Katakolon, Heraklion and Rhodes - cruising around Greece

  

by Diana Studer

- gardening for biodiversity

 in Cape Town, South Africa

 

Splendid birthday 2

 

From Trieste we sailed to Greece, heading for Suez Canal and the Red Sea in November 2023. First port Katakolon, first impression - wonderful! Our weather was gentle and kind almost all the way (Mauritius is coming up later). A little cabin fevered after deck rounds, we wanted to walk in fresh air and nature. We were moored just down the road from a small holiday / tourist town. Walked to a street of little shops where I bought olive soap, glass eyes (one lives on my daily handbag), an olive Christmas tree ornament - guiding star that led the Wise Men from the East.

 

Christina O yacht was moored on the next quay, and remains there today says the Ungardener's shipping app.

 

Christina O yacht 

Pretty blue wildflower is chicory.

 

Blue chicory flower

We could stretch our legs, walk on firm sand, gawp at holiday homes ... then turn back for lunch on board when we were suitably tired and hungry. Artichokes, Italian cheese, chilled Sharon fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice!

 

Beach walk at Katakolon

Pic c beach

 

Since our splendid ship had moved ALL the books to first class, we looped the streets of Heraklion and found a bookshop - 2 shelves of English. I chose - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - a brand new, not library, book was a holiday treat! Biblio I can recognise...

 

Greek biblio

Gentle amble back past the Venetian fort, till we could see the landmark of our monster ship.

 

Venetian fort in Heraklion

We moored at the port of Lindos for the City of Rhodes. Walled old city with turrets and minarets. With Celestial Cruises and an entertaining view of the island ferries. Ungardener was intrigued by submarine harbour tours - from their deck - where have all those people gone?

 

Moored at Rhodes
with Celestial Cruises and island ferries
(his picture)

We walked the Necropolis under trees, outside the city walls. Entered thru the Gate of Saint Athanasius - building began in 1421; bridge across the moat was rebuilt in 1922. Carved in stone were dolphins.

 

Gate of Saint Athanasius
City of Rhodes

Alleys twisting and winding every which way. Unexpectedly opening to little squares. Mopeds everywhere. Shelters and feeding stations for city's cats. The dreaded 'lurgy caught him, and we stopped at the pharmacy just outside the port gate. Sold out of tissues there too!

 

Narrow alleys in Rhodes

It was weeks of challenging languages. This street tree appeals for kindness in 4 languages.

 

Appeal for kindness to street trees
in four languages

Now imagine. Dinner at the buffet. Vindaloo curry for me. Good bottled fruit juice. That view of the sunset while we ate. 4 rounds of power walking on the deck. All alone with 'my ship and I'

 

Sunset at Rhodes

But, that was the night we sailed past Gaza and Israel, when I saw a rocket, rise and fall. Shipping subsequently rerouted and the battles escalate as business interests retaliate, and humanitarian aid is withdrawn.  

 

Next day at sea, and waiting our turn for Suez. While I was walking on deck after lunch, the ship rotated on its axis. Disorientating!! No tissues in the ship shop for his 'lurgy - her excuse was - they cancelled two ports.

 

1 Our ship and Trieste

3 Suez Canal and the Red Sea

4 Mauritius and Pamplemousses garden

5 Reunion Island and Jardin des Parfums et des Epices

 

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Pictures by Diana and Jürg Studer

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