Blogs from Santorini, South Aegean, Greece, Europe - page 2

I was up early yet again. After the washout that was yesterday (see ) I opened the door and was greeted by the most amazing sight. There was the most intense orange moon low over the sea straight in front of me. It didn't last long and was fading by the second. If I'd have been a few minutes later, I would have missed it. In the excitement, I accidentally woke my wife up so she came to find out what all the fuss was about. I set off to some of the usual, popular locations on the expectation that I wouldn't have to worry about any queues. I was wrong. I guess I'm just too used to having everywhere to myself at this time in the morning or if there are other photographers there, we ... read more

I decided to get up early for the sunrise and I headed back to the old fort. I was pleased that I did, as it was a really vibrant and more kaleidoscope-like sunrise, but mostly because it was so much less crowded and more peaceful than the sunset had been. I guess that's the advantage of the anti-social hour, but also the angle's not so good so the sun rises behind island rather than out to sea. I had the whole fort to myself for a while although a few other people did arrive a little bit later. There was still no scrum for the best places though. I had a short walk around whilst it was still quiet, a part from the ringing of some distant bells that is. When we had been walking around ... read more

Light your lamp before night overtakes you… ~ Greek Proverb HE SAID... Today we were travelling back to Australia from Santorini – via Athens, Dubai, Melbourne and Hobart. We woke early, despite feeling exhausted from Ren’s birthday celebrations the day before. We had a basic (and fairly disappointing) breakfast in the crowded dining area of Hotel Albatros. The hotel was full, and there were only three black tea bags left. A first world problem I know, but a problem all the same (for me, anyway). I had one cup of tea, yoghurt with muesli, and a few glasses of fruit juice. We made the most of the hotel’s 11am checkout. We organised our packs and hydrated as much as we could in preparation for the long-haul flight home. We then settled in the hotel’s reception area ... read more

When the gods are angry with a man, they give him what he asks for… ~ Greek Proverb HE SAID... Today we were travelling south from Mykonos to Santorini– by ferry. We woke early to planes flying overhead. Aegean Hotel Mykonos, our accommodation on the island, was only four kilometres from the airport, and I was surprised I hadn’t noticed any planes since we’d arrived. A quick glance at the harbour in front of our hotel confirmed that it was currently free of cruise ships (hooray), but I could see three gigantic white liners steaming in from the western horizon. They would soon anchor directly in front of us, and the constant announcements over their public address systems would begin. Then, the inevitable and unescapable horror would commence. Endless battalions of cruise ship tourists would land ... read more

Hot day here. I walked to the beach and decided to take the boat ferry to Piraeus. A better choice than trying to hike up that huge hill, and it was going to be too hot to lay around. I was told it was five euros for the boat ferry. I had time to go buy a hat for some protection from the rays. The boat came to shore and we crawled up the ladder (good thing I was wearing walking sandals). On the boat the fellows demanded seven euros 'What?!! I was told five at the Hook store' One of the guys explained that the price of gasoline was more expensive now. He got on the phone to warn the business owners. It was a pleasant trip traversing the water, rounding the outcrop. Amazing to ... read more