One Day in Rhodes

Rhodes is a bit of an anomaly in Greece. It’s got the largest continuously inhabited medieval old town in the world. In a nation that celebrates the Classical period, it’s quite a strange feeling to find yourself in the middle ages.

The ruins are considerably less ruined because they’re so much younger.

The city gates allow you to snatch a glimpse of the crystal blue Aegean.

The medieval castle is like a fortress within a fortress – the last post for the residents.

The old town of Rhodes was a fascinating place to spend a few hours. I could have happily booked a few days here and explored the rest of the island – but, alas, I’m on the move again!

Santorini (in Photos)

Our three days in Santorini didn't start so well. First, I discovered I'd booked the ferry for the wrong month. Had to happen eventually. Luckily there were still tickets for the correct one.

Then, after we arrived, on the bus trip from the port to the main town of Fira, we hit a motorcyclist. Or rather, he hit us. It was all rather dramatic. There was blood and a very damaged bus, but he was conscious and I'm pretty sure he would have recovered ok.

The bus post-motorcyclist.

After the rocky start, we kept waiting for something else to go wrong. These things are supposed to happen in threes. But Santorini must be enchanted or something.

I could repeat a thousand clichés about the magic of the island (especially in the morning, when the streets are quiet and the shadows are long), but rather than say the same thing as countless others, I'll let the images do the talking.

Oia, as seen from the ferry.

 

Oia by day.

The secret cocktail pool we were thrilled to get a map to!

Everyone turns up for sunset in Oia, and they're silhouetted beautifully on the whitewashed walls.

Oia shortly before sunset.

First night sunset in Oia, from a restaurant.

The tiny fishing village of Amoudi, 300 steps below Oia.

A Santorini taxi fleet.

Second night sunset in Oia, from the lookout.

Possibly the most picturesque dinner view I've ever had.

Akrotiri, the archaeological site of the ancient Minoan town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC.

Red Beach.

The cliffs by white beach, near where we swam through caves.

Final night sunset, from a restaurant in Fira.

Naxos: To Be Or To Do?

My parents aren’t really the arguing type. But if there’s one topic sure to fire them up, it’s how to spend a holiday.

My Dad is a do-er. He wants each day to have a purpose. No matter where we are, he’ll fill up his time with excursions and activities.

My Mum, on the other hand, is a be-er. She wants to relax when she’s away. The less her day resembles its usual frenetic pace, the better.

To a certain extent, they’ve both got good points. When you’re taking valuable time off work, it’s important to recharge your batteries, but it’s equally important to make the most of your time away by exploring your destination.

I definitely take after my father. I have trouble sitting still on holiday. I always have a long list of things I want to do and I cram as much as I can into every day. It makes me quite an effective traveller, but I’m hopeless at relaxing.

And that’s why I found Naxos so tricky. I was sick for a while before leaving for Greece, and struggled my way around Athens. There’s plenty to do in Naxos, but I was too unwell. I had to make do sticking around the campsite, just being.

I’d love to say it afforded me a much-needed rest time, but I’d be lying. I was miserable the whole time and couldn’t wait to recover enough to eat and do again!

Luckily, the sunset made up for everything.

Naxos Port.

Apollon's Gate.

Athens: Modern Ruins?

For a city so dependent on tourism, I find it fascinating that Athens doesn't have any attractions from the last few millennia.

The Parthenon.

The Erechtheum.

Like most visitors to Athens, I found the Acropolis and the ancient Agora enchanting. They're the only places where we encountered crowds, despite coming in August. The modern part of the city is a distinct contrast - filled with boarded up windows and abandoned building projects. A sort of modern ruins. And the Acropolis, high on its proud hill, casts the entire modern city in its shadow.

It's undeniable that Athens was in its prime thousands of years ago, and I find it curious that what Athens used to be, even in ruins, is so infinitely more interesting to modern visitors than what the city is today, even compared to other 'ancient' cities like Rome and Cairo.

The Parthenon.

The effects of the global recession and ongoing eurozone financial crisis are easy to observe in Athens, and despite its remaining charm, I can't help but wonder if the Acropolis will remain intact long after modern Athens has itself descended into ruin.

The Agora, and the city of Athens.