Holiday Weekend in the island of Rhodos

We went to Rhodos, part of the Dodacenese group of islands to spend the weekend of March 15-18. We have heard so many good things about the island so instead of going out of Greece, we decided to go there. It was a pleasant 50- minute flight from Athens via Cyprus Air. The service beginning from the airport counter to the flight staff was great. And the pilots landed our plane safely, thank God!

We checked in at Best Western Plaza Hotel, about 20 mins taxi ride from the Rhodos airport. The information/ registration counter were also very accommodating and efficient. We were able to check in to our room without any hassle.

The hotel is located stragetically, walking distance to the Aquarium, touristic harbor and Elli beatch, to name a few. After a few minutes rest, we immediately walked around and in about 5 minutes we reached Elli beach. As we strolled along the pedestrian walk, we reached the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, or popularly known as the Aquarium. The Aquarium hosts various kinds and types of the marine wealth of the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean sea. It is also doing oceanographic research in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. It is also involved in information dissemination and conservation of its marine environment.

                                           The Aquarium in a building of unique architectural
                                           style.

                                          Beautiful interior design fashioned in the form of an
                                          underwater sea cave.


The Aquarium is also a museum which contains an awesome collection of the marine wealth of the Aegean sea.

As we walk along the shore of the Elli beach, we pass by the Yatching Club of Rhodes Kountouriti Square and then we reach the Mandraki Sea and the Neorion Square.

                                           Beautiful view of the blue sea...

                                          Tower and lighthouse of St. Nicholas

The next day, we toured the Palace of the Grand Master located in the Old Town. Built at the highest point of the medieval city its fortifications played an active role in the defense of the city.It is roughly a square building designed around a courtyard  which was built a the end of the 7th c. to act as the citadel of the Early Byzntine fortress. 

                                         Palace coutryard

                                         The main entrance in the south facade, flanked by two
                                         imposing towers.

                                         Underground rooms, official rooms, and others found              
                                         in the Palace.


We rented a car the following day to go farther than the Old Town. We visited the Terme di Kallithea famous for its therapeutic waters. The monument was built by the Italians in 1929. It was reconstructed by the City of Kallithea after years of neglect and abandonment. It is now open to the public more as a swimming and entertainment venue.

                                          Terme di Kallithea entrance

                                         View of the sea from the grand rotonda

                                         Grand rotonda

                                         Swimming area


Other tourist sites of Rhodes....next blog...

Christmas in Prague

Part 2

The next  day, December 24 we took a taxi to visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, where the wax statue of Infant Jesus of Prague is enshrined. The locals here fondly call him
"Bambino  di Praga".

I stood in awe before the image of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Since childhood I have been praying to him for various favors. I never dreamed I would one day be right here where he is enshrined. Devotees from all over Europe were milling infront of the image praying and adoring at the same time the intricate and beautiful altar. Just below the image was the nativity with Joseph and Mary.
I prayed fervently for good health for family, safe voyage and the grant of a US visa for me. Deep in my heart I was confident these will be granted.

 The prayer goes: "O my Lord Jesus, we gaze on you as a baby and believe that you are the Son of God, who became man in the womb of the Virgin Mary, through the working of the Holy Spirit."

Since the museum was closed, being a holiday, we went to the souvenir store just across the church to buy Jesus images and other items.

And surprise, a few steps from the souvenir store is a Pinoy store!

 




The Church of Our Lady Victorious is accessible by public transportation. 

 


I hope we will have another chance to visit the shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague...

 


 

Christmas in Prague

Part I

On December 23, 2012 we took Aegean Air to Prague for a four-day vacation in that beautiful city. The 21/2 hour flight from Athens was relaxing except for a few instances of short turbulence. Looking down from our window, I was awed by the snow-capped mountains. 

But as we started our descent, I noticed there was clouds or was it fog all over. I couldn't make out any shape or light from down  below. Surprisingly, I was not afraid, unlike before. I just prayed to Jesus, Mary and all saints for a safe landing. And we landed smoothly, thank God! All the passengers clapped, probably relieved. Only then did I realize that the other passengers were fearful. The Aegean pilots were good, just like Filipino pilots.

The Prague International Airport is modern and clean. We took a AAA taxi that took us to Josef Hotel. It was about 25mins ride through 1C degree cold. I noticed the snow on the grasses and pavements. The driver told us that it snowed the previous night. We missed the snow!

The Reception desk personnel were courteous and accommodating. We had no problem communicating as they spoke good English. We were able to check in quickly thanks too, to Expedia travel . This was our second travel which we arranged with Expedia, after Paris.

The room was modern, spacious and clean. I like hotel rooms with coffeemakers and coffee and tea. And it uses reclycable materials.

Since it was already past 8pm, we immediately set out to explore the city. The Old Town where the major Christmas activities were being held, was just a 10 minute leisurely walk from the hotel. The Old Town was full of tourists and locals enjoying the site. Christmas decorations and the bright, multicolored lights adorned the square.

Market stalls were still open selling handicrafts, winter accessories and food items.

We ate smoked Prague ham and sausages, simply delicious! The traditional cake was also yummy!

WEEKEND AT THE THERMAE SYLLA SPA

It was a sunny morning when we set out for a 1 1/2 hour drive to the Port of Arkitsa north of Athens. Destination: Thermae Sylla Spa located at the coast of the city of Edipsos. Reportedly one of 10 best thermal spas in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler, the Thermae Sylla Spa is a 5-star wellness hotel equipped with two water pools and offers a variety of services.

It was was an easy drive along the national highway , Lamia to the Port of Arkitsa. It took me a little over one hour to drive the 151km distance from Athens. There were several cars also travelling along the paved road at much faster speed than the allowed 100-120 km/hr. I kept to the 100-120 km  for safety and comfort. 

The ferry was big, able to carry more than 50 vehicles. It was smaller than the ferry which took us to the three islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. But like the ferries we have been to in Greece, it was comfortable and clean. We reached the city of Edipsos in about 40minutes.

The port of Edipsos was quiet, with only a few passengers since it was no longer summer. As we drove away from the port, I noticed the boardwalk was lined up with tavernas and coffee shops. But most of them were empty. I think most of the customers were locals having their usual coffee breaks. We reached the hotel after a few misses since it was our first trip to the city. 

We were able to check in quickly. The lady at the reception was cheerful and spoke good English. We didn't have any difficulty communicating also with the bell boy and the other personnel in the spas. And the lady doctor who had to see all clients before they would go to the spa was gorgeous!

The Thermae Sylla Spa is indeed world class. The standard room we got had a view of the sea  with the sun rising on our side. There were two water pools, one outdoor and another indoor. And there was a turkish bath and sauna bath which one could avail of. There was an underground subway leading to the spas which one could use whenever it rains. 

The massage was a bit expensive but all worth it. And surprise, the masseurs were males! It was our first time to have a male masseur. The supervisor told us that the customers, male and female, wanted the strength of a male masseur. Oh, well, it was a unique experience. 

Photos above show the indoor pool. The temperature was about 34C and hydro massage and jacuzzis would alternate. There was no limit to the use of the pool but we were advised not to stay for more than 25 minutes at a time.

We had a great time at the wellness hotel. The service was excellent and we had a relaxing, enjoyable weekend.



 















 

Loutraki, Greece

Two days ago, my friend and I went to Loutraki, 65 kms west of Athens to try the casino reportedly the biggest here in Greece. The sky cleared, after raining daily for the past week. We left our flat at around 3pm and arrived at the Club Hotel Casino at around half past 4pm. It was an easy drive at 100-120kph on cemented roads stopping momentarily in three toll gates, the first two charging 2.80 euros the last one charging 3.20 euros. Very expensive if converted  to Philippine peso. But it is worth the cost as one travels without traffic to one's destination.We passed through tunnels built under the mountains, very impressive indeed. 

At the Club Hotel, we were greeted by courteous Greek personnel at the Reception who spoke good English. After checking our reservation, we were given a room assignment and information about the facilities of the hotel.

The seaside view room is really modern and comfortable with a good view of the sea and the mountain as advertised. After changing, we immediately went to the garden and the beach to get a better view of the area. I was impressed by the olive trees which are over one thousand years old. The manager told us that these were transplanted from an olive grove in the Corinth area. The oldest was the olive tree found infront of the casino. 

                                          Olive trees over a thousand years old

                                          2000 years old olive tree

We spent the evening at the spa with complete facilities such as the Turkish bath and sauna bath, swimming pool and jacuzzi.After dinner, we tried our luck at the casino slot machines.Most of the players were Greeks and other tourists. We saw a Filipino couple on our way back to our room. 

                                          The Lobby, at the end is the Casino

                            the spa

We checked out at 12noon and drove for another 18 kms to see the Vouliagmeni lake. I drove through  long and winding roads along the mountainside. I have never driven going to Baguio and here I was braving the sometimes uphill and at times downhill long and winding road. Thank God I passed the test with flying colors. 

                                          Vouliagmeni Lake in Loutraki

Loutraki is just one of the beautiful idyllic sites in Greece. It was a restful weekend. And I hope to be able to visit most, if not all of the tourist spots before we leave for another post.