Today is the day for island exploration! No more browsing the glittering baubles for us! We are determined to explore the secrets of Santorini. John and Terri got us a little Jimmy jeep down at the corner. We piled in- believe me, not so easy with the 5 of us- and off we went with map in hand. Heading south we stopped at the mini-markit (no, I did not spell that wrong) and loaded up with water and some supplies – destination- ancient Thera to see where the little boys ran naked and caused quite a stir. Pulling into the bottom of a huge rock pile we stare upwards at the blazing hot sun and the long, long, climb up. Gen has NOT worn the right shoes, they are city girl, barely there thong sandals, but we are going to CONQUER THE MOUNTAIN. I think about Patty and Ireland as we trudge up the pathways of STONE. This is a far cry from the Dingle. But I see lots of people (probably very fit GERMANS) coming down who certainly look a lot older than me. If they can do it….
Up, switchback, up, switchback, sweating, huffing and puffing. Got to rest for a minute. John, Adriana and Gen pulled in way ahead of Terri and me but we did get there. There’s a Greek roach coach! We suck down ice cold Cokes and look at what’s ahead. Another climb to see the ruins but we are undaunted and keep heading up.
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It was worth the climb to see this city on a mountaintop. Lots of rubble and ruins laid out in lines, but some great signage telling us who the bigwigs of the day were and how they funded something and put their name on it. Not so different than today. I knew it must have been a cool city when I saw the theatre. Bonnie Monte could have put on a hell of a show there!
We eventually got down the mountain with an unbelievable sense of accomplishment. See all you GERMANS! You are not the only ones who can hike!!
Back in the Jimmy and on to Perissa where we lunch/drink by the black beach. Sammy’s place is a great location and Adriana declares it the best Saganaki to date. The girl is a cheese-eating machine and has taken a holy vow to eat fried cheese at every meal. Personally, I am done with it.
We move on to exploring the Red Beach which is located a huge long climb over some very rocky terrain. The beach is red from the volcanic rock, probably filled with iron ore, that has created an alcove. It’s tough to get to but Terri, Adriana and I are longing for a swim and we plunge in.
A little dry off and we are back in the car headed north- our goal is Oia (pronounced Ee-ah) for the fabled sunset. It’s quite a gorgeous drive up the sparsely populated East side and we pull in to Oia with plenty of time to spare. We found a hillside café and plunked ourselves down to catch the last rays of beauty over the Aegean. Watching day turn in to night is a wonderment here and we are all content.
It’s 9:00pm and no dinner yet. We make a quick stop back at the Motel 6 –oops I meant the King Thira- change out of the bathing suit and on to our favorite dinner spot where Saganaki is ONCE AGAIN ON OUR TABLE. Along with chicken souvlaki, grilled calamari, octopus salad and a bottle of Santorini red. A wonderful day.
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