Fira

---

Today I put myself in that classic postcard view. I took the bus to Fira and walked over to the caldera view. OMG Stunning! I just had to have an expensive coffee on the edge of an expensive restaurant balcony. Then I ordered a Greek salad, to extend the stay, though the waitresses were uber friendly and would have let me stay. There were people waiting for these premier tables. It is surreal, sitting there, overlooking the caldera that exploded and destroyed the Minoan city. I wonder how many people know this history as they admire the view. A really sad fact is that over fifty percent of the people sitting in this beautiful balcony with outstanding views were on their cell phones. Freaks! What a sad lot. There was a girl around ten who sat with her parents and played video games on her phone while they chatted over coffee. How can people be so blind to their surroundings? (all cell phones should be destroyed! ha ha ha)

I met a couple from my hotel, and with their advice I decided to walk down to the harbour and take the gondola back up. Halfway down the cobble path, I remembered I had an achy knee, but the walk was worth it. Bit dismal walking past the donkey stations. We are on the east side of island, so the sun would soon be behind the island and they would be cooler.

I am on my way to the ancient history museum now. I thought I found it, but it was a church museum. (artsy photo) In my quest for the one internet cafe (bless this place) I found the museum. Maybe I'll return to this cafe and upload them before I catch the bus back to Kamari? stay tuned...

I have not checked this site for messages. This is the only way for anyone to send word to me. I cannot get into my Gmail on any of these computers because the system wants to send a code to my ipad or home phone to show that it is really me. When I return to Vienna I will contact Lily to go to my house at a certain time to pick up phone for this code.

---

Photos

Oh, that VIEW
You simply breathe in beauty and peace.

Cheers to coming to Santorini
Special coffee and delicious Greek salad and bread...and yes, the tomatoes do taste better (grown on volcanic soil)

You Are HERE
This was once a round island. Now it is an atoll.

After bus station
Everyone eagerly heads down this street.

Approach
Getting excited as the streets revealed THAT view.

On the phone
See the woman....chatting away...

Over the edge
Lots of apartments for tourists

Ferry
I was on look-out for the cruise ships because when they land, it is near impossible to get the gondola back up (so I was told). Luckily, there were none all morning.

Walk down
Yeah, I walked all the way down to small harbour

Not tied
There are trained to wait here for any tourists who want to buy a ride down, and sadly there are more at the bottom of the hill who carry tourists back up the hill.

Colouring
Reminds me of Holly's Lily.

Face in the shade
The trickiest part of the walk down was avoiding the donkey poop.

On and on
It kept on going...my knees were shaking by the end of the trail.

Halfway down
Stopping to catch my breath and this view.

Cafes
There is never a part of this island without restaurants on the water.

Water
I wonder how many archeological treasures are under this water?

Souvenier shops
Are all around

Comments

[HEATHER ALLISON]

Wow!
Ter, it is all so lovely. What a beautiful day you are having. The view and the color of the water is gorgeous!I do feel sad for the donkeys though.