After enjoying a good tour of mainland Greece, we were now ready for the famed islands.  Isn’t this where people go for honeymoons or get-aways?  I was not disappointed except maybe with one aspect.  The beach.  Most places like Bahamas, Aruba or even Tampa Bay beach we have always associated with miles of sand, gentle oceans waves and hotels nearby.  Not the case with either of the islands we stayed on.  We had a long drive away from where our ferry docked and even the next day when we walked along the touristy beach strip, it was not impressive.

Getting there was a fun experience.  The ferry we were booked on was not waiting for us but arrived after a wait at the dock.  Of course, everyone seemed to be heading for the islands and it was a rush to board.  We had to pull our luggage around too.  At the entry level the vehicles were allowed to board first and parked in designated areas.  Then we could “park” our suitcases on the same level.  We had to corral them with the first row in each direction facing a different direction so all the boxes would not roll away with the motion of the ocean!  Then we had to climb a few levels to find our seat.

The seats were comfortable and we had an upgraded section and our breakfast boxes to stave our hunger.  The food sold on board was very average and the coffee tepid.  The ferry ride that day was smooth with good weather and sunny skies.  Though there was not much to view outside, we had an interesting ride which was a couple of hours, not too long.  We could even go out to the open end of the ferry to experience the rush of the wind and the churning of the water behind the boat.  Once we reached, we got out quickly as the ferry was continuing on to other islands, then we made our way to the waiting bus.

KK and Chitra in an old cave dwelling in Santorini, Radha, Lakshmi and Saroja and others on ferry, Rekha and Sashi taking a break during city tour

The inner parts of the island of Mykonos was not particularly remarkable, some dry vegetation and grape “bushes” growing here and there.  Straight on we were taken on a walking tour of the small city.  There were some quaint windmills, different looking than usual, a large built up area near the ocean where people could lounge around.  Then we went to lunch.  Our guide on the island was a young girl who, though sweet and friendly, appeared to be a trainee with not much knowledge.  Her English was ok.  Though we thought we were having a local lunch we ended up at an Indian restaurant after a long mountainous drive.  The climb up from the parking lot to the restaurant itself was also a put-off for some of the weary travelers who did not do well on slopes!  But we all made it and the tables did have a spectacular ocean view.  After a simple lunch we headed to our hotels for check in.  Dinner at the same restaurant proved to be a much more  fun experience. More on that later.

The beautiful San Marco hotel, relaxing poolside, the unique architecture of the area

The San Marco hotel  was a pleasant surprise.  Rooms were mostly at ground level on the slopy road with each room having an outside porch with luxurious views of white washed charming one-story buildings and overflowing magenta bouganville bushes.  Built on a somewhat isolated part of the island  we could see the blue sea in the distance and a short walk took us to the coastline.  Some of us did venture out one day but found it isolated and rocky.  We rather enjoyed our time sitting by the gorgeous swimming pool and chatting and taking pictures.  The morning breakfast too extended out to a sunny porch overlooking the pool.  If it had been a month earlier we could have enjoyed a dip as well.

San Marco beautiful location and the pebbly beach nearby           

We stayed two overnights at the same hotel which made it very pleasant.  But by no means were we done with the archaelogical sites!  The next morning we took a ferry to the island of Delos which had an interesting history and was a wonder of bygone days.  But before that a note about the walking we had to do in Mykonos! Each time we got off the bus we were taken on a long, long walk close to the ocean till we reached our viewing points.  These were great but the long walk back did dampen some spirits especially towards the end of the day.  We had some  amazing sights of the ocean from this viewing point.  Normally these walks would have been enjoyable but we were asked to do it too many times!

            So, to get to the boarding dock for Delos we had to do our usual walk from the bus depot to the other end of the beach.  This time it was a smaller boat but we were out in the sun for a while and those who opted the upper open deck soaked in more sun.  I think we made up for a whole year of indoor living in US!  The ride was short and pleasant.  When we landed we found there seemed to be a scarcity of restrooms and our guide said “join me now or forget it!”  So we joined the group and proceeded on the tour.   This island is dear to the Greeks as Apollo and Artemis, the children of Zeus were reported to be born here.  A unique fact is that no one is allowed to stay here overnight although in its hey days around 167 BC, it was well populated.  Our guide took us on a detailed tour, pointing out closely- built living quarters, some boasting of mosaic ceramic work, flooring that has apparently survived centuries.  Even the remnants of  a sewer system was discovered here.  Among the other attractions were the remains of the temple of Apollo, his name carved on the low wall and the terrace of the Lions that included many stone lions, some intact, others damaged.  Again the Romans were blamed for the destruction of parts of the island and its abandonment.

At the interesting island of Delos, preserved mosaic and stone lions             

We were to have a local lunch but the restaurant got the dates mixed up and there was no way they could accommodate us.  It was sheer luck that right next door was a pizza place with many outdoor tables.  Perfect!  We were ready for pizza and it was great.    With a relaxed afternoon, we felt refreshed and that night we got dressed up for a special dinner at the Indian Palace restaurant.  When we got there, what we thought was a party related to a wedding turned out to be just other tourists dancing to loud Bollywood music.  Our turn came too and after eating we had fun doing some moves in the space between the tables.

Delicious impromptu Pizza Party lunch in Mykonos!           

All too soon it was time to say goodbye to Mykonos and move ahead to the island of Santorini.  The next morning found us on the dock again ready to load our suitcases on the same ferry.  This time we knew the drill and the ride was also shorter.  Soon we were at Santorini.  Now if any of you have seen pictures of Greece, they feature the lovely blue and white domes and buildings, set close together on the cliff with the lovely blue ocean just beyond.  In fact, a Bollywood movie song was picturized here when the hero and heroine had to get off the plane that happened to land there for repairs! How convenient.  However, believe it or not, they keep this area well hidden and we did not see it till the last day.  We kept asking about it but the guide told us to be patient.  Santorini and its surrounding smaller islands were unique. One of them had the largest dormant volcanic caldera in the world.  Santorini is said to be one of the most-visited islands of the world after Bali.  The bus ride was pretty steep to reach the habitable parts of the island.  Our first stop was a local lunch and visit to the beach.  We were treated to salads, tomatoes and peppers stuffed with cooked flavored rice (a speciality of Greek vegetarian food as we got it everywhere) and delicious chocolate mousse and were allowed on our own to check out the nearby beach and shopping area. 

KK and Shankar, Local Greek stuffed veggies Chitra and Rekha

This beach was full of pebbles being volcanic, but people were having a good time lounging on the small strip of sand.   I think this is where we got our first gelato.  No comparison to the Italian ones though!  We had a lovely walking tour of Fira with its old pebbled roads and beautiful churches. We even went into a cave house from olden days.  Also had some wine tasting for those interested and a visit to an olive oil showroom where everyone bought samples.  A note here on the grape bushes.  Both on mainland and the islands grapes are cultivated on individual bushes that are just twisted into a round shape.  The wind on the islands aids in this also.  They were unique to look at.

            Our hotel named Splendor, definitely lived up to its name.  Five star once again!  It was fabulous!  Rooms were big and overlooking small pools and the ocean.  There were in fact pools everywhere making us regret the fact that it was just a bit too cool to jump in.  The hotel was in so many levels, some of the people needed a golf cart ride to avoid the steps.  The sunrise the next morning was spectacular and at night the stars were at their brightest, enabling us to view many formations including the big dipper.  Of course, the breakfast was an exotic spread including tiramisu and baklava.   As was the practice we had an Indian dinner arranged for us.  The first night the restaurant was a bit chintzy.  The eating area was small, they had no cutories  and the food average.  However, on the second day we visited Jaipur Palace and had an amazing dinner with hot crispy bajjis, delicious panneer dishes and rajma to mention a few items. 

The rocky climb from the port, inviting swimming pools, a map of Santorini island           

Finally on the last day of the visit, we were ready for Oia to view the sunset.  The bus ride was long as we had to reach the very top of the island. On the way the expert driver took us to a view point and I think it was a cathedral though we did not go close to it due to time bind.  We could take nice group pics although the bus reversing close to the edge gave us some heart stopping moments!  At Oia, it had to stop at the base of the hill and we had to hike it up.  We all made it.  At first we met at a very large church square which itself was beautiful.  Then we were on our own to make our way slowly to the sunset viewing portion.

The beautiful Fira walking tour, taking a break and a mother-daughter moment!    

      At long last we were able to see the Santorini of the tourist brochures!  From the church square the blue ocean lay glimmering in the sun. Once everyone had assembled pictures were taken. Don’t miss the fact that we all wore at least one item in the blue color! The guide then hustled us along to catch a spot to view the sunset.  With shops on either side and some alleyes to view the blue domes at close quarters, we were excited.  But no, all that had to be saved for our free time after the sunset!  It appeared like everyone on the island was in Oia!  We hurried along the crowded narrow alley till we negotiated many small flight of stone steps built into the cliffs.  Eventually the ocean came in sight and we all perched here and there on the small wall awaiting the sunset.  Some sat on the wider steps facing the ocean.  It was good catch- up time as we reminisced about our experiences.  In front of us the ocean was dotted with evening cruisers in small boats, probably enjoying a wine and sunset experience with clear unblocked views!  Some others had already booked tables in tiny restaurant balconies for the sunset hour.  Slowly the sky grew pink and we could see the sun shaping into an orange ball that did not have a glare anymore.  Slowly it dipped into the ocean, much to the delight of those gathered there.  Yes some beautiful pictures were taken of the sunset and it was one more memorable moment for us to look back on.  On our return some of us found areas that offered closer views of the blue domes.  However one has to be on the ocean to get the full effect.  Others preferred the exotic shopping and secured nice gifts.

Oia sunset!! The group wearing blue to honor Santorini, the beautiful marbled church square. Above a Bollywood couple — wait, no, thats our Indu and Gopal 🙂           

Departure back to the mainland from Santorini was a staggered affair.  Most of the group were proceeding the next day to the island of Crete.  Four of us were to travel back by ferry to Athens, then take our designated car to the airport.  We felt we had all day to do this.  However, the ferry made stops at four islands! The timings had changed and we made it back really late after some rough waters as well.  By a miracle (and direct intervention from our tour leaders) we caught the flight after the booking counters had closed.  Our thanks to Emirates and our tour organizers.  Never have we reached an airport 40 minutes before the departure of an international flight!!

            We reached our destinations safely and now as we think back, it all seems like a whirlwind dream, we just have to reminisce those golden moments when time stood still in a beautiful country across the oceans from us.   I will post some pictures here of Crete as well that I found in our group chat.

Below the happy group in Crete!