Wednesday 9th September - A very special day today as we were up early to attend the early service at sunrise, in Anzac Cove. During the early morning, we cruised to about a mile off shore in the cove and at 10.45am the main service was held. Readings and prayers were done by some of the veterans onboard and the choir sang “The Lords Prayer”, Äbide with Me”and Ämazing Grace”- we were told it sounded great – difficult to hear when you are part of it and singing only one harmony. Also sang the three national anthems – Australian, New Zealand and English. A wreath had been made for each service – difficult to do for the staff, as it had to be environmentally friendly – no wires or suchlike – and thrown over the side into the sea. There was hardly a dry eye on the ship and everyone was quite emotional. At about 12.30pm we turned and slowly left Anzac Cove – the rest of the day was fairly quiet and sombre. We were invited for drinks at 5.30pm by some very nice people we have met who just happen to have a suite - very nice with lots of room to socialize and a balcony ;looking out the back of the ship. Had a lovely time and met their next door neighbours, also invited, who have an even bigger suite – had such a lovely time that we were all too late to go to the dining room for dinner. It was a rushed meal at the buffet then a show – a classical guitarist and a very good vocalist – don’t know where they get all these marvellous entertainers. Went to the “:Marriage Game’ later – not as good as others we have seen – maybe the older couples know their spouses better. Bed after that – we will be in Rhodes tomorrow.
Thursday 10th September – Hired a car today and made our way to Lindos where we explored and had lunch sitting by the sea – “The Guns of Naverone” was filmed here. We could see the Acropolis of Lindos from the Restaurant but decided not to go to the top – you had to go by donkey! May have been quite exciting, but enough for me just to get a photo of them! Came back to Rhodes via a number of little villages and had a swim at one of the beaches. After taking the car back, spent some time in the Old Town but not enough to see it all, so was quite disappointed particularly as it has such a strong connection to the Knights of St John. Apparently the most glorious episode in Rodian history began in 1309, when the Knights of St John took control. They were founded during the Crusades as a nursing brotherhood. Because of continued fighting in the countryside the Knights evolved into a genuine military order. They were finally expelled from the Holy Land in 1291 and the Pope suggested that they use Rhodes as a base. They rebuilt the town and fortifications of Rhodes and much of the imposing military architecture dates from the 14th century. Many of the Knights were slaughtered by the Turkish who took over Rhodes and the Knights fell back to Malta. This was very interesting for me as my father was also a Knight of St John. I am looking forward to visiting the Kolossi Castle which was erected by the Knights to protect their estates and sugar plantations in Cyprus. Dinner and bed were good tonight – we are feeling quite tired but some busy Ports still to explore.
Friday 11th September - Glen had hired a car before he left NZ but it was 10 miles away from the Port and quite a business to find however, we did ,and took off about 10am for Parfos about an hour and a half from Limassol, where we berthed. The car was the worst one we have had – small four wheeled drive with hardly any room in the back and no view or airconditioning. We first visited the Kolossi Castle which was very interesting then on to Pafos where we had lunch. It was a lovely seaside city and a place where, it appeared, many British people come to holiday. Had wanted to visit the Old Town but by the time we had finished eating it was closed and we had to leave to get back in time. We did a little exploring on our return to Limassol then returned the car – they were not there, probably just as well as Glen was very angry - caught a local bus back to the ship. Dinner and back to our cabin where I am catching up on my diary then to bed early as a very early start tomorrow as we go three and a half hours by bus to Cairo, to see the Pryamids. We are all looking forward to this so much.
Thursday 10th September – Hired a car today and made our way to Lindos where we explored and had lunch sitting by the sea – “The Guns of Naverone” was filmed here. We could see the Acropolis of Lindos from the Restaurant but decided not to go to the top – you had to go by donkey! May have been quite exciting, but enough for me just to get a photo of them! Came back to Rhodes via a number of little villages and had a swim at one of the beaches. After taking the car back, spent some time in the Old Town but not enough to see it all, so was quite disappointed particularly as it has such a strong connection to the Knights of St John. Apparently the most glorious episode in Rodian history began in 1309, when the Knights of St John took control. They were founded during the Crusades as a nursing brotherhood. Because of continued fighting in the countryside the Knights evolved into a genuine military order. They were finally expelled from the Holy Land in 1291 and the Pope suggested that they use Rhodes as a base. They rebuilt the town and fortifications of Rhodes and much of the imposing military architecture dates from the 14th century. Many of the Knights were slaughtered by the Turkish who took over Rhodes and the Knights fell back to Malta. This was very interesting for me as my father was also a Knight of St John. I am looking forward to visiting the Kolossi Castle which was erected by the Knights to protect their estates and sugar plantations in Cyprus. Dinner and bed were good tonight – we are feeling quite tired but some busy Ports still to explore.
Friday 11th September - Glen had hired a car before he left NZ but it was 10 miles away from the Port and quite a business to find however, we did ,and took off about 10am for Parfos about an hour and a half from Limassol, where we berthed. The car was the worst one we have had – small four wheeled drive with hardly any room in the back and no view or airconditioning. We first visited the Kolossi Castle which was very interesting then on to Pafos where we had lunch. It was a lovely seaside city and a place where, it appeared, many British people come to holiday. Had wanted to visit the Old Town but by the time we had finished eating it was closed and we had to leave to get back in time. We did a little exploring on our return to Limassol then returned the car – they were not there, probably just as well as Glen was very angry - caught a local bus back to the ship. Dinner and back to our cabin where I am catching up on my diary then to bed early as a very early start tomorrow as we go three and a half hours by bus to Cairo, to see the Pryamids. We are all looking forward to this so much.
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