The Island of Simi, Greece

The island of Simi, Dodecanese, located off the coast of Dachau, Turkey, appears small and insignificant in relation to her sisters, Rhodos and Kalymnos. She is one of the twelve islands named Dodecanesio, a Greek name meaning literally twelve islands, dodeca =12, nesio = island. The place is at times not even a dot on the map but the fearless traveler daring the wild waters that lead to her many harbors are well rewarded with a spectacular presence.

The island is notable for its social structure integrated into its principalities. The main harbor or Yialo is carefully restrained and bursting with mercantile exploits. The Skala or steps leading from the harbor and ceasing at the top of its mountain is lined with huge homes many that were not bombed by Germans after World War II. Where the Skala ends a village among villages spreads out like a water lily. Each community or village has its own connection to the island and each has its own cathedral. Most of the churches on the island are of cathedral enormity. Their size and spectacle never ceasing to amaze the Americans of Simian blood who are always drawn back to replenish the root system of their existence.

And, all of Simi, owes its survival to the mountains that continue past the top of the first mountain. Mountain on top of mountain and each carefully nurturing monasteries complete with apartments. well, and all necessary means to survive in case of attack.

The island was always on the verge of being attacked, will be attacked and attacked. It has survived because of its hardy individuals into a homogeneous blend of Simians only occasionally mixing with other Greeks or strangers.

And, speaking of strangers, on one of the many other harbors known as Panormitis, or translated, highest point, one finds an icon of the Archangel Michael. His monastery is on the list of jaded travelers, like myself, of sophisticated amazement at its calm centuries old civilization.