Why do the Greeks have so many Gods, it very confusing!
With another early start we availed ourselves of a hot breakfast on our cabin balcony. The temperature was around 21C but we were surrounded by storm clouds. The forecast gave a 92% chance of rain, not too encouraging.
We headed off to the coach, and drove around the coast for an hour before reaching the ancient village of Kamiros. Until the 1947 the island of Rhodes was under Italian rule, and there are still a few signs of that today.
The city of Kamiros is well over 2000 years old, and was “rediscovered” by archeologists in the 19th century. It is built on three levels, the market and baths, the dwellings and the cistern where the water was captured and stored. To keep the water fresh, they poured olive oil into the storage tanks. The oil floated on the water, preventing contact with the air and also reduced heating from the sun. Some water was left to heat for the baths, so even 2000+ years ago they had running hot and cold water!
After an hour or so wandering around the viewings, it was time to head back to the bus. If you need the wash rooms, that is the time to go. Every one rushes off the bus and the first thing they ask is “where are the washrooms” and the queues form. On the way back, no queues! It seems traditional that toilet seats are either not provided or are stolen in Greece.
Back on the bus and back to Rhodes. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was supposedly a 33 metre tall bronze statue of Helios, the Sun God, built around 280BC and later destroyed in an earthquake. However modern scholars doubt it’s structure as it is believed the statue stood atop two giant pillars, one foot on each. Greeks were well known for accuracy in their statues, and would not be possible of a 33m statue to be depicted accurately.
Rhodes is a medieval city, a few photos are shown below
We were about 10 minutes away from our meeting time to pick up the coach, and the rain started. Gentle at first, then thunderstorms and torrential rain. Luckily we were able to shelter under a large arch until the bus arrived. We didn’t get too wet!
Unfortunately I managed to lose my cruise card, so had to spend a bit of time with photo ID before being allowed back aboard! Getting a new card ws nor problem, however getting a new card that opens our door is a different matter. The first card failed to open it. The second card, created on a different machine caused the machine to error, as did the third on yet a different machine!! IT have now become involved. At least Lyn had the good sense not to lose her card, so we still have access to the cabin.