Woke up at 03:30, stumbled out of bed and a quick shower, walked over the road to the airport and checked in easily. Plane wasn’t full but they still managed to seat a woman with a new born baby next to me – but he obviously didn’t get the memo because he was asleep till we landed, then let loose.
Got picked up at the airport by the hotel owner which was lucky because we hadn’t booked the bus, but a couple of students who were also staying there did.
We were early so the room wasn’t ready so we headed out after the owner told us about the sights.
The sun had just come up and it was quite chilly; we walked up some steps through the town until we came to the cliffs. Wow. I know I’ve said spectacular a lot, but the view was, er, spectacular. Go and look at the photos. Amazing. Since we were up so early we were the only ones there, so could pick the best vantage points. We carried on walking, giving the cameras a good workout, only seeing the occasional person. The houses and buildings all looked newly painted, and there was a lot of construction but it’s not intrusive. Out in the bay a cruise ship had arrived, so took photos of that as well.
Walked back to the hotel and the place was coming alive – shops opening and more tourists around. We stopped at a small cafe for breakfast, if you can count toasted ham cheese and tomato sandwiches as breakfast. I also had the worst cup of coffee ever.
Back at the hotel and the owner showed us to the room – a large apartment with a kitchen and separate bedroom. All for 40 Euro a night. And the flight was only 9 Euro (but taxes bumped it up to 54).
Since we were up so early we decided to rest up, but booked a trip to the volcano in the afternoon.
Skipped lunch and headed down the steps to the old port to pick up the boat. The weather was fantastic, warm and sunny, although the wind was cold. I’d put on factor 50 sunscreen and looked like a mime, but it soon disappeared.
I didn’t count the steps but there were a lot, I think the correct term is a shit load because there were lots of them and they were covered in donkey crap. You can get a donkey to take you down and up. We opted to walk down but it was pretty hard.
By this time the other tourists were out in force and it was very busy. The boat was one of the non-sinking ones again and set off to the volcano. Song and I stood up the front and shouted “King of the World!”. Not really.
The volcano is an island created 400 years ago by an eruption and is still active, although the last occurred in 1950, so hopefully we were safe.
It was very interesting – black volcanic rock, a few craters, and brilliant views back to the main island. The guide said the entire area was once land until a massive eruption 3000 years ago that eradicated the local civilisation. Standing on the island you can look around 360 degrees and see the circular shape of the caldera. There are signs saying not to take any rocks but I took a small one as a souvenir, and hope I didn’t anger the fire God. If it erupts again I’ll put it back. Back on the boat, some brave people went for a swim to some hot springs but had to cross cold water first. No thanks.
There was no way we were going to go up the steps and the choice was cable car or donkey. I wanted to take the civilised method but Song insisted on a donkey so that was that. The ride was fortunately uneventful and I’d even go so far as to say fun, especially since I wasn’t doing the walking. Reached the top and went back to the hotel for a rest, then dinner.
Went to a place recommended by the hotel owner round the corner. I had saganaki to start, Song had Greek salad. I had moussaka for main, Song had stuffed calamari. And a well-earned beer.
The saganaki was good, and a large portion. Song’s salad was also good, the veggies very fresh.
Song’s stuffed calamari was a whole one stuffed with cheese, and tomato with rice. Mine was a classic moussaka with roasted veggies and was really good. Once again the generous servings put paid to the post dinner ice cream, so I had to forgo it again. I have to say that the food in Greece is better than Istanbul, with more variety and bigger portions. But more expensive.
Done for the day which started at 03:30, we went back to the hotel and collapsed.
Fitbit reckoned I walked 7.92 km today, but I’m having trouble with it, it doesn’t like the time zone changes. I think I did a lot more than that, it certainly felt like it.
Taking the bus around the island tomorrow.
