A lot of people who’ve been there, and many who have not, will recognise this shot. It’s one of the worlds’s iconic images : the majesty that is Santorini.
There can be few more exciting sights in the world than this island, approached from the sea, across the Caldera.
She is a survivor, Santorini. The striations in the rock colour testify to the volcanic activity that almost blew her out of the sea. Edging towards her, you cannot but help be filled with awe.
But then the awe gives way to mild terror as you dock and realise that all the way to the top is to be accomplished on the back of a donkey! A humble beast of burden, it may well be, but never think that a donkey might not have a mind of its own. And, naturally, that mind conflicts strongly with your own. The memory of sitting helplessly on its back, gazing down at certain death, as it lowered its head over the low stone wall to graze the sparse grass- well, let’s just say it’s not one of my better ones.
A whack on the rump (it’s, not mine) had us lurching upwards again, and it was without a trace of sorrow that I parted company with the beast at the cliff top. I’m sure I detected a smirk on its face, but then, you’d have to find pleasure somewhere if you toiled up and down these slopes all day.
Michael is not at all a fan of cable cars and dangling in the air, but even he agreed that it would be preferable to “descent by donkey”. Me, I absolutely love them, and never more so than on that day. In the meantime, there was exploring to be done.
You know that I don’t have much expertise in this, so I should tell you that these photos are all Michael’s and completely unedited.
restlessjo 
To live in a caldera. I hope that the geologists and seismologists are satisfied that the volcano is truly extinct.
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Yes, it did feel a little scary at times, but how many places already live under a threat of some kind or other? And she’s some beauty! (apologies for my late reply- I’m newly back from the Algarve, and they know all about earthquakes there too. Happily not whilst I was there. 🙂 )
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Jo, this is an amazing post, and it sounds like an amazing place. The photos and storytelling are great!
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It’s one of those larger than life places, Naomi. A bit like Venice in that respect I suppose, although obviously entirely different. Hope it’s not too spoilt by the cruise ships now, but you can’t destroy such magnificense. Many thanks 🙂
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This is one of my favorite places!
Hubby and I spent our honeymoon in Santorini, Mykonos and Athens. This post brings back nice memories.
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Wonderful honeymoon choices, though if you’d seen my Athens post that started the series, maybe not that one! Santorini is a long distant memory for me, but still just as vivid. Many thanks for your visit. 🙂
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Your (or should I say Mike’s?) beautiful photos stirred fond memories Jo! We loved Santorini!
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Great! Now I’ve begun this series might never end. Andros next.
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I was in Santorini in 2001, Jo. The pictures you posed capture is beautifully. It truly is majestic.
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I can return there at any time just looking at these, Tahira.
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Thanks for sharing Michael’s photographs of Santorini, looks like a wonderful place and descent by donkey sounds fun.
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I don’t know if I would be disappointed if I returned, Sam. This is before the days of cruise ships. Glad to keep the memory alive.
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Beautiful place and beautiful pictures!
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I can’t argue with that, Milka. Happy Easter to you.
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Lovely photos, Jo. The church bells are my favourite That donkey ride was also not my best, especially as the guide just left me to it, an when I got to the top, hubby and son, who had walked up, were too far ahead to hear my cries for help, so I had to dismount myself, all the while thinking the donkey was about turn around and head back down before I could work out how to get off. I wrenched my shoulder in the process, as I forgot to let go of the saddle before I reached the ground. 😦
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Full of admiration for your husband and son, and sympathy for you, Ad.
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It is indeed an astounding place – and for me, full of lovely memories as I went once, with Ma and Papa – one of our marvellous ‘grown up’ trips together. 🙂
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Always happy to evoke good memories, Meredith.
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