Rhodes, Greece -

Thursday, October 24, 2013 – Rhodes, Greece Rhodes is a fascinating architectural patchwork of her past with the legacy of the Ancient Greeks mingling with the besieging Turks, crusading knights and occupying Italians. Twin bronze deer, the symbol of Rhodes, guard the Mandraki Harbor were the 100-foot Colossus is said to have stood (a wonder of the Ancient World). The streets are cobblestone and the Palace of the Grand Masters dominates within the walled city. The acropolis of Lindos is 30 minutes south of the port where the Doric temple of Athena Lindia is located and a Byzantine church and the castle-citadel of the Knights of St. john. The city of Rhodes is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Highlights: Acropolis of Lindos, Acropolis of Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo, ancientlalysos, ancient Kamiros, Governor’s Palace, Rhodes Old Town, Palace of the Grand Masters, Kahal Shalom Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, Archeological Museum, ruins of the castle of Monolithos, castle of Kritinia, St. Catherine Hospice and Rhodes Footbridge. We had another glorious day with wonderful weather. We have no control over the weather, but when it works in your favor, you certainly have nothing to complain about. Each morning there is a local representative on the ship for two hours to give you the local information with maps. Today we learned about the local train (the toy-size tourist train that provides commentary as it takes you through the local area) and we opted for the hour tour (5 Euros) since we had toured the Ruins of Lindos last year. It went to the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Mandraki Harbor, the Faliraki area (tourist beach area) and the town of Rhodes. We hurried back to the ship for a private Ensemble bridge tour by the Third Officer, Sandra. Rushed off the ship again and back to the medieval streets in the Old Town, wandering through the mecca of shops and cafes - lovely atmosphere. Entertainment was provided by the crew in an excellent show entitled “On Broadway”. You really have to have a combination of talent and admin skills to work on a small ship – your job responsibilities vary greatly!