Room with a view

Normally I love a room with a view. Watching the world go by. Sometimes the pool view, watching guests enjoying their swim, or just waiting for it to be free.

A view of mountains, or rolling hills makes me feel privileged that I have come to discover somewhere new.

Occasionally the view of the beach, soft sands tempting feet to take those steps into crystal blue water.

I never mind the view, just feel very lucky that I am in good health, can afford to travel and enjoy different cultures, countries and food.

This holiday gave us a different view. Some people would have found it annoying, loud and would have complained. I was delighted, the view wasn’t particularly exciting. The roof tops of houses, banana trees showing us their fruit. Cats jumping from one wall to the next. The thing which we didn’t fail to miss were the airplanes. We were close to the airport. Watching different planes arriving from all over Europe and beyond was mesmerising, the wheels ejecting from the belly of the plane. The different colours and flags on each one. The roar of the plane overhead. A great privilege to see a constantly changing view.

Did the noise annoy me? No, was I frustrated by the constant planes overhead? No. It was a unique experience which supplied us with constant conversation. Great holiday had by all.

Kallithia Springs

The advantages of hiring a car means visits to those places which are harder to reach. Nine kilometres south east of Rhodes sits a bay which has been visited by meant for its healing thermal waters.

In the late 1920s an architect was commissioned to design the buildings which attracted more people to visit the serene settings for their health.

Sadly the by the end of the war the buildings had decayed. In 1999 the site started to be refurbished, visited by many cultures and nationalities.

As you wander around the serene paths that wander through trees, you look down to admire the pebbled floor that takes down to the domed white building. It’s smooth walls pulls your gaze upwards at the roof where stars cut out show the brilliant blue summer sky peeking through.

The bay holds crystal clear water that laps gently to the shoreline. I can see why visitors are attracted to such a beautiful site. The water is warm, which makes it pleasurable to swim.

So it your looking for a tiny piece of tranquility under the Greece blue sky, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Rhodes old town

A visit to the medieval Rhodes Old Town was quite high on our visiting list. A mere 15 minutes from our hotel made all the more inviting. We decided as travellers we would use local transport. We do this regardless of country and language barriers. We bought two return tickets at 12euros which seemed good value, worked out the bus times and waiting in rather hot sunshine.

The bus arrived, standing room only, no worries it was a short trip. However, it stoped every couple of minutes, continuing to fill up the already full bus. No air conditioning, no windows to open. The only relief was at it stoped a waft of warm air flew in. By the time we arrived in the old town the temperature was a good 10 degrees higher than outside which was about 34, slightly frazzled we stepped off to find a map in the shade.

We found the medieval fortress which surrounded the town the Knights of the order of St. John some emblems visible on some buildings, we walked along the pathway which crossed the barren moat, stepped through the archway into the city, habited but almost stuck in time.

We found ourselves strolling around the cobbled streets, often looking upwards at the fabulous architecture. Completely in awe of the workmanship but not paying attention to our route. Finding the most famous Street of the knights.

It was a unique experience, which we knew would come to an end. To exit we wanted to find the port, with no real signposts, my idea that if we went down hill we would find the port . Yet to see one on a hill. once found, huge cruise liners were sitting waiting for their holiday makers to return. Bus stop I thought, but no we were tired and the thought of a hot sticky bus journey was not to be repeated, we found a nice air conditioned taxi, a short drive back and a good rest for our weary feet.

Ancient Kamiros

Taking the car for another spin around Rhodes we contemplated a trip to Lindos to see the ancient ruins. Having read the write up we felt with one bad ankle and a dodgy kneee between us the steep climb during the midday sun possibly 36degrees was not a sensible choice.

We then found Kamiros, a lesser known site which to all its write up seems a better choice. Arriving, we parked under the only bit of shade and walked up the gentle slope to the entrance.

I thought of my archeological sister in law and wondered what this would mean to her.

The trees and flowers lined the entrance which opened up to the most stunning site most likely around 900BC the Late Early Geometric period. Wow was the mouth action, truly amazed and almost speechless. Set against the brilliant Greek blue sky, lined with Rosemary bushes stood the edges of a tow. Houses of various sizes, cisterns, baths and real look at Greek history.

Despite earthquakes Kamiros was inhabited until the earthquake I. 142bc.The chance to sit under the trees and absorb the ambiance was truly peaceful. It was nice having the time and space, absorbing the stillness of time.

From the edge of the cliff there are spectacular view of Turkey. The deep blue sea along with the blue sky made it quite mesmerising. I am glad we made the trip out.

Leaving the city ruins, we meandered down the windy hill, to a taverna next to the sea. A beautiful place to sit and reflect the day, with a glass of local beer. Cool and refreshing,

Valley of the butterflies

After hiring a car we thought we would explore Rhodes. I realised as we winded through narrow roads through the mountains I still hate heights. I wanted to go 20 miles an hour in the middle of the road. Luckily I wasn’t driving so I had to be content closing my eyes and holding on tight.

We arrived at the valley of the butterflies, a 1.5 km walk each way. The path meandered alongside a babbling stream , water jumping over rocks as the sunlight beamed through tree branches. The cooler air was a refreshing change.

Hundreds of jersey tiger butterflies fluttered around us. Deep red wings flashed through the air then landing their black and white wings hiding the red, great camouflage on tree bark.

We enjoyed the walk along the uneven path, climbing steps as we made our way higher up the side of the valley. Half way up was a waterfall, if I could I would have dangled my feet as the temperature started to rise. Although still under the canopy of trees we were gaining height and heat.

The map showed a cafe at the top, the thought of an ice cream or cold drink is a great incentive to keep going. The steps became steeper and we became slower. Out of the canopy of trees came the top. Brilliant blue skies, the sun as high as it could climb and no cafe open. We stood took in the view and decided that it was time to head back towards rage start.

Although the temperature rose, the walk was delightful and I was very glad I was wearing sensible shoes. I wondered how those in heels found the walk.

The ice cold lemonade and the air conditioning was gratefully received as we made our way back to the hotel along more narrow and winding roads with the hope that tomorrow I will be braver.

Lost

Discovering a hotel, little back streets, finding new restaurants is all part of going to new places which I find exciting.

This trip takes us to the Greek island of Rhodes, completely new to us.

The plane was as always late taking off, as we said goodbye to the cold grey English summer. Arriving on the tarmac of Diagoras Airport the heat of the sun wrapped around our bodies squeezing tight. One passenger commented sayin its so very hot. I thought yes fantastic isn’t it. It was quick through passport control and bags were waiting.

A short taxi ride to the hotel gave us little chance to get our bearings. Not to worry I thought. We are fairly well travelled. My partner has a good internal sense of direction and we have google maps no problem.

After dinner we thought a stroll into town just to walk off the travel. A kind couple showed us the way through the tiny backstreets to the edge of town. I was so busy chatting I didn’t take notice.

Wandering around we found a lovely bar, sitting for the first time the summer outside in the warm breeze was delightful.

Shattered it was time to go back to the hotel. Taxi said my partner. Really, it’s a 10 minute walk. No taxi my ankle is painful. We walked to the taxi rank. No surprise no taxis. Come on we’ll walk. I said. He asked if I remembered the way. My answer is maybe. I don’t always gave my direction sense turned on but I was willing to try.

Winding down the narrow lanes, there were no street lights, only light from the tiny houses. I felt confident until we reached the point of choosing a direction. Which way he asked. Not sure. Try your google maps. No internet. No chance. I asked him his thoughts. But he couldn’t remember. For a moment in time my heart sunk if he had no idea we were lost. He has a bad ankle and could hardly walk my back was in spasms. What a pair of old crocs I thought.

I found a wall. Sit here I said and I’ll go and look down that way. All the little roads looked the same. As I walked alone I had no idea how we would get back. We might end up roaming for hours. His idea go back and try and find a taxi but that felt unlikely.

I reached the end of the road and saw a sign for the hotel. I walked back and told him. Delight spread across his face, you found the way. He looked relieved. The hotel was just around the corner. I was so pleased. Back and ankle would both be happy.

My morale is take notice of where you’re walking you need to know how to get back. We will try again tonight and I know we will have success.