Finally the day had come for the island I was most excited for. I recovered from my illness enough to be able to join the others in Santorini. I may have puked in my hat on the long, twisting, and rocking bus up to Oia, but I wouldn’t have missed seeing this island no matter how sick I felt.
It was just like stepping into a postcard. I haven’t seen a place as prettily perfect as Santorini. The island made my jaw drop with its stunning natural beauty – the result of a massive volcanic eruption. I couldn’t believe I was really there; walking past the iconic blue-domed, whitewashed churches. The bright and dazzling blues, pinks, yellows, and reds made me feel as though I was walking through a vibrant painting.
For lunch I tried the delicious local specialty, domatoktedes (fried tomato balls). After lunch and exploring Oia from every angle I could discover, I had to choose between riding the cable car back down or save my breath on a donkey ride. I chose the donkeys. It was anything but a relaxing ride! The donkeys were anything but graceful with their hooves slipping from underneath them, leaving me frightened to fly off at any moment.
Eventually, I got accustomed to the bumpy ride and noticed the views of the neighbouring volcanic islands of Fira. It was an incredible sight to behold. All I could do was just stare at this enormous crater filled with sea, so high that the boats anchored below looked like toys and the wind on the water looked like calligraphy. I noticed that all the cafés on the cliff had their tables and chairs facing West. I came to the profound realization that this must be the best place in the world to watch the sunset. I was right.
The Vintage Postcard 
Your photos do it justice as usual! And fair play for taking the donkey option. I knackered myself everywhere in Greece by choosing to walk as I trust my own feet more than a donkey’s on those tiny, windy paths up the side of islands!!
Thanks :) There were times I was very afraid but that also makes it really fun at the same time!
I remember going on a horse-ride in Oz – they gave me an old rickety horse (called Bert, I’ll never forget him) because I was nervous. Turned out to be a terrible solution cos he was really shaky and I kept thinking I was going to end up in the river with a horse on top of me!!
Haha, Bert! Horses can be really skittish sometimes and it can definitely be frightening also!
Definitely! Never again! Plus, I couldn’t walk straight for around 4 days afterwards ;)
Riding a horse is a workout! All those core muscles tightened. ;)
Thank you for always being so kind and taking the time to comment on my posts! I really appreciate it and it always makes my day.
Aw, you’re more than welcome! It’s like a trip down memory lane for the places I have been, and a wish list for the others! So thank you! :)
This makes me miss Santorini and solidifies my need to return! Beautiful pictures!!
Thanks! I need to return one day, too!
I love Greece and your photo’s remind me of the amazing holidays I had there.
I love Greece, too :D
Great pictures of a great island. I’ve been in Santorini 2 times in my life. One as a student of geology and the second one with my wife two years ago. Both times i was surprised of the beauty of this small island.
Thank you! It’s so picture perfect, I know! :)
Wow…these pictures look like they came right out of a movie or a postcard-beautiful and breathtaking!
Thank you! Santorini is just that to me – a beautiful postcard or painting.
Your pictures make me want to return to Santorini! I just love how the cute little houses blend with the breathtaking views of the caldera.
Hi! Tell me about it – Santorini is just gorgeous . . . Also perfect weather, amazing colours contrasting with the water . . . *swoon!*