Tel Aviv

We now find ourselves in Tel Aviv marina, right in the centre of this big, bold, vibrant and exciting city. Border security was pretty impressive; radio contact with the Israeli Navy 40 nm from the coast, then Haifa Radio both wanting very detailed info of the yacht and crew. Then we were instructed arrive at a specific time, met by a patrol boat with all guns aimed at Cadiz and at the marina were met by a security team who searched the yacht from top to bottom, and took swabs of the surfaces in all compartments. After that we were allowed to go ashore to border control who checked our passports and searched computers for what seemed a long time before declaring us OK.

The first thing we noticed was the cost of living; very expensive by Australian standards, and the affluance of the city`s inhabitants.

Now for the tourist stuff. More later.

Israel Bound

We have reached Larnaca in Cyprus, having decided on the spur of the moment to visit Israel. Our Journey along the south coast Turkey terminated in Antalya where we found the old town area fascinating. We will spend some time in Israel before returning to Turkey and making our way to Marmaris again where we will "winter" the boat.

Turkey at last.

Cadiz is now at Finike on the south coast of Turkey. We have made our way here via Bodrum and various small anchorages and restaurant jetties, thence the greek islands of Simi and Rhodes, and on to Marmaris. After that, to Fethiye, Gocek and a miriad of small anchorages, most with a restaurant. Our weather has been fine, warm [hot] and dry.

Finally at Kos

Now we are at Kos, just across the water from Bodrum in Turkey, our next destination. Since the last post we have travelled via Astipalaia, where we sheltered from the meltemi for a few days, then to Mykonos and several ports and anchorages on Leros. Greek beaurocracy has caught up with us, having discovered a previously unmentioned tax to be paid after three months in country, and since the tax office is closed we are not allowed to depart until Mon when they can calculate the amount payable.

We are now at Thira, otherwise known as Santorini, and berthed in a small harbour in the south at Vlikhada. Our route from Amorgos took us via Mirsini on Skinoussa, a very pretty small harbour, to Naxos. From Naxos we took a short trip by fast ferry to Mykonos. Thence to an anchorage off Koufonisia where a hidden tavera in a farmhouse was the highlight. On to Ios where silly season reigned, with yachts fighting for berths alongside and very large motor yachts pushing their way in and laying anchor chain over the top of everyone else. After that Thira is great, and the sights are amazing.