Hi there, My name is Chris and welcome to my About Me page and to the island of Rhodes in Greece.
I am 53 years old and over 17 years ago I made the decision to change my surroundings completely and came to live here on this amazing island.
I always remember coming here on my vacations over the years gone by and forever thought it was out of my reach to get to reside on this beautiful island.
Every time my holidays were finished and I had to return to the UK to my normal run-of-the-mill life and I wanted to cry! ‘Will I ever get to live here’? I shouted to myself inside!
Well I did, and I am.
As well as loving Greece & Rhodes, I am a huge lover of music and also love to play guitar and have done so for many years. I often can be found relaxing to the tunes I love the most such as Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and tons more.
I am also a sucker for the sport of American Football (NFL) and watch every game if possible as well as being a collector of memorabilia and accessories.
Although not really relevant, it is just another little side note for you to know about me 🙂
About Me: How It all Happened!
With all my heart, I am happy now.
My past troubles compelled me to make a decisive change. Is this good or bad? Yes I agree we do not like troubles in our lives, but sometimes these are the situations that encourage us to make the changes we need to be happy.
I was going through a terrible time with my relationship, my job and financially!
Back in 2006 (and other times over the years) I came here to Rhodes for escape. I wanted to breathe the clean air, sit on the beach, drink my Ouzo and clear my mind.
So, that is exactly what I did.
I booked a flight at the last moment for a very cheap price and arrived two days later.
One night, by pure luck, I decided to go to a bar and meet some locals, where I met an amazing man who would later become my best friend.
He was working here and we got to talking. After some time, he unexpectedly offered me a place to stay and even found me a job, should I decide to relocate.
What was there for me to lose? Nothing! A Chance of a fresh start!
After my vacation ended, I returned home, packed my bags with only the essentials, and bid farewell to the life I was no longer enjoying!
So Why Am I Here Telling You This?
Since living here I have of course crossed paths with millions of tourists, some with the same dream – to live here, and after speaking to them each time I realize how lucky I am.
People save so hard every year to have a holiday here, and I have it on my doorstep every day!
They all ask me how I managed to achieve the life I have now and if I can offer advice! To be honest there is little I can say except just take the bull by the horns and get on with it!
You only live once!
I just feel there is so much this island has to offer.
Beautiful sites and history, amazing culture and traditions, the weather, beaches and delicious foods.
Of course there are the downsides too, but where in the world does’t have them right?
I am here to talk with you about the island of Rhodes as a whole. Do not worry, I am not here to sell you holidays, although I will meet with you for a drink if you make the decision to come.
I will discuss all aspects of the island, good and bad and hope you will find this information helpful, informative and educational!
Also, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, leave a comment below and I will get right back to you.
Thanks and welcome to my website.
Chris
Founder of The Island Of Rhodes
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What a very interesting well laid out site Chris, I enjoyed your about me page and how you come to be where you are.
I have bookmarked this site, due to its comprehensive content on Rhodes which will benefit many people I am sure
Equally, through the use of the social sharing icons on the right hand side of the blog, you can get leverage for work done just once
Dave, thanks so much for getting in touch.
For sure my life has been a journey, with many ups and downs, but now all has worked out fine for me here in Rhodes.
I am happy you like the information here and the work I have done. I will keep doing my best to provide as much information as possible about this lovely island.
Thanks my friend. Nice to hear from you.
Chris
Chris Towers
Great website. I have some questions regarding petaloudes. I plan to be there in first week in June. You say there is a 6 km walk to get to the best spot. Is that one way or round trip? I know u mentioned butterflies are there during June, will I get the full effect at the time that I will be there? Also how much time do u figure is best to see the site? Thanks
Hey Steven and thanks, this site of mine is still working progress so still lots more to come.
When you visit The Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes) it is one way in and pretty much same way back out again with back tracking. A beautiful place and definitely worth a visit. I would give it a good 3 hours to soak up all its splendor.
June is a lovely time to visit and although it is not full butterfly season, you will still get some.
Hope this helps you 🙂
Chris
How fabulous that you made your dream come true and what a fabulous place to be able to live and work.
Rhodes is one of my favorite Greek Islands and I will return again one day and maybe come and say hi and have that drink.
I will take a further look around your site and see what I may have missed on my trip there.
Hello Karen, great to have you here again.
Do not worry, I am always around, so if you do make it hear again give me a shout and I will buy you a drink no problem 🙂
Feel free to keep me bookmarked, and if you ever need anything you know where I am.
Thanks Karen.
Chris
Hey Chris,
What a great story! I agree that you only live once, so just go for what you want. You will now have the luxury of looking back on your life without regrets.
I have heard from others that Rhodes is a fantastic place. I have bookmarked your site since it is dedicated to the island and I want to learn more about it.
Great post, and keep on putting up great information about it.
Best Regards,
Jim
Thanks so much Jim, it is nice to hear from you.
You are right, I do not have any regrets. My life went the way it went and this opportunity presented itself to me.
I took the chance knowing if it did not work for me, I could always return to my roots. I thought it would be crazy not to try. If you do not give it a shot, you never know right?
Of course not all people are given chances like I was given. Sometimes commitments in life prevent you from uprooting. Good and bad luck came my way and I made the most of it I guess!
Rhodes is an amazing place my friend yes. The more I learn and the more I see makes it more amazing everyday! I love it here, and will never leave, unless I have more bad luck again!!
Thanks for getting in touch Jim, maybe one day you will visit the island? 🙂
All the best
Chris
Envidio que vivas en el paraíso y me alegra que vivas en el paraíso. Conozco el proceso que te llevó a estar ahí…Felicidades Chris.
English Translation
I envy you to live in paradise and I am glad that you live in paradise. I know the process that led you to be there … Congratulations Chris.
Hey allí Naty, es realmente genial escuchar de usted y gracias por visitarme aquí 🙂
A veces las cosas son un proceso sí. La vida no siempre va como queremos a veces, y tenemos que lidiar con lo bueno y lo malo.
Acabo de decidir que era hora de hacer cosas buenas todos ellos hace años. No me arrepiento de nada. Estoy feliz de estar aqui
Muchas gracias por su mensaje. Es realmente genial conocerte.
Chris 🙂
English Translation
Hey there Naty, it is really great to hear from you and thanks for visiting me here 🙂
Sometimes things are a process yes. Life does not always go the way we want at times, and we have to deal with good and the bad.
I just decided that it was time to make things good all them years ago. I do not regret anything. I am happy I am here 🙂
Thanks so much for your message. It is really great to meet you.
Chris 🙂
I am so jealous that you were able to live the dream and make your vacation your lifestyle.
That’s something I’m working on doing right now. Kudos!
Greece is my number one for places id love to see but I have no idea which area, I’m going to look into your site further and see if Rhodes could be a great spot for my next trip
Thanks for posting!
Hey Stephanie, really great to hear from you. Thanks for getting in touch!
I know a lot of people have Greece on their “to do list” and like you, they are not always sure which place in Greece to visit.
A lot of people prefer the mainland where they are able to witness the amazing Acropolis of Athens, others prefer the islands where the weather is great for relaxing.
It all depends on what you want from your vacation I guess. The good thing about Rhodes (in my opinion) is you get the whole package. In the summer the weather is great, so you have some nice opportunities to relax. Also there is so much to see and do when it comes to visiting the sites. So for me it makes more sense.
Let me know if you ever need anything for your future plans.
Thanks Stephanie!
Chris
It’s fantastic that you have been able to live your dream Chris.
I agree that it is a sad fact that most people either wait until things are really bad before making a change or even worse, never make the change.
It’s certainly a beautiful part of the world you have chosen and I will be sure to keep that offer of the drink in mind if I finally get there one day.
Hey Dean, any time my friend. I am always here.
It is a shame that sometimes change comes from bad things happening in life, but sometimes it is unfortunate events that can lead to better things. It all depends on how you look at it i suppose.
Rhodes is indeed a great and beautiful place to visit, and living here makes me appreciate it all the more.
Look forward to your visit 🙂
Thanks
Chris
Chris!
Way to go buddy!
It makes me so happy when people have the realization that they can be the ones that make their dreams come true. You don’t have to wait!
It’s fantastic that through networking you were able to make that life-change you always wanted.
I travel quite a bit and people are ALWAYS asking me how I do it and wishing that they could — They don’t need to wish! As you said, just grab the bull by the horns and get on with it already!
Love your website, very inspirational, keep up the good work!
Hey there Courtney, thanks so much for your kind and positive words.
Like I say, I know all people have challenges in life, and sometimes making a big step to change things can sometimes be a little scary.
It is not always so easy, but yes, being positive helps.
I know a lot of people who come to Rhodes in Greece every year, they have even bought properties here and come every summer to spend their free time. But they are finding it difficult to make the ultimate and permanent move. I appreciate life has its course and there are responsibilities to take care of, but at the same time – you only live once.
The opportunity presented itself to me, and I simply took it 🙂
Great to know you are keen on travel too Courtney, and if you ever make your trips this way – let me know 🙂
Thanks again and really great to hear from you.
Chris
Hi, Chris!
It was a pleasure to read your story and how you found happiness and a perfect place for yourself! It is very inspiring!
I never traveled to the island of Rhodes. It looks like a great place to visit. I just think it is too hot for me there. Maybe in the winter…
What about language? Do you know Greek?
Thank you for your story!
Linda
Hi Linda and thank you for your message.
I am also very happy now with my life and living here makes it all the more enjoyable. I do not have any regrets now 🙂
The Island Of Rhodes can get quite hot yes, and to be honest it can be sometimes uncomfortable in the high season as temperatures raise up to (and above) 40 degrees Celsius. It can be a nightmare if you are not used to it. So sometimes the winter visits can be a better option 🙂
As for the language, I have learned enough now to be able to communicate efficiently. I will never say I am fluent as Greek is a really hard language to grasp, but lets just say I am holding my own 🙂
Thanks Linda, nice to hear from you.
Chris
Hey Chris, I am amazed by your courage and I am a little jealous too. Anyway I am glad to know you enjoying it there and doing what you want with life.
Yeah, One day I wish to able to travel there, not for escape, but to know there better as well as “to Live”.
I will definitely contact you once I plan to visit there later.
Take care Chris and hope we will meet up and sharing stories one day.
Hey Max, thank for your kind words and for reading.
You do not need to be jealous. Rhodes, and indeed Greece as a whole is here for everyone to appreciate.
There is so much to see and do, and also so much to learn. Nobody should miss out on this in my opinion.
For sure when you have plans to visit you are free to get in touch with me, no problem at all.
Thanks again Max
Chris
What a great story. It makes me jealous and also encourages me to take a leap.
I think your willingness to step off the ledge is brave and shows that more people should pursue their dreams because it works.
I’m definitely interested in Rhodes. I’ve never been there, but it sounds wonderful and beautiful.
You mention that there are downsides, so I’d be interested to know what they are. Sometimes downsides for one person is a bonus for others.
So happy that you’re leading a life that is happy, unlike your previous life. Congrats to you for taking the bull by the horns…..inspires me. thanks
Hey there and thanks for getting in touch.
I guess I am one of the lucky ones when it comes to making the choice of starting a new life. It is not for everyone and certainly everyone is not given the opportunities I have been lucky to have.
Rhodes is indeed a beautiful place, but like everywhere there are areas which are not so good. For example one of the things on the island I do not like is the dumping of rubbish.
While the effort is made to clean it up as much as possible, if you look closely enough you will see garbage thrown in different areas and there seems to be a lack of respect from some of the locals.
This is probably no different than other countries, but with this place being an attraction for tourists, it can be a little sore on the eyes.
I will be covering more on the downsides as I develop the site. But do not worry, it is nothing that should put you off visiting 🙂
Thanks
Chris
You made me think once again about the kind of life we are having here in the big city.
I got the impression that you enjoy your life very much and doing what ever you thought would do good to you.
So yes, i am asking the same question you said that every one asks you – how do you do that?:)
Hey Manor thanks for getting in touch!
You know, I just guess that the opportunity presented itself to me. Things just fell into place and all the green lights were on for me to be able to do it.
Sometimes it can be hard for people to make a change such as moving to another country and starting again. Life events can hinder this. Sometimes people do not want to leave family behind, other people see their careers as important. Maybe some have children which are at school, there are many reasons.
For me it all just happened, I will admit in many ways I am lucky, but sometimes you make your own luck too 🙂
Thanks Manor, I appreciate you asking me 🙂
Chris
Hi Chris
This is one of the most informative Websites I’ve ever seen. As we get older it seems we appreciate traveling to different destinations.
I would like to say that I want to go and visit the Island of Rhodes now that I’ve read about it and seen all of the great pictures that you have taken. I do have a friend that lives in Greece from High School and I will be sure to send him your Web address the next time I’m on Facebook.
Thank You for the Tour. I’m just starting my own Website. You’ve given me some insight as to how my site should be done and what a really professional site should look like.
Great Job!
Hey Jo and thanks so much for getting in touch with me.
I have always loved travel and was lucky enough in my younger days to get to visit places worldwide. Serving in the military has its advantages 🙂
Greece is indeed a beautiful place, and if you have a friend here, then why not make the most of it and arrange a visit? You only live once 🙂
It is great to learn that you are also in the process of doing something of your own online too. I am happy my information here has helped you out with regards to this!
Thanks Jo
Chris
Hi Chris, glad to hear that you have found your happiness on the island of Rhodes. I first knew about Rhodes from the chocolate that I take when having a stay-cation in a hotel.
From your post, I can realize that it takes a lot of courage to step out from your comfort zone and pursue a life in your dream place. What you said is true too – A place with beautiful scenery and beaches help to calm the mind down and make us think.
Hey there and thanks so much for getting in touch with me.
I know it can take a lot of courage to make a big change in our lives, especially when it comes to uprooting and leaving everything you know behind.
I think some people are lucky to be able to do it, just having the right moment, situation and timing, and others want to do it but things just do not fall right for them.
I guess it all comes down to the cards we are dealt with, but I know I do not regret any of it 🙂
Thanks and great to hear from you.
Chris