141

Santorini was the only port where we had to use tenders to go to shore (141).  The ship anchored a good distance from land and we headed for shore (142-143).  #143 shows several busses parked near the right of the photo; once boarded, the full-size busses zigzagged their way up the mountain switchback road immediately behind them to reach the top where most of the settlements are.  This once circular island was created 3,450 years ago by an erupting volcano that blew out the center of the island and buried the city of Akrotiri. 

145

146

147

148

Our first stop was at the town of Oia, famous for its blue domed churches, two story mansions and cobblestone streets (145-149).  The streets were full of smart shops selling ceramics, painting and jewelry.

149

150

151

152

Our next stop was at the Argyrou Mansion (150-153), a large home built in 1888 by rich landowner and wine merchant, George Argyrou.  We toured the house and were offered refreshments out back in a pleasant garden.

153

154

155

156

157

158

159

160

Our last stop was the main town of Thira with its quaint shopping streets (157).  We had lunch at a cliffside restaurant with a view very similar to #155 where we could see the Rotterdam at anchor far below.  Then, what goes up must come down, so we had three choices to get down--cable car (156), donkey (158-161) or walking.  Vicky chose the donkeys but her first mount, a mule, proved troublesome on the slippery steps (161) so a switch was made to the more docile donkey in #160.  Vicky took this same ride on a donkey up the steps at midnight about thirty years ago.