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 views are to be had from Greek Orthodox churches, which the place is heaving with. The Symians are obviously a goodly Godly bunch.
Later Emily and I hit the fish feeding pedicure salon - see pic of Em with her feet dangling in fish tanks, the fish hoovering up the dead skin on her feet. It's a weird sensation. This was followed by a satisfactory foot massage, a fun experience, thankfully no dead fish in either tank at the end of it.
Swims later in the day, and some pre course study for me, set up on the patio at the front of our home, overlooking the harbour with various magnificent craft sailing or motoring in and out.
Dinner was to the highly recommended Mythos restaurant owned and run by 2 brothers, originally from Athens. Stratos the chef brother is apparently acknowledged as one of the top 10 chefs on the Mediterranean, and runs cooking classes.
The restaurant is an open air rooftop affair on the harbour with magnificent views over the water and hills beyond.
A great menu, however we were underwhelmed by the food but loved the attentive service of Stratos brother! Our lucky dip white wine was a Sauvignon Blanc blended with an unpronounceable old Greek variety. Fresh, clean, nice balance and acidity.
The star of the night was the totally stunning view. The brickbat went to the table of 8 Eastern European guys who settled into the raki with dinner, bellowing cigar smoke while we ate.
The walk home was hilarious. The big Germany vs Greece soccer match. Huge Greek flags across the street, and hanging from the open air restaurants. The only restaurants with any patronage were those with huge TV screens. Even people sitting on the decks of their boats watching the restaurant TV's they are so close. At Greece's first goal one guy ran along the moorings with a flare, attaching it to a pole as though it were the Olympic torch! We stopped for updates as we wandered past every restaurant. Of course the Greeks and Germans all love each other to bits just now, so emotion riding high.
The last check in on score was Germany 3, Greece 1, before we got home.