(1) Santorini, the Golden Twilight...
The picturesque and 'fantasy-like' golden sunset is not the only essence of romance in Santorini. Walking thru the (cobble stone) old streets on high hills, and exploring little stores and beautiful hand made artifacts.., the people and dogs... Yes, they are other fantasies; other true romances Santorini offers(!)
So quiet. So lonely at times... But then, beautiful and peaceful therefore.
One or two jets may be the most this tiny airport is capable of handling. Like the good old days, we exit the plane via rolling steps, not the familiar tunnel; and get on a small bus taxing us to the terminal. ...and that my friends, was the oh so rustic look of Santorini welcoming us!
I -for one, had no issues/problems however. On the contrary, I was so very excited to meet (and experience) the old, rustic, rudimentary and (how should I put it..,) a somewhat 'out of touch' environment, which I never knew still existed (in Europe much less).
Product of volcanic explosion, the island of Santorini is completely covered with dark brown dirt and sediments of volcanic lava. Naturally, no visible greens; and only scarce species of any flora and fauna. The old age of the island further faded and wrinkled its own (rough) skin.
Yes.., the first impression of Santorini was that of solitude, barren.., desolation... Moreover, it was like turning the clock backward to a by gone time and era; running deep into the environment of that old history book. The minivan taking me (and my company) to our hotel was running thru the barely paved, refracted and winding (single lane) roads, heading toward the summit at the western-end of the island.
Looking out the window, I realize one more time that we were in a place where the time and civilization just passed by. Reminder of the landscape of Sicily (50's?) in the movie 'God Father', where Michael Corleone flees after killing his foes. Suddenly I encountered myself -literally, inside that time, ...that space!
Radio was playing an ever sad tune of a mandolin or lute(?) further spreading the lonely nuance... Some years ago -and during his performance in Acropolis, Yanni, the very product of this small island, played 'Santorini' the powerful tune. That energy and spirit were big contrast to this.., what I was witnessing (...and hearing).
Anyway, yes! That was Santorini.
...but it didn't take long before I realized that Santorini's charm and elegance come from this quietness, bleakness.., and loneliness!
At times, the feeling seemed to be of the 'old and tired'. Sadness of the empty-nestors protecting this desolate, small home(island) when all the youngsters left for bigger and fancier lives in other lands of the Mediterranean. Yes! that bleakness, that desolation, ...and that quietness bring (for the lack of better expression) compassion, love and unique romances(!).., a very novel experience to me -I must confess!.
Whitewashed walls, blue domed churches and chapels. I could not help myself making connections between people of Santorini and white cloth (wardrobe) inclinations of the old Mexican and Korean cultures, ...passions. (Above is a scene looking down the Calderon Beach (south) from West-end summit of the island)
At this point -and with your indulgence of course, time to add my lodging comments and evaluations.
Due to the size of the island and its resources, Santorini does not boast many lodging facilities. Among few good hotels, the most recommended is the world renowned 'Mystique Hotel' from Belmont Hotel Chain (pictured above and below).
As the name implies, it is mystic, mysterious and yet, so intimate and beautiful(!).
Notice here! This would be the hallway connecting the main lobby to hotel rooms. Each room has its own balcony/foyer/swimming pool facing the sea. The hotel boasts five star accommodations; staying is comfortable and extremely inviting. Luxurious in its own very unique and special elegance.
And yes! (You guessed!) this is what makes the hotel Mystique mystical!! The only hotel capable of presenting the BEST of sunset view at Santorini!!!
My friends, this is the snap shot of the golden twilight caught from Mystique hotel. The highest point on western most corner of the island. Yes. This is the very rated 3rd "Most Beautiful Sun Set in the World". (...and this, was the time and spot I traveled thousands of miles for)
Very interesting, idiosyncratic even are everything about the hotel. Over looking the Aegean Sea, the construction somehow resembles that of Adobe style of our South-western buildings. Yellow earth and Terra-cota completed complex and balcony (white washed however). The earth/dirt cools the habitation during daytime and at night, return of the warmth (so inviting!) that offers restful nights to any visitor.
Again, the private balcony overlooking the Aegean sea below.
It is no secret among travelers worldwide that Mystic is 'The Place' to stay in the island. Please remember that Mystique requires a good six months or so of reservation time, when you plan for visit.
The ecstatic moment. The mystically colorful morning view of the Aegean sea. The ever-capricious inner me whispers: "...if there is any pollution free heave and water left on earth, this would be it(!)" This was tranquility.., peace!!
Santorini's charm and gracefulness can never be discussed without its food and delicacies. Down and under the Hotel Mystic (about 500 steps down the hill), we will reach the 'restaurant row' right on the beach.
Turquoise water dancing and waving right beneath the table; our feet... Fresh lobster, squid and all sorts of fishes; broiled right on the table. Yes! taste and charm at the utmost(!). A memory we will treasure for the rest of our lives. Ah, by the way -and while at it, please try the Zantopinh, a white wine grown in the island (lighter body and less acidic than Chardonnay; in my humble opinion somewhat in the neighborhood of the Pino Grigio grape) will perfectly accompany any seafood dish you may enjoy there.
...and I was lucky enough to run into this Greek Goddess. (...I tell you. It wasn't the wine!!)
Greek Orthodox would be the most popular -if not the only, religion here. The white walls and blue domes -representing the orthodox churches and chapels, are found everywhere inside the island. The size and the look of them are so toy-like (in good sense of the word) that indeed visitors of any religion would feel intimacy and friendliness.
Well.., these certainly are not the only means of transportation in the island...
Greetings!! (from yours truly...)
Aegean Sea surrounding the island. The turquoise water is immensely clean and clear, and yet there is no swimmer, for the apparent lack of sand beaches.
The lonely and desolate island. Sad and melancholic for no apparent reason. But I repeat, omnipresence of its romance, charm and tranquility are there to make the island unique. This is a must stop for every traveler, especially when he/she requires a warm tranquil rest.
Greek island of Santorini. Where the Aegean Sea merges into the Mediterranean. Right below where the sun sets in a golden canvas... Yes, this is the spot for every 'walker of life' (trust me.., more exhausted and tired the better!!) to stop and taste the peace as was intended. Look forward to seeing you there.
