Our ship, the Costa Mediterranea, docked this morning in the harbor of the Greek island of Rhodes, just off the coast of southern Turkey. We disembarked and found ourselves staring up at a massive stone wall. The Knights Hospitaller built it in the 14th century. The wall surrounds a palace and the ancient city of Rhodes, now called “Old Town.” Let’s go inside. Continue reading “Rhodes and the Knights Hospitaller”
Category: Venice & Florence
The Colossus of Rhodes
When arriving at the port of Rhodes, the first thing one sees is a massive stone wall surrounding an ancient fortress. The Knights Hospitaller built it in the 14th century. The wall is impressive, but long before the wall was there, something even more impressive stood at the entrance to this harbor. It was a statue called the Colossus of Rhodes. Continue reading “The Colossus of Rhodes”
Demetrius the Besieger and the Siege of Rhodes
We’re cruising the Greek Isles. We’ve made stops at Santorini and Mykonos so far. Now we’re on our way to Rhodes. Due to its strategic location between East and West, Rhodes has been a sought-after prize throughout its history. To consider one spectacular example, let’s go back to when Demetrius the Besieger carried out the Siege of Rhodes. Continue reading “Demetrius the Besieger and the Siege of Rhodes”
Rhodes – The Island and a Special Memory
As lovely as it was, we had to leave Mykonos behind. Our heading at the moment is south by southeast. We’ll go 180 miles before arriving at the eastern-most Greek island – Rhodes. Rhodes has an interesting history. And I have a personal history with a different Rhodes, as you will soon see. Continue reading “Rhodes – The Island and a Special Memory”
Dinner in Mykonos
We’re cruising the Greek Isles. This morning we pulled into Santorini, where we had lunch. Tonight we’ll have dinner in Mykonos. That’s how it goes when you’re cruisin’! Continue reading “Dinner in Mykonos”
Beautiful Santorini and the Downward Walk of Doom
Have you seen those photos of a pristine Greek village with a panoramic vista of the sea below? Chances are, they were taken in the hilltop village of Fira, on the island of Santorini. It’s beautiful, but getting up to Fira can be a challenge. Getting back down can be worse! Continue reading “Beautiful Santorini and the Downward Walk of Doom”
Arrival at Santorini. Donkey Ride, Anyone?
Yesterday afternoon, after seeing the ruins at Olympia, we left Katakolon, headed for the Aegean Sea and the island of Santorini. Upon our arrival at Santorini, we took our place in the “cruise ship parking lot,” quite a ways from shore. Whoa. Three giant cruise ships were there at the same time. Santorini must be a popular place. Continue reading “Arrival at Santorini. Donkey Ride, Anyone?”
Santorini and the Amazing Minoans
Santorini is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. These days it’s a popular cruise stop. And guess what? Santorini is probably one of the first cruise stops on earth. That’s because the Aegean Sea was home to one of the first civilizations on earth – the amazing Minoans. We’re on our way to Santorini now. Continue reading “Santorini and the Amazing Minoans”
A Very Short History of the Olympic Games
Olympia, located on the Peloponnese peninsula, is the site of the original Olympic games. We’re here, learning about the history of the Olympic Games from an extremely informative guide. We could call him “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” but that title has already been taken. Don’t worry – we’ll just hit the highlights. Continue reading “A Very Short History of the Olympic Games”
Olympia and the First Olympic Games
Our big, air-conditioned tour bus has just pulled into the parking lot at Olympia, Greece, the site of the first Olympic games. Judging by the number of busses already here, this must be a popular place. Let’s go see. Continue reading “Olympia and the First Olympic Games”
