to news. Believe me, I know now disgracefully cherished by our prime see a future for themselves in a community. the story, At least, in this www.doma.gr minister and practiced by the highest state This is, I believe, what we should truly aim respect, unluckily, I am Tel. 22460 72619 officers, that has led to a steep decline in for for our children. However to be able Italian. the growth of our, otherwise, very active to achieve this (apparently simple) result, e-mail: [email protected] March 2010 THE NEWS of Symi 11 Our seas should have no more naval ships, just cruise boats

« Continued from page 7

Onboard were the representatives of the continued to enjoy themselves until the early Municipality of Symi, the Mayor, Mr Lefteris hours. Papakalodoukas and the vice-president of The official meetings started the next the Cultural Centre and former president of morning. The first of these was at the City the Symi Council, Mr Savvas Alexopoulos. Hall of Marmaris and was followed by a visit They were accompanied by the editor of to the office of the “Kaymakam” where a the Greek edition of The News of Symi and large group of journalists and TV crew were contributor to the SymiGreece.com website, waiting for the Mayor of Symi to speak. Mr. Dimitris Chrysochoos. The delegation After this, we visited other Municipalities also included business owners from Symi in the area and in the early afternoon we left who took advantage of the invitation they Marmaris for the capital of the Provisional © Google Maps had received from Turkish business owners. District, the city of Mugla. mentioning the joint events that the two that a major stumbling block in our efforts, Mr Alexopoulos distributed promotional Upon arrival we were welcomed at the Municipalities have organised each year, and especially at this time of economic crisis, material from the Municipality as well as the City Hall where the Mayor of Mugla talked of how the local market has benefited from the is the process of issuing a visa to Turkish businesses. warmly about Greece and the Greeks, telling weekly visits of foreign tourists and people citizens who wish to visit our islands and this from Symi. It is also hoped that local port is because they have to go to the consulate Photos © Dimitris Chrysochoos taxes would become more affordable with the in Smyrna which is quite far from the change of status of the port of Bozburun due coastal cities and the procedure is very time- to the knock-on effect of an increase in boat consuming. traffic in the surrounding marinas (Bodrum, For these reasons, we ask you to examine Marmaris, Orchani, etc.). whether it’s feasible for an office to operate in After a final reception in Mugla, we Mugla or Marmaris which will be concerned returned to Marmaris for the night. The rough seas of the following day meant that our return to Symi had to be delayed and so we extended our visit with an overnight stay in Bozburun. The port of Bozburun Despite the short notice and with all the The crossing took about an hour and we us of how, for many years, he has been extra work involved, soon arrived at the harbour of Bozburun where trying to find old friends and relatives of his the hospitality of the local authorities headed by the Mayor friends (among whom there are a number of Bozburun was perfect. and a large group of people were waiting for Symiots). He asked the Mayor to please put The Municipality us. After commemorative photographs were him in contact with any families on Symi that of Symi has already taken, the delegation went to the Municipal once lived in Mugla. The TV channels filmed begun discussions The Mayor of Symi addresses the local parliament in Mugla Offices where there were scheduled speeches the speeches of both Mayors and showed with the Municipality and exchange of gifts. As we were due to them on the local evening news. of Bozburun for the exclusively with the issuing of the relevant spend the night at Marmaris, we left Bozburun The last visits of the day were to the office organisation of joint events in October or travel document. We inform you that a similar using a convoy of official cars and a small of the local MP and the local Parliament (with November each year. request will be sent to your office by the coach provided by the District of Mugla, 43 MPs) which was in session discussing the We left Bozburun the next day for our Turkish local Municipal Authorities. arriving at the “Turban” hotel in Marmaris in new status of the Bozburun port and how the return to Symi after a very successful visit. We believe that if this problem is addressed the early evening. main problem for tourists coming from Turkey We must make special mention of the valuable positively from your part, the financial Later, we attended an official reception at to Symi is the requirement to have a visa to contributions made by Mr Alexopoulos who, benefits would be vast for our country” the Officers’ Club hosted by the “Kaymakam” enter Greece. Not only are these expensive, with his 25-year experience of visiting the (governor) where, apart from the guests from but they require a visit to Smyrna where they opposite shores and with his contacts, helped TRANSLATION BY Symi, there were also three Mayors from the are issued. The Mayor of Symi suggested to make the trip a very smooth one. surrounding Municipalities, district advisors, that he, together with the Turkish authorities, Upon his return to Symi, the Mayor kept THE NEWS of Symi the local heads of the Army, Police, Port should appeal to the Greek Foreign Ministry his promise and wrote a letter to the Greek For more photos from the Authority, and Customs and many business to open an office in either Mugla or Marmaris, Foreign Ministry, asking to look into the issue official visit to Turkey owners. The food provided was excellent, thus making the whole process of getting a of the visa. In his letter he said: www.SymiGreece.com/symiblog080310gr.htm and the whole evening passed well. Our visa easier. This proposal was discussed at “After an official invitation we received interpreter, who was with us for the whole the session of the local parliament, where Mr from the local authorities of the Provisional visit, worked hard all evening keeping up Papakalodoukas spoke, and was accepted by District of Mugla in with the translation of so many conversations. all parties. Turkey, we made a visit Of course, after dinner, most of the guests In their speeches, the President of the between 2-5 March and Parliament, the Mayor had a series of meetings of Symi, and also the with the Mayors of representatives of several Municipalities the political parties in the District, as well emphasised the as other high-ranking importance of the officials and tourism two peoples living representatives. peacefully together, The aim of the saying that this will visit was to explore happen when our seas the prospect of further have no more naval development of the ships, just cruise boats tourist relationship carrying visitors from between the two one side to the other. regions and the actions During this session, that need to be taken the representative for this purpose. A from Datca talked common finding in warmly about Symi, these meetings was The Mayor of Symi with an MP from the District of Mugla The Mayor of Symi with one of the Mayors of the District of Mugla 12 THE NEWS of Symi March 2010

The Church Bell of Merkouris USEFUL BY KATERINA SPIROPOULOU-SIANNI NUMBERS September was in its last week with magnificent weather; the sun PUBLIC SERVICES shining summer-warm in a clear sky. After wreaking their havoc, MUNICIPALITY 2246370110 CULTURAL CENTRE 2246360413 the destructive winds had gone CITIZENS’ ADVICE 2246360400 on holiday. The harbour of Symi WATER COMPANY (DEYAS) 2246070005 was full of every kind of boat and SOCIAL SERVICES 2246360419 the cafes and tavernas were full of POLICE 2246071111 people. In other words, it seemed PORT AUTHORITY 2246071205 like the middle of August rather than CUSTOMS HOUSE 2246071429 late Autumn. ELECTRICITY COMPANY 2246071338 It wasn’t the first time I’d visited POST OFFICE 2246071315 the island. Since 2004, I‘ve been there every year, always following DOCTOR’S CLINICS the classic route: Panormitis first YIALOS 2246071290 and then Symi. This year, however, HORIO 2246071316 my Symiot friends living in Rhodes took me straight to Symi and put me up in a wonderful stone house in DENTISTS Pitini. VOLONAKIS H. 2246071272 I couldn’t get enough of the The beach at Marathounda, photo © SymiGreece.com TSAVARIS V. 2246072050 harbour colours and gazed for hours friend, raised on Symi, recognised have imagined finding one here on at the coming and going of the boats PHARMACY him and spoke to him with his first the edge of Greece. making their incredible maneuvers. TSAVARIS Y. 2246071888 name. Mr. Merkouris was thrilled It is from the last boat I worked on, I was especially thrilled when a when our friend greeted him and he told us. The boat was destroyed in large boat came to the harbour and BANKS seemed pleased to see us, and began China and the owner was selling it after a difficult turn, the captain on NATIONAL 2246072294 describing the fury of the “sorokos” piece-by-piece. Then I told him to deck came very close to our balcony ALPHA 2246071085 wind that had hit the area mercilessly, give me the bell and he gave it to me as we were drinking our afternoon DODEKANISOS 2246071332 destroying everything, describing as a present. That’s how I brought coffee. his despair expressively and in a the bell to my little monastery. This year, my journey on Symi TRAVEL AGENTS perfect Symiot dialect. Never before But, Mr. Merkouris, I asked him, was in the opposite direction to ANES 2246071100 had there been such a destruction in this is a such a heavy thing, how did usual; we rented a car and early in KALODOUKAS 2246071077 this natural windless port. you manage to transport it so great a the morning before the day boats SYMI TOURS 2246071307 As well as the goats at the distance? arrived from Rhodes we arrived at water’s edge licking the pebbles, an For my curiosity I earned a Panormitis. This is the image I want TAXIS abundance of wasps tried to prevent withering look, as though it were the to keep in my mind when I think of STAMATIS 6945226348 us from reaching the water. The most natural thing in the world to Panormitis; peace, quiet, the blue GIORGOS 6974623492 water was gurgling and clear in its carry a bell from China. of the sky and sea, the white of KOSTAS 6945252308 magnificent setting, with rocks all I didn’t carry it, the plane did, he the monastery and the sound of the THANASIS 6946568731 around and small coves on our right. said. church bell welcoming us. THODOROS 6945531676 When we came out after our swim We left Marathounda to its After filling up our souls and KOSTANTINOS 6944105596 the wasps came on again, obviously peace and routine and returned to with a good supply of the excellent disturbed by our presence. Yialos where the boat would return koulouria from the bakery, we left. It Mr Merkouris had gone to the us to Rhodes. A few days later, the would be a shame to not go swimming other side of the beach and was curtain of summer would fall and HOLIDAY STUDIOS on such a wonderful day. And so, standing under a big fig tree by there would be nine whole months we ended up at the closest beach to the edge of a wall of a small white before Symi took on this tourist- Book your 2010 holiday now! Panormitis, the narrow bay in the monastery. We went up to him and look again. south of the island, Marathounda. Special offers available. asked which monastery it was. It’s Together with the beautiful We parked under a big pine for Ai Giannis the Baptist, he told us images, the magical scenery and the Contact: [email protected] tree, disturbing the goats who were and invited us inside. We’re in our peace and quiet that we left behind roaming free everywhere. They swimwear, we told him, and laughing us, I left a part of my soul which had seemed very used to visitors - us and he replied, it doesn’t matter, the saint become so full from everything I’d two more cars that arrived after us. isn’t looking, just me! lived these two days on Symi. HOUSE CARE Descending towards the tiny He had built the little monastery Yet what I realised most was that beach, there was a small and very General repairs, Maintenance, with his own hands and it was very deep inside I didn’t just envy the well looked-after taverna, a small well looked after and maintained. By beauty of the scenery but also the Plumbing, Building, Carpentry, guest house, three or four houses on the gate was a large bell and coming beauty of the person. the lower level and one high up the Painting. Call 6942404572 out of the church I commented on How much I’d like to feel, even rocks which seemed to survey the how fine it was and Mr Merkouris for a moment, the simplicity in small bay as well as the sea. asked me if I could see what letters the mind, the total fullness and the Before setting foot on the wooden were written on it. Maybe it was the Olympian serenity of Mr Merkouris walkway that led to the taverna, we strong sunlight or my bad eyesight, who, while living a full and turbulent saw an image of destruction in front but at first I thought the letters life, in his last years is anchored to of us. Two or three boats had been were Russian. On hearing this, he the most beautiful port in the globe torn apart and were laying on the scolded me - What! Russian! are you – Symi – and from the edge of the pebbly beach. Surely some fierce blind? Have a better look! They are World he has brought his experience and rampaging beast must have Chinese! and his memories, recalled every brought about this destruction? Next After a closer look I saw that they time the Chinese bell rings. to the wooden and plastic pieces sat were indeed Chinese and I told him a thin old man with a deep sun-tan with surprise that I had never heard TRANSLATION BY looking out at the sea. When he saw of Chinese bells, and would never THE NEWS of Symi us, he turned in our direction. Our Μarch 2010 THE NEWS of Symi 13

QUIZZES by SIMOS #12 Letters To Symi Solutions will be in the next edition Please send your letters to [email protected]. We do not publish letters unless a full name, postal of The News of Symi address and daytime phone number are supplied. If you do not wish your name published, please say so. Due to space restrictions, letters should be limited to 300 words and may be edited. WHO ARE THESE FOUR PEOPLE AND HOW ARE THEY LINKED? They make the place filthy, back where they used to, but I Ferry Timetables they steal taps and break the think it’s unacceptable to stay cisterns, and have a general silent and to simply accept this. First of all, I should state that unciviliced behaviour. The Mayor If we do, then more things like I’m not from Symi, but I live used to say he’d demolish them. this will happen. Maybe if we and work (temporarily) on your Why doesn’t he do it? Isn’t it the react, even now, we will avoid beautiful island. case that every bar and restaurant something similar happening in I’m taking the courage to should have a toilet? Then why is the future. write about something that has it that they use the public toilets I’m simply sad. saddened me in the past few and send their customers there? days. Some people, though not S.P., Symi At least they should take up many, have been talking about maintaining and cleaning them. the boats of Mr. Spanos, and V. M., Rhodes how the timetables for these have Will the Festival been published online and that at happen this year? last the residents will have a boat Anger and Sorrow service. Could your newspaper inform Spending the whole of the On walking to Nimborio today, me if the Municipality will be winter here, I could only see the I witnessed an outrageous organising the Symi Festival this boats “Proteas” and “Symi II” on spectacle that has filled me great summer? a daily basis, and from what I’ve anger and sorrow. At the turn of Maybe it would be sensible learned by asking, they belong to the road in Sikidi area I found, on to postpone it this year given the a different company. These boats the ground, an uprooted cypress economic crisis. If this were to were also trasporting the sick and tree, one that had grown on the happen, certain business people the dead without discriminating NAGGAGRAM spot for more than fifty years. of the island would then realise between those who support the This shocked me, and I was to the economic boost that they had How many words of 4 or more letters can you find from particular company or not. E M E find that my shock just increased lost. these 9 letters? Each letter can be used once without Now that the weather is better throughout the entire walk The Municipality should be plurals ending in s or names of people or places. Every and more boat traffic is needed, R R R towards Agia Irini. brave and do it. word must contain the letter in the centre and be allowable they introduce boats without At the place where the once E.T. Piraeus in Scrabble. There is one 9-letter word to discover. taking any risks, just looking for F O P pride cypress trees stood, there profit and not to provide a service Good: 10-23 words Very Good: 24-32 words Excellent: 33 words or more now lay their cut trunks, a result for the people. of the work that is taking place to Municipal Radio Luckily, from discussions I’ve lay concrete on the road. I don’t Solutions #11 NAGGAGRAM: Artichoke hotcake retack thicker troika trock traik had, most of the island’s residents know how to label what’s been Station thick croak chark trick track thack creak chirk tackier chokier racket hacker choker are supporters of the work of the done nor who is responsible for ticker tacker rocket hocker hackie trike choke troke crake trek rick reck rack heck cork local company, despite having Mr Mayor, will the Municipal it, but I do know that no-one who cark tick teak tack rock hock hick hark haik hack hokier cakier toker taker ocker icker complaints with its Board (which radio station ever operate again hiker take raki hike coke cake toke tike rake hoke hake okra krait korai kiter korat is rational and with at least some is normal and logical). I hope all or not? ketch kore kite khet kith keir . WHAT ARE THESE FOUR THINGS: The four images ecological conscience can justify those who haven’t yet understood This radio station was in in last month’s quiz were from the Eiffel Tower, The Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame and the it. the contribution of their local operation during the past 2 Arc de Triomphe, famous landmarks in Paris. It’s inconceivable, in our day company will soon reconsider. years with its nice live music and age, where so many efforts Please publish my letter if broadcasts by the teachers and are being made worldwide for the you want. Panagitsa, the program about the protection of our planet, that we D. P. Symi traditions of the island and the ourselves cut down and uproot news programmes. trees. It is my humble opinion Even though I don’t have that there can be progress but particularly fond feelings for Mr Public Toilets that this can take place without Chrysochoos, he has done some burdening the environment we HOLIDAYS & YACHTING SERVICES Whatever the Municipal good work in the radio station V.H.F. CHANNEL 6 “LIBRA” live in and more importantly, Authority does, the public toilets where our children will live in. as well as the newspaper. on Symi will continue to be a 856 00 Symi, Dodecanese, HELLAS This terrible thing has G.K., Rhodes disgrace, and this is because there Mobile: 6945 491 588, Tel: +30 22460 71077, Fax: +30 22460 71491 happened and, of course, the e-mail: [email protected], www.kalodoukas.gr will always be… pigs. trees cannot be made to stand

Nikolas Patisserie Symi sweets, Cookies, Ice Creams The only traditional patisserie - in Yialos since 1925 14 THE NEWS of Symi March 2010

Detailed Sport News SPORT NEWS of Symi available online (in Greek) BY KYRIAKOS KARAKATSANIS [email protected] www.SymiGreece.com/grsport

FOOTBALL RESULTS FROM 05/03/10 TO 01/04/10 13/3: Evagoras – Α.Ο.S. 1-1 | 6/3: Α.Ο.S. – O.F. SYMI ƭƭ Istriou 4-1 | 27/2: E.N.A. – Α.Ο.S. 0-5 | 20/2: Α.Ο.S. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME – Rodiakos 4-1 AD AD AD AD AD AD SYMI 07.00 RHODES 15.00 SYMI 07.00 SYMI 07.00 SYMI 07.00 SYMI 15.00 RHODES 08.50 - SYMI 16.50 RHODES 08.50 15.00 RHODES 08.50 17.00 RHODES 08.50 14.30 RHODES 16.50 17.30 BASKETBALL RESULTS SYMI 16.50 SYMI 18.50 SYMI 16.20 SYMI 19.20 24/2: Stavros Kalathion – Α.Ο.S. PROTEUS [S. Kalathion declared winner after A.O.S. no show] MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME AD AD AD AD AD AD RHODES 14.00 SYMI 07:00 SYMI 07.00 KOS 06.00 RHODES 11.00 KOS 06.00 SYMI 15.40 RHODES 08:40 09.00 RHODES 08.40 11.00 NISYROS 07.30 07.45 SYMI 12.35 13.05 NISYROS 07.30 07.45 KAST/ZO 13.40 14.00 SYMI 12.35 13.05 TILOS 09.00 09.20 TILOS 15.15 15.30 TILOS 09.00 09.20 Scoreboard RHODES 18.40 19.15 TILOS 15.15 15.30 SYMI 11.30 11.55 NISYROS 16.55 17.05 SYMI 11.30 11.55 - SYMI 20.55 NISYROS 16.55 17.05 RHODES 13.35 14.15 KOS 18.40 RHODES 13.35 14.15 FOOTBALL Division B (18 games) KOS 18.40 KAS/ZO 18.55 19.05 KAS/ZO 18.55 19.05 RHODES 23.45 RHODES 23.45 1. Evagoras 48 (15 3 0) 70:4 (+66) FROM 02/04/10 TO 05/04/10 2. Aspis Salakou 44 (14 2 2) 39:10 (+29) SYMI ƭƭ 3. Digenis 43 (13 4 1) 62:13 (+49) GOOD FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY EASTER SUNDAY EASTER MONDAY 4. Α.Ο.S. 32 (10 2 6) 42:21 (+21) PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME 5. Thyela Pylonas 29 (9 2 7) 42:29 (+13) AD AD AD AD 6. Apollon Apollonon 27 (11 0 7) 36:21 (+15) SYMI 07.00 SYMI 06.30 SYMI 19.30 THODES 09.00 7. P.Α.S. Asklipiou 27 (8 3 7) 30:19 (+11) RHODES 08.50 09.15 RHODES 08.20 09.00 RHODES 21.20 PAN/TIS 10.50 11.45 PAN/TIS 11.00 12.00 PAN/TIS 10.50 11.45 SYMI 12.45 15.30 - 8. Ε.Ν.Α. 18 (5 3 10) 27:49 (-22) SYMI 13.00 15.30 SYMI 12.45 15.30 RHODES 17.20 9. Ο.F. Istriou 18 (6 0 12) 22:41 (-19) RHODES 17.20 18.00 RHODES 17.20 18.00 10. Rodiakos 15 (4 3 11) 25:48 (-23) SYMI 19.50 SYMI 19.50 11. Damagitos 6 (2 0 16) 16:90 (-74) PROTEUS 12. Petaronas 0 (0 0 18) 5:71 (-66) GOOD FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY EASTER SUNDAY EASTER MONDAY PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME 1st gets promoted to Group A1 AD AD AD RHODES 08.00 RHODES 09.00 E SYMI 14.00 EXTRA ITINERARY 2nd goes to a play-off game for promotion to A2 SYMI 09.40 10.00 KAS/ZO 13.40 14.00 C RHODES 15.40 I (NON SUBSIDISED) 3rd gets promoted to A2 TILOS 12.10 12.20 RHODES 18.40 19.15 V 4th goes to a play-off game for promotion to A2 NISYROS 13.45 13.55 SYMI 20.55 R EASTER MONDAY 05/04/10 KOS 15.30 15.40 E From RHODES to Symi at 17:00 NISYROS 17.10 17.20 S O Division B (12 games) TILOS 18.45 18.55 BASKETBALL SYMI 21.05 21.20 N RHODES 23.00 1. Ε.Α. Kalymnou 20 (9-2) 667-529 (+138) FROM 06/04/10 UNTIL 09/05/10 2. Elpida Petaloudon* 19 (9-1) 669-485 (+184) 3. Ilios Ialysou 19 (8-3) 597-522 (+75) SYMI ƭƭ 4. Kleovoulos Lindou 15 (3-9) 586-715 (-129) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 5. Kolegio Rodou* 14 (6-3) 460-419 (+41) PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME AD AD AD AD AD AD 6. Eolos Kefalou** 13 (4-5) 506-497 (+9) RHODES 09.00 RHODES 09.00 RHODES 09.00 SYMI 06.30 RHODES 09.00 RHODES 09.00 7. Α.Ο. Παντηλιακός* 12 (4-5) 431-451 (-20) PAN/TIS 10:50 12.00 PAN/TIS 10:50 12.00 PAN/TIS 10:50 12.00 RHODES 08.20 09.00 PAN/TIS 10:50 12.00 PAN/TIS 10:50 13.30 8. Stavros Kalathion 12 (1-10)474-655 (-181) SYMI 13.00 16:00 SYMI 13.00 16:00 SYMI 13.00 16:00 PAN/TIS 10:50 12.00 - SYMI 13.00 16:00 SYMI 14.30 17.30 9. Α.Ο.S*** 8 (1-7) 324-441 (-117) RHODES 17:50 ǻ RHODES 17:50 ǻ\ RHODES 17:50 18.30 SYMI 13.00 16:00 RHODES 17:50 ǻ RHODES 19.20 SYMI 20.20 RHODES 17:50 * Α.Ο. Pantiliakos, Elpida Petaloudon and Kolegio PROTEUS Rodou have one game less MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME PORT TIME ** Eolos Kefalou has two games less AD AD AD AD AD AD *** Α.Ο.S has three games less RHODES 15.00 SYMI 07:00 SYMI 08.00 KOS 06.00 RHODES 11.00 KOS 06.00 SYMI 16.40 ǻ RHODES 08:40 09.00 RHODES 09.40 11.00 NISYROS 07.30 07.45 SYMI 12.35 13.15 NISYROS 07.30 07.45 The 1st gets promoted to Group A. If Diagoras stays in KAST/ZO 13.40 14.00 SYMI 12.35 13.15 TILOS 09.00 09.20 TILOS 15.25 15.45 TILOS 09.00 09.20 RHODES 18.40 19.15 TILOS 15.25 15.45 SYMI 11.30 11.55 NISYROS 17.10 17.20 SYMI 11.30 11.55 - the 3rd National Division, the 2nd also gets promoted. SYMI 20.55 NISYROS 17.10 17.20 RHODES 13.35 14.15 KOS 18.55 RHODES 13.35 14.15 KOS 18.55 KAS/ZO 18.55 19.05 KAS/ZO 18.55 19.05 RHODES 23.45 RHODES 23.45

EXPATCAT by Vasilakis #12 expatscratch

More ExPatCat at: www.SymiGreece.com/expatcat.htm © SymiGreece.com