Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

17 December 20243 May 2025

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

The Theater of Miletus

26 September 202317 March 2025

On a tour of Turkey, our group made a quick stop at Turkmen Carpets where we learned how carpets were made. I saw, first-hand, the exquisite work that was put into themcreation of these carpets by some of the local weavers before we boarded the tour bus for our next location, Miletus.

The archaeological site of Miletus, a once prosperous Turkish city, was one of the principal Ionian cities of Asia Minor. It was also a stop on Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey. As our coach approached the site, we noticed the outer wall of the theater, visible from the tour bus and a large space of hewn stone. It was hard to believe that at one time, Miletus was the wealthiest of all Greek cities during the Hellenistic era.

The theater is only one stop on our trip to Miletus. This large structures is similar to our theatrical stages of today and was built into a hill between the Bay of Lions and the Theater Harbor. Sixty rows of seats climb to the top with a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators. Construction began in the 4^th century BC but improvements were made under the direction of Emperor Trajan. The third level was later added with ornate decorations to the columns representing hunting scenes with the god Eros.

According to historian Josephus, there was a Greek inscription on the fifth row that read, “For the Jews and the God-fearers.” It was a reminder of Rome’s “tolerance of the Jews” that resided in Miletus and were permitted to attend the theater.

We climbed up to the seats which would have been reserved for the upper class in the first few rows. I could clearly see the three sections of the Roman theatre that included the backstage area, additional seating arrangements for the audience and the orchestra. The productions would have been nothing less than extravagant and the acoustics, spectacular.

Looking into the stadium, there were four columns that seemed set apart from the general population’s seating area. Known as the “Royal Box”, it was located in the center of the first few rows and was designated as an exclusive box for the emperors. The columns were used to drape a covering over the area to shade the royals from the inclement weather and heat of the sun.

An interesting feature of the Miletus theater were the lion paws on the outer edge of the benched seats. Lions were symbols of strength and royalty back in the ancient days and the ornate design seemed to suggest that this was once a flourishing city.

Even the small details that our tour guide pointed out were absolutely fascinating. For example, taking a closer look at the stone platform designated for the Emperor and his family, we could see the awning attachments.

Gazing up towards the high seats of the Miletus Theater, I could clearly see the third row addition. The cave-like entrances provided a way in and out of the theater. The added space would have also minimized the interaction between the upper and lower class.

Just as the spectators would have left the theater, we made our way out towards the public structures of this well-preserved archaeological site. Our guide pointed out some of the major points of interest, but with such little time, we could only see some of these ruins from afar. There was so much to explore in the town of Miletus.

Have you traveled to Miletus? What were some of the places that interested you? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my excurstion to Miletus! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

To learn more about the archaeological site of Miletus, check out my recent blog post, The Baths of Miletus.

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Baths of Miletus

A Million Dollar View at Georgetown Vineyards, NOW GEORGETOWN TAVERN ON THE HILL

18 June 201916 March 2025

Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Georgetown Vineyards was established on a parcel of land once owned by Thomas Jefferson. In addition to producing their estate wines, Georgetown Vineyards also makes wine from California grapes under the label, J. Nico Wine. In January, their Moscato made Amazon’s White Wine list.

The smell of cheese and tomato sauce was coming from the wood-fired pizza oven as I entered the winery. I selected a seat at the counter and decided to try a flight of sweet wines. I collected my wine samples and exited the tasting room to explore the pavilion and enjoy the intoxicating view of the city of Cambridge below.

There was plenty of seating both indoors and out to experience the wines of Georgetown Vineyards. The relaxed setting and friendliness of the staff felt as though I was stopping off at a friend’s house for the afternoon.

Georgetown Vineyards offers a list of pre-selected tasting options of four samples for the cost of $3.50. I decided upon the grouping that included an apple wine and three grape varietals, Fredonia, Concord and Niagara. Each sample was the size of a one ounce pour and there were additional flight options for the same price.

Here is an overview of my winetasting experience:

Apple – light tasting, not too strong, has a very light alcohol flavor and would be a super refreshing at a very cold temperature
Fredonia – loved the smell! Beautiful, dense reddish pink color with a sweet aftertaste, but colder, this would be another refreshing summertime drink.
Concord – love this grape! Cranberry color and so easy to drink. The flavors come out towards the back of my throat and tastes very similar to Fredonia.
Niagara – clear wine from one of the most popular grapes grown here in Ohio, it was not my favorite wine, but one that seems to be a common selection at most Ohio wineries.

These are just a few of the fabulous wines that are available at Georgetown Vineyards.

While enjoying the fabulous views and sipping my wine samples, I had the pleasure of meeting the resident cat, Miles. He’s a friendly little guy and if you give him attention he will be your friend for life. I am a cat lover, so he could have hung out with me all day.

In addition to wine tastings and a great selection of food options, Georgetown Vineyards schedules a wide range of activities for visitors throughout the week. Wednesdays are wine and paint nights with a local high school art teacher from Cambridge. Live entertainment draws a great crowd on Saturdays and a bonfire is lit as long as the weather cooperates.

There is nothing more entertaining and relaxing than the spectacular view from this cute winery on the hill. Looking down into the town of Cambridge, the location is nothing less than spectacular.

The total property covers fifty acres, with approximately four acres dedicated to the vineyards, which include Fredonia and Niagara grapes. These are perfect grapes for Ohio, hearty for acclimating to the winter months of the state.

The owner and winemaker of this fabulous winery is John Nicolozakes whose family originates from the Greek island of Crete. Growing up in the Greek tradition of pairing sumptuous food and delicious wines, he has become quite the expert at producing wines that mirror this Greek culture for which he is accustomed. He began developing his winemaking skills as a hobby out of his garage while working full time as a miner back in 1993. It wasn’t long after that he planted the first vines and opened up the winery for business in 1998. More vines were planted in 2013 to extend their vineyard an additional 140 x 30 feet wide.

Coming soon, Georgetown Vineyards will be selling craft beers under the label, Southside Brewing Company. This will be a great addition and will appeal to craft beer lovers to the winery as well! With the breathtaking view, exciting entertainment and a wide option of choices of food and drink, Georgetown Vineyards is positioned to continue its amazing success.

Are you already a fan of Georgetown Vineyards or have just recently visited? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Telephone: 740 435 3222

Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. The winery is closed on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, Southside brewery, private events and scheduled events to include
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

There is an interstate sign off of I-70 and additional signage that will bring you to the winery. They are open year round and offer a variety of wines for tasting as well as brick-oven pizzas. There is a gift shop and of course, one of the most scenic views for an Ohio winery. Visit their website for more information about their wines, hours of operation and upcoming events or check them out on Facebook. Please note that the winery’s hours change from the winter to summer months.

Where to Stay:

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH 43725
Telephone: 740 439 2751

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is one of Ohio’s State Park Lodges. This fabulous property offers a great selection of summer activities including pontoon rentals, hiking, fishing, archery, outdoor pool, beach, lounge, restaurant and more. The rustic accommodations of the lodge rooms were perfect for our extended weekend stay.

Where to Eat:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
Telephone: 740 435 3222

Georgetown Vineyards offers a great selection of custom-made Wood-Fired Brick Oven Pizzas. I ordered the Margherita Pizza which was absolutely delicious with a perfect blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil, drizzled with olive oil.

Timber’s Restaurant at Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH 43725
Telephone: 740 439 2751

During my first night’s stay, I had expected to order a full dinner, but after having left-over pizza from Georgetown Vineyard, I decided on an order of chicken wings with the tropical habanero sauce. The appetizer was the perfect size and I enjoyed the heat and sweet of the wing sauce.

The Forum
2205 Southgate Parkway
Cambridge, OH 43275
Telephone: 740 439 2777

Flaming cheese Saganaki is one of my favorite dishes and you can’t go wrong by ordering the Greek sampler. All foods are made from scratch and are absolutely delicious!

Books to Read:

The Mansfield Killings: A Novel Based on True Events by Scott Fields
Green Bay Tree by Louis Bromfield
The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory by Sherri Blake

Photo Guide to Mansfield:

The Ohio State Reformatory’s Facade, Cell Blocks and scenes from the movie, Shawshank Redemption
The Iconic Carousel at Richland Carousel Park
Kingwood Hall, the peacocks and gardens at Kingwood Center Gardens
Malabar State Park’s home of Louis Bromfield, the farm animals on the property and Mt. Jeez
The beautiful view of Georgetown from Georgetown Vineyards

Santorini: Life on a Volcano

4 August 201816 September 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And this is the sight that we are all anticipating….the beautiful sunset at Fira.

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