Margarita Studio Apts Oia

Our relaxed schedule meant that we had one last day to enjoy what Fira could offer. We visited the museum that houses the finds from Akrotiri – lots of pottery and some interesting wall paintings. A small gold animal figurine was particularly impressive. The museum is modern and well displayed, but as we were the only visitors there we didn't really enjoy the personal security supervision that followed us from exhibit to exhibit like a distrustful overseer.

As we ...

... their trade.

We reached the main path down – a cobbled path that zig-zags its way ever downward. For the first 500 steps or so I thought it was a bit of a lark, but as we got further and further down my legs started to turn to jelly. My knees were shaking and my calf muscles were crying in pain. But we made it with enough time to take a stroll around the old port.

Apart from the four of us there was only one other couple on the trip, and 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 ...

There are simple ways of getting to Oia (or Ia as it is also know and how you pronounce it), such as bus, taxi or hire car. But who needs simple? I had read as part of my research about the wonderful walk between Fira and Oia and I thought we'd give it a try. Loading up the backpack with some supplies (but forgetting water of all things) we set off through the town of Fira which seamlessly turns into Firostafani. Along the way there are so many photo opportunities to get pretty pictures of ...

... We also ran into Sean, uncomfortably. He was most embarrassed about the night before and tried to make it up by insisting we stay with him when we go to New Castle. Lindsey and Brittany are all about the free accomodation, but Sarah is not ready to meet his parents.

We then went back to Micheal's for Mojitos. We were yelled at by his unhappy neighbors, because we were being too loud and they had a big day of drinking ahead of them. Note, the party they were going to did ...

... the whole experience. To be honest, i enjoyed watching the sunset from our restaurant the night before better. But it was an experience! We got back into town at about 9.30pm and a few of us headed for the bus station as we were going to a town on the other side of the island to see the new Sex and the City movie. it was shown in english with Greek subtitiles, this is one of the first things i have watched since i have been in Greece as everything on tv is in greek ...

... some breathtaking sunset shots. Today we did not stay for sunset but will be back for many opportunities during our stay here. Oia is unique because it is on a black volcano with the high contrasting white and blue buildings against the dark lava background and the Aegean Sea of blue-green water, making this a very majestic place! We wandered for many hours and it was particularly hot today so stopped a lot for drinks. We were pleasantly ...

... all the same, starting out the day with a donkey ride up from the old port below Thira. Mayu's donkey took off at full throttle once she hopped on, which just about scared the wits out of her. Mine was a little speedy too, but I just hung on and enjoyed the ride. Not the most fragrant of rides though: the whole pathway was lined with donkey manure. Good fun in any case. Then as soon as we dismounted at the top, Mayu's donkey let out the loudest, longest **** I've ever ...

... ll be able to procreate any further.
Look at the amount of mule waiting for us!!








We decided against riding it down, but we want to take a picture of us riding the mule.











This is how Ai Ling look like at the beginning of the journey, and this is how I look like half way ...