We decided to walk the track on the top deck this morning as we pulled into Rhodes. A little cardio while you watch the ship come into port is much better than watching TV on the treadmill! It's hard to describe looking out over what is so ancient and beautiful. Site of the colossus which is no longer here, from a distance it almost looks like a city built of sand castles. Rhodes is a city of two parts - old town and new town. The feel here is much more turkish - probably because it wasnt part of Greece until 1947.
We opted for a leisurely day of walking through Old Town. Still lots of jewelry stores but now there were lots more textiles. Beautiful linens, and woven fabrics (no yarn people - can you imagine!). We watched a woman as she was weaving a rug with this massive loom - the detail is beyond any level of patience I could imagine. Also lots of shops with greek flavors - spices and olive oil products. Mom's note of the day - the olives here are smaller than at home - but tastier!
As we entered old town, we saw a sign for a synagogue - we wove through the streets and found Kahal Shalom, the oldest synagogue in Greece and the only remaining one on Rhodes used for services. We met Schmuel (Samuel) who told us that he had "much too many" generations in his family that passed along their heritage and history and that the Jews in Greece have had a difficult existence. He told us that in 1500 all Jews remaining were expelled if they didnt convert to Christianity. It wasnt until 1522 that the reigning empire invited Jews back to Rhodes to start a new community. At the beginning of the 20th century the jewish population grew and then got smaller and then continued to grow again until it reached 4500. In 1943 practically the entire jewish population were deported to Auschwitz - only 151 survived, one being Schmuel. Now there are only a handful of Jewish people living in Rhodes, but the synagogue is used for holidays. It was an amazing story. The floor was beautiful black and white mosaic, and there is the traditional balcony for women. In what used to be the womens prayer rooms next to the sanctuary, now there is a museum. Beautiful artifacts and even an ancient mikvah (ritual bath). The experience was overwhelming and really moving. History within ancient history.
We continued on through the winding streets - its so easy to get totally lost. Each street branches out into 3 or 4 more. Populated with lots of little cafes and restaurants - its a peaceful pace here.
Next we headed back to the ship for a little time just relaxing back by the pool - today was the first day that wasnt very windy and we really enjoyed a little time doing nothing but soaking up sun. This evening we went to a small get together hosted by Virtuoso. Virtuoso is a group of travel agents that really research and book excellent travel experiences. When we booked this we had no idea that our agent was part of this group, but we've discovered it definitely has had its advantages. Tonight we met the other people booked through virtuoso agents and learned about our excursion tomorrow. We're going to Ephesus and will be able to explore an ongoing archeological dig. We were also told important details - like wear comfortable shoes, a hat, bring an umbrella for the sun and dont try and walk down and talk at the same time! Oh yes most important - make sure you visit the restrooms on the ship before you get on the buses because otherwise there would be a vacation experience that was not on the lovely memories list.
The nice thing about this cruise is that you can choose to sit with whomever you like. Last night we had dinner with Paula and Arlene - tonight we decided to be seated at a "sharing table" to meet some new people. We met two of the nicest couples - one from Kent England and the other from San Francisco. The conversation was flowing and lively (and some even a bit risque but I wont write about that and embarrass my mother). I was entertained all through dinner - not really a big deal until I tell you that everyone at the table was in the 70 plus age bracket except me. (Talk about feeling like a kid at the grownups table!)
We decided to make a quick stop in the casino after dinner and play a few slot machines for fun. Very big gambler I am - I budgeted a whopping 15.00. I'm pleased to report I walked out with 43.00 pretty good return on my investment especially in todays market - what can I say - I wanted a bit extra yarn money.
Another great day...
Tomorrow Kusadasi Turkey