Santorini and Oea, Greece

Santorini, Greece

August 7, 2009

We decided to do some exploring of Santorini on our own. I was so excited to visit Santorini. For those of you who have seen Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . this is where the story is set when they visit Greece.

There are a few methods of transportation to get to Santorini. First a little background . . . this is an island where half of the it fell into the sea many, many years ago. So, the town is at the top of this cliff and houses are built down the side. You can take a cable car up to the cliff, ride a donkey or take the stairs. We chose the cable car.

(Here is the Beckwith family - who are family friends - in their cable car)

And when you reach the top of the cliff, the look out is breathtaking.

(The girls and Jack)

(The whole Mortensen clan)
(and the Beckwiths)

No, we didn't ride the mopeds. Some of us wanted to, but I didn't dare with Jack. I mean, have you seen how they drive in Europe?

After exploring the city of Santorini my dad took Jack back to the ship while we went to a black sand beach. Since Greece is a lot of volcanoes the sand on their beaches is black and grainy. It's not the typical white sand beaches I thought of when Greece was mentioned, but I LOVED the black sand. It was gorgeous.

(It was nice having a little time not being responsible parents for a bit.)

(Matt and Scott soaking up the Grecian sun)

After our time on the beach the boys decided to go back to the ship while the girls decided to explore more. We rode their bus (gulp) to a town called Oea. Talk about picturesque. We had a great time exploring, taking pictures and shopping in Oea. This is a place I WILL come back to someday. However, we will NOT be using their public buses there. You actually have to fight and push your way onto the bus. Good thing my buff sister was there to hold the crowd back while we boarded the bus. Literally. She blocked the way so we could get on. I am laughing now thinking about her. Love ya Becca Boo!