Santorini
New beginnings can start with violence and destruction, or with love and tenderness. The Santorini we saw today, geologically, had its new beginning around the middle or slightly earlier of the second century B.C. when it catastrophically blew up and wiped out all traces of what had been a prosperous Minoan civilization. A major portion of the island blew away as well, how much, we can only speculate. Professor Spyrídon MarinÜtos started excavations here in 1967, and discovered Akrotíri, a complete Minoan city incredibly preserved after burial under layers of volcanic ash. The city had been deserted; the residents had left before the eruption took place. Apparently the rumblings and shakings of the island were warnings that could not be ignored, and the people fled, with the hopes of surviving to start a new beginning somewhere else…
As we wandered and explored the town of Oia, evidence of new beginnings stirred here as well. The white-washed village with the accompanying blue domed churches is a popular destination and backdrop for weddings. A party of a least 7 different couples all dressed in lace, silk, taffeta and tuxedos were preparing to take their wedding vows and start a new life as a couple.
Later in the afternoon, while exploring the town of Thira, we found more newlyweds striding through the streets in sunglasses and gowns, continuing to take advantage of the stunning backdrop of ocean and islands for their wedding portraiture.
A visit to the Prehistoric Archaeological Museum gave us an appreciation for the reverence this prior civilization held for the natural world. While the brides and grooms sought the natural beauty outside, the Minoans brought the wonders of nature inside in the form of vibrant, colorful wall frescos. Flowers bloomed, dolphins leapt and blue monkeys swung from the walls in these beautifully preserved paintings represented in the Museum. Artists clearly had a free hand to paint as their heart and spirit guided them to.
Upon returning to our ship, we repositioned to the protection of Néa Kaméni for a short swim break. The cool Aegean waters were a welcome respite from the afternoon heat. As we showered and primped for the evening, an announcement for a beautiful sighting sent us all scurrying outside. The full orb of a new moon rising over the jagged lava edge of Néa Kaméni was dramatic and lovely. Néa Kaméni is one of the newest islands that has popped up in the middle of the islands’ caldera.
Our day ended with a taste testing of the little round flower buds of capers, caper berries and flat oval caper leaves… a tough little plant that is able to grow, bloom and thrive on this sometimes inhospitable appearing island.
