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Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall

Cyprus | Posted by Don
Dec 13 2009

Sunday December 6, 2009 – Cyprus

Mountain & Villages of Cyprus by 4 wheel drive

It’s raining today as we try to find our 4×4. 
We finally climb aboard old #8 with Elimos as our driver. 

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The first part of our excursion takes us to the Kouris Dam- the largest in Cyprus with a capacity of 118 million cubic meters. Our driver Elimos tells us it took 15 years for the reservoir to fill.  Still raining…  We continue to Lofou, a medieval style village founded by King James I of Cyprus. The village is composed of all stone homes. We all get out of our vehicles to stroll through the narrow winding cobbled streets. It’s still raining with a small river running down the main walkway of the village.

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At least he is smart enough to stay out of the rain.

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We head off to the beautiful Troodos Forest and the hillside resort of Platres. Still raining…
Deep in the Troodos Forest we take a short hike to Chantara Falls.

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We return to Limassol by way of the village of Omodhos, famous for its wine press
and the Monastery of the Holy Cross where part of Christ’s cross is reported to reside.

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We Like This Place...

Rhodes, Greece | Posted by Don
Monday - December 7, 2009

Today we wake up to a beautiful day.  It’s about 68 degrees and there is not a cloud in the sky.  Today we will be touring some historic sites and Karen is looking forward to a little shopping.

Karen and I get on a bus for a short drive to the entrance of the Old Town. From here, we proceed on foot across the moat and through the arched entryway of Porte d’ Amboise pass the Palace of the Grand Masters.

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We continued passed the Hospital of the Knights and down the Street of the Knights,
its paths paved with well-worn cobblestones.

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We leave the walls of Old Town and begin 35 km drive through the countryside of Rhodes. 
We travel through several small towns as we head to Kamiros.

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Looking out across the sea are the mountains of Turkey and the continent of Asia.

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After a scenic drive along the west coast of the island, we reach the ancient city of Kamiros.
Once a thriving Doric city during the 5th century BC, Kamiros retains much of its historic past.
Ruins of an altar to the sun god Helios, public baths and an ancient cistern can all be seen
from the viewing platform overlooking the city’s main square.

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Now we’re heading back to the ship for some food and a little rest. 
Karen has been going through phone withdrawal and needs to get a phone card and
make a few calls home.  With a 7 hour time difference 3pm here is 8am back home.

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