Santorini

A late update, but better than never! We have just spent several days at the idyllic (but tourist-plagued) island group of Santorini, part of the Cyclades (ie. the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea).
The islands have been reshaped several times in last few millenium by sizeable earthquakes and volcanic activity. Originally the site of a flourishing Minoan outpost, ancient Santorina was devestated by one of the largest eruptions in recorded history. This left a giant hole - the caldera - in the island. It is now a ring shaped island, with small islets that have appeared/disappeared severally in the intervening years. It is famous for the staggering views from the cliffs on the edge of the caldera, where foolhardy Greeks have built beautiful stucco houses.

We, unfortunately, were placed on the other side of the island (after an 8 hour ferry ride, no less). However, we did sign up for a full day tour of the island by bus and boat. This was pretty cool, though walking up the volcano was just like wandering around on a slightly pitiful version of Rangitoto. However, the views were splendid, and I got heaps of photos just like the one above.

The next day we befriended an English/Australian gentleman and his Fijian/Australian daughter, and shared a taxi to Fira, the main town. We took a cable-car down the cliff-face to the old port, and I had a donkey ride back! (I hope none of my animal rights friends are reading this...)

NZ WATCH: found a genuine New Zealand flag at no less than two restaurants!