Rhodes!! a) delicious dinner rolls. b) an Oxford University scholarship. c) a beautiful Greek island.
Though all true, this post is about the Greek island which we visited. We opted for no excursion today, choosing rather to venture out on our own to explore what we could on foot. "Rent A Car"? no thank you, I'll walk.
That's a big boat, I mean ship (my neighbor friend who is an O-6 in the navy) corrected me. Yup, that's our home for 11 days.
One of my favorite parts about traveling in Europe (and England is no exception) is how there's always something old and obviously historical around every bend. I don't remember much about this fortress (in the foreground on the left), obviously the old port, but I do know that whoever built it was shorter than me judging by the fact that I was too tall for the doorway and accidentally gashed my unprotected (ie bald) head on the top of one.
After a short 20 minute walk, with a 10 minute detour to an old fortress with short doorways, we eventually made it to the beach. And it only took a moment to realize what this odd-looking concrete structure was offshore - - A DIVING PLATFORM!! When I saw this, I knew I needed to get out there. Looked like an easy swim, so when I eventually figured out how to get my swimming trunks on without flashing all of Greece, I followed my very brave children into the water . . . and promptly got out. Brrrrrr. Actually I did begin to swim out there, but as soon as I couldn't touch the bottom, which happened sooner than I expected, I became concerned I my limbs might slowly freeze, resulting in a very quick sinking.
But the draw of the diving platform remained, and as we waited for our friends to get in their swimming costumes (the dad had to literally run back to the boat ship to get their swimming stuff) we watched a random guy swim out there, then spend 5 minutes pacing around the high dive trying to build up his courage to jump. With the whole (not crowded) beach cheering him on he eventually caved into peer pressure and jumped.
I'm not sure if he is doing push ups or dragging himself back onto the beach, about to collapse.
My kids absolutely love going to the beach, anywhere anytime. Rocky, sandy, hot, cold, ocean, river, sea or puddle, they couldn't be happier.
After our friends got into their swimming outfits, good old M.A. (we'll call him) swam straight out there, climbed the stairs and did a swan dive. I don't know how high it is, but I estimate a good 30 feet. Doesn't sound like much. Ah, what the heck. That did it. If he can do it, so can I. So I barreled back into the water and swam straight out there, climbed the stairs, walked to the edge . . . and didn't jump. I just needed to catch my breath a little, that's all, really. No joke. Sadly, it took me a good 5 minutes to catch my breath and it probably would've been longer if it weren't for that larger guy who showed up (see him on the platform behind me in this picture?). Yeah, I wasn't going to let him show me up, not when the women and children were watching from the beach. So I jumped. No diving for me. Let me tell you, it's harder than it seems to control your arms and legs during a midair freefall into very cold water. The best part was Katya swam out there right after me (maybe I'm not the best example) and she took a lot less time to get up there and jump off. Eventually a load of people, I like to think they were encouraged by our bravery, joined us on the platform.
Rhodes 2015!!! and a photobombing dog.
The beach was great, but alas we needed to head back to the boat ship. We headed back into the port town to experience the vibe of the shops. Though we didn't buy much (wish we had) we saw so many amazing things from olive wood bowls and cutting boards to intricate ceramic bowls (eventually we found one in Athens we bought). But we made sure to visit the kebab shop. Mmmmm very good chicken kebab gyro thing.
Here's the group we had for the day. I love hanging out with this family. We are so lucky to have friends like these. Thanks for choosing to hang out with us.
Heading back to the port, our family decided to break from the others and head off in a different direction, wandering around some of the side streets. Seriously, this is what it looks like. I can't think of the right word to use. Artistic? Upcycled? Cool?
I was very happy to get several family shots on this trip.
Back to the village. Don't fall in the fountain.
Such beautiful women (woman) in Greece. ;)
And then back on the boat ship, the kids were right back to the water. The pools were definitely the most popular activity for the kids. They were fascinated because the pools (not the hot tubs though) were salt water.
Heading out to dinner, 1st seating, 6pm, with Edi the waiter from Indonesia. I loved that everyday we could come back to the ship (there, I finally got it) and dinner was ready to go in the same place at the same time. Gotta love cruising.
Rob
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