From Greek to English - Lost in Translation

Aloha Everyone,

We noticed that many retail establishments use English signs since it is a universal language. Some signs are funny if you are from an English speaking country.

Here are several examples which made us chuckle.

Aloha -- Cathi

Low Town of Medieval City

Aloha Everyone,

The Castle of the Grand Masters and the Street of the Knights plus where the Suleiman’s Mosque is located are in the High Town of the Medieval City.

Today, J.J. and I explored the Low Town with two iconic decorative but no longer functioning fountains in the center of each of two plazas. We continued our walk in the direction of Port Kolona. The Church of the Virgin of the Burgh is located at a far end is worth more than a quick visit. Even from what remains, one can easily imagine the splendor of the original building.

Aloha -- Cathi

Alleys of the Medieval Town

Aloha Everyone,

Alleys are charming, picturesque but at times creepy and intimidating. Especially here in the Medieval Town of Rhodes, behind bougainvillea canopies, who knows what’s lurking.

According to J.J. who enjoys reading about medieval castle fortifications and medieval towns, alleys were designed with two purposes in mind.

First is for defense. The labyrinth of streets which sometimes come to a dead end were designed to trap enemies and overcome them. Second reason is air circulation. During summer months when temperatures rise, the twist and turn design helps keeps the air from becoming stagnant. It creates a wind tunnel effect.

Here are photos of several alleys. My selections are purely based on esthetic and desire to sketch them in my travel book.

Aloha -- Cathi

Afroditi Venus Restaurant

Aloha Everyone,

It is a great pleasure when we discover family-owned restaurants where they take pride not just in the food but their service. We met the owners, Panayiotis and his wife Anna plus Kosta, a very close friend who is more than family.  

The first time we dined there, we were treated as welcome guests. On our second return, they showed their appreciation by offering us a complimentary assortment of fruits. Today was our third visit and now we have a “family” in the Medieval Town of Rhodes. We will miss their intensity to savor life that is fleeting and their generosity in sharing a part of themselves.

https://afroditi-venus-restaurant-rhodes.business.site/

Aloha -- Cathi

Byzantine Period in Rhodes

Aloha Everyone,

Because of its strategic location, Rhodes during the Byzantine Empire was an important trading port for ships that sailed between Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) and Alexandria, Egypt. The Ottoman Empire ultimately succeeded in overpowering the Knights of St John in the year 1522.

The castle fortifications were strong and to avoid too many soldiers from dying, the Ottomans negotiated. They would allow the Knights and the Christians to leave Rhodes in exchange for safe passage. Ships and provisions were provided. The Knights fled to Malta.

After 1523, most of the Christian churches were converted into Islamic mosques. Today visitors can still see the glory of the Byzantine era. Mosque of Suleiman, Roloi, the Clock Tower no longer serve religious functions but are now museums depicting important relics of Rhodes turbulent history.

Aloha -- Cathi