Entries about caves

Santorini is one of those places they say you must visit if you go to the Greek islands. Now that I have visited, I can see why. It looks exactly like the postcards and pictures you see. It's characteristic blue domed churches and white homes built into the hilly landscape are breathtaking (not to mention the steep walks along the stone steps, which are not very stroller friendly! ) Around 1500 BC, the volcano of Santorini Island in Greece exploded and the eruption was so strong that the centre of the island sank and took the shape with the caldera that can be seen today. Santorini, and specifically the town of Oia, where we stayed, is perched on the side of one of the extinct volcanoes, but one of the other volcanoes is still active. The whole place is just so dramatic and stunning. Oia has cute town, with lots of shops and restaurants. Lots of jewelry and art. There were families there, but Abha and I both felt Santorini might be a nicer place to come without the kids!

We enjoyed three nights in Santorini, two with the Mooneys. We stayed at the Danai House, a caldera cave apartment, a traditional cavernous home built inside the rocks, with a dome-like roof. They are very famous in Oia and all have amazing views of the Aegean Sea. Many caves have been transformed into apartments and hotels. Here is a pic of ours:

Danai House had a nice outdoor seating area, but it was pretty cozy for two families and two baby cots, with one bathroom (which left a lot of be desired for) and Santorini was boiling! Naxos had a strong breeze and felt a lot cooler than here. We had an A/C, but it would shut off after every 5 minutes and so we were all a little sweaty at night. This is when Zavian began to get a very mild heat rash on his chest and shoulders. Night time was cooler, though, and Abha and I sent the boys off in search of cakes to bring back and share outside on our patio, while the children slept. Mmmm!

We all took a day trip to the capital, Fira, one day. Well, Naim, Zavian and I almost didn't make it as there was a mad rush for the jam-packed bus. We were slowed down by trying to sort out the stroller, but didn't worry too much as Abha said she would save some seats for us. But then the driver said no more, there was still loads of people ahead of us, and Abha and family couldn't get off at this stage. It was to be a 20-30 minute journey, and as we saw Abha wave and mouth "don't worry, we'll wait for you," we wondered how the heck we were going to get to Fira and find them without mobile phones. Luckily we got a cab and it was only 15 euros to Fira, so we sat back, Zavian had a little nap and by some miracle we all met up in perfect time in Fira. It was a nice day in the end and we enjoyed a cable car down the side of the cliffs and Cara and Adrian took a donkey ride back up to the top!

That last night with the Mooneys in Santorini we had delicious Greek pizza with a sea view...

...and we were able to enjoy a gorgeous full moon in Santorini, too!

We'll miss you Mooneys!