Santorini Tour

I was wrong - 60% of the island is dedicated to wine growing and 40% to tourism. These grapes that grow on the ground are pruned and shaped in circles to grow up in a basket shape in order to protect the grapes from the wind and elements. The result is a dry fruity wine called Assyrtiko which Anneli and I,  polished off on the balcony last night.

Our tour began at 9 with archaeologist and tourguide Caterina. She was funny, feminist and fantastic, bright as a button, and presented in such an engaging way.

After a climb to a byzantine monastery in the clouds, we set out through the village of Megalohori. Although we were a line of tourists walking through those narrow streets between blue doored white moulded walls, and under bell towers to small piazzas, it felt more real and rustic than some other places.

We were on the southern end of the Crescent 🌙 shape of the island. And in 1967 a Greek Archaeologist discovered the ruins of a city of a civilisation from 3600 years ago. This is Akrotiri, the Pompei of Greece. It too had been destroyed by a volcanic eruption, though people had time to escape. No bodies were found at Akrotiri.

As they excavated a sophisticated prehistoric (means before writing) society revealed itself. No queens and kings but a place of state, with smooth stoned 3 story buildings that would have looked out to sea as it was 3600 years ago.

There were beautiful pots discovered, with coloured motifs of their contents, possibly a market place.

There was a ladies' shrine where frescos had been kept in their full glorious colours, depicting sensuous scenes of makeup and fashionable clothes. Those frescoes are now in the Archaeological Museum in Athens.

They also had sit up toilets. A throne with a piping network under the buildings.

Nature was depicted in free motifs such as the flying swallows.

These people had discovered bronze and gold. They were traders. And they were wealthy.

It seems there was a nasty earthquake preceding the volcanic explosion. The people took off. To where is unknown.

,,,,,,,?  

We visited Red Beach, then Black Beach. We had a beautiful lunch by the sea of Fava, Tomatoes, Haloumi, grilled Zucchini and Eggplant. Then rested on a deckchair on the black sanded beach.

Off to the Winery for tour and tasting.

By the time we reached Oia, the classic Santorini postcard site, where we had 4 hrs to kill, to watch the sunset, many of us were so buggered. The Blokes just didn't seem to get sunsets and pulled their partners back home. I was sort of intrigued. It was certainly a beautiful place but I didn't fancy getting out of there with a throng of 1000s through tiny streets, while limping.

So we caught the local buses home to Kamari, to enjoy our bottle of wine with fresh pistachios in the balcony. Effie joined us.

Xxxx