9. Rhodes

Last evening we had a full compliment at the dinner table despite Steve and Elaine staying up until goodness knows what hour to watch the latest televised Obama/Romney debate, live. Thus a lively discussion took place on the merits (or lack thereof) of the American political system. A necessary debate indeed with our American friends, especially in an election year. Steve is a staunch Republican but believes that Obama will win easily. Time will tell!
Following dinner, Frances accompanied us to the roulette table and I am glad to report that our gambling account has now moved $5 into the black. From small acorns and all that.
We also bumped into Jersey's "international recording and television star", our very own and good friend, Stuart Gillies. Just as well really as he owes us a drink from our last trip in June. He is not on stage until tomorrow evening, so a report on his show will follow in due course.

A couple of asides at this point. We had our first experience of the ship's new freestyle breakfast dining this morning. It's pretty shambolic and not liked by the waiters, but the powers that be say that the guests want it. Well, none that we have spoken to, do.
We also heard that our change in itinerary from Kusadasi to Izmir was because the Kusadasi port authorities were charging a landing fee of $3 per passenger, whereas Izmir were only charging $1. So there we have two more examples of cost cutting by Cunard.

Today we are in Rhodes and it's another scorcher with barely a cloud in the sky. Despite there being a general strike in the country today, this certainly hasn't deterred the taxi drivers and other businesses from offering their services and wares when there are three large cruise ships in port.
The old part of Rhodes Town lies within city walls and it really is quite charming, a maze of little backstreets and cool alleyways, all the buildings lining them having been restored and now occupied by a variety of shops and eateries. We had a lengthy wander around and then stopped for lunch at a pretty little taverna off the main street. Lunch consisted of Greek salad, giant beans and tzatsiki, but the owner insisted on bringing out some freshly barbecued pork and lamb chops for us to try. Lush. Then when it was time for us to settle up and leave, the owner, Mamma, and chef all came out to thank us, shake our hands and wish us farewell. Not something you would ever get at home and a lovely touch.
Following lunch, we took in a circuit of the Ho-Ho bus before strolling slowly back to the ship and boarding just in time for afternoon tea.
Thus we are now relaxing before our sailaway and looking forward to our Chinese meal this evening.