Encounters with Wildlife and a day of touring

Hello Peeps--
Coming to you once again from our office at the Hotel Hermes. As we've been here we've discovered that we are probably staying in one of the nicer parts of the island. Although given the opportunity we wouldnt be staying in Santorini for a week next time.

Today we went on a boat cruise of the different sites surrounding the island. We hiked the volcano....which was cool....I only thought i was going to die like 4 times. 3 of exhaustion one of pure heat stroke. However there was a slight breeze so we were able to climb the entire thing. The guide was saying that about 5 weeks ago there was a heatwave and the temps were like 43 degrees Celsius. Um no thanks. I would have been chillin on the boat with my Mythos (my Greek beer of choice...it has a unicorn on the label. SWEET.) Then we went to the volcanic hot springs. Rachel took the plunge, but my non-swimming self stayed on the boat. It was super far to the springs and it was ridiculously deep...no thanks on both counts. Just tell me how it was. Our third stop was this other island called Thirassia(?). I am not quite sure what we were doing stopping there...oh wait, I guess there are like 170 stairs to go to the village, which has ONE restaurant and NO stores...eww....We stayed at the shore and had some tasty vittles. Seriously, divey place and bumpin food. We had shrimp and bbq pork kabob, and then a greek salad (the standard) and then finished it off with a gyros from this other place. We were horsing it up/ Of course then we had to check out yet another rock beach and dip our toes in the water. Finally on our way back to the boat, we had some ice cream...Ok so that island was really just an eat stop for us.

Our last stop on the tour was Oia to check out the sunset again. This time we got to watch it from the village. But believe me, we earned it. We had to climb like 300 stairs in the blazing heat. Where once again, i feared my own mortality. However not just because of the heat. You can pay like 5 Euros to ride a donkey up the stairs, but Rachel and I chose to huff it...How come those damn donkeys come flying down the hill when they are done with taking their passengers??? horrible. I got knocked into the damn stone wall by one. Of course i screamed...but then I was just glad it didnt take me down and I would have had to climb back up again.

Once in Oia I was totally overheated and so we stopped at a wine bar to chill. 4 euro sprite later(!) we ended up leaving and cruising the scene. We watched the sunset from ths place called the sun spirit bar or something like that. Had TEN EURO coffees. (damn greek opportunists) and then fought our way like salmon swimming upstream to the bus stop. During our trek with the masses, a pack of wild stray dogs were all critical mass on us. Nearly knocking people over. Of course some of the euro tourists laughed...ok that is not funny, I don't like rabid wild dogs nipping at my heels.

Anyway, we've finally made it back and we have one full day left in Santorini and then we're off to mykonos. We're gonna souvey shop and chill with our Hermes Hotel family. (we've befriended all of them...) Except how come the Hermes has a Greek Mayor?!? This dude is all up and friendly with everyone, and then treats his staff like crap. I am on to your game buddy. I can spot mayors a mile away.

Btw, both rachel and i have said we feel like Cameron Diaz in the movie, In Her Shoes...because our hotel is super geriatric. A community of active seniors. What in the heck did we get ourselves into. At least there is good breakfast.

Oh and lastly today i took some paparazzi shots of some bad dressed guy. I will send them out once i can figure out how.

Until tomorrow...hope everyone is enjoying the blog and thanks for commenting...It makes me want to keep updating since i know peeps are checking up on us. Don't forget to sign your name when you leave a comment so i know who's saying what.

Yammas! (that's greek for cheers)