Conclusion

For now, this concludes my guide. I am at back home with my wife Penelope and son Telemachus. I am very much glad to be back home, as twenty years (the war + the journey back) is a very long time to be away from family. However, whenever I think about my journey back, I (as well as my colleagues of whom are all now dead) made so many mistakes that could have easily been avoided, and made my journey home significantly shorter and with less lives lost. As I previously stated, this is the reason I chose to write this guide. To warn any others who may be travelling across the Mediterranean and you are in need of assistance, food or a place to stay where to go and where to avoid at any cost. Because while as a fellow Ancient Greek you too would agree with our society's belief in the importance of our hospitality, something that we in Ithaca pride ourselves on, unfortunately not every mortal and immortal being/colony follows these same ideals. Whether they try to eat you or refuse to let you leave, not all beings will give you the same level of service.
Hope this guide will be (or is) useful in helping you understand the places to go and the places to avoid in the beautiful, yet very dangerous, Mediterranean Sea.

Odysseus

Scheria

Summary

I myself turned up with nothing at all, but had everything provided. The service was at the pinnacle of a civilized Ancient Greek society, and couldn't be faulted. The feasts were good too. And I was given many gifts for the final length of my journey back to Ithaca. In terms of the best place to stay in the Mediterranean, it is ultimately between Scheria and Aiola. Most other places I would probably avoid if you can (for more information, view my previous entries).
This was the final place I stayed on my way back from Ithaca, and had it not been for the fact that it had been a very long ten years since I had last seen my dear Penelope (or my son Telemachus), I would happily have happily stayed for a bit longer.

Travelling Advice

Nothing to say in terms of warnings. Service there is some of the best. If you don't have something, they will supply it, as would be expected in any civilized Ancient Greek service. Although, as nice as the Phaecians are, some of the people there can be slightly xenophobic, and may harass you when you arrive (unless you have Athena assisting you of course). That is the only downside though.

Overall Score

Service: 10- They gave me all that I needed: food, clothing, shelter, supplies. Here is a real example of how Ancient Greek hospitality should be. There is also many activities to do while you are there, including traditional greek competition events (I wiped the competition in the Discus by the way).

Food: 9- Many spectacular feasts and entertainment provided

Rooms: 8

Overall Score: 27/30

Ogygia

Calypso: Hopefully she
won't become as attached to
you during your visit

Summary

By this stage of my journey I was travelling solo, as the other were...well, dead. Ogygia, like Aeaea was the location of another nymph, Calypso. While she may not be as mischievous as Circe, if she does take a liking to you, as I found out, she is even less likely to let you go. If your as unfortunate as I was, she may even make you her husband and try to keep you there with her forever. 

Travelling Advice

Ultimately, you should be fine as long as she doesn't fall in love with you. As with Circe, she is a nymph, so you must be careful not to get on bad terms. However, try not to get on too good terms either. The trick with Calypso is to find the balance. Or to at least get gods like Athena on your side for in case things go the same way they did for me. 

I know that for me, her and Circe were the reason my journey took ten years (they combined took up 80% of it!), so if you're in a rush, then Ogygia may not be the place for you. If however, you are searching for permenant residence and immortality, then I would suggest you consider it.

Overall Score

Service: 5- Saved my life. Unfortunately she then imprisoned me there for seven years until Hermes sent a message of warning from Zeus, thanks to Athena. Hopefully you won't have the same trouble during your stay. She did give me supplies and helped me build a raft too, though only because she had to.

Food: 8- The food was very good. I'm not going to lie.

Rooms: 8- The accommodation itself wasn't a problem. Would rather have not spent seven years there though.

Overall: 21/30


References

http://dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Calypso3.jpg

Thrinacia

Summary

The island is not very easy to get to, and is dangerously close to two of the most fearsome monsters in the Mediterranean: Scylla and Charybdis, of whom I have had disastrous encounters.

Also, wind conditions are not always favorable, and it is easy to be trapped for longer than you intended to stay for.

I myself had not planned on staying here, as I had received fairly negative feedback about the place before passing it, however my colleagues insisted on seeking temporary accommodation. Big mistake. 

And the cattle here belongs to the sun god. As a result, they are immortal and not for consumption. 

Charydbis: One of the monsters to be sure to avoid on the
way to and from Thrinacia

So, here is the second thing I have learnt when travelling abroad with fellow colleagues. Don't sleep. You must keep an eye on them at all times.

Travelling Advice

Don't eat the cattle. Even if you are about to die of starvation, don't eat the cattle. If you do choose to stay here, then I beg you listen to my advice better than my colleagues did. 

Overall Score

A painting of the World's most
sacred cattle

Service: 1- I'm sure the shepherds are more friendly if you don't eat the cattle, but this island is ultimately not the best place to stay. There just isn't anything worth doing other than looking at sacred cattle.

Food: 2- The cattle tastes good...

Rooms: 0- It really is just a cattle farm for the gods. Not much in terms of rooms here.

Overall Score: 3/30

References

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/1/15659/4158866-charybdis-percy_jackson-sea_of_monsters-concept_art_by_sebastian_meyers-mouth.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tEFmP.jpg

Aeaea

Summary

Nymph: Circe

Admittedly I did have my doubts initially. The Landlady Circe (don't how she would react to being referred to that way) did turn many of my colleagues into pigs after all. However, this is one of the best accommodation sites in the Mediterranean. Leaving can be a bit of a challenge though. And getting her to welcome you as her guest involves a long and complicated process.

Travelling Advice

The Landlady, Circe, is a very difficult person to deal with. Unless you are prepared to avoid her magic, this is not the safest place to stay. I will give you advice, but it would be wiser to speak to Hermes for all the instructions in better detail. You will need a magic herb, Moly. This will prevent her spells and potions from working. Then you must make her swear the great oath of the Blessed Ones to plot no mischief thenceforward. After that you should be fine to enjoy being a guest on Aeaea. Then you must sleep with her.
Probably a place to avoid if you're on your honeymoon. 

Overall Score

Service: 7 - Can vary depending on how much she likes/hates you. Keep on friendly terms, and service is a 10, but get on her bad side, and things can go downhill speedily. Plus, it can be very difficult to leave, even if she isn't as difficult as Calypso. 

Food: 8- Brilliant food as you would expect from someone of Circe's status

Rooms: 10- Again, a palace for an immortal. You wouldn't expect any less really. 

Overall Score: 25/30

References

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Film/Circe.jpg

Telepylos

Summary

Following a few nights at the Island of the Cyclopes, I didn't think I would find a single place in the entire universe that would give worse service to their guests. It certainly seemed so, until I met the Laistrygones of Telephylos.

Polyphemus certainly, on reflection, was reasonably civilized by comparison. He only ate four of my crew members. The Laistrygones, on the other hand, ate an entire fleet. Not only that, but they also obliterated all but one of our ships. This is definitely the worst service I have come across in my lifetime. I believe I can safely say we received better from the Trojans even while we were at war with them.

Ultimately, of all the things I have learnt in my ten year travel to Ithaca, perhaps the most important is never take accommodation anywhere owned by Poseidon's children.

Travelling Advice

Quite simple really. Don't go. As I said above, if it belongs to or is owned by any relation of Poseidon, especially his children, avoid like the plague. Poseidon's children are all monsters (Please don't tell him I said that).

Overall Score

Laestrygonians. Avoid at all costs

Service: 0/10- They killed almost all my colleagues. Don't trust them to take care of your ship either. I feel bad about giving Polyphemus' service a zero now. 

Food: 0/10- We were the main course. Need I say more?

Rooms: 0/10- Didn't get to try them. We were chased off the island not long after arrival

Overall Score: 0/30

References

https://teamegyptwiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/laestrygonians.jpg/74165825/351x281/laestrygonians.jpg

Aiola

Summary

A huge improvement from my previous encounters. I was quite relieved actually. I was beginning to think there was no civilized life out past the Greek horizon at all. The island of Aiola is owned by Aeolus, who is also a god and the King of the Winds.

Aeolus: King of the Winds

Not only did Aeolus and all those in his palace provide amazing service, but the feasts were better than anything I have had.
It truly was an amazing place to stay.
He even was willing (the first time) to assist me in getting me and my crew back to Ithaca. And his assistance almost got me there nine years earlier than I actually did. And with all crew members, not just myself.
Pity I'm not allowed back there anymore...

Aeolus is always willing to help.
Just make sure not to get him
angry with you

Travelling Advice

Aeolus is always willing to help you, but if you anger him you will likely receive a permanent ban, as my colleagues and I found out the hard way. Keep this in mind, and you'll have nothing else to worry about while in his company. If you do pass, I would suggest you stop by. You won't any service as good as theirs from the other islands nearby. This was definitely among the best, if not the best, place in which I stayed on my way back to Ithaca. 

Overall Score

Service: 9- Typical of a civilized society. Aeolus and his wife and children are very friendly. 

Food: 10- Throughout the daytime while I was there, the hall was rich with savoury smells murmurous with the sound of music. There are feasts every day here. If you love your food, then the hospitality here is better than you could ever imagine. 

Rooms: 10- The rooms were exquisite. This was a palace, after all. 

Overall Score: 29/30

References

http://wp-blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/english8/files/2014/04/RTdeBnGT9.gif
http://www.fantastique-arts.com/photos/5740.jpg

Island of the Cyclopses

Summary

Supposedly a portrait a Polyphemus

In one word, dreadful. The service here was very poor. The landlord Polyphemus was not in any way civilized, and his treatment of guests is clearly not up to scratch with widely accepted civilized Greek standards. 

The door to our room was blocked, so we never got to enjoy any of the sights on the island. I came here with work colleagues who I had recently fought alongside at Troy. By the time we had left, Polyphemus had eaten four of them. 

I understand that Polyphemus is a Cyclops, and as a result, not a civilized member of society, but I still expected much better service than I received. It is even worse here than with the lotus-eaters.

Travel Advice

Avoid if you can. If you travel for just a few days longer, you will reach islands with much more reasonable folk. Only go there is there is no other choice (meaning a life or death situation). 

If you must go there, be sure to take with you a wooden spike and lots of alcohol. And when checking in, don't give your real name.

The Accommodation: A Cave

Overall Score

Service: 0/10- Very poor. Four members of my crew were eaten, and if it weren't for my actions, many more would have perished. The cyclopes here are even worse than the Trojans.

Food: 1/10- Unless you are willing to slay a sheep yourself, there is very little here. Don't expect to be fed while you are there. It is far more likely that you'll be the one feeding the cyclopes.

Rooms: 1/10- Very poorly maintained caves. You'll likely be sharing one room between a large number of guests, the giant Polyphemus himself and his many sheep. Sleeping on concrete isn't the most comfortable experience in my life either. 

The Landlord/Caretaker
Polyphemus

Overall Score: 2/30

In one word, dreadful. The service here was very poor. The landlord Polyphemus was not in any way civilized, and his treatment of guests is clearly not up to scratch with widely accepted civilized Greek standards. 

The door to our room was blocked, so we never got to enjoy any of the sights on the island. I came here with work colleagues who I had recently fought alongside at Troy. By the time we had left, Polyphemus had eaten four of them. 

I understand that Polyphemus is a Cyclops, and as a result, not a civilized member of society, but I still expected much better service than I received. It is even worse here than with the lotus-eaters.

Image References

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/13/e9/ee/cave-of-polyphemus.jpg

http://coldmountainmimesis.drupalgardens.com/sites/g/files/g529152/f/styles/large/public/Cyclops-odyssey.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Polyphemus.gif

Land of the Lotus-Eaters

Summary

There is no denying that the Lotus-Eaters themselves are very friendly people. However, the island is strongly plagued by Lotus plants which are all the islanders eat. Eating this fruit makes you very drowsy, and also prevents you from leaving, or at least wanting to. It is essentially a very addictive depressive substance, and very dangerous.
This was my first stop after the battle at Troy (which we won by the way), so I was a little disappointed. Hopefully the next stop will be more welcoming.

A Lotus Flower: The flowers are
pretty. It's the fruit you need to
watch out for

Travel Advice

While the Lotus-Eaters themselves are themselves friendly people, unfortunately accommodation here I would very strongly recommend you avoid unless you are already planning to move in permanently. If you ensure that you don't eat any of the lotus fruit, then you should be safe, but as no other food is on offer here, you wouldn't want to stay any longer than one night unless you bring your own food. 

Overall Score

Service: 2- While the staff are undeniably lovely people, they are very drowsy and not always helpful in terms of their service towards the hospitality of their guests. They strongly encourage the use of strongly addictive substances that should be avoided at all costs. It is very likely that had these fruit been known in a civilized society such as Athens, they would be banned. 

This is what the Lotus Fruit
looks like. If you try one, don't
say I didn't warn you

Food: 1- Only Lotus Fruit is available which, as I mentioned earlier, should not be consumed. As a result of the dazed and drowsy state of the lotus-eaters, no food is ever prepared for a guest, and the only offerings are in the form of these dangerous fruits. 

Rooms: 3- Not in a very good condition, due to the lotus-eater's lack of ability to function as a civilized society. The area is very pretty, but the rooms clearly have not been cleaned in a very long time. The effects of this fruit is very disturbing as I do believe that the lotus-eaters do have the potential to be very good in terms of their ability to provide service to travelers, if only they could rid their addiction to the lotus fruits. 

Overall Score: 6/30

Image References

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Sacred_lotus_Nelumbo_nucifera.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Nelumbo_Nucifera_fruit_-_botanic_garden_Adelaide.jpg

Introduction

Greetings to those reading. As a fellow Ancient Greek, I'm sure that you will agree with me that one of the most important things in a civilized Greek society is our hospitality. It is an expectation that if you are civilized, you will be hospitable to anyone who needs food or shelter.

Unfortunately, not all around the Mediterranean appear to share this view of the importance of one's hospitality. This is the reason for this blog. If you are travelling by sea and need somewhere to stay, then my guide will be useful to assist you in where to stay, and where not to stay.

These are places where I found myself seeking accommodation as I attempted to make my way back to Ithaca after a long war at Troy. Some of the societies where I stayed were very civil, and not only gave me the shelter and food that I and my fellow colleagues who too had fought at Troy needed, but even assisted in my journey back home. Others however were not so civil. Some were too busy eating lotus fruits which made them drowsy, while others tried to eat you while you stayed, and some seemed too keen on you to stay longer than you booked for.

I believe that in reading about these places you may avoid making the same mistakes that I and my colleagues did (which ultimately resulting in them all dying by the way). I have included my own personal story and experience at each of these locations, as well as advice to anyone still keen to travel in those places I suggest you avoid, and a section where I have rated each place /10 based on the rooms provided, the food provided and the quality of their service as well as an overall score /30.

I hope this information will come in helpful to you, should you find yourself suffering from fatigue or hunger pangs while on a long journey through the treacherous Mediterranean Sea.

Odysseus