Santorini is actually a series of islands that were formed as the result of a volcano that first formed and erupted then eroded back down into a ring of islands around a single island that possibly was the core. We explored that core today on a hiking tour.
First we transferred to the tenders, this time we had to use the 'Greek Boatman's Union' tenders, the ship cannot operate their own here! Then we popped onto a very picturesque well maintained Greek sailing ship for our tour to the 'volcano island', as they call it.
It was great to see the sun again, the blue sky was what we were all hoping for today. It was a little cloudy in the morning but cleared continuously all day long. After the boat ride to the volcano island, some energetic members of the tour took a swim. Fellette and Jim were brave enough to jump off the boat and swim to the area that was touted as 'hot thermal water'.
From what we could make out from the survivors of this swim whose teeth were chattering so much on their return, the water was less than hot and it was stratified so that a thin layer of luke warm water was the result of this somewhat arduous swim. By the end of the day the 50 meter swim to this tepid bath had grown to a one mile swim through frigid waters. Nine swimmers went in, taunted by the remaining 26 fully clothed sun worshippers enjoying the warmth and typically Grecian vistas that were all around us. It was great.
Next we returned to the small boat harbour near the pathway that zigzags up to the village at the top. That was our destination for some browsing and an attempt to find a suitable place to enjoy a bit of Greek cooking. Our stroll through the village was absolutely all you can ever expect to imagine, it is like walking through a series of the most beautiful scenic post cards you could imagine.
That image is burned in our mind forever, bright sun, blue sky, narrow alleys, all clean and crisp. Every few meters there is a little branch off to the left or right that leads either to an inviting courtyard or set of shops that look so interesting.
The pressure that we had in other countries from the shop owners to purchase or look at their wares was enough to rush you out of the shops. Not so here, leisurely browsing, friendly English-speaking and so polite.
I suppose that there are some that think that Santorini is too touristy and would rather be walking through a Greek fisherman's village where they do not get visitors. God bless those people. I prefer the Greece we had yesterday.
Whilst strolling through the village I spotted two familiar faces, Moe and Barb, browsing. I surprised them and took a quick photo, unfortunately I pushed the shutter a bit fast inasmuch as Moe still had her 'surprise' look that had not yet turned to a big grin. Sorry Moe.
Barb was enthralled to be here because her and husband Garth honeymooned here two and a half decades earlier. At this writing Garth is at home, [we hope] looking after daughters Ali and Maurissa plus an exchange student. I probably should say that the girls are looking after Garth, because Ali will have assumed Barb's role at home.
The Cutler's and Robins had a memorable lunch, and all too soon it was time to return to the ship.
We took a pass on the donkey ride down today, pressures of time unfortunately.
Fellette and I skipped dinner and retired to the cabin as we pulled up anchor and headed in the direction of Venice, 43 hours north.
the two pictures of the village up in the hills look like paintings - how beautiful. I think I would love Greece.
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