28th June – Santorini
Santorini, Greece
‘Did the catastrophic volcanic eruption that ravaged Santorini circa 1600 B.C. destroy
Crete's ancient Minoan civilization - and give birth to the myth of Atlantis?
 In 1967, archaeologists on Santorini unearthed the remains of a Bronze Age city that may have
been home to as many as 30,000 people.
Whether the Lost Continent of Atlantis is rooted in myth or reality, an undisputed fact remains. The eruption created a caldera - and one of the most dramatic land and seascapes in the entire Mediterranean.
 On Santorini, whitewashed buildings cling to vertiginous cliffs that plunge to a turquoise
sea.
Part of the Cyclades Archipelago, the three-island group of Santorini, Thirasia and
uninhabited Aspronisi present the traveler with unforgettable vistas.
The island has had a number of names throughout history - from Strongyle or "Round"
to Thera in honor of an ancient hero.
Santorini is more recent and stems from the island church dedicated to St. Irene - Santa Rini to foreign sailors’ – Travel brochure

The Islands of Santorini form a volcano crater open to the sea creating a perfect harbor, in the centre the island of Nea Kameni is considered the actual volcano where hot springs apparently are still active.

Entering the harbor from the NW at daylight was an unbelievable sight. Sheer cliffs towering up from the deep with stark white buildings clinging on at every vantage point for dear life like barnacles on a rock.

Either a result of water depth or restrictions of room, our ship did not anchor but maintained its position all day by using its propulsion and side thrusters that all big cruise ships have nowadays .

A flotilla of local tenders descended on us to ferry passengers ashore, many people were going on organized shore excursions.

We went ashore about 0800 and looked up amazed at just how high the cliffs were with all the buildings perched on the top. A large fast cable car takes you to the top for  €5 each one way. The alternative is to walk up a zig zag track/stairway where the mules trudge up and down all day carrying those that want to do so (for a fee of course) and plenty did.

We took the cable car up to the top to the town of Fira where of course it is a tourist mecca much like the bazaars but no hassling.
We just started wandering around every little lane and back street we could find taking happy snaps and enjoying the experience and magnificent views.
We came across a little tourist office and procured a local map but after an hour or so we had no idea where we were and didn’t particularly care.

Eventually we ended up back where we started and found a café to do the coffee thing and be able to use free wifi. Where I uploaded my blog and Nancy had a good chat to Lisa. We tried contacting several friends but only managed to raise Maria in Switzerland , maybe next port. I use the apps – LINE and VIBER.

Everywhere was crowded with tourists but not over the top, it’s not a big town and there were two large and one small cruise ships in port.

Then Nancy discovered the shops !!!!!

After a couple of hours we were ready to descend and decided to zigzag down the donkey steps – it’s a long way down dodging droppings and working mules as you go. But we managed ok and at the port we had lunch in a Greek restaurant, I ordered BBQ prawns for Nancy and the same for myself with BBQ calamari for one. The calamari came out separately about 18” long a whole squid overhanging a long plate each end, I couldn’t believe it there was enough for four people. I gave most of the prawns to Nancy and ate two thirds of the calamari.

Sweet genuine Greek coffee the same as sweet genuine Turkish coffee and back to the ship at around 1500 sailing at 1600.

Top day we thoroughly enjoyed it but as soon as we got back on the boat we started coughing again – air-conditioning, I’m sure of it.

Sunday today we are charging up the Greek coast somewhere off to starboard a pleasant 22C slightly hazy conditions, sea slight and a comfortable ride. Our expected arrival in Venice tomorrow is 1400 that means we get part of the afternoon and evening and Tuesday morning sailing again at 1300. Once again in Venice we have to tender ashore as the ship cannot berth.

Looking at the map it is quite confusing as to what sea we are actually in we are currently somewhere off the heel of the Italian boot, the map says Mediterranean Sea, under that Strait of Otranto and under that Ionian Sea, just north of it is say Adriatic Sea, I guess it’s just all part of the Med.

We have now been on the ship for just over a month, seen so much and loved it all.


 





souvenirs