Mediterranean — 2010

Oia, Santorini

Today was our first visit to the Greek isle of Santorini, which translates as St. Irene.  It was originally an active volcano named Stongyle, but in 1628 BC the largest volcanic explosion in recorded history blew the round island apart, and what remains today is crescent shaped.  Cruise ships drop anchor in what was originally the volcano’s caldera.  The volcano last erupted in 1950, but it was a minor event.  In 1956 an earthquake leveled most of the buildings on the island, and some were rebuilt as partial caves extending into the earth.  We went on a shore excursion that took us to the village of Oia (pronounced eee ya) that has many of the traditional buildings of Santorini--white stone and churches with blue domes.  After walking through this pretty village (and buying pistachio nuts and peanuts coated with honey and sesame seeds), we were taken by bus to one of the ten wineries on the island.  We tasted three wines at the Sigalas Winery, two very dry whites and a sweet red.  From there we went to the main town of Thira (also called Fira) where we visited the Nomikos Foundation Museum.  The museum contains reproductions of frescoes from excavations of ancient homes.  After visiting the museum we were on our own and spent a little time exploring the town before riding down to the harbor in cable cars.  We could have taken donkeys, but decided to give them a break.  We heard that the donkeys are pretty sure-footed on the almost 600 steps from the top of the town to the harbor.  Played trivia again (no wins yet) and had a nice dinner.

© Jay 2020