”Twas a very leisurely start, heralded by the smell of coffee brewing. Charle & Aiden’s morning fix. The rickety wooden jetty was very sociable and you could not walk five steps before engaging in a conversation about Cape Town, destinations, the wind, the Turks vs the Greeks etc etc. Breakfast highlight was warm flatbread fresh from the oven – went down a treat.

After the obligatory swims, we slipped off for a 12 mile hop to Symi harbour. School of dolphins passed by (or was that yesterday?). No wind and water like glass.

The approach to Symi is one of its best features. Originally a thriving sponge and shipbuilding centre, the local population has dwindled considerably – except in summer when it is literally overrun during the day. Trip boats bring in loads of frazzled tourists who mill around in groups and invade the waterside restaurants and shops. Being a very sheltered port, the heat is intense.

We contacted the local “agent” to handle our Greek immigration documentation, which entailed us all trooping down to the immigration office to have passports and IDs checked. Fortunately this was on the way to a beach, beyond the reach of the tourist masses and finally we were able to chill out at the waters edge on a private beach – price negotiated down from 25 to 15 euros for the family. Very relaxing afternoon – white wine spritzer served at your chair 😎 Does not get much better than that!