Hello from Rhodes!
Another beautiful day as we cruise the Greek Islands. Today we are in Rhodes.
Known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes is a UNESCO site. It was amazingly windy when we headed off the ship today for our tour. Windier than Barnegat Light and that's saying something!
Once we were inside the city walls, the wind subsided and our tour began in earnest. We viewed the hospital, which was built by the Knights of St. John, whose reign in Rhodes lasted from 1310 to 1522. Our next stop was the Palace of the Grand Masters, a medieval castle in the city of Rhodes. Originally built in the late 7th century as a Byzantine citadel. It was used as a command centre and fortress after the 1522 capture of the island by the Ottoman Empire.
It was a holiday residence for the King of Italy, Victory Emmanuel III, and later for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. A plaque is visible showing these names.
My soapbox moment: In the United States, we have this "Cancel Culture" movement ongoing. And it hit me, as we've toured all these ancient sites - no one over here in Europe or in Greece or Turkey, is trying to hide their history. No one is taking names off plaques or removing statues. It's the history of the country and it remains for all to see and learn from. What is our problem in the United States with trying to erase our history so we don't "offend" anyone! It's ridiculous. You can't erase history. It's part of who we are. And our history is so recent - 300+ years? We have a lot to learn from the rest of the world.
Back to the Palace of the Grand Masters: Back in the early 1900's many of the Roman ruins and old houses found on the island of Kos contained so many beautiful mosaic floors. And these homes were in disrepair and in danger of being destroyed. Many of these mosaics were moved to the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes and we were able to see so many of them. Absolutely gorgeous. As I looked at mosaic after mosaic, I started realizing how closely mosaics are to quilting. The patterns are amazing.
Our tour guide explained some of the metaphors for the pictures and images found in these mosaics.
For instance, The Chalice (representing the Blood and Life of Christ).
The Pelican: If a pelican baby is killed by a snake that finds its way into the nest, the mother pelican will peck at its chest to draw blood and allow that blood to drip on its baby, bringing it back to life. Metaphor for Jesus sacrificing himself so we may live.
The Partridge: When partridges are hunted, the mother, when spotting the hunters, will fly away and her babies will lay down in the grass to hide. Again, the metaphor: willing to sacrifice yourself for others.
There was always a hidden story behind the symbol in the mosaic.
In all these cities or ancient ruins we have visited there are cats - I assume feral cats. But they make for good photography.
Enjoy a few pictures of the mosaics, the harbor at Rhodes, and, of course, the resident cat!!
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