1864 The Sea Captain's House Oia

... time to chat with the locals they told us how lucky we were to be visiting at this time of the year, how much nicer it is when it is quiet. As one shopkeeper told us 'Now you can see the real Santorini’

We had one last stroll around the laneways overlooking the caldera, one last meal at the excellent Pelican cafe and one last ice cream from our favourite sweet shop and one last soak in the Jacuzzi.

Ah Santorini, thank you for sharing your beauty with us.

... we could say we had done it and then take the cable car back up – it is 300 meters of sheer cliff after all.

We started out walking through the narrow alleys of Fira town, heading downwards. On the way we had to squeeze past donkeys that were working for a living, carry the building rubbish away from a worksite where some renovation work was being done. The donkeys are loyal workers and are decorated with bells and beads, so you can hear them as they ...

... we headed to Pyrgos and from here up to the highest point on Santorini – the Monastery of Prophet Ilias. the view from here appears to go forever. My main observation after our strenuous day of walking the day before was that climbing mountains is easier in a car.

Continuing our exploration we went back down the mountain then around a bit to Kamari Beach where we promptly headed back up the same mountain we had just come down from, but this time on the other ...

... the time we made it to Oia. Sadly, Oia was virtually shut down. It was a shame to see what is clearly a beautiful village present itself as a virtual ghost town. We eventually found one place where we could eat and we relaxed with a wine to distract us from the pain our feet were feeling. Unfortunately the famed sunset did not happen due to some low lying cloud. We’ll try again another day...

The next bus back to Fira was nearly an hour away so we called a taxi to take us home.

... We brought him an afro wig and made him put it on. At this point he's waking up and laughing, but still does not realize the shirt thing. Someone is filming the whole thing. When he starts to open his presents he gets to the shirt, opens it up, holds it up and he's like Whazzuppppp and looks around and you can see his face/eyes as he finally Sees what we all have on. He is now laughing at himself and all of us. Pool ...

... The actual beach was quite interesting too - the black sand was SO hot it was absolutely impossible to walk barefoot. You have to wear your flip flops to the waters edge and then leave them there, or else you will burn!!! Once inside the water, I was anxious to jump in, as it was nice and cool.....but after my first step I felt like I was ice skating! Underneath the water it was one, big smooth rock! And it was SUPER slippery! It was hilarious watching ...

... Moussaka, squids!
















After lunch, we finally get to see the hotel room. Hotel Keti is the best hotel throughout our honeymoon! Best value for money and best view from the room!
You musn't miss the fantastic view of the hotel which I've captured in video!







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On our 2nd day at Santorini, we make our way up to the Ancient Thira. I'm sure glad I rented the Smart Car!









Just look at how winding the road is!














Ancient Thira was actually built more than 1000 years ago. And see, their ability to create the house like this and it ...

... ever been to. The streets are lined with shops selling things that say Santorini but were made in Taiwan. The stores are operated by Australians and Americans rather than locals and you have to try hard to hear any Greek being spoken. There are a bizillion bars where I imagine tourists get really wasted. I'm glad I went down and looked, but I'm also incredibly happy that I didn't stay there. I have two minutes left of internet time. Today I am headed off to Paros ...

We climbed up the stairs to the village of Fira. It was 583 steps up. Our options were gondola, donkey or thigh muscles. Having eaten our way through 2 Greek islands already, we chose the climb.The hardest part was dodging the donkey doo. There certainly were a lot of shopping options, but how many t-shirts does one need? (you softball players need not answer that one)We had an amazing lunch overlooking the sea. CG's tuna sandwich was REAL tuna. I decided to let CG (the map maker) be in ...