Thursday 5th May

We were very tired after the journey to Rhodes, so tonight we had dinner and headed off to bed for a good sleep.

Friday 6th May

Making the most of the sun, we spent the day relaxing by the pool where Jo had a great time joining in with the water Zumba. After our lunch, we explored the private beach and had a refreshing drink by the sea. After dinner at the hotel, we retired early, tired after a lovely day.

Saturday 7th May

Market day in Rhodes town! We had a good look round before stopping for lunch, then were off to take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat with a submarine cabin – it was quite an experience seeing a diver swim along underwater to show us a lobster and wave at us through the glass. Next, we went shopping in the lovely old town and we all agreed we’d like to visit again. Tonight, was Greek night at the hotel and Jo had a fabulous time learning the steps of all the dances.

Sunday 8th May

We chilled by the pool today and Jo enjoyed the water Zumba again. Mark played snooker and sat down to watch some TV. We went for a Greek-style lunch on the beach and had a great time watching the world go by. After dinner tonight we headed to the bar for a drink together.

Monday 9th May

The Rhodes Marine Aquarium was our destination this morning and it was fascinating to get an underwater view of Mediterranean Sea life. We had our lunch after this and found a lovely spot on the beach to relax and enjoy the sun. We returned to the old town to explore further and had an ice-cream there. Mark bought a glass tankard while Jo found a scarf and some delicious baklava.

Tuesday 10th May

We were poolside again today and this time we all tried the water Zumba. We chose to relax at the private beach and after our lunch Mark toom some time in his room while Jo stayed at the pool to complete some colouring.

Wednesday 11th May

This morning we went to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. This huge medieval castle was very impressive and also very beautiful. After lunch we walked round the cobbled streets and alleyways of the old town and saw lots of cats. We bought some strawberries and returned to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

Thursday 12th May

We had a brilliant day today at the Kallithea Springs with its gardens, mosaics and palm trees. It was so beautiful that we didn’t want to leave – we decided we’d need to go back again! Mark was also delighted by the cat sanctuary near the entrance. We had a lovely lunch in a beachfront taverna and went back for a rest before an evening of karaoke. We made some new friends there and had great fun.

Friday 13th May

We took an excellent open-top bus tour of Rhodes city which gave us a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and appreciate city life. We found a spectacular church where we took a moment to light candles for our loved ones. We lunched on the beach then went swimming in the sea which meant we were nicely tired on our return to the hotel. During the evening Jo made a lovely new friend called Jan.

Saturday 14th May

Another pool day today! Mark and Jo played darts then Jo chose to watch the water Zumba while Mark went to relax in his room with some cartoons. All in all, it was a relaxing day and we recharged our batteries nicely.

Sunday 15th May

We travelled to the gorgeous island of Symi today and were enchanted by the colourful view of the houses in the harbour. We also stopped off at the monastery of Panormitis which was also very beautiful. When we went into the town Jo bought a hat and Mark enjoyed an ice-cream after lunch. The boat trip back was a bit rough, and it was an early night for us all!

Monday 16th May

It was a visit to Faliraki on the east of the island today. When we got to the beach there for a swim, we found it more accessible, and this meant Jo had a great time. We enjoyed meeting Options supporter Moira for lunch, then played mini golf before returning to the hotel and a relaxing dip in the pool.

Tuesday 17th May

Early start today! We joined a cruise to Lindos where we had a fantastic day. We walked through beautiful, narrow streets in the whitewashed village and had a nice lunch on the beach. Mark paddled and Jo went swimming. We all agreed we’d had a brilliant day!

Wednesday 18th May

We spent our final day shopping for souvenirs. Mark found a picture of a character from ‘Game of Thrones’ drawn by a street artist and Jo bought sweets and cards. It was very hot indeed, so we returned to the hotel to cool off in the shade. We enjoyed our final evening, and the next morning we were all sad to leave the hotel and its staff. A very happy holiday!