Nea Kameni – Santorini Volcano

For our first day in Santorini we took a day cruise out to Nea Kameni, the most active volcano on Santorini Island. It was created in the 18^th century, with its most recent explosion less than 100 years ago. The island itself has had a very active past—one of the largest volcanic explosions in the history of the planet created the beautiful cliffs (known as the caldera) around 1650 BC. Ash from the explosion was found in South America, and would have been heard on the Western coast of France. It is believed that this explosion is what wiped out the great Minoan culture on Crete. Since then, earthquakes and other volcanic explosions have created the beautiful views on the island.

We took a wooden sail boat which looked like a pirate ship out to the volcano, and then climbed up to the peak, which had ridiculous views of the island. Afterwards we took the boat out to Palia Kameni to swim in the hot springs that spew into the Aegean sea. Then we had lunch in Thirasia, which was separated from the main island in 236 BC. That evening we watched the sunset from Akrotiri, and then drove the rental car (a tiny red Peugot) to have dinner and drinks with our friends we met in Mykonos.

Justin at Nea Kameni Port with the Caldera in the background

View of Hotel Mathios from our balcony

The pirate ship we took to the volcano

Sunset from Akrotiri

Mykonos

Today is our last day in Mykonos before we head out to Santorini. Here's a quick recap:

We left for our ferry around 4pm, which got us into Mykonos around 9. If you are ever taking a trip to Mykonos, make sure you have arranged for a ride! It was a madhouse. Another ferry had arrived later than expected... imagine 1000 people + 50 cars leaving two boats onto a road 4m wide. To say the infrastructure here isn't that developed would be an understatement :)
Caitlin and I finally found a cab after about an hour, and we drove down into Mykonos town. Most of the streets are so small that you can't actually drive on them. The whole town is a maze, which is really cool. It was developed that way because this was an island hide away for Pirates!

Our hotel (Hotel Philipi) is awesome--its a little place right in the middle of Mykonos town, with a beautiful garden in the patio. Location couldn't be better for the price.

Friday night we met a nice couple from DC at dinner and grabbed drinks on the water in Little Venice. Cait and I then finished the night at club down in Taxi Square. Saturday was a day of drinking at Paradise Beach. Now we're off for lunch at a gyro stand before boarding our ferry to Santorini. I'm excited because I heard the views from the ferry are great.

Windmills in Mykonos

View from the bus

Paradise Beach


Caitlin and Justin at Paradise Beach

Ruins in Athens

Caitlin and I arrived in Athens yesterday after a long day of traveling. We are staying at the Pan Hotel, which is a nice, small boutique hotel in Syntagma Square. While the room is small, the location is amazing--we are literally 15 minutes from the major ruins in Athens.

We started our day at the Acropolis at 9am, which was good because we just beat the huge tour crowds. First we entered through the Temple of Athena Nike, which is currently under construction. Next we walked by the Erechtheion, which contains the famous six Caryatid scupltures. Then we were off to the Parthenon, the most impressive ruin in the Acropolis. Inside stood the greatest sculptural feat from the artchitect (Phidias): a 12 m gold and ivory statue of Athena. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed many centuries ago.

The next ruins site we visited was the Agora, the marketplace of ancient Greece. Here stands the best preserved Greek temple, Hephaesteion.

We then trekked up Philopappos Hill, to get the best views of the Acropolis. On the way we passed by Socrate's prison.

We finished the day by visiting the temple of Zeus. Unfortunately, only 15 of the 100+ columns from Greece's largest temple remain. Now we are off for drinks and then dinner, before heading out to Mykonos on Friday.

Caitlin in front of the Parthenon


Ancient Theater of Dionysus