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Published: October 17th 2010
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Before I start, let me say sorry for taking so long to add this entry. Summer went by, fall has began, and only now I am posting this entry on our last leg of our trio to Greece. My biggest excuse: There were too many pictures and too little time, and than, I got way too busy.
Although the place is incredible for pictures, there were too many tourists, and the only ones I was interested to take photos of were my kids, of course. So, a great opportunity for family and friends to see them. So, here is a short entry followed by a ton of pictures. Go directly to than if you prefer.
Our high speed ferry stopped at the islands of Mykono and Naxos, which I had visited many years ago, and also in Paros and Ios. Every island appears very charming seen from the boat, but none is as stunning as , with its extraordinarily high volcanic cliff, the deep blue sea below it and the whitewashed towns at its very top.
We stayed at the beach town of , which although not as charming as Fira or Oia, on the cliff
side of the island, it is not as crowded.
We drove way up to the very top of the rocky montain to the site of , where the archeological excavation of the ancient city of the 3000-year-old Santorinian civilization ruins are found. We could enjoy amazing view of the blue ocean below, from both the beach and the caldera sides. The strong wind, although to appear to be attempting to blow us away, was actually very welcoming, as the sun relentlessly beat on us.
The small OPEN AIR CINEMA in Kamari is great small theater! The only problem is that too many Europeans, surprisingly, still smoke, and even in an open space we ended up second-hand smoking a ton... We watched 2 comedies.
We arrived at crowded Fira as the sun started to set. Forgetting the mob of tourists around, full attention on the red giant going down behind the vulcanic island on the sea below.
The view all around was amazing, with the whitewashed buildings hanging to the ateep cliff.
We walked up and down the narrow alleyways of the buzzling town, shoulder in shoulder with many other foreigners, as we searched for
a snack place recommended by the Lonely Planet, ready for a break from Greek food. We saivored delicious crepes at NRG, and than found our way to a spot to sit and have an Italian gelato outdoors while people watching. Here, unlike Syros, most tourists are foreigners, not Greek. Interesting to see the variety of styles, in just about everything.
There is a very nice museum near Fira, which brings alive ancient Fira. Definitely worth a visit.
The winding road took us, and what it seem like a billion others, to the small town at he edge of the island to witness "the world's best sunset". I remember being on the top of ruins in Cambodia to experience "the world's best sunset". The reality is, both were incredible, but much of the spell was broken before the sun even started "the show", as everyone is worried about securing their spot, the camera setting, etc. And than, there was the dreadful exit, with all marching like ants on an anthill, except that we were all getting lost on the narrow alleys. Conclusion: beautiful, picturesque town but not worth the visit at glorious sunset time.
Cuisine: Sea food
is surprisingly expensive around here and the delicious crusty bread I remember from years ago is nowhere to be found. Croissant and pastries, on the other hand, are everywhere! I found that the Greek cuisine offered to tourists is no longer as healthy or tasty as it used to be. :-( Only the Greek salad, Greek coffee and retisina remain the same. :-)
So. Would I return to Santorini? Definitely not during the summer. I could see myself enjoying it more without the excessive heat and crowds. July and August not the season to take advantage of this jewel.
Tons of picts... hard to choose and not so much time to write and edit.
Til next time
Patricia
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Sharon
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Looks gorgeous!