It was two in the morning when the "Milena" approached Symi last night, two hours after leaving Rhodes. There were about a dozen people getting off including myself and Claudia.

Approaching Yialos on board a big boat is quite an experience, especially when it's a warm December night with a light breeze and a half-moon to light up the sky.

No, I didn't have the camera with me and Claudia's iPhone had run out of power, so you will have to imagine how perfect it all was.

I wasn't on Symi during the past few days, but I found my Symi as gorgeous as ever. The sun is even warmer and the moonlit nights are less cold. There was even an influx of day-trippers today (complete with shorts and t-shirts) to add to the warm December weather.

I may have missed Christmas on Symi, but thanks to SymiGreece, it was like I never left. Daily updates, photos, videos, blogs... everything is on SG! OK, I may be a tad partial, but who would blame me...?

Symi today was as beautiful as ever. Very warm and spring-like. I may even be tempted for a New Year's Day swim if the warm weather continues for a couple more days. Claudia, Will and myself set off for a walk around to Nos at about two in the afternoon.

Barbie, the dog abandonded by an ex ex-pat to fend for herself (and almost starve to death...she would have done if it were't for a few people who took on feeding her), was our companion all day. She's a great dog, and if someone on Symi or elsewhere would have her they'd be the luckiest owners ever...she'll do anything for an owner. I wish I could have her...if only she could deal with a few dozen cats around without attacking them! I've had enough of the nonsense that she is "a free spirit" and that "she chooses her owner"...she just needs food every day, full-time love and a full-time owner.

As I type, Eleutheria is playing on the iPod, Lucy has come in and is reading the Guardian, the food is in the oven and Claudia and Will are engaged with Lara-ing on PSP! Ah...and the fat cat is lounging on the couch...of course.

Before returning home from Nos we stopped for a coffee and an ouzo at a packed Kantirimi. The table behind us was occupied by the band that played last night at the famous live Kantirimi Greek Music Nights. Half an hour before the "Express" was due to come to take people (and the band) back to Rhodes, we were treated to an impromptu performance...

This time I had the camera with me... just click below to hear some original Cretan music (just in case you thought rap music was American!).