Santorini, Greece

This is the third of three posts for recent weeks.  The volcanic island of Santorini rises up from the Aegean Sea.  An eruption 3,500 years ago was so violent the center of the island submerged into a basin.  The volcano is still active, with the most recent eruption being in 1956.  Approaching Santorini, one can see the layers of volcanic rock below the white structures of the town.

Drawing closer, more of the buildings and homes come into view, as well as the stepped trail climbing up from the shore.

There are three ways to the town, cable cars, donkeys or walking.

Interestingly, donkeys and walkers share the same stepped trail.  Very interesting. 

There are many steps.

And many donkeys.

Hey, what about sharing the walkway?

Very many steps.  And a few reminders near the top for those counting.

But the trek is definitely worth it.  Here's Santorini from a higher angle.

Another view of the town.  It's a wonderful place to walk and explore.

And another view of structures built close together along the cliffs.

Many places have charming entry ways.

Even this old gate has charm and offers views.

Colorful scarfs for sale.  Hmmm.  More donkeys down in the corner.

This sidewalk is made of small stones.

A view of the bay.

A bell.

A vase.

Steps through town.

A gate.

A church tower.

Light through a stained glass window.

Efharisto and ciao.

Greece: Athens, Nafplion, Corfu, Mykonos and Crete

This is the second of three posts for travel in recent weeks, and includes pictures from Athens, Nafplion, Corfu, Mykonos and Iraklion (Crete) in Greece.

Athens:  The Acropolis is magnificent.  Getting to the Acropolis, on the other hand, was a challenge.  Going there involved finding the subway, riding to a point of a work stoppage, finding and riding a bus to a point where the subway resumed, then changing subway lines and walking to a point where one could finally look up and see the Acropolis and Parthenon.  Then all that was necessary was a bit of a climb.    

Here's a view of Athens.

The Parthenon was a temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena and completed in 438 B.C. (for those who may not recall long-ago history classes).

Here's another view.

Here's the temple of Erechtheum, completed more recently in 407 B.C.  On the center right is the "Porch of the Maidens".

The Acropolis is not without crowds.  That day saw a confrontation there between police and protesters that I fortunately missed.  The return trip also was a challenge; Athens is very congested and polluted.  However, the wonders of the Acropolis made the trek worthwhile. 

Nafplion: This beautiful port is known for its two old large fortresses, and the Bourtzi Island fortification in the bay.

The city streets are lined with colorful trees.

Reaching the higher fortress involved a bit of a climb.

Looking down on some of the 800+ steps.

A nice sign for wayward travelers in search of bastions.

A view from the upper fortress, with the lower one on the left, Nafplion in the middle, and Bourtzi Island at the top.

One more view of the Nafplion fortress climb.

Corfu:  Here's a view of some of the island fortifications, including a Venetian citadel.

A Corfu city street.

A fountain and flowers.

And a Corfu cafe.

Mykonos:  This island of rolling hills and idyllic beaches is also a cosmopolitan resort. The center of town has narrow white streets.

There are a maze of narrow pathways.

One can hardly miss the old Mykonos windmills.

Here's a closer view.

One of the beaches.

Clear water.

A Mykonos Cactus (have no idea if they are native to the island or if this is one of the cosmopolitan visitors).

A pickup truck carrying two wagons.

Boat, beach and buildings.

And a Mykonos bay.

Iraklion, Crete:  Just a few views of this port city, where dogs seem comfortable stretching out anywhere.  Here's a mid-city dog and fountain.

Iraklion posters.

Colorful windows.

And Crete fishing boats.

Hope this posting isn't too lengthy.  Just one more to go on Greece, the Island of Santorini.  Hope to have that one up soon.  Ciao.