A Greek isn’t just “very busy”…she’s “running without arriving” (τρἐχει και δεν φτἀνει)

The Arrival

Airport:

The flight was right on time and we landed on the Diagoras aeroport. The bus whisked us to the terminal, where the bags soon arrived without any hassle. The aeroport itself is very small, but comfortable. Not too much traffic, but just enough. Thinking ahead and wanting the brief vacation to run as smoothly as possible, we had spent the extra cost and reserved a private ride to the hotel.

Hotel:

Since we arrived at the hotel earlier than check out time (2 PM local time by default) we had to wait a few hours before settling in. The hotel itself, Amathus Elite Suites, Rhodes, was the option for us, simply because of the facilities and services offered: private pool and spa and of course the location: the north side of the island due to it’s cooling breeze.

At the hotel, the welcome was excellent and warm. And during our lengthened wait for our room to be ready (some three hours in the end) we were well taken care of: with coffee, fruits, juice and pastries and sweets and most importantly, free WI-FI!

After a quick tour around the complimentary services, we finally arrived in our suite. And of course, the pièce de résistance, the private swimming pool! Awaiting on ice: Sparkly wine and fruits. Now it was time to shed off the travel clothes and dip into the turquoise pool!

“in Greece, a place isn’t “really far away”…it’s “by the devil’s mother” (στου διαὀλου την μἀνα)“

Lift Off

Flying through the air
On the wings of Finnair
Keeping on smiling
As the beautiful island
Of the Goddesses and Gods
Hoping to beat the odds
And have a great vacation

The day was Saturday and the first day of this year’s short vacation time (a full week for this year ;P). So as you can imagine, the time was precious and not a second of it could be wasted.

Wake up call at four am and arrival scheduled for 06.00 at the aeroport. No later than that
to avoid having to run through the baggage drop (yes we were too lazy to drive there the night before and drop them off, which by the way, is an great option to do to avoid the morning hassle).

So after three hours of “sleep”, it was time to get up, shower, shoes and shove off. But, as Mr Murphy would have it, things never go as planned.

The taxi driver got lost and was delayed. He also was new at his job and apparently did not know the gas pedal was supposed to be used for faster speed of the vehicle. Luckily we arrived non too delayed for the original planned time and thanks to Finnair <finnair.com> they have a very organized and smoothly running operation at the airport. Therefore the baggage check, security check and the loading of the aeroplane ran as clockwork.

Although, a few minutes were lost on what we now call the “lighter incident”. Due to a simple error of carrying not one, but two lighters in the carry on bag, and thanks to a very anal security officer, one of the carry on bags was tossed over. After a few words and getting rid of the offensive lighter, we finally got through to the other side.

The gate was not far away, but unfortunately even if you are organized and briskly walking trying to get to your goal, some of the other passengers are not. They tend to stop abruptly without any visible reason in the middle of the passage way and if you are lucky, you won’t collide. After a few swear words later and quick maneuvering, the gate was reached with a few minutes to spare before boarding.

The plane ride was nice and easy, despite the scheduled four hour flight. The Finnair crew was generally in good spirits and customer orientated. Of course there are always a few rotten apples, who are waiting for retirement and just counting the days until when it all ends… Luckily we had reserved seats beforehand and had a nice comfy setup and the flight attendant checked up on us every now and again. After eating a small breakfast and some onboard shopping, there was also time to record a few memories on the smart phone.

“A Greek doesn’t say “I have no idea what’s going on”…she says “I’ve lost my eggs and baskets” (ἐχω χἀσει τα αυγἀ και τα καλἀθια)“

Travel Log: Greece – Rhodes Island

Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is known for its beach resorts, ancient ruins and structural remnants of its crusades-era occupation by the Knights of St. John. Rhodes City features the medieval Street of the Knights and the castle like Palace of the Grand Masters, once a Turkish prison and now a museum. The city’s bars, clubs and cafes bustle during high season.

Come and join me on this journey in a five part post session and reminisce the trip together to the gorgeous island of Rhodes, Greece, where the nature is lush and the sun shines all year around. Where you can do both “touristy” stuff or simply relax by the pool or the ocean. Or then, if you are like me, take photographs and write a blog 😉