Santorini

An early start today with sights set on the island of Santorini. We walked to the ferry waited in line for our ticket, then proceeded onto the boat. Where we had to leave our bags where the cars are. Trusting the people working, we started to walk the stairs to find our seats. We very quickly realized that our seats were on complete opposite sides of the boat. This was frustrating as this wasn't the first time this has happened to us. Apparently the online systems for booking trains and and boats isn't great. Luckily we got coffee and found seats that no one was in and decided to risk it if someone came we would cross the bridge then.

Let's take a moment to talk about Greek coffee, bleh. They don't filter it so it is very grainy. That bottom little bit you just don't drink because of this either. It takes a lot of getting used to it, Anne I'm not sure if I'm willing. Luke very easily fell into his old role and enjoyed it. I prefer just normal coffee and espresso.

 

Well when we made it to Santorini we were greater with an overwhelming feeling. Starting win getting bearded off the boat. They give you pretty much 2 minutes get off. They announce they are arriving and then everyone directing you says quickly quickly. It is quite annoying. You stand in the loading dock with the cars and wait for the ramp to lower. At which time you are bearded like cows to get off. As you are walking on land you have people yelling and whistling at you to go a certain way. Then you are bombarded by a multiple people trying to get you to use their car service. Walking past that are restaurants again trying to get you in the door.

It was quite overwhelming especially when you don't know where you are, where you are going, or the best way of getting there. The only way up is via car. Taxi, bus, shuttle whatever it may be. At this point we were a little frustrated as we had emailed the hotel asking about getting to the, and they never got back to us. 

We walked past all this talked and re grouped. Looked at the cliff we were looking up at then decided a plan of action. From there we walked back into the mass amount of people asking if they can help us, and took someone up on it. A shuttle bus that would take us to our hotels front door.

 

Little didn't we know when the guy said 25-45 minutes he actually meant 1.5 hours, driving in a van packed with 25 people on a windy turny road. The way we are looking at it is hpthat we got to drive around and see pretty much the whole island for a low cost. And island tour before even getting to our hotel. We were the second last stop so it was a while. But neat to see the island.

I must say Santorini is definitely not what I imagined it to be. We will head into a town that we figure is the main city centre, and it is also where the cruise ships dock. We are staying in Messaria, z town just down from that manner one. The rest of the island is very remote, not very luscious, rocky and more of a desolate place. Messaria we think is for of a local village, as that what most people in the area seem like after a short exploration.

So our 2 hour boat ride turned into a 4 hour boat and island tour ending at our hotel. When we arrived checked in cleaned up and rather quickly went for lunch as we were overdue for a proper meal. We enjoyed a great lunch and it the price was certainly right. Then we stopped at the store to pick up some essentials for a pool day. Yes that is a water bottle full of wine. And it was delicious. We were certainly hphydrated, and had the necessary snacks to keep our heads in check. After a few hours of swimming and sun time we showered up and lazed around for an hour before dinner.

Can dress me up but can't take me out... My clumsy and just normal self shines through far to much. Especially when you try and have a nice meal. This is certainly not a new thing in case you are wondering. But I brought a sundress and a skirt that I was wanting to wear so the islands they will be worn often. Not only because currently they are the cleanest clothes I have but also because we aren't walking a ton here and are more relaxing so it's the perfect time to.

 

We had lamb chops for dinner. It was quite delicious. Lamb definitely has s different flavour and a little tougher of a meat. Everytime I have it I relearn this fact, it's good just different then normal. Was a lovely evening together spent on the island of Santorini. Hard to believe we are here. The rest of the evening was pure relaxation as we were tired from the day, crazy how quickly this happens. 

Tomorrow we plan to relax in the morning on the deck maybe, go for a long lunch, then head to pool for the greater part of the day. Looking forward to the R&R, we have planned most of our days to be like this. Swimming and chatting, and laying in the sun. With evenings being the time to explore. 

And so the adventure continues..,