Santorini

Our day started off around 8 AM. We were tendered over to the island of Santorini, Greece in the town of Thira. When we landed at the dock, we had the option of taking a gondola or donkey up the 1500 feet track to the town center. We chose the gondola. Our good friends Ed and Melissa Godby suggested earlier in the week that we consider the trail to Oia. Oia or Ia is a small town on the South Aegean Sea. The trail is approximately 4.2 miles and was along the Cliffs of the island over a volcanic landscape.

So we took them up on this challenge. The 1st mile and a half was through an area that had carved out of rocks some of the most beautiful white stucco hotels with swimming pools. The trail at this point was like walking through old streets of antiquity. However after that first 40 minutes of walking, we began to greet the less populated area of the trail.

I would estimate that the trail dropped 700 feet over the next half mile. The cobblestone turned into volcanic gravel. Along the way you would find beautiful flowers, cactus, and the occasional befriending dog who followed us along the way. There was a certain area where the trail was right beside a drop off and caused you to take each step with precaution.

If you notice Elizabeth's left shoulder you will see a white Village. That was our destination. To the right of her shoulder you will see the mountain that we crossed to get there.

As we made our way down we could see in the distance the alabaster colored homes that seems so far away. But as we dropped 700 feet or so, we realized that we would have to go back up to breach the mountaintop. There were beautiful rock structures along the way and walls of lava that had harden from the last volcanic explosion that took place on this island.

When we reach the second peak we were able to look down into the city and see our destination ahead. By this point we were all tired...all 12 of us. Along the way, we would have to be careful because there were other friends who traveled on the same trail to get to the village. (See below)

 As we reach the small town, I noticed an executive helicopter flying over the island. I decided to get some photography of it as it was so close to us. There did not seem to be a helipad nearby but nevertheless this helicopter decided to land practically right on top of us. I yelled to the crowd "close your eyes and get behind the dumpsters". Unfortunately the dumpsters were the only thing that kept us from getting sandblasted by the helicopter. We were covered in grit, dirt, and the smell from the dumpsters was unbearable. So we walked on into the town...tired and hungry, our main goal was to find a restaurant, sit down re-hydrate and have a Greek  feast. We found just the place to eat that had the most incredible view of the sea. I had an incredible salad with balsamic vinegar dressing and a Greek pizza. For dessert I enjoyed a strong cup of espresso and a baklava that was homemade and delicious.

Our eight hour experience in Santorini has only wet my appetite for this quaint village. I'm ready to come back. Am I tired? absolutely! Am I taken by this island, Absolutely!