Orizontes Santorini

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 ...

... our private balcony overlooking the caldera and watched the morning unfold as I ate a sumptuous breakfast – fresh juice, toasted sandwich, Greek yoghurt with honey, coffee, toast and cake.

Next Jess had organised a trip to the volcanic island on the caldera, followed by a swim in the hot springs. The cruise involves taking a beautiful wooden sailing ship from the old port at the bottom of the cliff. We decided that the best idea would be to walk down so ...

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 ...

... on and around the Island.

We quickly got our stuff together and went to the meeting place where we were to be picked up. a short drive later we were at the boat port awaiting our boat to the volcanic island. So funnily enough there were a group of aussies hanging around discussing what they were going to do next as the boat to Mykonos they were supposed to be on had been cancelled. You'll never guess who was part of that group.....Rex Hunt!! you come all the way ...

... on the island. So, we headed into town with camera and tripod to see what we’d see and ended up finding some streets we hadn’t seen yet, taking some interesting pictures and getting really hot in the process.

If you’re not in the shade or water during mid day and the wind is not close to hurricane blowing it’s too hot. After stumbling our way through the streets in a daze we ...

... that the Minoan city on Santorini was the fabled Atlantis and that it was the volcanic eruption of 1550BC that destroyed Atlantis. While that is not very likely, it is true that the eruption destroyed the Minoan civilization, and the resulting giant Tsunami wiped out most of their colonies along the Mediterranean.

Since 1550 BC the volcano has had a few minor eruptions. The last one occurring in the early 1950s and was followed by a terrible earthquake in 1956 that once again leveled ...

... hugs and the associated emotions, we went to Tim Horton’s for an iced capp. I know it’s super stereotypical, but actually my family wanted one more than I did! Anyone who comes to visit me, we’ll get you an iced capp, or at least something from Tim Horton’s.

We then stopped to listen to the end of the hockey game before heading home. The drive went by really quickly, and it was amazing to see Canadian scenery again. Green fields, cows, open spaces, road ...

... the entire crescent shape of the island and all the cluster of cities throughout it. The way down though was even more of an adventure than the way up. The flip flops held up pretty well walking up, but the downward slope and complete lack of traction on my sandals made the way down quite and interesting and scary experience. Ok Mom, I know right now you are probably yelling at me saying "how many times do I have to tell you to wear better shoes and stop using those flip ...

... Bluewaves hotel to Hotel Keti. We were there a bit early, and the room wasn't ready yet. Anyway, we left our luggage with the hotel and off we go to find something to eat.
Now, this might sound simple, but I'm already dreading the return journey. Hotel Keti is situated quite far down. And I have to push our luggage all the way down. And you probably have guessed ...