There are thousands of Greek isles. Some inhabited, some not. Each to some degree a different flavor.

Santorini one of the most popular. I know Santorini well from experience. Spent several trips there. In a few days, Dr. Norris, wife Kathryn and there two youngest daughters Katey and Kiki will visit. A trip none will ever forget.

Santorini was born of a massive earthquake hundreds of years ago. At first one large island centered with a massive volcano. Following the earthquake, several islands. One containing the volcano, the remaining individual islands. One of those islands Santorini.

The name Santorini derived from “Saint Irene.”

It has the distinction today of being one of the most expensive to visit. Well worth it because of its uniqueness. 

Santorini is famous for its “cave dwellings.” The side of Santorini facing the volcano island is a one thousand foot and higher cliff. Hotels have been built along side the cliff. Actually holes into the cliff. Fantastic accommodations.

Two cities on Santorini. Oia and Fira.. Oia the most glamorous and expensive. Of course, is was there I stayed. The other less expensive and more best described as beachy. Tourists running here and there in bathing suits all day. Accommodations lesser in quality and cost than Santorini.

I did not select Oia. I was vacationing on Santorini each time with my friend Anna from Navara who I frequently traveled with in those days.

Our hotel was half way up or down the cliff facing the volcano. Access was from the top down. A wide large step edifice to reach the cave rooms. Not bad walking down. Tiring going up.

The cave rooms a hole in the cliff to begin. Each hole entering into a magnificent man made accommodation. Small kitchen, living room area, magnificent bedroom and a spectacular bathroom. Air conditioning provided. I never used once in all my trips. The hole in the cliff provided all the coolness required.

Each accommodation had a balcony at its entrance. I would prop up with my feet on the railing and view the ocean and volcano before me.

A pool somewhere in the midst of all this. The edge facing the ocean was situated on the actual edge of the cliff at that point. A strange feeling to rest along that edge. It was like you were standing at the entrance to air. One more step and a gigantic fall into the ocean.

The restaurants provided the best of foods. All open air, of course. Those on the cliff the most expensive. A short block inland and the restaurants were cheaper, the food of the same quality as those on the cliff. “Lamb” the most popular dish at each. One problem. Never lamb. Goat meat. The island was loaded with wild goats. When cooked, you never knew the difference from lamb.

The goats were of significant size. Took several days for a restaurant to sell. Each day after cooking, the flavor diminished a bit. The idea was to only order “lamb” if it had been cooked for the first time that day.

Sunset on Santorini like standing in the Sistine Chapel. Tight and necks stretched. Everyone ended up on the western part of Oia for sunset.

There was a relatively large Russian church on Santorini. I visited it often. It was cool!!!!! Also, beautiful. Everything gold. Trump must have visited one time to get the idea for all the gold he is placing in Washington. He forgets he is not God, however.

The people came in droves. Very religious. Kneeled and prayed. I was impressed.

I cannot recall the name of our hotel nor its two elderly owners. We became friends. Especially the wife and I. They spoke English. Everyone spoke English on Santorini. A benefit!

The elderly wife took very good care of me. She picked up my dirty clothes each day and washed and ironed them. An accommodation no one else was receiving in the hotel. She also provided fresh fruit and baked goods. I would walk into our cave dwelling and there they would be sitting on the kitchen table.

Santorini loaded with beaches. Two especially large. Perhaps 500 umbrellas, each covering two chaise lounges. Firmly fixed.

The restaurant at each provide unusually good food! A waiter came by. Took your order at the chase lounge and then had it delivered directly to you there for consumption.

One unusual trait. Most people went bare ass. Lying on the lounges and in the water. I wonder how Kate and Kiki will handle this. Their parents’ headache to figure out.

I do not recommend renting a car. The roads are narrow and full of turns and twists. Better to take a bus or cab.

Outside of Oia and Fira is ancient Greece. Small white buildings with blue roofs, doors and window shutters. Every building/home the same in appearance. A Greek tradition on every island. The color combination goes back to 1938. A massive cholera and bacteria infection hit the islands. It was discovered  white limestone walls with the blue accompaniments rejected the bacteria. So was born the white and blue edifices.

I finally got out of the house yesterday. Did Happy Hour at The Grand. Great company. Some new, some old.

Jean and Joe Thornton appeared as I was leaving. Jean has been here for several weeks alone. Joe had arrived a half hour earlier by plane.

Just my luck…..A car problem. My key was locked. Would not turnover. My car slept on Duval last night. All kinds of calls to police, etc. Don’t tow me. Jean knows the Chief of Police. She called me when I was home to tell me she had spoken with him and sent him a photo of my car. He agreed to leave it be overnight.

My landlord Cindy drove me home. She was very accommodating. She and Ellen had spent the afternoon boating before meeting up at The Grand.

I will need George to come fix my car. I only have his garage’s number so will not be able to reach him till 9.

I hope it is a quick fix. I do not want to be without a car again.

Fran and Tom are still in Barcelona. Visited Sagrada Familia yesterday. Jean telephoned me last night to tell me about her Police Chief call and also to advise she and Joe had been to Barcelona and visited Sagrada Familia. Her comment re the Church: “The most beautiful place I have been.” She told me about Anton Gandi, the architect who designed and began working on the Church internally in the 1800s. She was taken with the Basilica.

She said the first time she walked in, a group of nuns were singing Ave Maria. Moving!

So much for today. Let’s hope my car is a quick fix. 

Tomorrow Mykonos.

Enjoy your day!