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Showing posts from May, 2023

There’s no place like home!

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Last Night in Santorini

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Last night at our favorite restaurant Strogili. Finally got our epic sunset! Maria’s cafe . . . Stop for ice cream and champagne (you can see our reflection in the mirror) The ruins of the old Oía fort Amoudi  Bay View from our bathroom window across our pool Our hotel (the building on the left with the curved roof. Our suite was one floor down from that) View from one of our balconies Strogili - Rooftop restaurant with a sunset view where we ate twice (including our last night)

Shopping in Firá

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  Took a 20 minute cab ride and spent much of the day at the nearby town for Firá, also the capitol of Santorini (population 2000).  I’m a bit embarrassed to say this but the shopping is pretty amazing here. Both Julie and I are returning with entirely new summer wardrobes, largely of linen. Wondering how we are going to fit it all in our suitcases!  Lunch at the top of the cliff, as well as another break at a like kind establishment. Shopping does make one thirsty! View from our lunch spot, looking across the Caldera and the ancient lava dome in the center. Normally would avoid a photo of a cruise ship but this one gives a sense of scale. Words can’t describe the sheer size of this crater.  View uphill from the town. Our town of Oíais visible off in the distance on the left Another cliff side view from our second rest stop . . .  The old port of Skála at the base of the cliff. The cruise ships dock their tenders here and send droves of people to the town above ...

5000yr Old City Ruins

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  Another day of touring the island with our guide Christos. One of the many highlights was a visit to the Akrotiri archeological dig, a 5000 year old Minoan city preserved under the ash of the massive eruption in 1600BC.  It was touted as another Pompei but it was much smaller in size,  the entire dig was covered under roof in an area the size of a football field. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Other highlights of the day . . . . Travelled to the top of a very scary hill, involving cliffs, dirt roads, and no guardrails, to the Profite Ilias church and overlook.  Skaros castle ruins on the top of the hill View back toward Oia (white buildings in the distance) Trail to Oía where we are staying. You can hike the whole trail in 3hrs.  Skáros castle ruins (now known as Skáros Rock).  Built by the Venetians in the 12th century, this castle was the seat of power in Santorini. It held a commanding view of the entire Caldera. Today, only the foundati...