Friday, September 16

We were bummed to leave Akrotiri Hotel this morning.  It's been such a wonderful place to relax and recharge, we really wish we'd booked four nights instead of three.  Oh well, next time.  After yet another delicious breakfast, we took one last nostalgic photo of the gorgeous view and then the hotel's shuttle driver whisked us away to the port. 

We had about 20 minutes to hang around the port before boarding the ship, so we stocked up on some last-minute souvenirs and Hirsh made a mad dash to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani ("Church of 100 Doors").  You know he can't miss an opportunity to see a sight and maybe learn something.  We've been a bit spoiled though, because after all the beautiful cathedrals we'd seen in Italy, he said this one was OK.

Our first view of Oia, Santorini from the boat!

...and Fira, Santorini

Immediately after arriving at our hotel, we checked out TripAdvisor and reserved at table for later in the evening at the top-rated Floga restaurant.  We thought we'd treat ourselves to a lovely meal at a restaurant with a gorgeous view of the Caldera.  Well, the food and service were incredible (we both developed a crush on our impossibly adorable waiter), but we didn't luck out with a great view this time.  It's OK though, because we knew we were lucky to get a table at all on such short notice.  Some of our fellow diners ordered meals that were served on dramatic beds of steaming dry ice or literally on fire as they were brought to the tables.  Each time this happened, everyone stopped to watch and we were all highly entertained and impressed, if not also a bit jealous.  Hirsh had lamb shank and Sarah had salmon, both artfully presented.  A feast for the eyes and the stomach!

Oia's beautiful hillside lit up at night.  The camera phone doesn't begin to capture it.