A Vacation from our Vacation

It was an idea whose first hints were hatched five years ago when I came here with my mom for a brief but impressionable day while on a cruise. I fell in love with Santorini that day; my mom said she could see it all over my face and saw the struggle I had when it was time to leave. As we sailed out of the caldera that day, I promised myself I would try my hardest to return someday with Rob. In addition to the breathtaking beauty, I knew he would really appreciate the volcanic and geographic history as well as the vibrant wine industry on the island.

If you know me, you know I am one determined cookie when I get an idea and so here we are, Rob and I, hanging out in a cliff-side hotel in Santorini for a few days as we regroup and get ready to start our haul home. Here’s my view as I write this (a little later than the posted time).

Caldera view from our room's patio; Oia to the right

As we sat in the Athens airport to fly here, part of me was psychologically ready to go home. We’ve been away from all that is familiar and fuzzy for quite a while. But physically, I could not imagine the multiple flights and time zones we are going to jump when we head home. Now that I am here, I am praising our good sense to take a few unplanned days to end our vacation. I am already breathing deeper and I can feel my body relaxing from all the go-go-go, see-see-see I’ve put it through the past few weeks.

So we wandered around small towns, figured out the bus system (Mom, it’s still chaotic but at least there are signs in English now! And the buses aren’t quite as…aromatic.), bought some souvenirs, got lost on old pathways, ate some amazing food, enjoyed wine we can not pronounce, and watched tourists from cruise ships while we felt like smug temporary locals.

My new watch to commemorate my encounter with the donkey.  He looked just like that!

We finished the day with a meal of fava bean mousse, locally herbed butter, tomato pate, pasta, beef, and more Vin Santo while watching the sunset over the little town of Oia (pronounced eee-ah) on the tip of the island. It was one of the best meal experiences of my life, shared with the love of my life. Still overwhelmed.