Hazel left by ferry this morning, so Em and I going it alone for today and tomorrow. We managed - more swimming, reading, dozing, carousing, eating and drinking. Em chose restaurant for tonight, the gorgeous yacht in the photo on our doorstep as we left the house for dinner. But wait there's more! As we rounded the corner of the harbour, the stunning yacht Regina we were anchored next to in the bay at Knidos, Turkey, was moored between 2 over the top, 3 decked...

Another lay day in Gialos and Harani, each to their own, which included swimming at Nos beach for us all. 7pm we caught the local bus from the harbour up to the old town Chorio - 'old', think anytime forward from 5th century BC when the acropolis of Syme was built. Bits of the castle built by the good old Knights of St John in 1407 have also survived, every generation of inhabitants doing a recycle job to the present day. The island was renowned for its shipbui...

Mixing it with the locals now! Early morning catch up with the 2 Turkish Captains and Louis, the Symi Immigration Officer. He controls the entry & exit of boats, and people, in and out of Greece via Symi. Another Greek with spunk, humour and passion for his Island and Greece. Born in New York to Symi parents, brought home at 14 months, well educated, travelled, mover & shaker on the island and opinionated! Greek politics and economy all solved. Then what...

Lay Day. Regroup at G&T time, then off to dinner and rendezvous with Captain Genghis who is back in Symi on OUR gulet, Tanem. She is moored at our restaurant, looking gorgeous. Another excellent dinner - seafood risotto loaded with fresh whole prawns, clams on the shell, mussels and fish. Genghis and Captain of the boat sailing with him join us, en route to the local nightclub. Hmmm. I join the boys to hit the local nightlife, Hazel and Emily bail. The nig...

An early morning wander amongst the maze of stone alleyways and staircases got me to the giddy heights of Chorio, the old town above where we are staying. Tumble down centuries old stone homes are nestled amongst beautifully maintained neo classical styled and neatly painted homes and churches built of stone, all sprouting from solid rock, no 2 alike. No project homes here! How the elderly manage is a miracle. This is seriously goat country. Many of the best vi...