I stole Gero's mini ship. It it useful for flying all over the place and back. I put some gas in it so Gero shouldn't be able to tell.
Good Day ROAD TRIPPERS!!! For our first "small bite" today, we will be visiting the island of Santorini. This is a clip from the wiki, followed by a link to the wiki: Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles. The island has as area of approximately 73 square kilometers and a population of approximately 15,550 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santorini Our first stop will be The Museum of Prehistoric Thira. The pieces in this museum date back to around 3300 BC. Here is a link to the government site: http://www.santorini.gr-santorini.com/museums/prehistoric_museum.htm Our next stop will be the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. This settlement was found under volcanic ash and dates to at least the 4th millenium BC. Here is a link to the government website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2410 Next we are going to Ancient Thera. This is another archaeological site. Ancient Thera dates back to the 9th century BC. Here is a link to the government website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2454 Next we are off to the Domaine Sigalas. This is a vineyard and winery. We will be touring the vineyards, the winery, and the wine cellars, then finishing off with a tasting of 6 different wines. Here is a link to their site: https://www.sigalaswinetasting.com/ We will be punch drunk before the end of this "small bite"!!! Our next stop is the Gaia Winery. This is a relatively newer winery being founded in 1994. This includes a tour of their local vineyards, their cellars, their winery, and a tasting of their Santorini and Nemean wines. Here is a link to their website: https://gaiawines.gr/ Next we are paying a visit to the Perissa Black Sand Beach. This beach along with Perivolos Beach basically form one lengthy black sand beach which is from the volcanic formation of the island. There are snack shacks, restaurants, bars, gift shops, and more right off the beach, and free umbrellas, sun beds, and beach chairs to use. Here is a link to a website: https://www.santorini-view.com/black-sand-beach/ We are stumbling into the Santo Winery. This is a cooperative vineyard and winery founded in 1947. We will be taking a tour of their terraced vineyards, their winery, their cellars and then having a tasting. Here is a link to their website: https://santowines.gr/our-story/about-us Next we are visiting the Eduart Gjopalaj Workshop. Eduart Gjopalaj is a self taught wood sculpter and his work is fantastic. He works, displays, and sells out of this workshop. Here is a link to an art website: https://www.glartent.com/GR/Thíra/164237550414890/Eduart-Gjopalaj---Wood-sculptures Next we are going to the Santorini Volcano. We are taking a charter boat from the port in Athinios. Here is a link to the wiki and to a tourism site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santorini_caldera https://www.santorini-view.com/attractions/santorini-volcano/ Off we go to Gabbiano Nero. This is a ceramics, sculpture and pottery gallery and studio. They have pre-made pieces for sale or will custom make you a piece in your price range. Here is a link to their website: http://www.gabbianonero.gr/ The next stops are the Cultural Village, Cultural Museum and the Castelli of Pyrgos. I am told to not miss the bakery in Pyrgos!!! The Cultural Village and Cultural Museum are in the Castelli of Pyrgos and are run by a family dedicated to promoting cultural tourism. Here is a link to their website: http://www.santorinimuseum.com/en/ Next we are paying a visit to the Mnemossyne Gallery. This is a minimalist jewelry and art gallery. They display and sell jewelry and photographic prints by local artisans. Here is a link to their website: https://mnemossynegallery.com/ Our next stop is the Archaeological Museum of Thera. This was built in 1960. Here is a link to the government website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3400 Off we go to the Lost Atlantis Experience. This is an interactive museum. There are 3D holograms, dioramas, 9D experiences, discussions with Plato, a Plato's Journey adventure, and more. Here is a link to their website: https://www.lost-atlantis.com/ The next stop on our journey is the Museum of Musical Instruments. These are instruments from approximately 2800 BC to the 20th Century. Here is a link to a tourism website: http://www.wondergreece.gr/v1/en/Re...re/Museums/2776-Museum_of_Musical_Instruments The next jump is to Ernesto Workshop & Gallery. This is a local artisan's workshop, he handcrafts all items from wood, leather, fabrics, and metals. There are gifts, home goods, jewelry, and more. Here is a link to a 365 photo site: http://www.santorini365.com/shopping-in-santorini/ernesto-workshop Our last stop of our "small bite" which became a "huge bite" is the Theotokopoulou Square. This is the main square in the Capital Village of Fira. This is where all of the locals meet and is the hub for public transit, cafes, bars, restaurants, shopping, and more. Here is a link to a travel site that talks about Fira as well as Oia: https://enjoyourholiday.com/2011/11/05/the-amazing-island-of-santorini-oia-and-fira/ Cocktail hour is 6 pm and dinner is 7 pm at Rare Greek Restaurant - Santorini. Here is a link to their menu: https://raresantorini.com/our-menu/
You don't have to borrow Geo's ship Balcerak ( never mind that I think gnome built items can be unsafe ) There is a little fleet of multiple us vehicles ( parked in the pocket void attached to one of the rooms in the Air ship .
I suggest you stay way away from water on Santorini. Desalted water tastes terrible (and my parents even let me taste retsina there to wash my mouth). While in Santorini, to go from one place to the next, try to locate some of the old sheep trails, usually nested between two walls. They're quite nice. If you are on donkey staircases, though, walking is quite painful (you always climb with the same leg due to the length of each of the stair, adjusted for donkeys. Here's some hiking photos: http://endlesstravelingmap.blogspot.com/2015/09/travel-scenic-hike-in-santorini-greece.html I would also like to offer you to visit the Prophitis Ilias monastery and it's icon's museum. Located at the top of Thera, the monastery offers a very nice view. The Icon's collection is very nice too and you can but some that are pretty nice in the local shop. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/g...ry-of-santorinis-monastery-of-profitis-ilias/
Good Day ROAD TRIPPERS!!! Today I decided to start taking bites out of Athens. We still have the island of Mykonos, but for the most part, that is a party island and nightlife thing, there are a lot of places we would like to see, but at this point, I think it would be better to start chomping away at the Greek mainland!!!! So off we go!!!! Athens is the Capital of Greece both present day and historically. Here is a clip from the wiki and a link to the wiki: Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. The Acropolis Museum, along with the National Archaeological Museum, preserves sculptures, vases, jewelry and more from Ancient Greece. The Athens Urban area is 412 square kilometers and an estimated population of 3.8 million people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens Our first stop will be the Acropolis. The Acropolis is the most well known site in all of Greece, yet most people believe the Acropolis is the building they see, its not, the Acropolis is the rocky hill which is the highest point in the city. Here is a link to the wiki and to the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropolis_of_Athens http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2384 Our next stop will be the Acropolis Museum. This museum is at the foot of the Acropolis and houses important statuary and more. There is a cafe and restaurant, shops, an archaeological excavation, and more in this museum. Here is a link to their website: https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en Next we are going to the Parthenon. This building is also on the Acropolis and is a temple to the Goddess Athena. Here is a link to the wiki and the government webpage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2384 Next we will be visiting the Propylaea. This is also located on the Acropolis. This is a monumental gate. Here is a link to the wiki and the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylaea_(Acropolis_of_Athens) http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=974 Our next stop is the Erechtheion. This is also located on the Acropolis. This is a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Here is a link to the wiki and to the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erechtheion https://ancient-greece.org/architecture/erechtheion.html Next up is the Temple of Athena Nike. This is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis dedicated to the Goddess Athena or Athena Nike, Nike means victory in Greek. Here is a link to the wiki and a link to the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Athena_Nike https://ancient-greece.org/architecture/athena-nike.html Next we are off to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This is also located on the Acropolis. This was a theater. Here is a link to the wiki and to the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odeon_of_Herodes_Atticus http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=6622 We are walking over to the Pedestal of Agrippa. This is also located on the Acrolopis. This is a commemorative monument. Here is a link to the wiki and to the government webpage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedestal_of_Agrippa http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=8221 Next we are hopping over to the the Stoa of Eumenes. Another ruin located on the Acropolis, this one was either a shelter for people watching events at the theaters or storage for props and such used in the theaters. Here is a link to the wiki and the government website which just gives a picture of the Stoa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoa_of_Eumenes http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh2562.jsp?obj_id=6623&mm_id=18399 Next we are jumping over to the Asklepieion of Athens. This is another ruin on the Acropolis, it is a Sanctuary to honor the Gods Asclepius and Hygieia. Here is a link to the wiki and a link to the government website and a link to a site with some cool pictures: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asklepieion_of_Athens http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=6624 https://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=80328 Our next walk is over to the Theatre of Dionysus. This is also located on the Acropolis and is part of the Sanctuary of the God Dionysus Eluthereus. Here is a link to the wiki and the government website and an Atlas Obscura webpage and a link to a site with some cool pictures, the same site as above: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_Dionysus http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=10341 https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/theatre-of-dionysus https://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=80327 Next is a short walk over to the Aglaureion. Also on the Acropolis, this is a shrine to Aglaurus. Here is a link to the wiki on Aglaurus and a link to the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglaurus http://www.stoa.org/athens/sites/eastslope.html Next I guess we will skip over to the Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos. Also on the Acropolis, this is a commemorative monument built to list those wealthy patrons of the arts that financed anything the government did not pay for that was held in the theaters such as plays, concerts, etc. Here is a link to the wiki and to the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choragic_Monument_of_Thrasyllos http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=19820 Next we are taking a hike to the Cave Sanctuaries of the Akropolis. These are natural caves on the Acropolis where deities were worshipped apart from the State Religion. Here is a link to the wiki and the government website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_Sanctuaries_of_the_Akropolis http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=19819 Our final stop today will be the Peripatos. Also located on the Acropolis, this is an ancient pathway that connects the shrines on the Acropolis. There are inscribed boulders at some points. We do not have to walk the entire pathway unless you all wish to, we can just port to the boulder locations if you prefer. The length of the Peripatos is 5 stades and 18 feet. This measurement was found inscribed on a boulder on the north face of the Acropolis. Cocktail hour will be 6 pm and dinner will be 7 pm at Hard Rock Cafe in Athens. I chose this because it is 0.3 miles from the Acropolis and they have a full Greek menu as well as the traditional HRC menu.
Thank you Whil. I can put that on tomorrow's itinerary before we continue with Athens. The pictures are gorgeous.
Yeah desalinated water doesn't taste very good. Neither does any highly purified water. It needs the extra minerals to a point to taste normal. Luckily Santorini isn't too over-touristed at the moment so we are sort of lucky in that regard. None of the cruise ships sailing in. It used to be a wonderful place, but like any wonderful places.... once discovered it becomes a nightmare.
I can add steps in Naxos, Amorgos and Siphnos (three of the other islands) if you want. Or plan a time-travel trip to Syria 19 years ago if you so desire (and my photos are digitized for that one at least, not on slides)
Any of those would be wonderful. If anybody would like to be a last minute tour guide for tomorrow I would be ever so grateful. The aunt bought a recliner, it was due to be delivered the 7th, she wants the carpets cleaned and the rest of the furniture moved. Got an automated message, they are delivering the recliner tomorrow, she hasn't answered their calls for 3 days because she didn't know who they were. So I get to spend tonight and most of tomorrow cleaning carpets and moving furniture.
Can do it too with the suggestions above, so I'll grab a couple of nice locations and I'll prepare something, between Schmett and I, there might be some nice views ;p
ok Geo you better take this boat to where I tell you , or I tie you up like a sausage and feed you to my troll friens , he really likes gnomes , ( for breakfast , lunch and dinner and for snacks in-between ( I never would do that to my friend of course ) Malta : Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. It's a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including Romans , Moors , Knights of Saint John , French and British . Malta has numerous fortresses , megalithic temples and the Flal Saflieni Hypogeum , a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B. C. Valletta : This is the tiny capital of Malta . The walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John , a Roman Catholic order . It's known for museums , palaces and grand churches . Baroque landmarks include St. John's Co - Cathedral , whose opulent interior is home to the Caravaggio masterpiece " The Beheading of Saint John ." St. John C- Cathedral : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John%27s_Co-Cathedral Grand master palace : chttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandmaster%27s_Palace_(Valletta) Upper Barrakka Gardens https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Barrakka_Gardens National Museum of Archaeology : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Archaeology,_Malta Casa Rocca Piccola : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Rocca_Piccola National War Museum - Fort St Elmo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Saint_Elmo Grand Harbour / port of Valletta : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Harbour National Museum of Fine Arts, Malta : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Fine_Arts,_Malta Fort St. Angelo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_St._Angelo Auberg de Castille : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auberge_de_Castille Valletta City Gate : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Gate_(Valletta) The Saluting Battery : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluting_Battery_(Valletta) Palace Armoury : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_Armoury Republic Street : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Street,_Valletta The Lascaris War Rooms : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lascaris_War_Rooms the Valletta Waterfront : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valletta_Waterfront St. Paul's Cathedral : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Paul%27s_Cathedral,_Mdina Fort Rinella : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Rinella Fort Manoel : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Manoel Fort Ricasoli : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Ricasoli St. George"s Square : Collegiate Parish Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collegiate_Parish_Church_of_St_Paul%27s_Shipwreck Madona tal - Karmnu - Our Lady of the Mount Carmel : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_Mount_Carmel,_Valletta Malta 5D : Movie theater that shows 3D movies about Maltese history & culture in many languages & an exhibit by local artists. Is - Sub Tal - Belt - Valletta Food Market : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Is-Suq_tal-Belt Manoel Island : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manoel_Island Malta Maritime Museum : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta_Maritime_Museum
I had to take a brake can't do this wile on line playing , and I found out I can only have 20 pictures for each post I am not even done with Valletta. Malta is this tiny island and is stuffed full of history .
