Santorini

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Santorini is a postcard maker's wet dream. Everywhere you go you want to snap a new round of photos. The sunset itself attracts hundreds if not thousands of people to the town of Oia every night. Couples hold hands and sneak kisses. Families sit down to the dinner table overlooking the steep cliffs and the barnacle like houses that cling to it. I didn't know whether to watch the actual sun dropping into the ocean or to turn around and watch the canvas of white houses turn various shades of gorgeous as the light washed over them. So what does a single man do in such a romantic setting? The answer: He takes a lot of photos and then hits the bars immediately upon hearing the enraptured masses round of applause. Ideally, he meets some Spanish girls, stays up all night partying, singing, cliff jumping naked into the black night-time mediterranean, and watching the sun rise from the black sand beach on the other side of the island. Yes, Santorini is indeed a magical place between sunset and sunrise. And Santorini is my first stop in Greece! I made my way here first so I could meet up with my friend from New York Kelley McMillan and her family (see their future xmas card picture posted below.) (Thanks again for the dinner Mr. Mc M.!)Another NY friend, Lisa Tran and her boyfriend also met up, so needless to say there was plenty of partying going on. Koo Club bottle service stepped up the level of class when I got to hang out with the NY crew. Attending Murphy's Bar solo the following night dropped it to below any adult's acceptable level. My review of Murphy's would read like this: "Murphy's Bar in Santorini has a 10 Euro cover charge that includes a free drink. The atmosphere is best described as freshmen year spring break with hammers hitting bells, rave whistles screeching, loud as f**k blowhorns blowing, and bouncers with green lasers pointing out the only 3 girls there, albeit dancing on pedestals. However you won't be able to claim that free drink because the bartenders are too busy with their screeching whistles, blowing blowhorns, bell-hammering, and/or laser pointing. You'll want to leave but your ears will be ringing so badly your brain will get distracted and be unable to find the door." One of my favorite experiences in Santorini was staying at a little old Greek lady's guest house. (I happened upon it when after my first night the pension owner had to kick me out because of a full booking. So she went to her neighbor next door.) I enjoyed that she didn't speak english and that I had a front door key instead of a room key. Every time I saw her she offered me some orange-ade concoction or a "coca." I liked waking up in the afternoon to hear her chatting away over the courtyard wall with the neighbors. I ended up staying 2 nights longer than I thought I would. After about 3 or 4 nights I decided it was time to leave the honeymooners to their sunsets and hit a REAL party island, Ios.

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Photos

Santorini 1
I snapped this one as I walked up the stairs to the restaurant where Mr. McMillan treated us.

Santorini 2
The towns cling to the volcano-made cliffs like barnacles.

Santorini 3
The sun stuns the crowds with its disappearing act and a few minutes later the lights in town start burning.

Santorini 3
I snapped this in passing as I walked from Oia to Hora along the cliff-top pedestrian path.

McMillans
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
~from the McMillan Family

Comments

[Gavin]

Ios
Father, enjoy the Red Bull bar and Flames!

[anonymous]

The Best!
You are lucky to be there! Take it all in....it is the most beautiful place on the planet (and I`ve travelled A LOT) It is a magical place...... Lucky bastard!

[Kelly Bendock]

Hey, am I having deja vu? I recognize those pictures! You couldn't have described Santorinin and Ios any better. I also went to Murphy's, watched the sunsets in Oia, stayed at Far Out Camping, and of course started every evening out with a flaming lambroghini while visiting the islands. I was wondering what they put in those drinks that made them so delicious. Only difference was, instead of 90% Italian, it was more like 70% Australian. Watch out for those jelly fish when skinny dipping!