10 Things We Learned in Greece - KK/LL

1.Don’t go to Santorini with an agenda! It is so unbelievably relaxing; a place that literally begs one to go with the flow.

2. (True in all countries) Learning to say  “thank you” goes a long way in warming up the locals, usually eliciting a nod, a big smile, and a “you’re welcome!” In Greece, thank you is “Efkaristo!”

3. The island of Santorini (also known as Thira) sits in the water-filled caldera of a massive volcano that is thought to have ended Minoan civilization. Scientists and archaeologists speculate that Santorini was the inspiration for Plato’s “Atlantis.” Due to its volcanic past, Santorini has white, black, and red beaches. 

4. Riding the donkeys is a big tourist attraction and used by many of the cruise ships to get travelers up to the top, but the donkeys look worn out or at the least very bored. We heard a couple of stories about donkeys collapsing and hurting their riders. Maybe they would rather die than have to lug one more person up or down the steep cliffs of Santorini.

5. Eating Greek salad every day should be a bill introduced on Capitol Hill. (Please write your congressmen and women!) A Greek Salad should include the very freshest crisp cucumbers, juiciest tomatoes and best Kalamata olives you can get your hands on, add onions if you are an onion eater (we aren’t). Most importantly it must have a nice block of fresh feta on top and NO lettuce. #goodandgoodforyou

6. Singing and dancing to “Mama Mia!” or laughing out loud to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is best done IN Greece.  (Volkan on the Rocks Cafe in Thira, Santorini offers that opportunity and it’s funnn!)

7. There are more churches than houses on Santorini, however most are small and private, and though only 15,000 people live on the island, over 1.5 million visit each year.

8. Firastefani is a great “home base” on Santorini. The larger town of Fira, known for its vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere, is just a 5-10 minute walk from Firastefani, which offers a calmer environment. (i.e., very easy access to Fira for any and all the fun and shopping desired, but a quieter place to retire to for rest.)

9. Late September/early October is a great time to visit Greece: sunny, but not too hot. Crowds are large enough to feel festive, but aren’t overwhelming. No topless sunbathers lingering from the summer, or at least none we saw, yet it’s still warm enough to swim.

10. Chocolate covered Baklava!!! #You’rewelcome #maychangeyourlife 😉