Santorini: 50 shades of Blue - 24 luglio, 2015

There is a phenomenon in physics which explains why the sky is blue. It is called "Rayleigh scattering" and it has to do with the tiny nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air that scatter in all directions and cause the shortest blue wavelengths to be most visible.  There are other similar and related explanations as to why deep water looks so blue when the water is actually clear.  But no matter what the scientific explanation is, I will never forget the incredible blue-ness of Santorini, Greece.

     

Our hotel view

Greece had been on our wish list for years but when we realized that we were moving back to the United States this summer, it became a priority to go. We booked a ticket on the once a day direct flight from Milan to Santorini and paid for a non-refundable hotel stay; but then the next day we saw on the news that Greece's economic crisis had worsened and there was talk of kicking them out of the European Union. There were threats of unrest and closures. Luckily during the next few weeks, a compromise was reached that averted the crisis...for now. We were so happy that we could visit Greece, do our little part to help their economy and truly celebrate Dave's retirement.

Santorini, also known as Thera, is one of the Cyclades group within the Greek Islands. The island is the site of what was probably the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. That eruption, 3600 years ago, left behind a huge caldera that forms the structure of today's Santorini. The large deep lagoon that was formed creates a protected harbor surrounded by steep walls. Our hotel sat on the edge of one of those walls, overlooking the caldera.

The flight into Santorini was dramatic as the approach came in over the caldera. We were met at the small airport by a driver who delivered us to our hotel, about 30 minutes away. We were dismayed to see that the hotel only had 8 units and was in a remote location. There did not seem to be a restaurant on site, although the manager had assured me by email that we could have dinner at the hotel. We ended up being pleasantly surprised by the Santorini hospitality. While there was not a restaurant per se, there was a chef who prepared delicious meals which were served to us at a table on our terrace overlooking the sea. The small number of units in the hotel allowed for very personalized service.

The town of Oia was a 15 minute bus ride away but we discovered there was a walking trail to get there as well. The next morning, we started out before the sun was too high in the sky and walked the few miles up over the ridge to town. It was the picture postcard town with whitewashed houses terraced into the hillside and white churches with gleaming blue roofs. There were lots of shops and restaurants but soon the town became mobbed with tours from anchored cruise ships. Later our hotel manager told us that the cruise ships don't help them at all economically because the passengers don't stay long enough to spend any money. They swarm the town, take photos, buy small souvenirs and leave. It was an interesting perspective that I hadn't thought of before. I was glad however, to leave the masses of tour groups and return to our quiet retreat.

The walk to Oia

Oia

Our hotel host arranged for us to take a sunset sailing cruise which included the opportunity to see the  black sand beach and other landmarks. Another day, we had a personal photographic guide who took us to Akrotiri which is a Pompeii-like archeological site where a city buried in the 1650 B.C. eruption has been unearthed as well as to other spots for photo opportunities. I couldn't have been happier with the reasonably priced and perfectly matched activities that our host set up for us but the best activity by far,  was just hanging out at the hotel. Gazing into blueness - the sky, the water, the pool. Serene and relaxing....beautiful blue Santorini.

(Photo by Dave Hoopes)

(photo by hotel staff member)