and Zeus, but in Rhodes, the sun god, Helios, is king. Today was no
exception as we enjoyed the sunshine and island before it becomes
overcrowded with tourists (they brag of 300+ days of sunshine a year).
Rhodes is in the Aegean Sea, the largest of the Dodecanese island complex.
We were picked up by Nikos and toured the medieval Old Town and the Street
of Knights, the base for the crusading Order of Knights of St. John. It is
said to be one of the most complete medieval streets in the world.
Next we stopped at the Church of the Annunciation to view the elaborate
decorations and beautiful paintings. The church sits at the entrance to
Mandraki Harbor with two stags atop the harbor entrance gates.
Made a photo stop at the Acropolis of Rhodes before heading up into the
hills to the Filerimos Monastery. This was also built by the Knights of St.
John and today is home to dozens of very tame peacocks.
Crossed over to the East coast of the island to see the Acropolis of Lindos
and meander through the winding streets of the town below.
Ended the day with an amazing lunch at a local Greek restaurant filled with
families out for a Sunday meal. The owner would not hear of us ordering from
a menu, stating he would bring his specialties out for us to try, and if we
did not like any, we would not have to pay for them. There was not anything
that we did not like - I have five more days to enjoy all this wonderful
Greek food!
