Tuesday May 15, 2018

Our Ferry Boat- like a cruise ship!

Big day today as we travel to Santorini by ferry. We get up bright and early, are sure to turn our shower hot water on for 30 minutes and off and catch the cab George ordered for us at 6:15. There is hardly any traffic on our way to the port and we arrive in about 20 minutes. We board the Blue Star Ferry Delanos. Its huge like a small cruise ship! We find some chairs on deck and watch the sail away and enjoy some sun. I head to business class where George was supposed to be with me and is not while Karla and Kerry enjoy their airseats. George will join us tomorrow as he was too late to make it today. We meet for lunch at the port of Pyros, the first stop. Ollie it was the worst hamburger I have ever eaten- YUCKY!! Even the bread- YUCKY

Inside the Ferry

Pyros is interesting, lightly inhabited island that is terraced everywhere with people living on the side of steep hills. Quiet and tucked away only 5 hours ferry ride from Athens these folks are isolated but not terribly. The water is spectacular- calm and blue! Next we stopped at Naxos. It was larger and appeared to have more people. On the way in there are 5th century ruins- a simple arch gate that was originally intended to go with a temple that was never built. A do not finish project all those thousands of years ago! Next we stop at IOS which is halfway between Naxos and Santorini. Filled with cliffs and large white terraced homes it is unique. There are also caves or grottos along the waters edge. 

As we pass the little islands in the blue sea I am taken back to the many times I have been here- honestly I have lost count. I remember especially the first time with three little girls as Becky and Tina screeched going up the mountain on a donkey. We shared this spot with Steve and Susan and a very special day with Mike, Michelle, Matt, and Megan after David’s chemo. Becky and I had a special couple of days here dreaming and planning her very special event two years ago her wedding. I am lucky to have shared this most beautiful place with so many people I care about- memories run deeper than David although his presence here can not be denied. Coming by ferry is also unique and something David always wanted to do- he would have loved this day. 

Island of iOS

Air bnb has led us to a 3 bedroom 3.5 bath villa on the side of the mountain. We will be here for 3 days, enjoying the best fresh seafood, drinks, relaxation and fun. We have a hot tub that projects over the mountain and a beautiful patio overlooking the ocean. The sunset will be spectacular! 

We enjoy the hot tub and set off for dinner. I have chicken solvauki and Team Washington has a meat feast with 4 different meats! We see one of the amazing sunsets here and hit the hot tub again. 

Ollie you would be interested in a couple of very funny things here. First you can not put toilet paper in the potty- it will ruin their sewer system. Secondly we can not drink the water here- only bottled water. They do not have any fresh water only sea water that will make you sick- so we drink only bottled water even to brush our teeth! Lots of photos- enjoy!

Meat platter

They call this coffee?

chicken solvaki