Tag Archives: Symi

Symi: A bit of colour

Posted on June 8, 2017 by BarryH

One of the effects of climate change which, despite what some may say, scientific evidence shows overwhelmingly is not a myth, is increased unpredictability in the weather. Even on the Greek islands you can’t assume that usual climate patterns will … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Mountains, Nature, Spring | Tagged allium, crown daisies, Dragon Arum, elephant garlic, Flora, Greece, hollyhocks, Holy Orchid, Oregano, poppies, star clover, Star of Bethlehem, Symi, thyme, wild flowers | 1 Comment

Symi: it’s good to be back

Posted on May 7, 2017 by BarryH

I didn’t manage to get the issues sorted out which prevented me coming back to Symi in April as planned but I bit the bullet, cut the Gordion knot, took the bull by the horns, and came back on 3 … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Spring, Wildlife | Tagged Butterflies, Dragon Arum, flora and fauna, Greece, poppies, Symi, thistles, tortoise, views | 1 Comment

Symi, Greece: Looking back and looking forward

Posted on March 26, 2017 by BarryH

In early April in recent years I have headed to Greece for the summer. Not possible this year because of various ongoing issues. There is still a degree of uncertainty about when I’ll get back to the islands but, trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Spring, Wildlife | Tagged fortifications, Greece, Holy Orchid, limestone landscape, mantis, Oertzeni lizard, Orchis sancta, Scarce Swallowtail, Symi, water sources, wild flowers | 2 Comments

Banff, Canada: ……… and then the hotel burnt down

Posted on January 9, 2017 by BarryH

If I may quote HMQ speaking on British TV in November 1992, for me and for many others I’m sure, 2016 was an Annus Horribilis, a horrible arse of a year. Returning to Banff in early February to continue to … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Health and humour, Winter | Tagged Annus Horibilis, Banff, Canada, canadian rockies, Christmas, community spirit, First World Problems, flight delays, Greek Health Service, health, hotel fire, Mount Royal Hotel, New Year, skiing, Symi | 5 Comments

Symi: focus ….. and losing it

Posted on November 30, 2016 by BarryH

I don’t consider myself an adrenalin junkie, though I know some who disagree. But one thing which I have learned from ‘adrenalin sports’ (white water kayaking, paragliding, climbing ….) is the importance of maintaining focus. Lose it and there are … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged adrenalin sports, Agia Paraskevi, ancient olive press, bees, Caetopelma Aegyptiacum, dehydration, eucalyptus trees, Greece, honey, kalderimi, photography, Symi, Symi Spider, trekking | Leave a comment

Nisyros: All in a day’s trek

Posted on September 3, 2016 by BarryH

I have been back to the UK planning to continue the blog about treks on Symi but mundane stuff got in the way. Now I’m on Nisyros and as always blown away by this place. Been out in the mountains … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, Landscape, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged ancient houses, archaeology, bats, caldera, craters, drought, fumaroles, Greece, horseshoe bats, mountains, Nisyros, seismic fissure, snakes, snakeskin, sulphur, Symi, Volcano | 5 Comments

Symi: Rambling around the past

Posted on August 4, 2016 by BarryH

WARNING: make yourself comfortable and a cup of coffee before starting to read this. If there is anyone out there hooked on Barry’s Ramblings and having withdrawal symptoms, apologies! I have had people staying with me most of the time … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, History, Landscape, Mountains, Photography, Wales | Tagged archaeology, architecture, cromlech, dolmen, Greece, Greek archaeology, Neoilithic, Nimborio, St David's, Symi, Toli, Wales | 3 Comments

Symi: Going wild again

Posted on June 25, 2016 by BarryH

Flight back to Rhodes Saturday. Ferry to Symi early Sunday morning. A few hours putting the house back to rights after leaving it packed up in a hurry not knowing when, or if, I would return. Sunday afternoon I took … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Photography | Tagged footpaths, Greece, hiking, Horio, kalderimi, Symi, trails, trekking | 2 Comments

Symi: going wild

Posted on May 29, 2016 by BarryH

I was discharged from hospital on Rhodes on a Wednesday, six days after having been rushed there by a combination of ambulances and fast coastguard cutter. Engine management system rebooted, once again firing on all four cylinders, on the Tuesday … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Health and humour, Hiking, History, Landscape, Mountains, Photography | Tagged Agia Paraskevi, ancient olive press, Greece, Horio, kalderimi, Nimborio Bay, Pedi Bay, Symi, Yialos | Leave a comment

Symi: the 15 minute walk that took 6 days, or, Notes on How to Use a Bedpan.

Posted on May 12, 2016 by BarryH

And now for something completely different “What are you doing? “ The tone was reprovingly incredulous, not inquisitorial. “I need to use the toilet.” “No! The doctor says you must stay in bed.” The nurse was much smaller than me … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Grey Britain, Health and humour, Reflections | Tagged boredom, Canadian Health Service, cardioversion, Greece, Greek Health Service, health issues, Rhodes, Symi, UK NHS | 12 Comments