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Doreen
Pendgracs |
Travel Samples: SANTORINI IN A DAY -- ORDEAL OR ADVENTURE?© Reg looked into the video camera, speaking in a much more pleasant tone than the day before. "I just want to say that although it was one of the worst ordeals I've ever been through, I wouldn't have missed it for the world." We are on the island of Santorini, and just 12 hours earlier, thought we'd never be able to climb another stair for the rest of our lives.
You've probably seen pictures of it -- brilliantly white churches with sky blue rounded towers overlooking azure waters. Being there will take your breath away, especially when atop the cliffs overlooking the Aegean, in the village of Thira, also known as Fira. The Greeks often have two names for the same place -- this explains why Greek telephone books are the size of a four-door Chevy! Thira is the island's hub, possessing the most awe inspiring vantage point from which to view the caldera -- an area of the volcanic crater submerged in the sea. It is also Santorini's largest village, possessing the widest range and most modern of services. Many sightseeing, sporting, and cultural tours are available. We chose "Santorini in a Day" which would have been more aptly called the "Iron Man for Travelers!" Throughout a long 12-hour day, we climbed volcanic craters, swam, climbed some more -- up and down steep cliffs with nothing to break your fall, hiked over jagged rock, and up hundreds of stone steps leading to remote villages. But the resulting sensations made the challenges of the day well worth the effort. After boarding a comfortable tour bus in Kamari, the quiet village serving as our home-base and that of the company, Kamari Tours, we picked up more tourists at a number of the island's surrounding villages. The real adventure began upon reaching the ancient village of Akrotiri, where roughly 30,000 people lived dating back to 1650 BC.
Next, we boarded a 30-passenger sailing vessel at Athinios, and headed for Nea Kameni (New Burnt Island), home of an active volcano.
On to Palea Kameni (Old Burnt Island) -- which is about how we felt at this point. We had 20 minutes to swim 50 meters to the hot springs and back. The water was rough and five meters deep, so we chose to enjoy the time sunning on the boat. Only those in top condition or a mood to test fate should take the plunge into the 45° C water, although it is difficult to resist temptation of the hot springs' therapeutic qualities. Sailing on to the island of Thirasia we spot the village of Manolas, perched high above us. To get there, you either walk up the centuries old path or you get on a mule. We soon learned that mules stop and go when they want and they sway a lot -- not unlike New York City cabdrivers. A quick peek to my left revealed a number of boats, looking like tiny toys so far below -- and no guard rails to prevent a fall down those steep cliffs. I'm still not sure whether the terror I felt aboard that mule was easier to take than a self-powered hike to the summit might have been. I wonder whether any mules have been convicted of homicide? ... page 2.
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Eight
hours by ferry or a short 45-minute flight from Athens will
take you worlds away from the noise, crowds, and traffic found
in the Greek capital. The island of Santorini -- or Thira
-- as it is called by the locals, is 140 miles southeast of
Athens. The most southern of the Cycladic Group of islands
in the Aegean Sea, Santorini provides not only dramatic scenery,
but an enlightening link to the past.
After
an hour and a half's trek over barely navigable terrain, some of our
group made it to the top of the crater. Without any guiding signs or
easy pathway over the lava rock, our best bet was to keep walking and
hope we didn't lose sight of those ahead. It would have been so easy to
stumble or just drop from heat exhaustion. It would have been even
easier to stay with the boat and enjoy a six-pack of Amstel beer whilst
perusing the Greek telephone book!