Next stop Rhodes . . .

Rhodes one of our favorite islands . . . with its crystal clear sea . . . we decided to have an R&R day to enjoy it!  When you approach Rhodes you see the Medieval City towering over the harbor . . . an amazing site!

Medieval City with its towers, bastions and battlements . . . very impressive.

 

The view as you disembark the ship!

The perfect place to reflect on the natural beauty of this wonderful island!

Memories From Turkey

Kusadasi Turkey . . .

We visited the ancient city of Ephesus . . . considered the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire. Absolutely amazing!

The Library of Celsus

 

Great Theatre . . . still noted for its remarkable acoustics

We learned that the government of Turkey was worried that the art of rug making was becoming a dying craft.  They decided to offer young girls the opportunity to learn the craft for free as well as offering them free medical insurance!  They took us the journey of a rug from start to finish . . . and what a journey it was!

The silk worms shell "bathed" to soften the strands of silk.

 

Just a small sample of the gorgeous rugs!

Beautiful Mykonos . . .

Glistening white buildings set against the beautiful sea!  Cafes, bars and shops . . . treasures on this quaint 
island . . . one of my favorites!

Our first close sight of Mykonos!

Fishing boat . . .

Making our way through the narrow streets . . .

Beautiful handmade items just waiting to be purchased . . .

Goodby beautiful Mykonos!

Memories of Greece #2

The Plaka Area . . . cobblestone walkways, narrow streets, zigzag stairs, home to shops, bakeries, and tavernas (small cafes). Most streets are free of cars so you can walk and take in “old time Athens”. . . This is the place to go eat, drink and listen to Bouzoukia . . .Greek music . . . you can even dance!

 
 

Plaka at night!

Syntagma Area or Constitution Square . . . This is considered the center area of Athens.  A huge plaza where you may see street entertainers, outdoor cafes, as well as the metro station.  The square faces the Parliament, where the “Tomb of the Unknown  Soldier” is located. It’s guarded day and night by two soldiers called “evzones” . . . dressed in traditional skirted uniforms .  Each hour on the hour the changing of the guards occurs and it is amazing to see!  The one soldier that assists in the ceremony and the only one that is allowed to speak told us there are two very important rules in order to become a guard . . . one must be tall and handsome . . . we told him they all fit the bill ;-)
Behind the Parliment is the Olympic Stadium which hosted the first modern Olympic Games!

The guard that could talk to us . . .with our two lovelies!

Quite the "show"

Getting ready to change the guards.

Greece Part 1

Upon our arrival to Athens it was easy to see the financial crisis that exists there.  Many changes since the 40 years that I was last there.  Buildings that were once thriving businesses now stand empty.  Unemployment is at 28% we were told, yet the people we talked to were warm, friendly and proud. 
The “must sees” in Athens of course are the Acropolis, Plaka Area and Syntagma Square.
Our first tour was the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, was the earliest monument built on the Acropolis.  It took 9 years to build this amazing structure and is now under reconstruction which is taking some 40 years . . .
The Acropolis Museum was constructed to exhibit the unique finds and architectural sculptures of the Acropolis.  While the exhibitions were amazing, even more so was the city that was discovered when they broke ground for the museum!  At the foot of the door and throughout the museum, glass flooring allows you to see this amazing ancient city.
Next week . . . Plaka Area and Syntagma Square also known as “Constitution Square” where we saw the changing of the guard!

The six women . . .  the famous Caryatids.

Views of the ancient city that was discovered below the Acropolis Museum!