Fast-forwarding 2 days… I’m now in stunning Santorini! Just got here this morning. As a youngster I read about Minoan culture and seeing photographs of the Cycladic islands and remember I was absolutely enthralled. The iconic Greek colours of stark white and intense cyan blue remained in the deep recesses of my mind. Finally, I am here to realise this childhood dream!
Someone once asked: You like islands?
Me: Huh? (perplexed, taken by surprise)
Someone: Your holidays is always on an island, no?
Me: Oh, yeah. Indeed. (I had not realised it until someone brought it to my attention)
Well, this island is almost like no other. It’s an active volcano! Below is an illustration of Santorini before and after the catastrophic explosion. On right is Santorini of present day.
I walked step by step, all the way down to the water to reach my lunch spot. About 300 metres below. Many donkeys and horses stand hopelessly in the scorching sun. They seem miserable. Sadz! As long as there are tourists who don’t want to walk the business of using the animals will go on.
The steps. Hairpin turns zigzaging the caldera all the way down. So many women wear flimsy, “fashionable” sandals or beach flip-flops walking around. The stones are a bit slippery and I have hiking shoes. No wonder they have to hire a donkey or horse.
Made it to the water level. Very normal to see octopuses being dried in the sun.
That was my table but had to flee straight away. The women at the next table reeked of perfume that triggered my allergies.
A perfect day is a day in Greece. Preferably on an island somewhere.
I will be eating grilled squid very often in the next 7 days.
Grilled bream for the partner. I can’t remember if it was bream or sea bass, but I think it’s bream.
The receipt should state what fish it was. Btw, there are few extraordinary expensive places in Greece and Santorini is one of them. I only remember those places being Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and another island (not in the Cyclades).
It’s so hot here (30C), the plants love it. My lodging is around the corner.
Will return to Crete in a week’s time. Here’s a map of locations of Crete and Santorini. 2 hours away by ferry
Business class level. I was one of the first to board and had the opportunity to make some photos before the entire boat was packed. That’s my rucksack.
Sunrise departure
Standard/economy class below
