I've been on few trips I would call vacation. I travel for experience, for an injection of emotion, for a taste of freedom. This however is vacation at it's best. It was simple. Devoid of distraction or planning. An umbrella. A beach. A book. A love. Greece was vacation.
Our cheapest accommodations in Greece were the best ones. Look at this place! The buffet was even better than the ambience. The buffet breakfast and dinner made us feel like royalty. Writing this makes my mouth water and seeing the pool makes me yearn for my book and some sun.
If everyone is going left, go right. If they take the freeways then take the streets. If they all go to Mykonos and Santorini then go to KOS! The best island of them all was the one nobody told us to go to. The less frequented by the party crowd and certainly more local. This was the water we sought. This was the seclusion we craved. This was the perfect balance of getaway and culture that makes a place more preferable than others. Our last stop in Greece was together our favorite.
I only had one expectation for Santorini and that was white buildings with blue coated roofs. They were aplenty and I was pleased. It was a calm stint overall. It was a good place to reflect. A place to think. The grandeur created a celestial environment that was as much calming as disturbing. Islands are a scary place. You are stuck. You are stuck with all that is beautiful and all that is not. In a place so open one can feel trapped. A few days and nights was enough and I was on to the next one.
In Venice you ride a Gondola. In Central Park a carriage. In Egypt a Camel. In Santorini one must ride a Donkey. We made the precarious ascent astride these wannabe horses. With a mind and agenda of their own one as at the Donkey's whim. We disembarked safely at the top but not without a strong sense of relief.
Greece didn't spend too much time coming up with names for their beaches. The aptly named Red Beach was red. They should have named it Hades though because it was hot as hell. Beads of sweat dripped and we had to dip in the water just about every five minutes. It was dangerously hot so we spent as much time as possible to feel like we could claim a visit and then we were out of there.
Days were spent wandering the town, or on the beach, or in a cafe sipping tea. Greece is legendary for good reason. I'd fight a war over this place.
A heavenly glow rests over the entire cove. The sun reflects over the slightly textured water which itself only moves slightly, just enough to remind the viewer they are still alive. Never before have I seen islands from this vantage point. I was at peace but also aware of the violent past that formed these natural wonders. I daydreamed the explosion that would cause these masses of earth. Chaos is always present among the calm.
This town is replete with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, and local high-end hotels. One winds through the narrow walkways, up and down stairs, and always near an edge. It is kind of like Venice, Italy but on the opposite extreme of the sea level. It is a tourist town but classy and with way more character.
Set high among the cliffs and reigning over the surrounding islands is the main town of Santorini Island. The height is what makes this place unique. Upon arrival we had to ascend a series of steep roads criss-crossing our way gradually up the mountainside. It is well worth the fear because what appears to be snow from afar is actually a cluster of white buildings making up one of the prettiest places in the world.
