Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Santorini, Greece: 27-30 December 2006

A breathtaking view of the sunset from Oia - the crown jewel of Santorini's views
(Photo credit: Rodney)

The Aegean Airlines flight from Athens to Santorini was short and smooth - a return ticket cost 150 euros per person. We rented another car on arrival to get around the island. Our lodging, Hotel Alexander - a cozy little B&B set in a classic Santorini cave house - made a charming base for our 3-night stay. There was only one king bed, so Rodney, ever the gentleman, insisted I take it while he took the couch. 

I left most (if not all) of the trip planning to him since I was deep in exam prep. It's such a relief to travel with someone gentle and dependable - he did the research, took the lead, and stayed calm and patient throughout. Though I'll say this - he has an unshakable dedication to photographing everything (with 2 cameras, I might add). Thanks to that, I now have some truly marvelous shots - images my own point-and-shoot just couldn’t have captured.

Santorini had such a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and perhaps because it's the winter season, the island felt quiet and unrushed. The little touches - the bougainvillea creepers, potted plants, unique signs, white (and sometimes pastel-colored) buildings, blue domes and wooden gates, pebbled streets, well-kept facades, and tasteful furniture - all made the place beautifully curated yet deeply authentic. And the sunsets? Truly spectacular.

From here, we flew back to Athens, where Rodney and I would part ways, marking the close of this wonderful vacation.
 
(Above) Photo credit: Rodney

Above: View of the Aegean Sea

(Above) Photo credit: Rodney

Above: On the boat ride to Tholos Naftilos, the central volcanic island within the Santorini caldera

(Above) Photo credit: Rodney

Above left: The Red Beach

(Above) Photo credit: Rodney

(Above) Photo credit: Rodney

(Above right) Photo credit: Rodney

(Above) Photo credit: Rodney


Next post: Brugge, Belgium

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