Santorini is the idyllic Greek Isle and a unique geological site. The island itself is a volcano but the center of the volcano collapsed and filled in with water creating a caldera. It is a protected basin of water that forms a natural harbor. Boats arrive at the harbor, but the towns are located hundreds of feet above on the top of the island. Transiting to the towns is an adventure.

The ship’s tenders arrive below Fira and the options to get up to the top include riding the cable car up, riding the hundreds of feet up on the back of a donkey, or walking up the 500 + steps up to the top next to the donkeys. Manuel did not recommend the last option. (though some people did it anyway).

We took a boat ride to the harbor below Oia and then travelled by van up to the top. The narrow cobblestone streets were packed with people, single file in each direction and we were fortunate that we were the only ship in port today. Despite the crowds our visit was delightful!

BUT, I was wearing the wrong color!! It has been a bit of a chuckle to see all the influencers in their fancy clothes and poses at each stop. Even the youngest little girls have their swirls and poses for the pictures. But today, it seemed everyone had gotten the memo to wear that wonderful blue color to stand out against the whitewashed homes. Or, at the very least white and blue! Next time.

We have been teasing that this wonderful anniversary celebration is the “Mediterranean Honeymoon “ we never had 50 years ago. But, during David’s time while deployed to the Med. he did have the opportunity to enjoy some beach time and dived for sea urchins. He brought them home and they have been a special reminder of that time. And today, I found a shop that had handmade jewelry that included real sea urchins. It was so amazing and so very special. We shared the story of our trip and the special meaning of the sea urchins with the store owner. I don’t know who was more delighted, us or her, but we received big hugs along with our purchase!

Lunch was at a picturesque wine bar tucked away on a back street. David stuck with Greek coffee, but I enjoyed some local wines and we shared prosciutto and grilled octopus. So yummy!

We ended our day in Fira and a trip back to the tender dock on the cable car.