We decided to get a taxi to the port instead of trying to figure out the metro or bus systems. It was a 20E flat rate, so not bad at all. The 20E rate also got us a 'free roller coaster ride' with our taxi driving 80-90 mph through the city. I thought we were going to die before getting to the port. We just boarded our boat and are pleasantly surprised to find to to be quite nice. Leather seats, TVs, a bar... not bad! Thankful, because we have 6 hours on this thing. About to set sail, hope to nap, and wake up in what I'm certain is paradise.
Oh MY LORD... this place is beautiful!! We ended up renting a little blue car, similar to the one I had when I lived in Hawaii. The whole feel and atmosphere takes me back to my Island life. Speed limits of 35-40, no stop lights, single lane streets with 2 way traffic... I LOVE it!! It's really making me want to move back to Hawaii. Our hotel literally takes your breath away. I had to pinch myself and think, "wow! Is this really happening? What did I do to deserve to be here?" The Greek Islands have been on my bucket list for quite some time. Now that I am here, I already want more time. Our room is like a mini studio apt. The deck sets on the cliff and we have a view of the Aegean Sea, the white houses with the blue church tops, volcano. It is simply the most beautiful and romantic place I have ever been. We spent the day by our hotel pool, sipped on drinks, met a couple who live in Dubai, but are from London. Awesome people. There is just something about small town Island life that gives my heart a magnetic beat of contentment and happiness. With that, I am going to enjoy 1 more glass of wine on my patio overlooking the beauty surrounding me and drift off to sleep in my version of paradise.
10/11/2013
Today I awoke to a stunning sunrise, went for an hour long vigorous hike to the volcano below our hotel, had a healthy breakfast poolside, and sipped on some fresh coffee, sat in several minutes of silence feeling grateful and blessed to be here. Places like this allow me to dream again, much like I did as a little girl growing up. They motivate me to become a better person... To read more. Help more. Relax more. Dance more. Appreciate more. Count my blessings more.Care more. Feel more... so much more that a tear of gratefulness rolled down my cheek and dropped into my coffee while I stared at the beauty in front of me. How ever did I get so lucky to be living my dream??
From there, we went to explore Santorini in our little blue Island car. Reminded me of the little blue car I had in Hawaii. Surprisingly, the beaches were nothing special, but this girl is content with any type of sand I can sink my toes into. Basically spent the day cruising, laying on the beach, had a few beers from my backpack, and just hung out. I found myself seriously considering going back to Hawaii to work upon my return home. I miss the lifestyle and the simplicity of the life I lived there. As well as how happy I was. So carefree, natural, hair styles and clothes were never a thought, tons of hiking, being outdoors, and having great life talks with amazing people. Anyway... that is an entire different journal. I don't think words can explain how breath taking this place really is. I will let the pictures do the talking instead.
Everyone on the Island gathers to watch the sunset on the Oia side. After a super, windy, road in our blueberry care, we had arrived. We had dinner an overpriced dinner on a patio and gazed at the magnificent sight before our eyes. ***While it was fantastic, I would've enjoyed it just as much had we hiked to a random area, brought a bottle of wine, and had our own picnic. Much more my style, something which my time in Hilo taught me and will forever remain in me. Simplicity.
We are now back on our hotel (Akrolithos) on our patio, sipping on store bought wine, soaking in our last hours in Santorini. A place I hope to definitely return to. Having said that... Cheers to having a dream and making it happen. Now off to my fantasy world of being a Greek Goddess for the few hours we have left here!! Self indulgent? Maybe. But this place makes me feel beautiful... inside and out. And that's all that really matters :)
