Nissos Ios Hotel

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 ...

... the fellow said ‘OK – here is hot springs’ and he waved his had vaguely towards the shore’. ‘But how do we get to them?’ ‘You swim’. Yes, through the icy sea water to the shore. This was not part of the plan. The girls got into their swimming costume and Heath stripped off to his boxers and there followed much angst from all parties about whether to brave the conditions.

Of course, as the responsible father I ...

We had previously made some enquiries in the town about hiring a car and found one for just 20 Euros per day –what a bargain! So after a leisurely breakfast in front of the endless caldera view we headed off to hire the car. We started out for Akrotiri, the ancient village that was buried by ash thousands of years ago. Unfortunately it was closed and had been for some time following a roof collapse that killed a tourist. I was kind-of glad that it was closed if the ...

... because we walked slowly, took breaks and lots of photos. At times the route is on a cobbled path and at times it’s just a goat track. It climbs up and down and skirts the cliff edge at all times. It really is something to experience. Along the route are dotted a series of picture-perfect chapels. I was disappointed to find them locked though.

Although the walk is only 12 km, its climbs and descents make it very challenging, at least for us and we were completely buggered ...

... and regardless of
the captivating beauty of the seascape or the dolphins escorting us
along our journey - my stomach has been none too happy!

We're on
shore now and spent the day exploring the cliff side villages, shops,
beaches, rugged beautiful cliffscapes and all the magic this land has
to offer. The wind has actually kept us here for an extra day - but I
can think of worse places to be "stuck" !

I'm in ...

... mud did, but I got covered head to toe anyway. The second night in Santorini was romantic, as the tour guide took us to the town of Oia to watch a really nice sunset and eat a home made Greek salad and other snacks. Met a few more Aussies who were from Tasmania and Canberra. And now I'm on what's called the "party island" so not sure really what to expect yet, but so far it has the nicest beach out of the four islands, I think.

... a while and seeing someone different looking back at you. I don't even recognize myself anymore. I have a tan!!! I don't even need makeup or need to do my hair, it's the perfect lifestyle. So I have only 7 more days in Greece left. I just counted oh man, I don't want it to end!!! On that note, I am off. You might here from me again in Ios, if I don't end up leaving before the 3rd. Hope all is well back home and that you are getting at least half as good weather as I am here!

... com to find out if you're interested. Lucerne is one of those places where you show up and get off the train and get this little feeling. almost goosebumps, that just says "this feels about right." It's beautiful, small(er), with great people and has been my favorite place so far. My Couchsurfing hosts Valeria and Basil were fantastic, with a great flate with a rooftop terrace which ate dinner on at night after ...

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We were too tired to climb up the journey, so we took the cable car instead.


















These are some of the fine art works on displayed. I was tempted to try to put on the life size Leonidas helmet :p








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Best part, lunch ...

... for as long as you can handle the partying. Because if you were't going out for dinner you could easily live on 20 euro a day with 5 euro accommodation. I suspect he was a few years younger than us though and had a bit more energy for the partying every night. We on the other hand are hanging out by the pool today recovering. One more night in Ios for us and then its off to Naxos. So until then Yassas!