Rhodes - In Acts 21, we read that the apostle Paul made his way to this very island Rhodes after his visit to Samos and Miletus when he was informed of the state of affairs in Ephesus by his envoys. We also read of his being on Rhodes in 2nd Corinthians and Romans.The harbor of Rhodes was once guarded by one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes - but now stags have taken his place, on pillars on either side of the entrance of the harbor.
Picture of the Colossus of Rhodes at the Colossus Beach Resort.
The old fortified city was built by the Knights of St. John, has changed little since medieval days; this beautiful city was revealed to us on a walking tour. Carefully preserved, the road had been torn up
to take care of water problems in the last few years and the rocks were meticulusly washed and replaced when the work was completed.
The plan of the city looks like an amphitheater.
Scenes from inside the fortified city:
Nancy alongside a former well.
The crest at the French embassy.
After a too-short time in Rhodes city, we boarded a coach with our guide and headed south, to the seaside city of Lindos. On the way, we learned much of this island. The history stretches back to the 11th century BC and in the 5th century BC, merchants and sailors built one of the first cities. Rhodes is the capitol of a group of twelve islands and it's the largest of these islands. Rhodes is the 4th largest of all Greek islands. The ppulation is 120,000 with half of the population found in the city of Rhodes. In the months of July and August, this is the destination of 100,000 tourists. Tourism is the main industry. Rhodes is named for the rose - the pomegranate flower. Also, it was named after snakes - the island of the snakes. Deer were imported - odor out of deer horns repels snakes! Also - some trivia - tequila is made from the century plant that is seen over this arid island!
The island gained international prominence from the presence of Anthony Quinn and the film, The Guns of Navaronne which was filmed in Rhodes.
As we made our way south, we passed a golf course filled with scattered olive trees! (how would you like to play in such a setting, Matt?)
On our way to Lindos, we given the treat of watching a potter at work ( his activity brought to mind passage in Jeremiah 18 about the potter and the clay ) at the Bonis Pottery factory. Many beautiful pieces were bought by our group after seeing the hand carved and painted plates in various stages of creation. The patriarch of the pottery family developed the special glazing on terra cotta which is this factory's signature style.
The seaside town of Lindos was a shopper's paradise! Nancy and Marty decided against trekking up the acropolis here and instead headed for the market. For those who wanted to go to the highest point in the city, donkeys were available!
We bargained (yeah!) our way to wonderful gifts for the family at home here and in Rhodes city. (Getting the hang of it)
Mosaics galore over this little town
and beautiful alleyways and vistas!
Lunch was at the Louis Colossos Beach resort owned by the same company as our cruise line, and being at the beach gave us an up
close and personal look at the beautiful clear water in the Agean Sea.
We had our lunch on an open porch and enjoyed typical Greek fare. The warm day drew all of us to the beach, wading, collecting rocks and eager to stay much longer than time allowed! Also gave us a vivid opportunity to see how sun bathing differs between Greek women and American women!!!
Regretfully leaving this wonderful beach, we loaded up and headed back to the city of Rhodes and last minute wandering the old city and market before boarding the ship.
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