Why climb an active volcano? Because it’s there!

September 02, 2008

Part of the islands surrounding Santorini is Nea Kameni, an active volcano that is literally a barren mountain of pitch-black lava rock. Nea Kameni is host to thousands of walkers who brave the trek to the top. We decide to enlist.

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Discovering the open road in Santorini

July 10, 2008

Our second full day on the island of Santorini and it stretches before us…what to do, what to do. We decide to rent a quad and explore this amazing island on our own.

After an unfortunate motorcycle incident in Calgary when Al peeled concrete off the road with his shoulder, I am hesitant to let him drive. But he reminds me that he took a quad course for work, so I concede. We head out, not sure where we are going and not really caring. The day is ours!

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The seduction of Santorini

July 08, 2008

Without realizing it, we had saved the very best for last on our incredible trip to Greece.

The ship’s cruise director announces that we are approaching the stunning island of Santorini. We look out across the water and see only walls of steep cliffs and rock formations. From this distance, it looks like the cliffs are snow-capped. Coming closer, I realize that the “snow” is actually hundreds and hundreds of buildings perched along the edge.

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Island hopping

July 04, 2008

Over the next two days, we set foot on three more Greek Islands: Patmos, Rhodes and Crete. Each one has its own special personality, and I am amazed at how one country can offer so many variations on a theme.

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Turkish delights

July 04, 2008

Not a Greek island of course, but still well worth a look-see is Kusadasi, Turkey. Unfortunately, we only have four hours here, and it is quickly obvious that it isn’t nearly enough time. Read More

Beer please, and keep ‘em coming!

July 04, 2008

We are back on the Aegean Pearl, this time as overnight passengers for the next three days as we explore more of Greece’s islands.

The Aegean Pearl is a small cruise ship with only 650 passengers – most of them during this run are either between the ages of 15 and 25, or 70 plus. We fall somewhere in the middle. The ship itself is a bit of disappointment. Read More

Going to town

July 04, 2008

True to her word, our Transat representative Sophie meet us in the lobby. She is full of valuable information about bus schedules, beaches to visit, stores that won’t rip us off, restaurants that serve good food etc. She also tells us about the automatic cover charge at restaurants (they charge you for bread right off the top) and the liberal views on the beaches (swimsuit optional).

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The magic of Mykonos

July 04, 2008

There are some 1400 islands in Greece and only 227 of them are inhabited. We will visit five of them during our cruise. First stop, the white sandy shores of Mykonos!

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Getting our Aegean sea legs

July 03, 2008

After four day in Athens, it’s time to say good-bye to the city of the goddess Athena. Al and I both agree that while we feel fortunate to have counted ourselves as visitors here, we’re ready to move on. The city’s frantic pace, stagnant heat and tight quarters has us yearning for fresh air and open space. Today is the day we board the Aegean Pearl and head for Mykonos! Read More

The belly button of the earth

July 03, 2008

On our third day in Athens, we decide to make our way to Delphi, the magnificent site of the Delphic Oracle and the sanctuary of Apollo. So significant to the Greeks is Delphi that they refer to it as the omphalos (belly button) of the earth. It is the place on earth where man is closest to the Gods. Read More