| Voyage of the Aegeotissa II, September
2002 through the Dodecasese Islands, Greece. |
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We began our trip on the island of
Samos from the port of Pythagorio, the home of Pythagoras, yes of
triangle fame!
Our crew of seven consists of: Captain Stavros
Areli, and his wife, Maria, Costas and his wife, Litsa, George, Steve and
our English speaking guide, Mary Vareli.
The twenty-three passengers don't all know each
other, but are related through mutual friendships. A convivial group they
prove to be! |
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The first island we visit is Patmos,
famous for the Cave of the Apocalypse, and the hill-top medieval
monastery which houses St. John's remains--or some of them. St. John, came
to Patmos when he was exiled from Ephesus. He wrote Revelations in the
cave-the sacred Grotto. We get some rain--quite a downpour,
actually--but it comes at night and doesn't hamper our visit at all.
Patmos looks like an interesting island to explore. |
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On the island of Leros, we walk up to
another castle--church on the hilltop, and had a glass of wine while
watching the local dogs and cats. Some people rented motorcycles and
explored. |
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The Aegeotissa was built by Capt.
Stavros and completed in 1999. It is a comfortable ship, designed to do
exactly what it does. There are plenty of areas inside and out to relax
and enjoy the islands. |
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Nisyros |
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The huge valley that dominated Nisyros
contains seven craters, one of which appears to be quite fresh, with mud
pots and steaming vents. |
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The water is so warm we could frolic
for hours. |
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After a swim stop, one of Maria's meals
and a good book, we do what we all do best on vacation--sleep! |
| All of the swim stops were wonderful,
but this one on Symi was particularly enchanting. The massive rock cliffs
plunge into the deep cove. We find a white beach, a tiny while chapel, and
a few goats. |
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The Port of Symi architecture is
distinctly Italian. |
| The Captain's dinner features calamari,
several salads, rice, dolmathes, meatballs, and dancing. |
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| We terminate the cruise on Rhodes where
we visit the astounding acropolis at Lindos. The sweeping view of the
Mediterranean, and of the sweet, protected harbor below, are dramatic. |
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For Gary and me, this was our second,
delightful cruise aboard the Aegeotissa II with Captains Stavros. |
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