Pete and Jude in Santorini (Thira)

22^st June 2011

After a good night’s sleep we got up and Judy cooked pancakes.  We had hired a car for a couple of days.  The car arrived at 9.00am and I was sad to say it was a Nissan Micra automatic.  We packed our bags and looked at the map and headed off.

First stop Red Beach not the prettiest beach but definitely red sand.

Our journey took us along some windy roads and we stumbled across a scene from the past, a local on his donkey, who smiled a friendly greeting.

We then headed for the capital, Fira, partly looking for someone to scan paperwork for John which, unfortunately didn't happen, but we did, however, find a lovely town with windy streets, many, many shops and cafes and with all sizes of cruise ships moored.  This part of the town was heaving, with not only tourists but the type of shop suitable for people with lots of money.

There was also beautiful churches, newly refurbished properties and views over the Caldera, the remains of the active volcano that were stunning.  This is only one of two sites like this in the world, the other being in China.  No wonder tourists flock here. The only way up from the port is via the poor donkeys that trudge up and down the steep path.

There were five cruise ships in whilst we were there. 

Many properties have been turned into boutique type accommodation with chic furniture and infinity pools but all are on a small scale and look welcoming and calm. 

Me making an ASS of myself.  Eor Eor E always likes donkeys!!!

We had read that Oia was the place to view the sunset (northern most spot on the island) so we headed in that direction, taking in as many view spots as possible.  Oia was again beautiful, very expensive but well worth the visit.  The tiniest streets with properties burrowed into the rock, white paint, splashes of yellow and blue a truly beautiful place.

We eventually found a nice bar and stopped for a beer. 

A glass of wine and 2nd beer later it was time to move on to find a restaurant with a sunset view.  We found the perfect place.  The food was superb, unfortunately the wind was so strong the windows had to be kept closed and the owner was a little to particular but the marinated pork souvlaki Judy had was delicious.  I had a lamb casserole with potatoes, zucchini and artichoke. 

On the way home we found ourselves along the Eastern beaches and as Judy was desperate to go to the loo, looked for a bar and stopped at the most liveliest.  The owner was amazing, she had the audience up and doing the Greek dance around the restaurant.  She then did the "Chair Dance".  Never seen anyone who could dance as badly as Judy sings (her words)!  But the atmosphere was great and the guests thoroughly enjoyed their Greek experience.  The road is completely lined with bars and this was the one everyone chose to go to.  Reminded Judy and I of "chicken and chips" in Portugal.  Basic, well priced and fun.   We came back to Fai Tira  with the remains of the bottle of wine and although found it difficult to navigate home we eventually got on the right road, boarded boat, finished the wine and collapsed into a deep sleep.

Tomorrow more exploring

Pete and Jude.