This morning I’d set my alarm for 4am. I’d arranged for Radamanthus to pick me up from the square in Anafi Chora at 0430. God I hate these early ferry connectionbut actually prefer them over the late night ones. It was a short journey from Anafi back to Santorini – less than two hours. I…
Where on earth did 6 days go? I know every day was a beach day and one seemed to run into another but hey – what else can you do in the middle of a heatwave? I would love to have spent more time exploring Chora. I’d like to have visited “Monastiri” – so close…
I’d have been very happy to spend every day at Klisidi Beach for the rest of my stay. Curiosity however, always gets the better of me. I’ve already fallen into a routine with Rhodamanthus the taxi driver. Every day he’d drive me back to Chora and before I had chance to get out of the…
Sometimes I grapple with the urge to go and explore new places against the need to relax. The purpose of this trip was to take a bit of time to recharge my batteries but I’m itching to see what Anafi has to offer. Today this isn’t such a dilemma as I’ve had the decision taken…
The Saonisos left the shores of Riva Cove and sailed across the straight between Thirassia and Santorini. It’s a busy channel used by cruise liners, passenger ferries and tourist boats alike. This view never fails to amaze me. The island looks like a collapsed chocolate sponge dripping with white icing. I don’t know if this…
This afternoon I will leave Thirassia. My three nights here have been all too short but unfortunately have been dictated by the regularity (or irregularity) of the ferry connections. I do a last bit of handwashing, safe in the knowledge that it will be bone dry after just a few hours on the line. Whilst…
Last night the Meltemi arrived. The wind that blows across the Aegean from the north made its presence felt by rattling the chairs on the terrace and whipping through the branches of the trees. The heat of the last few days has been stifling so I hope the temperatures will now cool a little. This…
After a good night’s sleep, I feel ready for action – the single bed that reminds of my childhood days is surprisingly comfortable. Babis has given me clear instructions on how to navigate the island. Most of the villages on the upper plateau can be accessed on foot, however, this morning I’ve hauled on my…
Thirassia has two ports and the Saonisos arrives at the Port of Riva which sits at the northernmost tip of the island. The landscape is slightly flatter here which I expect is more suitable for receiving large ferries and the transportation of cargo (and passengers) on the island. Manolas is the capital and main settlement…
I returned from Greece just over two weeks ago but a whole host of things compelled me to get on a flight back. A combination of stress, exhaustion and the relentless gloom of the British weather tipped me over the edge and I was also having serious withdrawal symptoms. I sometimes wake up in the…
When we left Chios for Izmir 3 days ago we still didn’t know if Rouketopolemos (also known as the Rocket Wars) would go ahead. The event consists of the rival parishes of St. Mark’s and Panaghia Ereithiani firing thousands of homemade rockets at the church towers of the opposition. This isn’t without its casualties. Nearby properties…
As we sailed back into Chios from Cesme with our haul of bargains we were greeted by a magnificent rainbow over the town. The weather looks a little unpredictable but we just hope it remains dry for the Good Friday processions this evening. It’s a 10 minute walk from the Customs building to our hotel….