Rhodes

From Crete, we once again boarded the Aquamarine and set out for Rhodes.  Previously I alluded to the deficiencies of the ship; let me explain.  Built in 1971, the ship's fresh paint could hardly mask its age.  While we have all seen pictures of contemporary luxury cruise ships, with their endless amenities and laissez-faire attitude, this particular craft betrayed its age with a swimming pool so tiny no one dared to get in, an exercise room that was clearly in a converted closet, and more rules than a seventh grade classroom.  Though breakfast and lunch were open for leisure, dinner reservations were to be made for either 6 or 8, with the doors to the dining hall shutting precisely at one past the appointed hour.  In light of this, our group promptly renamed the boat the Shawshank Cruise.

Despite the many rules, we did still manage to have fun on the ship. 

Discussing theology with The PROF: Dr. Preben Vang.

Once we landed at Rhodes, we were free to enjoy the afternoon by ourselves. Though it has no significance for New Testament studies, we found Rhodes to be a great tourist stop.Rebekah and I enjoyed strolling through the alleys and peeking in the little shops along the way. 

Eventually, we came to an open courtyard with balcony restaurants on every side.  Each restaurant had a barker trying to persuade passers-by to come and dine at their finest table. 

How could we resist?  It was truly a marvelous lunch, overlooking a timeless courtyard from a shaded balcony somewhere in the Mediterranean. 

Ok, I know I promised to tell of our notorious adventure on Rhodes in this post, but I've had too much else to cover.  Check back on Tuesday afternoon for our big "Oops" moment of the trip.