Rhodes, Greece
We awoke to an incredibly calm and serene morning, with the Isle of Rhodes nearby. Entering the small cove called St. Paul’s Bay, the ship dropped anchor and we prepared to go ashore. The bay was stunning, with beautiful, blue-green water and a white sand beach. It was quiet and peaceful as we walked up the hill to board our buses for the morning excursion in the town of Lindos. Above us, a short distance away, was the Acropolis of Lindos, looming over everything along this section of the island’s coast.
We drove to Lindos and wandered through its tiny streets and alleyways. The town is quite impressive, with whitewashed buildings and tall, arching doorways along the walls of the homes. Many of the small roads and passageways are cobbled with small, smooth stones from the sea. These are placed in elaborate patterns of black and white, decorating courtyards, door stoops, and even the pathways of the main square.
After a steady, uphill climb we finally reached our destination. The Acropolis (as the name implies) sits at a very high point of land, with a spectacular view of the surrounding city and coastline. A few of our party chose an alternate route to the top, in the form of local donkeys. Outfitted with a wooden saddle, the animals are very accustomed to the steep terrain of their country. At the top, there are many ruins from various different evolutions of the island, both ancient Greek and medieval. The presence of the Knights of St. John on the island, and the legacy they left behind, is felt in every aspect of the island’s architecture.
Amongst the incredible ruins, we were also treated to some wonderful natural history. High on the cliffs we watched lesser kestrels soaring on the updrafts of wind. These small, elegant raptors were a beautiful mixture of light gray and cinnamon colors, and watching their ease in flight was a true highlight of the morning. Agama lizards sunned themselves on the warm stones of the ruins, while swifts, swallows, and martins made quick flights around the caves below us.
We continued our explorations with a drive to the city of Rhodes. Passing through the countryside we saw many olives being cultivated and species of native pines, cedars, and numerous unidentifiable shrubs dotting the landscape. Coming into the tree-lined city, we began to see elements of the old town, which has always been the heartbeat of Rhodes. Again, the presence of the Knights of St. John was evident in the structure of the old town, with its incredible fortifications, stone streets, and even its perpetually dry moat.
Walking through the pedestrian-friendly streets of the medieval town, we passed the imposing Grandmaster’s Palace and continued down through the shady archways and gates of the city. We were treated to a fabulous lunch at a local restaurant and, stomachs full, continued our explorations of the city on our own terms. Many of our party decided to use the time to photograph the picturesque sites in the late afternoon light, while a few others enjoyed the immense amounts of souvenirs available for sale.
We departed Rhodes out of its famous harbor, amidst massive cruise ships on all sides. I am certain that each and every one of us was secure in our decision to sail aboard the majestic Sea Cloud when we saw the options surrounding us. Sunset drew down during our evening recap and we finished the day with another spectacular dinner aboard. Temporarily leaving Greece behind, all were excited about the next part of our journey, in the country of Turkey.
