Patmos & Lipsi, Dodecanese Islands, Greece
This morning we went to Patmos, an island in the Dodecanese group that has great importance in Christian history. As we pulled into the harbor we could see our destination for the morning – the castle-like, 11th century, Monastery of St. John the Divine. It seemed to keep watch on the entire town and harbor from the top of the hill on which it is perched.
En route to the Monastery, we stopped at the Cave of the Apocalypse. It was from here, during his 15 year exile which began in 95 AD, that St. John the Divine wrote (actually dictated) the biblical Book of Revelation. The monastery itself held an impressive array of items, including ornate woodwork, priceless religious icons and ancient manuscripts. Leaving the monastery, we were able to wander the waterfront at the Port of Skala, tasting new flavors of ice cream as we made our way back to the ship.
In the morning we went back in time, focused on the past and learned from it. This afternoon we focused on being in the present moment, and on the beauty and relaxation of the Mediterranean. Kayaks allowed us to explore a picturesque bay of Lipsi Island. And the swimming, floating and diving from the ship was as refreshing as ever.
Tonight before dinner we had some special guests onboard. Some of the children were magically transformed into Greek Gods and Goddesses as they served us local foods during cocktail hour. The galley was not to be out done and served an amazing Greek feast for dinner.
This morning we went to Patmos, an island in the Dodecanese group that has great importance in Christian history. As we pulled into the harbor we could see our destination for the morning – the castle-like, 11th century, Monastery of St. John the Divine. It seemed to keep watch on the entire town and harbor from the top of the hill on which it is perched.
En route to the Monastery, we stopped at the Cave of the Apocalypse. It was from here, during his 15 year exile which began in 95 AD, that St. John the Divine wrote (actually dictated) the biblical Book of Revelation. The monastery itself held an impressive array of items, including ornate woodwork, priceless religious icons and ancient manuscripts. Leaving the monastery, we were able to wander the waterfront at the Port of Skala, tasting new flavors of ice cream as we made our way back to the ship.
In the morning we went back in time, focused on the past and learned from it. This afternoon we focused on being in the present moment, and on the beauty and relaxation of the Mediterranean. Kayaks allowed us to explore a picturesque bay of Lipsi Island. And the swimming, floating and diving from the ship was as refreshing as ever.
Tonight before dinner we had some special guests onboard. Some of the children were magically transformed into Greek Gods and Goddesses as they served us local foods during cocktail hour. The galley was not to be out done and served an amazing Greek feast for dinner.
