Kos, Greece-Home of Hippocrates

During our time in Bodrum, we took a ferry for about an hour across the waters to Kos, Greece. It was absolutely pouring rain early in the morning, but reduced to a drizzle for the rest of the day. 

We arrived in Kos at about 9:30, and after getting through passport control, first wanted to get a hotel room.  So, dragging a suitcase behind, off we went in search of a taxi.  Taxis in Turkey are all yellow and small.  We didn't see any taxis coming off the ferry, and continued to walk into town, getting rather wet shoes.  We didn't see any taxis on the main street so finally asked for an information center, and were directed to the south.  And then west. And then north again.  We never found the information center, but we did stumble upon Hippocrates' tree.  We were told that it was extremely hard to find and directions would have to asked many times before finding it.  So, our quest to find the information center was not in vain, as we passed by the tree several times.  It is said to be 2000 years old, and has structures holding up its limbs.  On the back side, it is so hollowed out that it could not bear its own weight.  

Here is where Hippocrates taught his students.  He was the "father of western medicine," and authored the Hippocratic Oath.  Doctors still take this oath (we saw Tony swear to this at his graduation).  St. Paul was also said to have preached under this tree.  

Finally a man picked us up on the street and said "come to my mother's hotel," which seemed like a stretch, but we were wet and lost.  He drove us to his mother's hotel, Hotel Marie, and it wasn't much.  Cold, wet, soaking feet, and we still decide to trek onward in the hopes of something better.  Only about 5-6 blocks away on the bay, we found the Hotel Kostas.  Whew, it was much nicer and had great views from the balcony.  

After drying and changing cloths we wondered the streets and followed a map, still using an umbrella, and only got lost a few times. We passed several grey cars parked, again, and finally realized they were taxis!  No light on top and no signs!  I could help them with their marketing.  

Greek odem

Orthodox Church

We had a snack and sampled Greek beer, then off for more sites.  We had a late lunch and got lost walking back to the hotel. 

They're everywhere!!

The next morning the sun was shining.  By 8:00 the fishing boats that we heard go out early in the morning darkness had returned.  They set up tables and sold the fish caught under their umbrellas.  Besides individuals buying a couple of fish, we saw guys on scooters load up bunches in coolers, which probably went to restaurants.

From our balcony 

It was a nice day and we enjoyed the sunshine after 3 days of clouds, wind, and rain.  We ate Greek gyros again at the Museum Cafe, and caught the ferry at 5:00 for our return to Bodrum.  

Bodrum from the ferry

This ends the Bodrum, Kos, Efesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Pamakkale, Hieropolis, spring break trip posts!