And fun, fun, fun it was when we spent the last week on the beautiful island of Rhodes in Greece. Neither of us have ever been to Greece before, so there's that extra element added to the excitement of going there (as well as attending the wedding of a couple of our friends which was most definitely the highlight of the week). Okay it may not be mainland Greece, just one of its numerous islands lying along the Aegean sea (albeit one of the bigger ones) but from what I've heard, it is as Grecian as you'll ever get (just less hectic).
The island of Rhodes is known for its beautiful beaches, majestic sceneries, antiquities, history, and gracious people. And of course, sun and heat....lots of it in the summer. And I've found all of the above to be true, and so much more. It is not known for gardens though, primarily as the island gets so arid during the summer (arid beds then I hear?) but some special plants have made their way, here and there on the island amongst the quaint garden shops, hotel plantings, private residences, etc. But apart from that, everything else more than makes up for it!
As we recalibrate ourselves to going back to our usual routines (and sorting out the holiday washing), here's just a selection of photos to serve as snippets of the time we spent in Rhodes.
The beautiful Aegean sea in the horizon. Just look at the gradient of blue!
Olives....and more olives.
The Acropolis in Lindos
And it wouldn't be Greece without its ruins. The Acropolis in Lindos
It was 41C when we were up there.
And the view from up there...
And it won't be Greece without the donkeys...
And because you have to!!
From one ruin to another, this one is more recent, and Italian building destroyed during WW2. If these walls could talk...
Arid....
Arid...
Agave! Agave macroacantha
If it gets too hot, you can always cool down with water. This is a more unconventional way, walking through the aqueduct of 'Epta Piges'. Not for claustrophobe, it is very narrow and pitch black and you'll have to feel your way out to the other side. Very cooling on your feet though!
There are quaint garden shops dotted all over the island. This Mexican...err Greek is pointing to one of them.
Hibiscus and Bougainvillea
But their garden pottery steals the show. Gorgeous!!!
The medieval castle of Monolithos
Not forgetting the plants of course...
Yucca rostrata
Agave geminiflora
What a wonderful island and week it was, and must say I'm a convert! We both would love to come back again soon. And from the both of we give the island 'Douze Points'!Douze Points pour la Grèce (Twelve points to Greece) - is a reference to the highest amount a voting country can give to another in the cheese fest that is Eurovision Song Contest. In the most recent years, it seems that the UK likes to award Greece with twelve points for its entries. I used to jokingly say it's all because of the Greek takeaway shops here. But in reality, it's probably more a reflection of the subconscious affection most Brits have for the Greeks. Ahh, now that's even more cheesy!