In response to a question whether or not one can perform *melakhah* as usual on *Yom Tov Sheni Shel Galuyoth*, Rav Ami responds (Pesahim 52a):

>*be-yishuv asur, ba-midbar mutar*

>…in the city it is forbidden, but in a desolate and uninhabited place it is permitted.

His statement seems to be recorded as the *halakhah* and no one appears to argue with him.

Does he actually mean what he seems to mean, and is it *le-maaseh*? Are we to actually understand him being *matir* work on the second day of a holiday as long as it doesn't produce *shinuyei mahloqoth* (see there)? If so what is the significance of it for our understanding of the nature of *Yom Tov Sheni Shel Galuyoth*? Does this statement indicate that *Yom Tov Sheni* has no actual sanctity when we are sure of the calendrical dates?

Please cite your sources. Thanks.