Kos in the Dodecanese Islands
Yesterday evening we sailed east, leaving the Cyclades Islands behind and heading for the island of Kos in the Dodecanese. One of the most striking contrasts of this island compared to Milos and Santorini is the abundant vegetation. We took refuge under the canopies of large shade trees as we visited a variety of sites. Before any visits could start, we were distracted by a plethora of adorable kittens languishing in the shade of a humongous fig tree growing outside the castle of the Knights of Saint John.
Our next shady spot was created by a magnificent specimen of plane tree. The location of this tree is believed to be close to where Hippocrates’ plane tree offered its shady respite to the teacher and his students.
From the plane tree we crossed a bridge, which historically had a moat under it, and found more frolicking kittens inside the castle, as well as an ample supply of marble columns and various carved parts and pieces of marble. The castle makes a handy storage yard as marble remnants are unearthed during various construction projects around the city.
Keeping with the medical theme of the moment, our next visit was to the Asclepeion. Perched up on a scenic hillside away from the bustle of the city, was a setting for treatment of the body as well as the soul. Surrounded by cicada filled trees, the droning of these temporarily amorous insects filled our ears as Ellie and Eleni quenched our thirst for knowledge of this ancient sanctuary.
Back down the hill and into the city were more stops, the Odeon, an ancient neighborhood with incredibly detailed and colorful mosaic tiled floors and a Nymphaeum. We finished our walk at the starting line of the stadium, staging Joseph, Alyson, Colleen and Ryan for a mock race.
Left with some time to explore the Agora on our own, we found postage stamps for our postcards and a marketplace stuffed with spices, sponges, citron candies, and a variety of products made from olives, including scented soaps, olive oil and stuffed and marinated olives!
We set sails and headed for the protected lee offered by Pserimos for our afternoon of leisure. En route, Ellie gave us a lesson in the Greek alphabet. We practiced writing our names and deciphering messages Ellie wrote for us in Greek.
In the calmest waters the god Aeolus has yet to leave unruffled, we floated, bobbed, swam, dove and paddled our kayaks aimlessly around the bay. It was the perfect direction to go. Tonight we head for Paxos, in time for an after dinner gelato, and look forward to another day of history and adventure. Kalinỳchta.
Yesterday evening we sailed east, leaving the Cyclades Islands behind and heading for the island of Kos in the Dodecanese. One of the most striking contrasts of this island compared to Milos and Santorini is the abundant vegetation. We took refuge under the canopies of large shade trees as we visited a variety of sites. Before any visits could start, we were distracted by a plethora of adorable kittens languishing in the shade of a humongous fig tree growing outside the castle of the Knights of Saint John.
Our next shady spot was created by a magnificent specimen of plane tree. The location of this tree is believed to be close to where Hippocrates’ plane tree offered its shady respite to the teacher and his students.
From the plane tree we crossed a bridge, which historically had a moat under it, and found more frolicking kittens inside the castle, as well as an ample supply of marble columns and various carved parts and pieces of marble. The castle makes a handy storage yard as marble remnants are unearthed during various construction projects around the city.
Keeping with the medical theme of the moment, our next visit was to the Asclepeion. Perched up on a scenic hillside away from the bustle of the city, was a setting for treatment of the body as well as the soul. Surrounded by cicada filled trees, the droning of these temporarily amorous insects filled our ears as Ellie and Eleni quenched our thirst for knowledge of this ancient sanctuary.
Back down the hill and into the city were more stops, the Odeon, an ancient neighborhood with incredibly detailed and colorful mosaic tiled floors and a Nymphaeum. We finished our walk at the starting line of the stadium, staging Joseph, Alyson, Colleen and Ryan for a mock race.
Left with some time to explore the Agora on our own, we found postage stamps for our postcards and a marketplace stuffed with spices, sponges, citron candies, and a variety of products made from olives, including scented soaps, olive oil and stuffed and marinated olives!
We set sails and headed for the protected lee offered by Pserimos for our afternoon of leisure. En route, Ellie gave us a lesson in the Greek alphabet. We practiced writing our names and deciphering messages Ellie wrote for us in Greek.
In the calmest waters the god Aeolus has yet to leave unruffled, we floated, bobbed, swam, dove and paddled our kayaks aimlessly around the bay. It was the perfect direction to go. Tonight we head for Paxos, in time for an after dinner gelato, and look forward to another day of history and adventure. Kalinỳchta.
