Misty mountain hop (Santorini)

Good morning to Led Zeppelin and a classic song.

And so dear reader we arrive at our penultimate day in Santorini. You will not be surprised to know that we slept late and dawdled our way to breakfast by 9:30am. We decided today would be a chill-out day, well, Jayne decided. My contribution to a relaxed day is having a massage this afternoon. This was, of course, organised by the ever-present Nikolas. We also booked transport to the airport tomorrow and a wake-up call for the morning.

The Skaras

After breakfast I decided to climb the Skaras. It is not really a mountain, nor was it misty although it does get a little hazy at times. We had discussed this previously and reacher the decision that Jayne would not accompany me. This, as it later turned out, was very wise. Although not particularly strenuous, the walk out to the path itself was the usual undulating steps along through the hotel accommodation clinging to the side of the caldera. The path out to the Skaras was broken and covered in rocks and rubble. It was not very stable underfoot. Jayne would not have been having fun.

The walk provided some different perspectives of the spectacular view that we have come to take for granted and the wind was blustery and unsettling on occasions. While the path was narrow, it wasn't unsafe. There were the remnants of cave-houses on the saddle across to the rock. All that could be seen was an arch of rock, but if you looked closer inside, you could see the fortified walls and doorways leading to other rooms. Great view and you'd never have trouble drying the washing - if you could keep it pegged onto a line. It would be more likely to end up in the Aegean.

There were, as I'd come to expect in Greece, no signs directing the way and there were a number of braids off the main track where people had gone for a Kodak moment. The last section to the top was an almost sheer climb. That sounds dangerous, but it wasn't; there were plenty of hand and foot holds. However, I was on my own and the wind was gusting so I opted to be sensible and not climb the last 10 metres or so to the top. I know gentle reader, you are shocked, perhaps you should have a cup of tea and a lie down.

A few quick photos and I was climbing the path back to the caldera. Jayne was surprised that I was back so soon, but it really wasn't that far. I was dripping with sweat because much of the walk back was in sun and protected from the wind. Finally it was time to test the infinity pool. The water is chlorinated, not salt; curious in this climate and the water was cool and refreshing. The poolside was already quite crowded with Europeans developing their skin cancers. Sunburn to the left of me, sunburn to the right of me. The only people in the shade were the two Australians from the land of sun and surf. Ironic. Throughout our stay, there have been people poolside who appear not to have moved for days. Good times? Not my idea of a holiday, but to each his own.

After a quick swim and a slow glass of sparkling wine, it was back to the unit to relax some more. So I settled into my book for the first time since we left Australia, only to be disturbed by a ginger cat who obviously preferred the cool inside our suite to the afternoon sun. I tried to coax it to leave but I don't understand cats and this one was Greek, so I'm sure it didn't understand English. Eventually I ushered it out the door after Jayne's failed attempt. It went straight under the sun lounge and looked at me disdainfully and remained there for the afternoon.

I'm just back from my hour long massage. Relaxing? Soft? Ochi! That's 'no' in Greek but it's also close to ouchy. I expect a deep tissue massage to hurt because I have them so infrequently and there are always issues with my back - but OMG, she hurt me - back, shoulders, neck and legs. Jayne asked if I was offered a 'happy ending' but the happy ending was when it was all over and I could limp back to the suite. No doubt I'll feel better later.

Unusual traffic

We climbed the stairs to go to a taverna at the square for our last night. It offered traditional Greek food without the usual Santorini prices. Saganaki, fried tomato balls, seafood souvlaki and gyros accompanied by a carafe of house wine. It wasn't the best meal we've had but it was good enough. While we were still at the taverna a couple of donkeys were led up the road and into the square. Then a couple of photographers turned up followed by a balalaika player and a violinist. A wedding we thought? No, the guy from the taverna said, it's just a donkey excursion.

A donkey excursion for the bride all the way to the church down our end of the caldera. Quite a stunning sight and with the most beautiful back drop. Even the dog was dressed up - photo at the bottom of the page.

After all the excitement we returned to our suite to have a glass of red as the sun went down. No. No pictures of tonight's sunset you've seen enough dear reader. Tonight is our last night of battle with the mosquitoes. I re-enacted some scenes from Dracula last evening and thought of contacting Dr Van Helsing for assistance to ward off the deadly blood-sucking insects this evening.

Until tomorrow.

Dressed up and battling the breeze

Oh, one last thing, the thing no-one ever mentions about travel to Greece. It's toilet paper, you are not allowed to flush it down the toilet. It goes into a little bin next to the toilet. Discuss.