Stamon Adventures - Ramblings from the Road

Sunrise on Day 8 found us docking at the beautiful and ancient port city of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes is also known as the Isle of Roses. We tried to imagine the 100 foot tall Colossus of Rhodes, one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world, straddling the entrance to the harbor, and were surprised to learn this depiction was not true. The statue was actually located on land near the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. It still must have been quite a sight to the ancient mariners entering the harbor. The medieval portion of the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best preserved medieval cities in all of Europe.

We boarded our bus for a drive along the east coast of Rhodes through groves of lemon, orange and olive trees to the ancient town of Lindos. We stopped along the way at a local family-owned pottery shop and watched as they made a variety of items.

The 84 year old patriarch of the family, who still incises very intricate designs by free hand on the greenware made at the shop.

After incising, the designs are hand painted, glazed and fired. The shop uses a nimber of traditional designs and colors. We bought a small plate and dipping dish to enjoy bread and good olive oil when we return home

Greek homes are traditionally decorated with displays of beautiful plates

Back on the bus and headed for Lindos. This beautiful town is perched on the face of a cliff above the Aegean Sea and is reached by walking down a steep road from the bus parking area (no room in the town for busses!) There is an acropolis with the ruins of a temple to the Greek goddess Athena, which is reached by either a steep climb through the town, or a ride up on a donkey. We opted to walk up with Bob and Dick. Betsy opted for the donkey, as her leg and knee were bothering her. We enjoyed our walk up the narrow streets with surprise views of the town and sea along the way, and met up with Betsy at the top.

Remnants of 3 ancient sets of steps up to the acropolis. Look closely, from left to right, and you will see all 3 sets.

The entrance tunnel to the acropolis. Note the beautiful stone arches. These are of Greek origin from hundreds of years BC. St. Paul is said to have landed here in 58 AD.

A portion of the acropolis, which later was a medieval fortress.

More of the fortress ruins

A view of Lindos from the acropolis

The ruins of the temple to Athena

The Aegean Sea and the small harbor of Lindos from the acropolis

Bob and Betsy leaving the temple

At the temple

A kitty along the path back down

Check out the sidewalk surface. This is a very traditional for the streets - small stones collected from the beach and set on edge in mortar. It is said to be beneficial for circulation in the feet and legs!

Goodbye to Lindos, heading back to Rhodes

Back in Rhodes, we caught up with everyone and set out to explore the old town. The medieval town is full of beautiful fountains, quaint courtyards and amazing buildings.