Poseidon Hotel Kamari

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 ...

... let out a shriek – I told myself it was in pure joy. Georgie followed shortly after and the three of them set off swimming toward the shore hoping to find the hot springs that were promised. As we waited on the boat we heard more shrieks and moans from the direction they had gone. At one point I thought I heard a blood-curdling scream, but it turned out to be a resident rooster.

After about ten minutes we saw them on their way back. They got back into ...

... 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 ...

... below. Very impressive to visit. The next day we decided to go out to the volcano to have a look. It was all dark rocks and we climbed up to the top of the volcano where it was really, really windy! Currently it is dormant and the last time it went off was in 1950. However, all the eruptions since 3,600 years ago have only been minor and so it is all good. Tomorrow we are off to Athens and then on to Istanbul the next day for our Turkey tour.

... at 3am nonetheless...one of the first flights out of the airport was to Barcelona at 3.20...wow...that's serious...anyway, we checked-in, got on the plane and were off...On the plane we ran into friends who were arriving for the wedding as well... we artrived in Santorini at 6.30am...the man from the hotel picked us up and drove us to the hotel...wow...it's gorgeous...the landscape, the topography, the blue waters, the white walls, and the caldera...amazing...when we ...

Once we finally arrived in Santorini, we marvelled at the port at the base of huge volcanic cliffs. You basically look straight up and see a road winding down it and a city perched upon the top of it. We took a bus to the main city of Thira and found our way to the campsite. The campsite in the city is very central but the city itself is a way from the beaches. We relaxed for the night and just had some dinner before retiring cause we ...

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A great view of the Caldera, and I can already imagine the night view of the Caldera.










After lunch we took a walk throughout the Thira area.
The ice creams and dessert selections blew us away!!







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And I have to take a picture of this ...

... until now was actually pretty impressive.
But overall, if you are not a person who appreciate ancient stuff, you won't enjoy it.
We were a little disappointed to see nothing but rocks.
Half way, we asked a couple who is on their way down, whether there is anything interesting up there. The man tell us there is some archaelogical site, and people were ...

... islands and buildings, it is mesmorising. A little solo time has allowed me to ponder a few things about Greece, and not surprisingly, the John gets a mention in my mind.... The Greek sewerage system is a mess. There are signs in virtually every toilet that say "Do Not Flush Paper". A small waste paper basket is supplied. Thankfully most have push button lids so everyone's business is hidden from view, so-to-speak. It is quite unusual and off ...