Patmos: Docked at at 7:00 a.m. Since we did not have a pre-arranged tour we could not leave until 8:00 a.m. Thinking we were going to be visiting a cave we brought jackets – not! First off, it was already warm and somewhat muggy when we got off. Secondly, the “cave” is really a grotto. We secured a taxi to take us to the Grotto of the Apocalypse and St. John Monastery (30 Euros for 3 – not bad). Do not attempt to walk to these attractions unless you have all day and are in tip top shape,
Grotto of the Apocalypse and Monastery of the Apocalypse – The grotto is recognized as the place where St. John the Divines was said to have dictated the text of Revelations to his pupil Prochoros in 95 A.D. (I just hope he had a good word processing program!). Very sparse living conditions. Scenery is beyond breathtaking.
St. John Monastery – Founded in 1088 to honor St. John the Magnificent – they refer to this as a “fortified monastery” based on the fact that it is located at the very top of the hill and you can readily see how difficult it is to directly enter. Again, the scenery from this viewpoint is magnificent. The museum contains manuscripts as early as the 7th and 8th century and the artistry involved is magnificent. They also had numerous (one dimensional) icons (Greek Orthodox religion does not believe in using a statue as a worship artifact or representation of sacred personnel). We were able to visit the altar area, the dressing area and general meeting place all of which were ornate (in a very religious way) with frescos (paintings) on the walls and ceilings. The artwork on the walls and ceilings was just amazing on its own.
Word to the wise – if you take this tour, bring good walking shoes. There are no elevators!
Kusadasi: (back to Turkey?) Actually located on the south side of the Greek Island of Samos.
The House of the Virgin Mary- We drove through Kusadasi to reach Mt. Koressos where the chapel lies on the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. This site has been certified by the Vatican as an official pilgrimage site (still waiting for AAA Certification – jk).
Found an internet café in Rhodes but too slow to upload photos. Will update everything tonight. I am close to being “toured out”.
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