A day out in Ermoupoli

So a successful day visiting this town. It is quite unusual, it has a working shipyard, the town has lots of artisan shops, that I can’t see ship workers going into. It’s also not bedecked with hotels and rooms, maybe other villages on the island with beaches are. I can imagine people coming to Ermoupolis for the day, a walk up to the old town, lunch at the waterfront then visits to the afore mentioned fancy shops. But today, a Sunday there were couples walking hand in hand, some with their children, the girl children often dressed up like princesses. It has a very relaxed feel about it and thankfully the rain stayed away, it was hot enough for shorts today. I feel sad for the lovely buildings, that are in ruins and a shadow of their former selves, but they are worth a look despite this, see the detail of the hand knocker on this building.

I did see the Town Hall square last night, with children scurrying around in the centre, car free. The building is quite nice, the interior less impressive.

 

It is worth mentioning that this visit is more than me just being a tourist. It’s about looking at islands and seeing what I think of each as a potential new home. The problem with true tourism islands, you can rent in the high season, but in the low, landlords would rather kick you out and close the building down. Syros seems slightly different in that regard, which makes it interesting. It’s also the capital of the Cyclades, so if there is any paperwork to be done, you often have to come here to do it. It is close but far enough from my friends on Sifnos. Meanwhile I had a late lunch and found a small cafe where I had Ronnie’s favourite, Spanakopita. This time I did not need to share it with him! The bigger churches are grand affairs, the insides  a bit too elaborate for my tastes, but I like the exteriors. This I believe is St Nicolas. It has a lovely blue dome.

Sometimes you get a photo that sums up the character of Greece, the new, the old and the people. I really liked this old building, the car hiding a bit of it and the lady and her dog.

There are lots of cats around here, I think they have an easier time than on Sifnos, as there is quite a lot of human activity going on, with various places still open. What is strange was this huge ship moored right up against the harbour wall, I think it’s been to the shipyard for a refit, maybe it’s in the latter stages of that. I could see another ship, that looked out of the water, about to be painted perhaps. Nearby opposite this monster is a little Italian restaurant I fancy a visit to tonight. Tomorrow will be time to find me some wheels..