Monday, 3 February 2025

Rhodes (Rhodos)

An island of decaying 1960s square hotels and small modern homes intermingled with Medieval villages nestling in the hills or, like Lindos, frozen in time as a world heritage site.
In fact, most of Rhodos is world heritage.

The old town of Rhodos is a capsule of the many architectural influences from the Italians to the Turks to the Greeks and Ottomans. The arches above are the remnants of a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a huge catholic church in one quarter. Turn around and walk on and you fall over a large mosque. Turn right and its the turn of the orthodox church. A little further and the Order of St John's.
A labyrinth of tiny streets where balconies almost touch. Sit on your balcony on one side and enjoy a leisurely coffee chatting with your neighbour on theirs.
If not, then visit the local square and sit under the olive trees which are probably over a thousand years old.
Rhodes or Rhodos is an island steeped in history.
Nowadays, the economy is driven by two things, tourism and olive growing.
Tourism employs most of the population for about six months of the year. Once the season ends, the people revert to the land and harvest olives.
The presses produce the various grades of olive oil, whilst the pips yield a thick, gel-like liquid which is used to make soap. The skins of the olives go to make creams and lotions for the skin. As our guide said, nothing is wasted. Even the prunings of the wood are either burned on the fire or carved into bowls and utensils. 
The old town of Rhodos is surrounded by a wall. The gates are strategically placed so the whole city is easily defended.
The town itself is split in two, one side, cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, the other houses, businesses and locals. 
Unlike Lindos, Old Town is still very much lived in.

January/February is off season but the temperatures are still high - approximately 20°C. This is the time when they repair, renew and demolish, so many places were in the process of demolition. 
Summers can hit the high 40°C and inland 50°C. Not the best time to come. They are also low on water so things are getting expensive for them (inflation is still high) and consequently, us as traveller's.




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