Overnight boat (cruise) from Athens to the Greek island of Rhodes

Bonjour encore, mes amis,

Our ten day trip to Greece and Turkey began with two wonderful days in Athens. From there, we were to take an overnight boat to the Greek island of Rhodes, and eventually on to the beautifually, scenic coastal village of Lindos.

Yvette and I have never been on a cruiseship of any kind before. Although we had paid for a cabin, we had no idea what to expect. To begin with the departure time was 11:55 p.m. (Saturday night), which seemed late to us. Still ... would there be showers in the cabin, or any kind of shower? What would the accommdations be like? Would there be a lot of movement on the high seas (we have both endured bad experiences on small yachts/boats with motion sickenss)?


Our tickets (which were pretty much totally written in Greek) noted that we had to board the boat at least one hour before departure time. With that in mind, we arrived by taxi to the "Blue Star 2" (the name of the boat) dock area around 9:45 p.m. There were probably one hundred people standing about near the entrance to the ship ... and workers were busily loading the lower levels of the ship with all kinds of vehicles and trucks (semis, even). Soon, I asked an official-looking person standing nearby if we could board the ship? He said yes ... so, by 10:00 p.m. we were standing in front of the receptionists desk (having taken the escalator up probably thirty feet or so to an upper level) waiting for our room assignment. It was all very exciting to us.

The steward helped us locate our cabin for the night, cabin 8227, and immediately we were impressed with the accommodations. Shower with plenty of room, hot water, bunk beds (I got the top, which reminded me, briefly, of the top bunk I slept on growing up back in Aurora, Illinois).

But what we really liked was the large, spacious boat, with eating areas, TV viewing areas and sightseeing areas everywhere, all sort of blended together. What's more, you could go up one level (even two at some points) for some incredible viewing of the ocean, some of the many islands we passed, and the three or four ports we stopped at en route to the island of Rhodes, not too far from Turkey. Sitting window side in one of the eating areas and seeing the vast sea waters all about us--mile after mile--was very relaxing and enjoyable.

However, the highlight of the trip--undoubtedly--were the people (probably 95 percent Greek). Before going to our cabin for the night (it was now early Sunday morning), we spent some time in one of the cafe areas, trying to access the internet so we could skype our daughters (it never worked out, even though we had paid the fee for internet access etc.). In no time, it seemed, this rotund and spirited Greek man (informally clad) came into our area along with his two children.

In his early 50's, Ernie Tassos was an experience to behold. His children were Kristos (16) and Kristine (12)--very nice and polite young people. They spoke almost no English but understood some. Ernie had limited English skills himself, but that did not hold him back. He didn't stop talking and entertaining us until he dropped us off in his car (which was being transported from Athens to Rhodes on the lower level of the ship) at the bus stop in Rhodes Town to catch a bus for the 75 minute ride to Lindos (more on Lindos tomorrow), where we had booked a hotel room for three days.

Ernie was bursting with energy and a sincere friendliness (he would talk to anybody). For a sample of his great personality see video below. Right away, he became our self-appointed tour guide. But what was interesting (on the ship) was how he was always being corrected--or edited--by one of his countrymen/woman sitting or standing nearby.

When he discovered that I was a minister (he called me a priest throughout), he repeatedly entreated me "not to forget" to pray for God's protection of him and his children (Many of the Greeks, we learned, are Greek Orthodox Christians, but generally not active in church).

About an hour before our scheduled 2:00 p.m. (Sunday) arrival time in Rhodes Town, Ernie invited us to ride with him in his car to the bus stop. That, too, was an experience. Taking the elevator down to the lower level, finding our way to his car, driving in the car "out" of the boat. And then he gave us a 75 minute tour of Rhodes Town--all very interesting and entertaining.


Over all, a most memorable overnight, boat journey, to Rhodes. And by the way, God, if you are listening to all of this ramble, take care of Ernie Tassos and his dear children, Kristos and Kristine.

A bientot for now ...