The Greek, seaside village of Lindos and arriving in Turkey

Bonjour tout le monde,

We enjoyed our three days in Lindos very much. It's a gorgeous seaside village (about 1,000 population), nestled in the rocky hillsides of the Greek island of Rhodes. Some of the winding roadways through the touristy, business areas are more like narrow walkways, 8-10 feet wide, with overhanging roofs or plants for protection from the hot sun (in the 90's every day) above. Very quaint and inviting.



There were restuarants and cafes everywhere, along with the usual array of clothing and souvenir shops. A bit too touristy for me, but very attractive and unique at the same time. And every evening, World Cup soccer on TV's everywhere. Of course, with Greece in the World Cup, and soccer-mad England as well (many of the tourists are Brits), it's all very understandable.



One of our highlights was taking a mule ride up one of the rocky hillsides to Lindos' version of the Acropolis. It seems that every tourist takes this ride ... there were dozens of mules who all seemed to know their way (with the help of a guide, of course--one for every two mules).

This Acropolis, too, has its own history, plan for restoration ... and all with a stunning view of the village and seaside below.



On Wednesday, June 23rd, we took a large yacht (capacity, about 300-400 people) the hour boat ride to Marmaris, Turkey where we were supposed to pick up a rental car to drive the two and a half hours to Bodrum, Turkey. Turns out, the rental car agency apparently does not exist. None of the taxi drivers or other rental car people knew anything about the alledged company.



By then, it was almost 7:30 p.m. With a two and a half hour ride ahead of us, and a two-day hotel reservation awaiting us in Bodrum, we decided to shell out the extra Euros for a taxi. We arrived safe and sound to what looks to be an attractive resort hotel in this seaside city of about 30,000 people. These destinations are very popular to the English, who comprise the vast majority of hotels guests, from our estimation. Most of them are just dying for some serious sunshine, having gone through yet another long period of chilly, unpleasnt weather back home.



Thus far, we've found the Turkish people to be warm and friendly. We're hoping to get a highly recommended Turkish massage today or tomorrow ... all after we get our transportation situation straightened out. Tomorrow afternoon (hopefully in a rental car), it's off to Selcuk for two days and nights ... and, at last, a chance to see Ephesus, along with all of its history and renowned ruins.

Tonight, we're hoping to stroll into the center of Bodrum, perhaps see the harbor/beach area and gain a fuller sense of the spirit and life here in one of Turkey's many seaside, resort communities.

A bientot for now ...