The Poseidon was alive and buzzing and the people aboard seemed very used to such fabulous experiences, but for me it was quite literally incredible; the sail to Sesklia kept me transfixed in a real dream-like state. It really did show me a Symi that I wouldn't have seen had I stayed around the town and local beaches (all lovely though of course!) On the top deck with my newly found friends I gradually ceased from blubbing and used up everyone's tissues - I didn't have any, why would I? When we approached Sesklia it was another sight to behold - a shingle beach, one church, no dwellings or residents and one wild white horse. I threw off my dress as it was time to swim and this was my first real swim on that holiday. As giddy as a girl I stood ready to jump in to that beautiful clear water to join the other swimmers (I couldn't dive-still can't) but I just could not make the all important leap .... until Captain Yiannis gave me a friendly nudge! I was in and it was fabulous and thereafter I was in and out of the water and up and down the step-ladders as happy as a dolphin. When it came time to join the bbq on the shingle beach I was in for another really pleasant surprise - the most gorgeous spread - chicken, souvlaki, salads of every description, potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, even real plates and knives and forks, wine, beer, retsina, water; what a feast. Just right to be followed by a sunbathe on the boat and a little snooze.... this is how it must be for rich people all the time I thought to myself.
Time to sail away again, and head back to the harbour, but with one more stop.....this was to be at the bay called St George and nothing could prepare you for a scene quite so dramatic..... at the approach we were met with the sight of vast cliffs which swept down to a pretty shingle beach - again no residents or dwellings, one church, and again boats and yachts dotted around the bay. Yiannis stopped at a spot which held the last sun of the day and told us it was time for coffee - but only after a swim - "NO SWIM, NO COFFEE" he shouted! I needed no encouragement this time - the deep turquoise water was so inviting and made for a lovely swim and frolick so lovely for the last swim of the day. Regulars to Symi would help newcomers like me to train their eyes on a spot high up the cliff face to see a painting of The Greek Flag which had been done some years before by climbers who had absailed down that enormous cliff!!
The sail back to the harbour would allow us to see from a distance the pretty bay at St Nicholas, The bay at Pedi, and the small beauty of St Marina, before we were met again with the approach to the gorgeous harbour town of Yialos. What a day to remember.
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