This morning we took a local bus to Fira and hiked back to Oia. The trail runs a little over 10 km along the rim of the caldera (the bay where the volcano sunk after it erupted). Although the hike is considered somewhat strenuous, it was worth it. The views are breathtaking. From so high up the entire water seemed to shimmer. OK--I did sit down once by the side of the road and demand bread and water😀
We spent the rest of the day snorkelling off the rocks in Amoundi Bay. It was a great way to cool off our tired bones. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom. Nexus Note: Santorini is known for for its one of a kind tomatoes. Santorini tomatoes are like a big cherry tomatoes and very tasty. They use them in their Greek salads here instead of the bigger varieties.
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Santorini (Thira) is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history which occurred some 3,600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. For us this means dramatic landscapes and beautiful black sand beaches! We've traded our car for a 50/80 cc scooter. Dad thinks it lacks a bit of power, but given the winding roads I'm pretty happy we can't go too fast😄 I'm also pretty proud that I only let out one blood-curdling scream zipping around the island today. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom.
Today we visited the site of the ancient Olympics. We arrived before most of the tour buses and it was calm, shaded, and really quite peaceful, with loads of ruins. Dad raced against Ted from Halifax, Nova Scotia in the stadium. A huge thank you to Ted for being a good sport. In the also-ran category I ran the whole 192 m against myself--trust me I will not be receiving an olive leaf crown😄
Fun Fact: Do you know what happened if the ancient Olympians cheated (which they did--bribery, a form of doping, and blood enhancing)? Their names were engraved on the pedestals of Zeus statues that lined the path to the stadium. As the honest athletes entered they would spit on the cheaters names! Do you know what I like about the picture I posted from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia? Well, those pillars are lying on the ground pretty well just as they fell when an earthquake struck in 551 AD. There is something so real about that. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom. Sunday in the home of the Corinthians--almost like church, right?😄 Attempts to construct a waterway here began as early as 7th century B.C., but the dream wasn't realized until 1881. As significant as it was to cruise down the canal, we found it equally fascinating to watch the roads disappear under the water to let the boats go by. There are no locks on the canal. Congrats to Dad for making this happen. It wasn't easy to arrange. We actually ended up phoning a fellow from a shipping company that has a boat that cruises the canal.
We have a car for the next few days so we can get to more remote places. The rest of the afternoon was spent hiking the Acrocorinth. From Greek myths to Franks, Venetians and Ottoman Turks this giant rock has stories to tell. Dad made it much farther up than I did. You know the walking is going to be strenuous when they give you a number you have to turn in at the end of the day! 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love takes everything that comes without giving up. Love believes all things. Love hopes for all things. Love keeps on in all things. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom. Nexus Note: There are very few MacDonalds in Greece. Instead the favourite fast food/burger place is Goody's Burger House. You can still get burgers and fries, but also food with a local flavour. Meet the ginger coloured mutt Loukanikos (Greek for sausage). Loukanikos was a much loved riot dog. During the protests of 2010 he became famous as he joined the crowds demonstrating against the Government. Sausage was even on the cover of Time magazine! When he died several artists got together and produced a mural in his honour. This was one of the many interesting works of street art we explored yesterday on our tour with Alternative Athens.
Yesterday was mostly about discovering modern Athens. We finished our evening watching a quirky Woody Allen movie at a roof top cinema under the Acropolis--then strolling the streets of the Plaka enjoying gelato. Hugs to my puppy Jo-Jo. One more day in Athens. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. Nexus Note: One of the first advertisements we saw during our move in the outdoor theatre was "Nescafé since 1958". Nescafé instant coffee is huge here. A common drink you see in the squares is Nescafé Frappe. It seems to be cold instant coffee foamed up poured over ice. I tried it--I am NOT a fan. Ray An evening of traditional dance in an open area theatre followed a midnight stroll on the Acropolis Grand Promenade. Unforgettable!
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Ray & Diane HomewoodSharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
December 2016
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