Santorini

We took a five hour fast ferry to Santorini, the largest and most traveller accessible of the Greek isles. Upon stepping off the plank we were welcome-accosted by a swarm of hotel owning, middle aged Greek ladies who saw our backpacks and thought, "Student!"

Their strategy [to entice you to their hotel] is as such,
See young people
Show young people large and brightly coloured photogs of the hotel
Let other owners haggle and display and entice
Unveil your best deals like cheap breakfast
Watch young people frantically compare and argue and decide Repeat steps 3 through 5

We decided on a woman named Toottie who gave us breakfast for five euro, drove us to the ports, set up tours, and let us stay in the above locale for only 15 euro each.

The next and very best day we took a small ferry tour. It boated us to a couple smaller islands off the coast of Santorini. At first stop, we climbed an active volcano, marveling at the view and the steam and how lucky we were. Then we stopped to swim in bubbling sulfur hot springs. Next was a smaller island with a lunch spot where we devoured the few dishes the menu offered: calamari, feta, olives, tomatoes, some strange sticky white rice, and much bread with even more olive oil. The afternoon ended with a hike up to the largest port city to watch the sun set over an old temple.

Night came and two friends were tired, went back, but we loved this port city. Whitewash and cobblestone small streets, vendors and the smell of the sea. Alia and I walked talked explored for what seemed like ever. Finally met with the boys, bought market wine, found cheap eats with a roof and sea view. Stayed till late. Then a cab driver named Nico took us home, tucked us in after a very, very good day.


*I hope this new site and these pictures will work! Happy Monday!