Temperature Drop

Yesterday, we dumped our case at the International Hotel and then repaired to the Plaza Hotel for breakfast and some sleep. Because we didn't have WiFi working in our room, I worked on the blog in the lobby of the while sitting in a very nice breeze to keep me cool.

When we managed to be awake at the same time, we strolled down to Rhodes Old Town past the rather grandly titled Rhodes Central Bus Station (AKA this closed kiosk).

Nice to see ruins that were all boarded up when we were last here being revealed to the public gaze, catching the evening sunlight.

Managed to navigate our way through the crowds of people (good for the Rhodes economy) and found our favourite taverna near the "Hobby of Laundry".

Had some tasty chickpea fritters, tzatziki and pork in apricot and plum sauce, along with a Greek salad. 

The taverna has loads of plates fixed to the walls inside 

Strolling back to the Plaza along Mandraki harbour we saw lots of boats. Thought this one with its own Yamaha jet-ski was pretty OTT.

A meeting place.

Clock tower on the front. 

We checked out of the Plaza about midnight and strolled back to the International Hotel to retrieve our case ready for our pick up to go to the airport. Met James and his Mum and Sarah there after their day trip to Kastelorizo (see forthcoming Symi Dream blog posts for more on this, I'm sure). Got to the airport a bit before 2 o'clock, and took off early about 3.40 am. Managed to sleep for a bit before waking up to see early dawn light tinting the clouds.

Closer to Bristol early morning shadows of trees were really long across the fields we could see from the plane. 

Landed just before 6 a.m. UK time, and got the shuttle bus to pick up the car. Wondered why anyone thought it was important for the travelling public to know exactly what transparent material this was made from.

Back home, the gardens looked fulsome, and the sun was shining. It felt really cool to us, as it was at least 20ºC lower than we have been used to for the last week.

After a few hours sleep, I went off to retrieve Bella from the kennels (our friend who stayed while working in Bath is not into doggy care!). She was happy to see me, and even happier to go for a walk round Chew Valley Lake. I was happy to see the blue skies - it was even warm enough for me to take my sweatshirt off!

It had clearly been raining a lot from the groundwater still about - but the plant life was thriving.

More evidence of lots of rain - the highest I have ever seen the water here, especially in mid "Summer". That said, it looks as though we may have managed to smuggle some good weather back with us if next week's forecast is anything to go by. No complaining allowed about it being too hot!

Bella was especially happy when she found this old tennis ball.

This day a year ago, we went over to Bristol to see our friend Jane. Strolled through Bishopston to have coffee at a nearby park. Passed this great piece of tromple l'oleil on the way back.