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Published: November 8th 2008
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Accommodations
Lovely flowers framing our 'villa.' It is said you cannot visit Greece without exploring an island or two. As it was off season, we were unsure if it would even be possible. However, after thoroughly discussing our options with some locals, we were assured that the island of Santorini and its touristic venues would all still be open, and that we'd have a good time and it would be the best option out of all the islands. (So much for Ewa's dream of visiting the 'gay' island of Mykonos, known for its clubbing vibrant nightlife!) Off we went...
We took the ferry from Athens arriving at approximately 2am in the morning with no where to go and no plan. We had met two doctors from France on the ferry who had made last minute reservations at one of the island's hostels therefore, we were confident that there would still be vacancies available for us. Upon disembarking from the ferry, a swarm of hotel and hostel owners surrounded us, waving brochures, all promising the best accommodations for the best price. In the end we settled with a five star resort, free transportation to and from the port, and all for the reasonable rate of 10 euros
Accommodations
Ewa taking full advantage of the pool!
*So refreshing...you don't know what ya'll are missing. a night in the town of Perissa. (Apparently, there are advantages to travelling during the off season).
Our accommodation's were gorgeous! A private suite with a mini fridge and balcony, swimming pool (equipped with bar), and most importantly, a TV with CNN (What is going on? We turn on the news and the first thing we hear (in English) is USA in desperate need of a financial bailout that is being voted on. Why is the USA in such desperate need for a financial bailout? Where have we been?). Nevertheless, after having a short nap (clearly we were not too concerned about the economic situation in the US as we slept like babies), we woke up, refreshed and ready to explore the island. First was the famous Black Beach (Kamari) where the sand really was black! We walked on this black pebble sand (a bit tough on the feet and not easy to walk on as it resembled 'quick sand'), watching the waves roll in and out, being mesmerized for hours. Later taking a few moments to enjoy the local shops along the boardwalk and then drinking a latte while enjoying an amazing view of the Aegean Sea. Being
Black Beach
We were thinking of sending this photo in to Hallmark, perhaps being placed under the category of 'wishing you were here.' What do you think? the off season, the area was almost deserted -it was perfect and entirely our style! The only interruption was the occasional noisy quad disrupting our peace and quiet. The quads are the preferred means of transportation for the island locals and can be rented for 10 euros a day (we passed).
Night life on the island was mellow, however, after many days of travel we felt the need to put on our dancing shoes and go out one night. The night was a success, we had a few drinks, a few dances, great conversation, as well as making a few friends. One local even invited us out for a steak dinner at his restaurant the following evening, we accepted, but only after Jill confirmed that the restaurant was prepared to serve a Canadian Health Inspector, which he was confident his restaurant would pass with flying colours.
On our trip we have learnt that a 'Boat Tour' looks and sounds a lot better in a brochure as opposed to when you are actually aboard the ship; rocking, and rolling, and more rolling and more rocking with the waves. No matter where and in what position you sit on the
Black Beach
Our feet [who's is who?]; an effort to highlight the contrast between our pasty white skin and the black pebbles. ship (whether you are sitting, standing or lying down) there is no avoiding the rocking and rolling. However, after being enticed with volcanoes, hot springs, and a view of the sunset, we temporarily misplaced our judgment and signed up. It was all that we expected. The boat was horrendous, the hot springs (Palia Kameni) were not hot enough (turning Jill's skin orange- apparently the sand at the bottom of the hot springs (altho orange) is the same sand used in spas for a high priced mud bath; this was all it took before Jill was rubbing it all over her arms), and the volcano (Nea Kameni) was an experience of its own. As we hiked to the top of the volcano we had time to think back and ponder a time where the rocks below our feet were once red hot lava. To think that this natural phenomenon can not be stopped nor controlled by humans then nor now, is one concept that is still a bit hard to grasp. We both also noticed that the hike lacked the typical safety precautions that would be seen in Canada, such as 'watch your step, watch for falling rocks, stay away from
Black Beach
Our view, while we sat and chatted about life and all it has to offer. the edge as the ground could unexpectedly break away' and of course, the general guard rails controlling your every step. It was survival of the fittest (Darwin would be proud). The tour ended in the evening with the famous Santorini sunset. This was one part of the tour that lived up to the brochure. We were both a little skeptical that this sunset would be any different or special than any other sunset, however, as the sun went down we were both spellbound at the astounding display of colours in the sky reflecting off the traditional white Greek architecture, the sound of crashing waves and whistling wind over the ocean in the background, and a slight breeze carrying the comforting salty scent of the sea. When the sun met the horizon and the moon shone bright, we put our hands together in unison (in actuality, everyone else was clapping and we merely joined in 'like sheep') in appreciation of this breathtaking moment.
Our next thought (actually this thought was at the back of our minds all day) was the upcoming steak dinner. Neither one of us could remember the last time we had eaten meat that was not squished
between two pieces of bread. This was a date not to be missed. We took the bus back to our five star resort and quickly changed into our dinner clothes. (Haha! Joke is on us as our backpacks are primarily filled with Lululemon clothing and other trekking gear). In the end, we managed to look the part, eat a fantastic meal, sample some fine Greek wine, and overall had a good time.
Getting to the Red Beach proved not nearly as accessible as the 5 minute walk to the Black Beach. However, it was well worth the trouble. The Red Beach earns its name from the iron-rich sedimentary rocks in the cliff face towering high into the sky, as well as the red sand. We climbed down the rocky trail to the sandy beach where we spent several hours frolicking in the clear bleu sea- it was fab!
That evening we took the ferry (with lots of gravol) back to Athens where we boarded the bus to Meteora.
Love you all!
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Terri
non-member comment
Red Beach, Black Beach
I can tell which feet are Eva's by the "Jesus Shoes" war wounds!! I love the pictures of the black and red beaches