'Symi, Dodecanese' is the self-explanatory title of the 20-minute official video cassette of the Island, now on sale from the Nautical Museum at the price of 2,000 drachmae.

Based on a historical/cultural angle rather than a typical 'holiday promotional' video, the professionally-photographed film includes plenty of shots of  local crafts, architecture, churches, internal and external house features and decor, plus the Chorio museum and Chatzipetros house.Also there is a fairly long final sequence covering Panormiis and its monastery.

There are some indications of the tourist businesses around Yialos harbour, and a one-off shot of Pedi, but generally speaking there is little indication of holiday activity - no beach shots, or Island interior  scenes or indications of the walks and boat services available.

The current edition has a Greek-only commentary. However Mayor Miltiadis Sarris says that he hopes eventually to have this re-dubbed into other languages - a factor which will definitely boost sales.      .

With only six months left before the introduction of the euro, and only two further months before the age-old Greek national currency - the drachma - is phased out completely , it seems that its recognition on Symi still has a fair way to go.

The facts are that as from January 1, 2002, the new euro coins and notes will be in circulation ; Greeks then have until the first of March to transfer their money into euros; after which the drachma will be no more.

The change-over  - meaning  the overnight introduction of some 50 billion coins and 14.5 billion notes - has been described as Europe's biggest logistical operation since World War 2, and in France for example president Chirac has announced the mobilisation of the police and the army for the event. 
But, what is the present perception of the arrival of the euro amongst the Islanders and our visitors?
You can judge for yourself from the random on-the-spot street interviews we conducted just over a week ago when we asked locals and holidaymakers the following  basic questions.....

1. Do you know the date of the introduction of the euro?
2. Approximately how many drachmae will

there be to one euro?
3. If an article costs 1,000 drachmae at present, how much w ill it cost in euros?
4. What do you think of the idea of the new currency?   

Question number four provoked many different answers from people of different nations. The two most common thoughts were that it would almost certainly be more difficult for the older generations to accept and understand. On the plus side, was the fact that it would be good news for those holiday-makers within the euro-band as they would not have to lose money through bank or currency changers commissions every time they arrived or went back home.

See Page 5 for the more detailed individual comments