Because of the transfer at Athens, we didn’t know if the
suitcases would automatically be transferred to the next flight, but thankfully
we got a boarding pass for the connecting flight as well. This is all so new to
us, because we usually fly El Al, one flight.
Despite not having slept at all, we were amazed that we didn’t
feel like crashing on the spot. Perhaps it was the fact that everything went
smoothly, no stress, and we were on HOLIDAY (and not on a ‘working’ trip to
Holland….)
Boarding at 4.50 a.m. – an Airbus with about 40 double rows
of 3 seats in what seemed like a VERY long airplane. Take off as planned, at
5.40 a.m. Wow – amazing! This is probably a time that most planes are leaving,
because we were third in line for take-off.
Very friendly stewardesses served us a nice breakfast
(borekas) and it was a smooth flight. No movies or papers or other
entertainment on this short flight. We had our books, and took a nap, which
helped just enough to keep going.
Athens. I read about the pleasant outline of the airport, so
it was just a matter of following the signs. We had to go through passport
control, which despite the long line went very quick, then up to the next level
for departures, again through a very thorough hand luggage check, where they
threw away our water bottles! Waaah! Just enough time to use the toilet before
racing to the gate for the last leg to Rhodes, Greece. The plane was almost full,
and it was less than an hour, including take-off and landing.
Rhodes Airport – quite an experience! Only 2 luggage belts,
and most of the people were out of the building by the time we received our two
suitcases. That was a relief. We were the last travelers in the now deserted
airport.
The car rental company was supposed to have their office
outside the terminal, but we didn’t see the sign anywhere. After asking around,
inside the deserted terminal, the helpful guy at Hertz informed us that he was
also in charge of the Firefly rental agency. Welcome to Rhodes! After signing
the necessary papers, he handed us the car key and told us where it was parked.
“Have a nice holiday!”
Driving away from the airport terminal in our little Fiat
Panda, our holiday adventure truly began!
The weather was sunny and pleasant, the roads quiet, not
much traffic, and the signs told us where to go: into the direction of Lindos.
The views from the main eastern highway connecting the north
and the south, was already stunning. The Aegean Sea on the left and high,
rolling hills or mountains on our right. Spring is in the air, with fresh green
leaves on many trees, fresh grass and spring flowers – awesome.
I knew the direction of Astronomy Studios in Faliraki, but
on the ground, is was not as easy as we thought. The city center of Faliraki was
deserted – none of the hotels and restaurant were open, and it seemed many
owners were busy remodeling, repairing or building before the tourist season
opened. Thankfully, most people speak a little English, so we ended up driving
up a steep road and safely reaching our destination: Astronomy Studios around
12.30 p.m.
The owner, Stergos, gave us a very warm welcome. We were his
first guests of the season, and presently the only ones. We liked that very
much!
Our 32 m2 apartment is amazing – cozy, comfortable, and with a beautiful view of the sea and the
mountains. Right below is the Anthony Quinn Bay.
Because tomorrow is the National Independence Day, and most
of the shops would be closed, Stergos bought some groceries for us. We felt so
blessed!
While I unpacked and made our ‘home’ for the next 14 days ready, Wim received a
short tour of the premises from Stergos and met his very friendly parents as
well.
Weather permitting, we will receive a complimentary tour of
the observatory. I’ll share more about this special place in a separate blog
post.
After a much-needed nap we drove to town, had our first
Greek supermarket experience, which was great, and stocked up on our first
necessary items (like yoghurt, biscuits, and red wine!)
While Wim took another nap, I explored the area around the
building and enjoyed the beautiful views over the Faliraki bay north and the
Anthony Quinn Bay to the south. Nature is diverse, but also similar to that of
Israel. It makes us feel at home here too!
The rock formations are VERY sharp, and some pieces of stone
had what looked like ‘stoned’ wood in them – amazing!
After a light evening meal, around 9 p.m. I no longer was
able to keep my eyes open. Wim followed an hour later. Our hearts overflowing with gratefulness to our loving Father in heaven, we both slept like a
log.
