Crept out of Kalimnos Harbour before breakfast & snuck into a glassed off spot for a swim. I swam to a tiny island overpopulated with goats & large gulls, the latter making a din when I climbed from the water into their nesting ground. Water as usual, clear, emerald tints to turquoise, some sea lettuce on the climb from rocks emerging from deep indigo water to shore. On return swim to the boat, a pod of small dolphins were dancing around a tiny nearby f...

There is something soporific about sleeping on boats - Ratty would agree. not an early start for me! Blue sky, clear water, a breeze. Boys heroicly hit the water first thing, rest of us sidled up for a breakfast fit for Kings. Pancakes, eggs which ever way you like, fresh yoghurt, fresh fruit, including best fresh peaches ever, even the smell a magnet, lightest of light cheese filo pastries (skimmer), ripe, full of flavor tomatoes, olives, cucumber, cheese, toas...

Still without luggage, boarded the gorgeous gulet 'Tanema' for 14 days of Greek & Turkish on Kos. Ate at 'Mummy's Restaurant' last night, a favourite from last year. Just beyond the tourist strip, food authentic, prepared by Mamma, her son gorgeous & charming front of house. 76 Euro for 5 of us for wine, beer, appetisers & mains was ridiculous! This morning hit the back blocks of town wandering amongst ruins with exquisite mosaics, and walking down a...

The girls hit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar early in attempt to beat the madding crowds. A fun destination if you aren't desperate for anything, and can enjoy the repartee with the stall holders - I do! It is easy to be overwhelmed by the acres of same same, and the constancy of being approached to buy. If you are 'just looking', they are definitely 'just selling'! A couple of scarves, leather wallet and nonsense hats later we joined the growing throngs heading downhi...

Au Revoir Symi! The 7.30am ferry took a spectacular hour skirting the dramatic Turkish coastline into Rhodes Harbour and a grand entrance it was, into the fortification of Rhodes castle. A 20 min taxi ride later arrived at the airport well briefed on Rhodes, and after a flurry with security & baggage control, surrendered one new tub of 'more gorgeous' cream. Not happy! Athens to Istanbul was a quick changeover, and only an hour flight. Emily, of little ...