SANTORINI

We had our first glimpse of Santorini when the ship made its final port of call yesterday. We had a drive around the island that gave us an idea of the layout when we stay here for 6 nights. We were able to get our very heavy luggage off and take it to the hotel for safekeeping. This would make our disembarkation so much easier and enable us to catch the very early ferry from Athens. Unfortunately no one told us about all the stairs just to get onto the funicular – thank goodness some kind young men from Germany came to our rescue and we were able to get on and ride to the top of the island. Then after a short, but difficult walk on cobblestones….we were able to get a taxi to take us to the hotel. When we arrived at the hotel, there were several stairs – but at least down. However, the transfer of these heavy pieces of luggage was exhausting. We will explore options how to get our “trinkets” (feels more like a suitcase full of boulders) home. To be considered are mailing….purchasing another suitcase and paying for an extra bag on the airline….paying for an overweight bag….an upgrade to business class to fly home…. One thing we know for sure – we still have to shop in Santorini!!!

With our luggage safely stored at the hotel, we rode the funicular down and had a well earned beer at the bottom before boarding the tender to take us back to the ship. Beer in this little restaurant cost twice as much as it should have – but quenched our thirst and then it was back on the ship for our last evening with our new friends.

We said our goodbyes to Afghanistan/Toronto, Australia, Boston, California,
England, New Zealand …and of course all y’all Southerners. We said goodbye to the crew that were special and then an early bed for to get ready for our early disembarkation tomorrow.