Many of my photos on this post wont have explanations. The pure beauty of Santorini doesnt need it. If this is overwhelming I’m sorry. It was so hard to pick just a few pictures to show. Its such a beautiful place.
After leaving Athens, we headed for Santorini, Greece. Santorini is known as one of the worlds most popular islands with the most dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages with blue capped roofs and volcanic activity.
We didn’t see anything happening with the volcano, but we relished in the cliff-top town with beautiful cathedrals and taverns. For me, the amateur photographer, it was a dream!
So much beauty in one place. We spent many hours walking the 598 steps up and down the capital town of Fira. Much more of our walking and sightseeing were in the small village of Oia pronounced “E-a”.
We were allowed to walk among the peoples homes, outside of course. But being respectful is the key here. I am sure they are accustomed to it. After getting to the top there were three ways to get down.
1) by Donkey. It was discouraged against riding the donkeys because they are mistreated. 2) Cable car. Typically the lines are very long and we got lucky and just walked right into one of the cars. 2) Walking. That wasn’t an option for us.
Although if Chucks knee wasn’t a problem, that would be the first thing he would have suggested. He didn’t do too bad. He was a good sport in the stair climbing and walking but he was pretty much done by the time we returned to the ship.
Our pedometer on our phone stated we climbed 12 floors which is an incline or actual steps equal to 16 steps per flight. We are a little sore today but not too bad.
So far we have only had one act that was a comedian that was funny if you enjoyed stupidity (in my opinion). I guess he was funny in his own right. He was a magician of sorts but everything went wrong, purposely.
I’m guessing that’s his act. Chuck liked it as well as many other people. Guess one just has to take it for what its worth. Tonight we look forward to a young lady that looks and sings so much like Celine Dion they say she’s amazing.
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| These little marionettes were hanging on the walls in this shop. |
We shall see! We have always been amazed at the talent they bring on these cruise ships. We are now out to sea heading towards the Suez Canal. Tomorrow we will have to anchor out at 3 a.m. and wait our turn to go into the Canal.
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| These are the steps to walk down if you dont take the cable car. Donkeys use this same path. |
It is said to be 15 hours to get through the canal so we won’t miss it. I am assuming it is similar to the Panama Canal with locks.
If it is, I’ll explain it after we get through it. We have been through several locks when we had our boat. Its quite interesting. It’ll definitely be a surprise since this is a first for us.
We will anchor in Port Said at the opening of the canal and pick up some visitors. These “visitors” are guards that will assist us through the canal and red sea to Muscat, Oman through to Dubai. We haven’t found the facts on that yet.
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| There are 588 “numbered” steps to walk up and down. |
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| Apparently, there is more wine on Santorini than water so they push people to drink the wine! |
Chuck thinks they are being set up in an outside section of the ship that is draped off in heavy plastic. Cant wait to see what is under there! I’m sure we wont know who they are unless they are in full dress uniform. We will then enter the Persian Gulf with a final stop in Dubai.
Its starting to get warmer so people are moving to the pool area. We have been so cold this entire cruise, we have indulged in gallons of hot tea and coffee just to keep warm. The days out exploring away from the ship we wore jeans and a light jacket and it’s been just right. On ship is a different matter.
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| Cable Car |
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| Donkeys to go up and/or down on the same steps as the pedestrians. |
May God bless you always!
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 