Beautiful Santorini

We were fortunate to not have any difficulties with either of our Olympic flights.We had heard some ‘interesting’ stories about Olympic re delays and other problems. I can only report it all as a positive experience. Our first flight was from Tirana (Albania) to Athens (about an hour and a quarter) and then Athens to Santorini (40 minutes). We flew into Santorini at 9.45pm. A short transfer (15 minutes) and we arrived at our villas. Ron, Liz, Gert and Steve stayed at Villa Renos (where they have stayed before). Marie, Dave, John and I stayed at the property immediately next door at Villa Asteros. It is unbelievable how close they are.

As with most places there is a range of configurations in our villas - there are only 5 in the property stacked one above the other all with great views. Our villa is a studio type arrangement with a kitchenette. Dave and Marie started off with a similar villa 2 floors and many steps down from us. They were very lucky when the manager offered to bring them up a floor. This means they are now in a villa built into a cave with beds for 6 people in compartmented rooms. They also have a dining table and a lounge section. Their bathroom is quite spacious compared with those in the smaller villas. This certainly was an impressive upgrade for them. The difference in the room rate is €100 per night- their upgraded villa is normally €260 per night.

We are very happy in our villa - the view from our bed and also from the kitchenette window is stunning! We are in Fira on Santorini. There are many other towns including: Oia, Perissa, Akrotiri and Kamari. To get to another township the local busfare is either €1.20 up to €2 - think A$2.50.

Yesterday Ron, Liz, John and I went out to Perissa. Liz was on a mission to have a look at the accommmodation she has booked her daughter into in 3 week’s time. It is a much more casual and laid back beach place. It has a nice feel to it but the course black sandy gravel on the beach does nothing to enhance. The water is very clean and I must admit looked inviting - alas no swimsuit so that didn’t happen! John and Ron enjoyed the views - especially of the topless sunbathers.

One of the numerous bars/restaurants had a sign out on the beach saying ‘Free hugs and kisses’. Of course that is just what I like - so this became another ‘Japanese moment’. Just as I was about to put my arms around the sign a guy called out ‘wait’. I looked up to see a very handsome man coming towards me - he kindly offered to give me a kiss and hug - he was ‘very easy on the eye’ so I had no reason to deny him the opportunity! He even offered ‘seconds’! Of course this had nothing to do with the fact that he was drumming up business for his restaurant/ bar. We continued walking until after quite a walk we found the hotel Liz was searching for.

On accomplishing this we headed back and decided to have a drink at the ‘Hugs and Kisses’ bar. Again he offered both Liz and I the service stated on the board. He asked what we would like to drink - we looked at the drink list but he said leave it to me - ‘If you don’t like you don’t pay’. So we left it up to him - although Ron, not being a spirit drinker, stuck with beer. Our ‘Adonis’did ask if we partook of alcohol. He came back with Strawberry daquiris - made with freshly blended strawberries for Liz and me and a Mojito for John. Delicious! We finished our drinks and sat enjoying the scenery - different views for each of us - you already have heard what John and Ron enjoyed observing! Then, along came Adonis ( his real name sounded like Candy but I need to check with Liz for the correct spelling) with 4 more shot glasses of drink. This time they were ‘Orgasms’ topped with yummy cream. Ron politely declined again because of his dislike of spirits so he was brought out a beer in the same sized glass - that was a giggle! There was one ‘Orgasm’ left over so what did he do? Went back and made another so that Liz and I had 2 ‘Orgasms’ each - and it is rude to decline such an offer - but neither Liz or I could be described as greedy, though!

The prices of food and souvenirs seem less expensive there than those found in Fira. Sadly I doubt we will get to any other towns this trip - we will have to wait until next trip. Santorini is a place which we could certainly be drawn back to. It is a beautiful view looking down on the water with the ocean liners in. Of course this means the prices in the shops rise when the liners are in.

The jewellery street - also called gold street - is amazing but the prices are expensive. I have priced quite a few items but don’t think I will be making any purchases. We have also looked at rings for John - haven’t made a final decision as yet. Today is Liz and Ron’s wedding anniversary so last night after dinner they purchased a new bead for Liz’s Pandora. To celebrate their anniversary we all went to a highly recommended restaurant called “Mama’s House”. Wonderful food and boy is Mama a character! Her only child, a son, lives in Perth. She was telling us that she closes the restaurant during the off season October to February and heads to Perth for 2 months and does the grandma thing! I think she bosses Papa around incredibly! - he seemed very meek and mild - she was just the opposite!

No matter where you are at Fira there are steps, steps and more steps. To get to our villa from the road level above us we have to descend over 60 steps. We can hear the bells of the donkeys as they walk up from and down to the port below. We haven’t had a donkey ride yet. Most of the paths around the town are cobble stones - good flat walking shoes are necessary! My Hush Puppy sandals are perfect!

We have a supermarket not far away and have been able to purchase goods to make breakfasts, lunches, snacks and even dinner one night here at the villa. This has been a real advantage! Liz and Ron have their breakfasts included. We had breakfast with them in their breakfast room the first morning - wow what a feast - about 5 courses including ‘desert’ for breakfast!

Yesterday afternoon John and I headed up to a high point of Fira with excellent views of the most photographed and picturesque section. Just beautiful. We have also found time to rest out on our balcony. Sunset on our balcony is stunning!

Today is the last day of my antibiotics (Fromilid - the name of the drug - is the only word on the packet that I can read.) I am still ‘chesty’ in regard to my cough - but feel much better - feeling about 90% now. I am so pleased to finish the medication as it has left a horrible taste in my mouth. I was tempted to not finish the complete course but didn’t want to risk a relapse! I am still getting a bit breathless when climbing up steps. Should be interesting this afternoon as we are planning to take a cruise to another part of Santorini where we can have a swim in hot springs after hiking up the volcano which will probably be a challenge for me at present.

We have been very lucky with the weather - the sun has shone each day for us here, but the breeze carries a bite at times.