Posted in Travel /Photography /Travel Diary /TBT
Greeks that are really drunk aren’t “wasted”…they are “pie” (πἰτα)
The Sunset
Gun’s travel log, stardate 08.08.2015, 20.00 EET (GMT +3)
Time to calm down and watch the sunset beyond the horizon.
The sun is finally setting
It is the time of forgetting
Settling in for the night
No time for fright or flight
Gently lulling to sleep
Into the thoughts deep
Before waking to a new day
Ready for come what ever may
Posted in Travel /Photography /Travel Diary /TBT
A Greek isn’t just “very busy”…she’s “running without arriving” (τρἐχει και δεν φτἀνει)
The Arrival
Gun’s travel log, stardate 08.08.2015, 11.00 EET (GMT +3)
Aeroport:
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!
Posted in Travel /Photography /Travel Diary /TBT
In Greece, a place isn’t “really far away”…it’s “by the devil’s mother” (στου διαὀλου την μἀνα)
Lift Off
Gun’s travel log, stardate 08.08.2015, 04.00 EET (GMT +3)
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
Lift off: Finland, Espoo, via Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Destination: Greece, the Island of Rhodes
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 well-made salad must have a certain uniformity; it should make perfect sense for those ingredients to share a bowl” Yotam Ottolenghi
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Five: An Homage to Greek Salad
Gun’s travel log, stardate: August, Greece, Lunch Time (GMT +3)
An homage to Greek Salad
Tomatoes, onions and cheese
Who could ever survive without these
A feast good enough for peasants
Maybe even some pheasants
But especially for the tourists
From a far away land
Sufficiently and well nourished
Everything going as planned
Enjoying the feast worthy of Gods
Who could ever beat these odds
“Don’t just eat McDonald’s, get something a bit better. Eat a salad. That’s what fashion is. It’s something that is a bit better” Vivienne Westwood
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Five: Greek Salad
Gun’s travel log, stardate: August, Greece, Lunch Time (GMT +3)
Greek salad
(Greek: χωριάτικη σαλάτα [xorˈjatiki saˈlata] “rustic salad” or θερινή σαλάτα [θeriˈni saˈlata] “summer salad”) is a salad in Greek cuisine.
Greek salad is made with pieces of tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, and olives (usually Kalamata olives), typically seasoned with salt and oregano, and dressed with olive oil. Common additions include green bell pepper slices or berries of capers (especially in the Dodecanese islands).
After returning to the hotel, it is time for lunch. Order placed to room service and soon enough, the salad, bread and drinks appear on the doorstep.
Enjoying the traditional Greek Salad, with actual Feta cheese made of goat milk, fresh and juicy tomatoes, onions and bell pepper and let’s not forget the olives! Spread on some virgin olive oil and voila, you are enjoying a feast good enough for the gods!
“Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued” Socrates
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Five: Afternoons by the Pool
Gun’s travel log, stardate: This week, in Greece, Afternoons (GMT +3)
After lunch time, it was time to enjoy the warmth of the sun and cool off in the pool.
Swimming
All thoughts dimming
Relaxing
Nothing perplexing
Mind
Finally at rest
Unwind
Is the best
Turquoise
Filling the view
Disguise
All feelings of blue
“Do not consider painful what is good for you” Euripides
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Four: Greece, Rhodes: Day at the Spa
Gun’s travel log, stardate 11.08.2015, 12.30 EET (GMT +3)
An relaxing afternoon at the hotel spa enjoying various treatments today: Pink and Purple for the nails was the icing on the top!
Featuring the best spa in the Dodecanese with a luxurious range of spa facilities and spa treatments, the Amathus 5 star hotel with Spa in Rhodes invites travellers to elevate their senses to new heights. This soothing spa and wellness centre offers luxurious spa treatments and revitalizing spa massages amidst the most spectacular surroundings.
Prominent guests are welcome to indulge in the relaxing ambiance of the spa, swim in the heated pool and plunge in the Jacuzzi, enjoy an invigorating work out at the fully equipped fitness centre and experience the ultimate in luxurious pampering.
“He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy” Socrates
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Three: Greece, Rhodes: Ye Olde Town: The Harbour
Gun’s travel log, stardate 10.08.2015, 03.00 PM (GMT +3)
This, the largest of the islands in the Dodecanese, is a popular tourist destination. It is also a large charter base, so visiting mid-week provides a better chance of finding a berth. The main harbour for yachts is Mandraki on the north east tip of the island.
Position 36° 27.1’N, 28° 13.4’E. (Mandraki yacht harbour)
Rhodes town is very congested with crowds from cruise ships, ferries, holiday package groups, etc. and has thousands of shops and restaurants. Many cruisers prefer to moor in Lindos and take the bus up to Rhodes for the day
You can travel near or far from the Mandraki harbour. Pick up a ride for the day or join a cruiser and set sail for the distant lands. Or you may simply enjoy watching the very fine yahts docked at the piers and dream of a life of luxury…
“He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature” Socrates
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Three: Greece, Rhodes: Ye Olde Town: Shopping
Gun’s travel log, stardate 10.08.2015, 02.00 PM (GMT +3)
Oh shop-keep, shop-keep?
Can you possibly assist me?
You see, I have all this money
Burning a hole in my pocket
No, I am not just being funny
Even though I ate a lot of chocolate
So pull out the inventory
And soon you will have a story
Of the crazy middle aged lady
Who bought your store empty
It was time to hit the shops. Our first stop was a gallery specializing in leather painted goods such as sandals, wallets, handbags and jewellery. Luckily the shop carried the “slender size 42” (EU size) in stock and I managed to get a pair of sandals into my possession in exchange for a fair amount of Euros. And by the way, I managed to get out of the shop with just one purchase, which in itself, is a record 😉
PS. A woman can never have to many shoes!
Venturing onwards to the shopping streets of many. Browsing, drooling, pondering over the bling blings, shoes – but of course and oh yes, if possible to find one more handbag for my collection of plenty.
Here are a few shops to check out if you are in the vicinity:
And some more…
“True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing” Socrates
Gun’s Travel Log, Day Three: Greece, Rhodes: Ye Olde Town: History
Gun’s travel log, stardate 10.08.2015, 12.00 PM (GMT +3)
Welcome to Ye Olde Town
Throw away your frown
Enjoy the ancient history
From the turns of the centuries
Stroll around the ruins
In the footsteps of the druids
The lessons of ages past
Some things will last
On today’s agenda of this week’s excursion, was to set sail to the City of Rhodes, namely the Old Town. This former fortress is the perfect combination for a busy tourist, offering history, shopping and food in the small area inside the walls of the Old Town. Lots of ruins and sites to visit. Then take a break in any of the many restaurants neatly placed all around, enjoying a traditional Greek Salad and a drink. When fed and refreshed, you may want to visit the various shops selling both hand made and imported goods. The palate varies from hand made original jewellery to gold and silver items. Also leather items such as bags or sandals are in abundance.
The walkabout around the ruins in the scorching heat, with the temperature of 30 degrees Celsius in the shadow and even hotter in the sun, can be exhausting.
After the history lessons and putting some of it on record, a short break sipping cold drinks and watching the tourists walking by like the natives do, was more than welcome.
Rantings Of A Third Kind 