It was a heavenly refreshing dip, literally and metaphorically. As I decided to have a break from my computer this is an- after- the event posting with snippets of the week.

We started our journey in Rhodes. Our first stop along the way was to Agios Giorgos o Dysalotos- St George who is difficult to conquer – you can see why. Great signage. Sheer rock faces and oleanders flowering on pebbles. Goats bouncing from rock to rock.

Within a few hours we were off to Pedi in Simi, a smaller port. Many old and derelict houses. Beautiful bougainvilleas and oleanders. A man was singing to his hens which were perched on a bench, a cat sunning itself on the rocks.

Off to the main port in Simi. A beautiful and colourful island – not blue and white, but purple and pink, leaf green and bright yellow. Stunning village on a backdrop of some tall bare hills and paths. Working from home took on a whole different meaning. We applauded the island’s young footballers parading in the street who were top of the league. Pantelis was our restaurant for the evening serving a trio of black ink, herring and white tarama as well as tiny crunchy shrimps, the speciality of the island.

Off to Nisyros – a volcanic Island where, as we docked, we met a lovely local lady who gave us all the information we needed about the Volcano and its craters. This is a mainly dormant but active Volcano. We hired a little car and off we went. Sulphur coloured rocks and gas spewing out of the rocks which were boiling hot.

We visited the village of Nikia perched on a mountain top with stunning views. The central square decorated with the traditional pebble designs known as hochlakia.

Dinner at To Balcony tou Emporeiou – perched high up on a mountain top. We ate like Greek gods moussaka, greens, crunchy courgette balls, goat in the oven, baklava made with walnuts, it went on and on.

The boat rocked us to a very well earned sleep after an action packed day.