Today a number of things happened. First up was notification that our bags had arrived on the island (thanks for phoning ahead BA, not) and would be delivered soon. Next was that we would be changing rooms earlier than expected (hello jacuzzi). Finally, we took a sunset cruise onboard the Thalassa.
So, first things first. Our bags arrive. BA was meant to call before delivery, but of course they didn’t. Also no word back from customer care after I complained about their lack of support during this process, especially considering they’re full service and they were chosen over others due to OneWorld loyalty (perhaps misplaced) and other similar factors. I guess I’m taking on a slight DYKWIA attitude, but too right I should be considering my status, not with them, but one of their major partners. If this is their attitude, I can book on others in the future and retell my issues to all who will listen.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing (pardon the pun), as the code on my bag was now not being recognised, and after going through all 1000 combinations one at a time, found that a pen into the reset switch unlocked my suitcase. So my suitcase lock is not just faulty, it’s downright terrible as a lock. If anyone wants to know what brand to avoid buying, it’s American Tourister… that kind of quality is unbelievable. Luckily, nothing was missing.
Following breakfast we moved into our new room, a jacuzzi suite a few steps further down the hill. We have a large cavernous living area, flanked by two elevated bedrooms, kitchen, beautifully tiled bathroom and a private patio with jacuzzi, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Photos do not do it justice, it’s amazing.
Living area
Bedroom above kitchen
Patio and jacuzzi
Mum on the patio
Terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea
View from the terrace
We bought ourselves some tomatoes, feta, olive oil and bread to make some lunch in the room, before we headed out to the Old Port to begin our journey at 15:00 (remember, it gets dark very late here), sailing on a replica Brigantine sailing boat popular in the 1800’s.
Walking down the steps to the Old Port
The Thalassa
Onboard the Thalassa
The journey begins on the Thalassa
Our first stop was Nea Kameni, where a guide escorted us up to the rim of the crater of what once was the volcano that made up the islands of Santorini. I chose to skip the guide and powered ahead with Sze Sze to check out the various points of interest ahead of the group. I then walked halfway back down, up again and all the way down before the group, to get myself some additional exercise. Unfortunately, it was only 3KM.
The track well travelled
Sze Sze jumping
The view one way
Sze Sze at the top (Fira in the background)
Taking photos
The view another way
Selfies on a rock (Fira behind)
Mum and Sze Sze (crater behind)
Another view
Smiley face
Bad use of an umbrella
From Nea Kameni we headed to Palea Kameni, the island just behind that was supposed to have a hot springs… unfortunately they didn’t tell you that it was really just a lukewarm experience, and of course you needed to jump off the boat and swim to shore, through cooler water (21º) and the reverse to get back onboard. An added side effect, the gas bubbling out of the ground that warms the sea produces a rusty colour on the rocks, which stains your clothes. I got no photos of this as I wasn’t taking my camera into the water with me!
Heading on, we stopped at Thirassia Island, where there was another swimming spot, even cooler (I didn’t bother getting in) before dinner was served. A real mixture of greek foods. Also, local wine from a cask was served… seemed a lot like Australia!
Onboard the Thalassa
Sam and mum after swimming
The sun lowers
Penny and Sze Sze
Sam and Sze Sze
Sam, mum, Penny and Sze Sze
A tall ship silhouette
Another silhouette
Mum and Sze Sze
Sam and Sze Sze
Sam, Penny and Sze Sze
Sunset
Sunset
Mum following sunset
Mum dancing (in pink)
Sze Sze dancing (red hair)
Heading slowly back towards Santorini, we watched the sunset from the boat, before some traditional dancing onboard shortly before getting back to port. After the long day, we didn’t walk back up the stairs, but instead took the much quicker cable car.
