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Santorini: Life on a Volcano

4 August 201816 September 2024

D5 The Island of Santorini

Arriving by sea, the cruise ship pushed forward, edging closer to dramatic views of whitewashed villages atop Santorini’s crescent-shaped caldera.  The scenic view of watching the island appear between the islands of Sikinos and Ios is breathtaking.  Undeniably one of the most beautiful islands in the world,  Santorini’s history, scenic views and whitewashed buildings are incredibly fascinating, but it is the island’s gorgeous sunsets that make the “Devil’s Isle” worth a stop in the Cyclades.

D5 Amazing View of Santorini

Santorini  is one of a group of islands that includes the isles of Santorini and Therasia, while the uninhabited islets of New Kameni and  Palaia Kameni (the “Burnt Isles”), Aspronisi (“White Isle) and Christiana are great for day hiking.   Surviving one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, what remains of Santorini are the steep 1100 feet cliffs and the water-filled caldera.

When the island was first established, it was appropriately named Kallisti which means the “the most beautiful one”.  By the thirteenth century, the  Empire of Romania renamed the island Santorini after Saint Irene of Thessoloniki, who was martyred in the 4th century BC.   Locals may refer to the island as Thera, which became its official name in the 19th century.

To confuse matters a little, Santorini’s capital is also Thera (Fira), located on the northern side of the island.  The town of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful domes, displays the typical scenery that one sees in travel magazines and photographs.D5 Heading up the volcano

Anchoring within the cove of the caldera, passengers boarded the ship’s tender offering transportation to the south end of the island, the New Port at Athinios.

After researching the opportunities available on Santorini, I decided to purchase the ship’s excursion which included a stop at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Greek-inspired lunch and then sunset in Fira.  That morning, the tour group boarded the bus and our driver began the steep climb up the side of the cliffs.  As the bus rounded the corner,  I could see the cruise ships in the harbor and, in the distance, the smaller islands in the caldera.D5 Akrotiri Ruins

As we entered The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, I had not imagined the complexity of the archaeological dig.  I was impressed that the site was enclosed under a large structure, which was built to protect the ancient ruins.  Unlike many excavations, the structures, streets and artifacts were intact and in pristine condition.D5 Beautiful City with Volcano Backdrop

Boarding the bus, I was left thinking about how terrifying it would have been for the Santorinians during the time of the volcanic explosion and was relieved to think that they were smart enough to leave town before the event.

Next, we had the lovely pleasure of spending time in the picturesque town of Oia (or Ia) which is located at the northern tip of the island.  Oia’s charm is seen in its white-washed buildings and gorgeous bougainvillea making it the most photographed village of the Aegean. Walking through Santorini’s second-largest town, I noticed the beautiful whitewashed fences, narrow passageways and staircases that disappeared into restaurants and hotels. Searching for the central square, there were gorgeous views of the cobalt sea and rust-colored lava cliffs in the distance.

D5 Blue Dome of a Greek Orthodox Church

White washed churches with their stunning blue domes are the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Santorini.  The charming combination actually keeps the buildings cool over the hot summer months.

After learning about the local cave houses, I found the Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House in Oia.  I had plenty of time to stop by to explore this gorgeous home before finding a restaurant to try the local wine.  Carved into the rocks on top of the cliff, some of these beautiful structures have remained here for many years.  This amazing location was once a bakery and the interior and decor were completely stunning. The views from Old Bakery were spectacular and would have been the  perfect location to watch the sunset.  130903, D5 Greek Orthodox Church in Oia

I easily found an authentic Greek restaurant that offered all of the local dishes and was interested in sampling the world-renowned  wines of Santorini where the grapes are grown in volcanic ash.  I ordered  the tzatziki sauce with pita bread and a glass of Aryitiko, the island’s popular dry white wine.  My second glass of wine was  the Vinsanto, which is a  sweeter white, produced from dried grapes at Gavalas a local winery in Megalochori.   Santorinian wines are served in some of the most upscale restaurants in the world and I knew I had to buy a few bottles. 130903, D5 Cliff Homes in Oia, Santorini

The dramatic cliffs provided several opportunities to witness a bird’s eye view of the town.  The awnings, walkways and balconies along the side streets piqued my interest as I strayed away from the main street to enjoy the extraordinary scenery.  Wandering the streets, I could easily lose myself among the unique landscape with scenic views all around me.

D5 Fort in Oia, Santorini

Oia is full of surprises and one of them is the Venetian Kasteli (Castle) of Agios Nikolas.  Built in the Middle Ages, as a beautiful church carved in the side of the rock, it also served as a lookout point.  Much of the structure was damaged in the earthquake of 1956 and only the Goulas (watchtower) exists.   It is one of many ideal locations to watch the sunset.

Another gem located below the town of Oia, at the base of the cliff, is the Harbour of Amoudi.   From Oia, there are 300 stairs that reach the harbor, known for its red lava cliffs.

From the Harbour of Amoudi,  the ferry service takes tourists out to the islet of Therasia.  A piece of land untouched by tourism and commercialization, the landscape draws hikers and adventurers.  Within fifteen minutes, tourists can experience an authentic Theran village and view the caldera from a different perspective.

D5 Homes on the Cliffs of Oia

What remains of the volcano wraps around to create a semi-circular basin.  The spectacular formation of the caldera dominates the view at every angle and I wondered how it would have looked before the eruption.

Taking in the sunset in Fira is highly recommended, but not before we lunched at Restaurant Iris.  We boarded the bus for a short ride and arrived at the restaurant to enjoy a buffet of Greek food and desserts.  Since I had already eaten, I had a lovely conversation with our tour guide who was happy to give me an insight to the current economic situation in Greece.   We had a lovely dining experience and looked forward to winding down our day where we would witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of the world.

D5 Terrace View of the Caldera, Santorini

Fira is located close to the cruise ships dock and is the starting point for most tourists visiting the island.  The town has made it very easy to find the perfect location to enjoy the sunset although it can be more crowded than Oia at sunset.  From this vantage point, the structures built into the lava cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and view.

D5 Donkeys in Santorini

Several options are available to reach the town of Fira.  For the adventurous, brave and strong, a set of 587 stairs reach the top.  This is also the way of the donkeys, so if one does not mind sharing the route with donkeys, there are no lines and no waiting.  Riding up the cliff on a donkey-for-hire is another possibility as long as the mule is not stubborn.

D5 The Cable Car in Fira, Santorini

Cable car rides run every 20 minutes and takes only a couple of minutes to go up or down.   Each car transports 36 people at a time and is very convenient, quick way to travel.  The cost is 6 Euros one way and there may be a wait, especially when cruise ships are in port.

D5 Terrace in Fira

The town has made it very easy to find a cliffside, seaside spot to enjoy the sunset and there are many more options here in the energetic village of Fira.   Fellow cruise ship passengers waited for the spectacular show as the sun began to hide behind a piece of the caldera.  We watched in awe as the sunlight reflected off of the iconic Clycladic architecture.

D5 Wonderful Restaurant in Fira

Undeniably, the view from Santorini a couple of hours before sunset is phenomenal.  As the sun slowly disappears behind the caldara, the sun’s light dances upon the cove below and reflects off of the cliffs and islands to create a magnificent pink glow.

130903, D5 Sunset in Fira

And this is the sight that we are all anticipating….the beautiful sunset at Fira.D5 Incredible View of Fira at Dusk

No one can deny that Santorini is magical, spectacular and everything in between.  Picturesque at every turn, the island is one of the most scenic and enchanting of the Greek isles.  What a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of Fira at twilight.  I could have stood in this moment forever but this moment of awe would soon come to an end.

Moving towards the cable cars, I looked back at the extraordinary scene.  I couldn’t help but contemplate if the ancient Greeks knew that they were living among one of  the most beautiful landscapes in the world.   I think I have found my Atlantis.

Have you been to Santorini or any of the other Greek Islands?  What would you recommend doing on my return visit?  I would love to hear your comments below!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone:  +30 2286 081939

  • Admission Fee:  12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31;  open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31.   The museum is closed on Mondays.
  • Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
  • Scenic View:  Amazing archaeological artifacts
  • Length of Visit:  4 hours

Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552

Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation.  Email: info@gavalaswines.gr

Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone:  +30 2286 071614

Santorini Donkey

Santorini Cable Car

Where to Stay:

Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece  84700
Telephone:  +30 2286 032692

What to Eat:

  • Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
  • Greek Salad
  • Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
  • Gyros
  • Lamb
  • Local Olives
  • Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
  • Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
  • Pomegranates
  • Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
  • Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
  • Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
  • Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
  • Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

  • The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
  • One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
  • Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson

Photo Guide for Santorini: 

  • Akrotiri Lighthouse
  • Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
  • The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
  • Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
  • Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
  • Oia
  • Skaros Rock 
  • Windmills in Oia and Fira

For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

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Politics, Theaters and Automobiles: Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History!

5 February 201716 September 2024

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After filling up on a hearty lunch, I returned to the Clark County Heritage Center in Springfield.  With so much history, I began my second session to cover the time period beginning in the 1900s up until the 1970s where the museum’s information about Clark County and Springfield ends.

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In the early 1900s,  Springfield, Ohio’s population was close to 60,000.  To celebrate their centennial in 1901 the city hosted Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a traveling performance which featured Greenville, Ohio native, Annie Oakley.  During this time, advances in transportation, farming equipment and entertainment made Springfield a popular location to live and visit.

Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States at this time and nearby Dayton residents, Wilbur and Orville Wright piloted the first airplane at Kitty Hawk.

By winter of 1903, three major fires claimed three lives in Springfield and destroyed an entire city block.

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Sully Jaymes was Springfield’s only African American attorney who represented the underprivileged African Americans.  A graduate of Boston University and the University of Michigan, Jaymes practiced law for over 50 years until his death in 1950.

In 1905, Gus Sun opened a vaudeville theater and booking agency in Springfield.  During this time, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built a home for car magnate, Burton J. Westcott.

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By 1904, the Boys and Girls club was founded by AB Graham, which is known today as the 4H Club.  This agricultural organization teaches school-aged children about “farming techniques and home management”.  During the same year, International Harvester opened up a plant in Springfield to make trucks, bringing in a large number of jobs to the area.

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During Taft’s presidency, the Chakeres brothers open the city’s first movie theater in 1908 which would eventually lead to a total of eight movie houses around town.  The cost to see a move was only 50 cents back then  Following William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson takes office and the US enters into World War I.  Westcott Motor Car Company begins producing “The Westcott” between the years 1916 and 1926.  It would be the only automobile that would be manufactured in Springfield, rumored that the city lost the bid to Detroit for producing cars for the Ford Motor Company.   As Ohio braces for the Depression Era, racial tensions rise as riots break out among Springfield residents.  The Ohio National Guard is called in to preserve order.

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A very controversial event took place in Springfield in 1923 when the Klu Klux Klan held a rally at the fairgrounds.  These horrific, racially charged events were being held all over the nation in the 1920s, even in our nation’s capitol of Washington DC.

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Even in the midst of these thorny racial relationships of just a year ago, the city of Springfield is named the “Rose City” due to its large production of roses.

Amidst the Great Depression, George Rogers Clark Park is established in 1930 near Buck Creek with a reenactment of the Battle of Piqua taking place here to commemorate its 150th anniversary.  The opening of Cliff Park soon follows in 1932.

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Chakeres Theaters gain world wide recognition opening theaters across Ohio in the 1930s and the first service station, Bonded Oil, is built in Urbana.  As Springfield reaches the end of the 30’s World War II breaks out and the US comes to the aid of its allies after the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. Three Springfielders died in the attack and by 1943, Wittenberg University is set up to train Air Force Cadets to assist in the war efforts.

After World War II, the soldiers return home and only four years later the Korean War breaks out.  The Clark County Fair, first opened in 1854, moves to a larger space taking over the old Springfield Airport in 1947.  With an increase in population, Mercy Hospital opens in 1950 with the help of philanthropist Joseph Shouvlin.  There were currently 111,661 residents in Springfield at that time.

Eisenhower’s presidency would be the start of the Civil Rights movement and would continue as John F. Kennedy is sworn into office in 1960.  It was a victory for local African Americans when Robert C. Henry was the first black man elected to the Springfield City Commission and later becomes Mayor in 1966.    Taking over Henry’s post as Mayor in 1968 would be Springfield’s first female mayor, Betty Brunk.

DSC_0762

The 1970s brought about the interstate and I-70 draws businesses along the highway’s corridor.  The population of Springfield has reached upwards into the 150 thousands.  As the number of businesses increase, Springfield Mayor Robert Burton, plans to revitalize the downtown area, which has fallen into ruin over the years.  Another economic victory includes the opening of the Upper Valley Mall in 1971.

By the time Gerald Ford takes office, Robert Burton has made good on his promise to help Springfield and the New City Hall was constructed.

Fast forward to 2016 and there is a continued effort to revitalize the city of Springfield.  The downtown area is growing and new businesses are moving into spaces that were once left vacant.  Snyder Park has once again become a beautiful place to visit and the Farmer’s Market is thriving during the weekends at the Heritage Museum.  Rumor has it that even the Upper Valley Mall will be making changes in the near  future as well but plans have not been finalized.  During my return, it was an exciting time to live in Springfield and many residents came together to further the development of the city in a positive direction.  Who knows?  The difference one could make for Springfield may lead to noteriety at the Heritage Center’s Museum of Springfield history.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center in Springfield and learn about its history?  What was your favorite moment in time?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone:  937 324 0657

  • Admission Fee:  Free, and donations are welcome.
  • Hours:  Museum:  Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM.  Closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
  • Amenities:  Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Donations recommended are Family:  $10; Adults:  $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries.   I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread.  Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant.   If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

  • Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio
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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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