I look up at the clear, blue, eternal sky. It joins hands with two endless, royal blue Seas.
I close my eyes and feel a surreal warmth come over me; inhale intoxicating scents of chamomile and mint coming from the mountains. Subtle waves crash into the beaches from top to bottom, feeding the land with history, passion and millions of tales. I can feel 4000 years of history emanating around me and penetrating my core.
I’m speechless, swept up, emotional. The island is my soul-mate. I have returned. I kiss the tarmac. My passport may say “Canadian” but my heart and soul says Rhodian — and here I am, where all things lead to Rhodes Greece. I have arrived.
First time visitors to Rodos always start planning their next visit minutes after landing. In fact, Rodos captivates everyone immediately thanks to its countless beaches, rich history, passionate people and of course quality food. This island has something for everyone and that’s the true appeal.
For me, it’s strikes a personal chord. My mother is from Rodos and seeing that I’m closest with her, I consider myself to be almost one with this place. It grips me in every way. Powerful emotions rush through every time I touch down here and every time I even think about it. I can’t explain it, really.
Toronto-born, Greek-raised, Rodos-inspired.
I’m not going to go into the entire history, myths and of course natural beauty that dominates this island paradise. I’m also not going to talk about important roles it has played throughout time. You can all look that up if you like and believe me, it’s worth taking a look.
Rodos has something for everyone and taking a drive around the entire island is an experience that will make you feel as if you’re sitting next to the Creator. The Valley of the Butterflies is magical as is the contrast between Old City charm and New City modernity. The UN has deemed Rodos to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And what about Cleopatra’s extreme love for Rodos. What did she do to replicate it in Egypt? A factoid worth knowing.
What I really wanted to share with you was my deep, unexplainable connection to one of this planets’ most beautiful places. We all have one place that completely mystifies us with the power it holds over us. It’s created by a special event, a special person. It’s a spark that lasts forever. In my case, it’s a blood line.
It appears that I have a Rodos gene. No complaints.
Photo credit: Top photo only: Britannica. All others I took myself.
Jim Bamboulis has held several posts over the past 12 years, including National Sportscaster, Food Host and Writer, Talk Show Host, Olympic Researcher and Travel Film-maker.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim learned early on that the combination of travel and food meant ultimate living. Combining his insatiable creative spirit and desire to document his travels, Jim took his unshakable travel bug and set off to explore. Add the fact that Jim also grew up in a Greek household and he learned that not only does Mom always make the best meals, but as importantly learned the importance of understanding and appreciating the countless beautiful cultures and the integral role food plays in every corner of the World.
In August 2009, Jim founded Travel Mammal, a site that brings together his travels and experiences (both good and terrifying) with the hope that others are inspired to share their own. We are all storytellers, especially when it comes to travel and food. He urges everyone to be inspired, explore and love the world and the people that share it with us. Or in other words, Live to Travel and travel to live!
