Santorini
Today we sailed to Santorini with the help of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of seas. The day started with the drive to the picturesque village of Oia that used to be the island’s major shipping/commercial center but the devastating earthquake of 1953 led to its sudden violent decline. Today it experiences a different kind of prosperity because it is the island’s most cosmopolitan village; well known for its traditional architecture, the very characteristic cave houses overlooking the dark blue waters of the caldera, the mansions of the families of the wealthy Santorinian ship owners, the charming churches with the blue domes on top, as well as the modern, stylish artistic galleries.
From the north side we drove to the other end of the crescent shaped island, close to the excavations of the prehistoric settlement of Acrotiri where we enjoyed a Greek meal at a typical small taverna, a family business. It was an experience to taste flavors of the local, Santorinian cuisine, although almost everybody complained that it was just too much food!
Before we drove back to the main town of Fira, we ventured all the way up to Profitis Elias mountain – what a drive! But it was worth it because of the views offered, not only of the rich and varied landscape of the volcanic island but also of the surrounding area and the smaller nearby islands. When we got back, some of us had time to explore the main town while others of us visited the Nomikos Foundation where we were able to revive the importance of the advanced, sophisticated culture of Acrotiri through the 3-dimensional photographic replicas of its wall paintings.
It was a day full of experiences and emotions, combining the past with today – a day full of Santorini!
Today we sailed to Santorini with the help of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of seas. The day started with the drive to the picturesque village of Oia that used to be the island’s major shipping/commercial center but the devastating earthquake of 1953 led to its sudden violent decline. Today it experiences a different kind of prosperity because it is the island’s most cosmopolitan village; well known for its traditional architecture, the very characteristic cave houses overlooking the dark blue waters of the caldera, the mansions of the families of the wealthy Santorinian ship owners, the charming churches with the blue domes on top, as well as the modern, stylish artistic galleries.
From the north side we drove to the other end of the crescent shaped island, close to the excavations of the prehistoric settlement of Acrotiri where we enjoyed a Greek meal at a typical small taverna, a family business. It was an experience to taste flavors of the local, Santorinian cuisine, although almost everybody complained that it was just too much food!
Before we drove back to the main town of Fira, we ventured all the way up to Profitis Elias mountain – what a drive! But it was worth it because of the views offered, not only of the rich and varied landscape of the volcanic island but also of the surrounding area and the smaller nearby islands. When we got back, some of us had time to explore the main town while others of us visited the Nomikos Foundation where we were able to revive the importance of the advanced, sophisticated culture of Acrotiri through the 3-dimensional photographic replicas of its wall paintings.
It was a day full of experiences and emotions, combining the past with today – a day full of Santorini!
