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!