Sunday 11 June 2017 Santorini
Work up this morning as we’re heading into to caldera of Santorini. From down at sea level it looks as if there are clouds or snow on the crest of the caldera. But it is the bright white houses of the villages of Santorini.
As the Harmony G moves closer to docking it starts to become obvious this going to be a special place. The cliffs of the caldera dominate the view, with very little vegetation on this side and the variety of colours of geology from the many eruptions of the past.
Arriving at the dock it’s very quiet at the moment with no other boats in as yet. We’re given a choice, ride a donkey or walk up the cliff path or take the cable car for €6 per person each way. Clearly we took the cable car. From here you get the amazing first views of the caldera.
Once at the top you are going to need sunglasses, the building are so white it’s difficult to look at anything without sunnies. Our guide ,Stella from the boat, guides us through the main streets of Thira towards the tour bus. I’m looking out our route and it’s all been downhill and I know Dea’s going to have a lot of difficulty getting back, but thats for later.
The bus takes us to Oia, the village at the north end of the island. This where the blue dome houses are that you see in all the tour guides and travel shows. Although making for great photos it’s a little disappointing as there is only 3 or 4 of these domes. Dea decided to stay at the drop off point with one of the other ladies while I went off and walk to the very northern tip of the island. Some amazing sites as well as a wedding photo session.
After a long walk and some wonderful sights it’s back to the meeting point and Dea.
Back on the bus and off to the other end of the island, Akrotiri, the Greek Pompeii. I’m finding our guide, a fine Santorini girl, very annoying. She wont stop talking and she treating us like primary school children. She’s very proud of being Greek and Santorini but she needs to stop and let us take it all in for a while.
Arriving at Akrotiri, Dea decides to sit this one out, not her thing and she done too much walking already. The site is well preserved and I’m sure in 50 years this will be a great attraction but right now it’s just a bunch of lined up rocks, I was a little disappointed.
After Akrotiri, and back to Thira on the bus. We’ve got about 2 hours to ourselves. This is where I knew Dea was going to struggle. Stella was concerned as well, she showed us an easier route back to the cable car. It was still uphill all the way if not as steep as the original. After many stops including lunch and coffee and cake we made it back to the cable car with plenty of time left. Spent about half hour at the cafe before catching the cable car down to meet our tender at 4.
Back on the boat and a seafood dinner tonight. Early to bed.
I’m beginning to think we might coming home after the Greek tour as Dea’s back is getting worse and she is in a great deal of pain. The strong painkillers are running out. Maybe she will sleep well tonight.
Crete tomorrow.