Day 5 - Santorini, Greece
So today Janet and I went our separate ways but let's start first with a little background of Santorini (pronounced sandereeny). It's what heaven should aspire to. It is as beautiful and charming as an island (we'll actually Santorini is five islands) can be. The most powerful recorded earthquake ever (ten times Krakatoa) was some 3500 years ago and has been followed by six more of significance since then - each reshaping the small chain.
The main island is a crescent and actually reflects the rim of the caldera partially filled in by three of the other four islands. At some juncture apparently the circle was nearly complete and the area was like a giant lagoon. It is no longer nearly so complete - and in the center of the caldera lies the fifth island.
So it is this center island that I visited for the "cruise, hike, and swim" tour. The hike to the top was spectacular as will be reflected when I can upload photos. When you look at the surrounding sister islands they look snowcapped - they of course are not. The "white rim" are the homes along the island ridges. As for the "hot springs" swim - not so much. What hadn't been relayed was that "hot meant 74 degrees F - and that it required swimming 50 yards through 65 degree water each way. Those braver than I did so - but shivered the whole way back to port.
The main island is a crescent and actually reflects the rim of the caldera partially filled in by three of the other four islands. At some juncture apparently the circle was nearly complete and the area was like a giant lagoon. It is no longer nearly so complete - and in the center of the caldera lies the fifth island.
So it is this center island that I visited for the "cruise, hike, and swim" tour. The hike to the top was spectacular as will be reflected when I can upload photos. When you look at the surrounding sister islands they look snowcapped - they of course are not. The "white rim" are the homes along the island ridges. As for the "hot springs" swim - not so much. What hadn't been relayed was that "hot meant 74 degrees F - and that it required swimming 50 yards through 65 degree water each way. Those braver than I did so - but shivered the whole way back to port.
The top three pictures are taken from the volcanic center of the island chain. The second row includes a volcanic vent, crazy swimmers, and the main island.
THIS SPACE SAVED FOR JANET'S COMMENTS AND PICTURES ABOVE ON THE VILLAGE ITSELF.
And dinner merits yet one more mention. We returned to The Restaurant, met three lovely couples, had a great meal, and have a "dinner date for eight" at 6:45 tonight - Day Six at Sea.
Tour Rating: GRJTR02 - Cruise, Hike, & Swim Santorini ($59/person) ... B+
Tour Rating: GRJTR01 - Summits and Countryside (Included) ...
(Caveat - both graded as easy - should have been moderate to difficult)
Tour Rating: GRJTR01 - Summits and Countryside (Included) ...
(Caveat - both graded as easy - should have been moderate to difficult)