So many European destinations ooze history. We love it. But it’s usually the middle ages or ancient history that comes alive. Visiting Dubrovnik is different. The Old City and it’s awesome wall are ancient enough, but the history here is still fresh. Almost too fresh. You can feel it. Continue reading “Dubrovnik’s Recent History – You Can Feel It”
A Walk through Dubrovnik – and a Walk through History
We’re in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Our big Italian cruise ship pulled into Dubrovnik’s Old Harbor this morning. We jumped onto tenders that took us into the harbor, then entered the Old City and started our walk through Dubrovnik. Continue reading “A Walk through Dubrovnik – and a Walk through History”
Pulling Into Dubrovnik. Wow.
Last night we made the 700-mile journey from the Greek island of Rhodes to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Now our big Italian cruise ship is pulling into Dubrovnik. It’s a spectacular scene, seeing the city walls from just outside the harbor. Let’s go see what’s inside. Continue reading “Pulling Into Dubrovnik. Wow.”
It’s a Cruisin’ Day
Our big Italian cruise ship is on its way from Rhodes to Dubrovnik. It’s a long haul with no stops until we reach our destination, so there’s nothing to do but sit back, relax, and take it easy. It’s a cruisin’ day. Continue reading “It’s a Cruisin’ Day”
Time to Say Good-Bye to Rhodes
We have a few hours before our ship weighs anchor and we say good-bye to Rhodes – just enough time to walk off those Greek goodies and the slab of moussaka I devoured at lunch. I NEED a walk. Continue reading “Time to Say Good-Bye to Rhodes”
Lunch in Rhodes – So Nice
Rhodes is a Greek island off the coast of Turkey. We arrived this morning, disembarked, visited the Palace of the Grand Masters, and walked all around Old Town. We worked up an appetite, so now it’s time to have some lunch in Rhodes. Continue reading “Lunch in Rhodes – So Nice”
Drama and Intrigue in Rhodes’ Old Town
The island of Rhodes may not be as well-known to travelers as Santorini or Mykonos, but it’s my favorite of the three. There’s a lot going on here. Neat-looking buildings. Interesting-looking people. It’s exotic. Especially in the narrow lanes of Rhodes’ Old Town. Continue reading “Drama and Intrigue in Rhodes’ Old Town”
Rhodes and the Knights Hospitaller
Our ship, the Costa Mediterranea, docked this morning in the harbor of the Greek island of Rhodes, just off the coast of southern Turkey. We disembarked and found ourselves staring up at a massive stone wall. The Knights Hospitaller built it in the 14th century. The wall surrounds a palace and the ancient city of Rhodes, now called “Old Town.” Let’s go inside. Continue reading “Rhodes and the Knights Hospitaller”
The Colossus of Rhodes
When arriving at the port of Rhodes, the first thing one sees is a massive stone wall surrounding an ancient fortress. The Knights Hospitaller built it in the 14th century. The wall is impressive, but long before the wall was there, something even more impressive stood at the entrance to this harbor. It was a statue called the Colossus of Rhodes. Continue reading “The Colossus of Rhodes”
Demetrius the Besieger and the Siege of Rhodes
We’re cruising the Greek Isles. We’ve made stops at Santorini and Mykonos so far. Now we’re on our way to Rhodes. Due to its strategic location between East and West, Rhodes has been a sought-after prize throughout its history. To consider one spectacular example, let’s go back to when Demetrius the Besieger carried out the Siege of Rhodes. Continue reading “Demetrius the Besieger and the Siege of Rhodes”
