Hi guys! I just got back from an Island getaway in Santorini! The Greek Island of Santorini is the most beautiful, peaceful, and calming place of pure richness. From the sweet, tangy glass of orange juice I enjoyed on my first morning, to my last view of the ocean from the balcony of my relaxing hotel, Oia (EE-ah), Santorini, grasped my heart as I felt a sense of rejuvenation. The city of Oia (EE-ah), Santorini is seasonal. In November, most hotel and restaurant workers go home and come back to the island in March. Having a degree in hospitality, this was something I found interesting. The entire village of Oia is repainted bright white every March in preparation for the busy tourist season. However, this isn't your average tourist destination. Everyone dresses their best for that perfect photo. The shops are filled with high quality, handmade crafts, and the marble pavement glistens as the lights brighten the walkways at night. Although pitch black at night on the island, the white buildings create such a glow that you would think it was daytime. There are several hand painted drawings of the island in the many shops of Oia. Jewelry and soaps are the next delights, which definitely caught my eye. Gold bracelets and rich blue painted bells with images of the big Orthodox church by the sea were a couple of my many treasures that I took home with me. I discovered a truly wonder working brand of hand cream. The brand name is Rizes Crete and most products contain olive oil and aloe. The olive tree is the basis of existence for Rizes Crete. If visiting, free samples are offered and it is a great way to discover your desired scents and moisturizing type. Below is a link to this amazing delight! You will also be able to find an immense variety of olive oils and an impressive wine selection. The famous Vin Santo dessert wine can be found in Santorini, however, it is expensive due to it's features and guidelines. Studying in Italy, I learned about the history behind Vin Santo and it's origin claims. In Florence, I had the opportunity of enjoying a nice glass of Vin Santo with delicious Italian biscotti! Vin Santo, also referred to as "holy wine" is an extremely sweet wine with a texture similar to syrup. White grape varieties are used in the process and in Greece, the grapes are sundried for around 14 days, which adds to the sweetness. Greek Vin Santo must be at least 51% Assyrtiko grape, while Vin Santo styles in Tuscany are mostly under DOC regulations. What could be more perfect that enjoying a glass of white wine on the island of Santorini? Brilliant for a sunset evening!
![]() Making observations, as I walked the narrow paths through the gorgeous village, I noticed a small cave. Inside, a man was painting with water color. Along the walls of the cave, however, were wonderful Orthodox Icons. The man told me that his uncle was an iconographer and that every icon on the wall was created in this peaceful cave. One icon took over 1200 hours to paint. You can imagine the size and detail that went into it. Santorini is full of discovery. I passed by a large building that looked like a house, but was crumbled into large boulder-sized volcanic rock. I learned that the island was left alone for around 30 years after the volcano erupted and caused complete destruction. People began to migrate back and rebuild Santorini into what it always was, or what I would call a hint of true paradise. I was fortunate enough to visit a black sand beach in Perissa (just 40 minutes from Oia). I went horseback riding through the volcanic rock paths, vineyards, and beaches. The black rocky beach was extra hot on the feat. Nonetheless, it was an amazing sight to see. Busses are located near the Oia pathways and are extremely easy to find! They make stops in Fira, Perissa, and other locations. All you have to do is pay on the bus and get off at the stop of your choice! Most one stop prices are around $2 euros. A price list is listed in the link below. The link below features the main active busses of Santorini. Tip: When going to and from Oia remember that everyone will be coming in and out of the city to enjoy the sunset! Considering that there is only one road, you don't want to be stuck on the bus during traffic (normally begins around 6pm when people enter Oia and begins again at 8:30pm after sunset when people leave Oia). No, I didn't forget to mention the donkeys. Yes, Oia Santorini is full of donkeys occasionally passing you by on their way up and down the white steps during the day. One donkey leader is famous in Santorini. Occasionally I would run into this old Greek man enjoying a stroll through the village, however, what some people realized, like myself, was that this was the man shown with the donkeys on all the the Santorini post cards in several shops, not only on the island, but around the world. It was very exciting to see him in person and observe his hardworking, yet calm lifestyle. In Oia, many tourists have the opportunity to try different restaurants, mostly seafood. I had dinner overlooking the famous Oia sunset at a seafood place called Petros. They have the best grilled "shrimps" that were absolutely amazing. They were so delicious and buttery that they could have passed for lobster! Dessert? I thought I'd try some refreshing greek yogurt & honey, a dessert found at almost every restaurant on the island. Two words: CAN'T COMPARE! Forget the store bought greek yogurt that is trending today with John Stamos, the famous Greek actor, as a spokesperson promoting the "not-even-close" greek yogurt. For myself, as an American, the store bought greek yogurt is something I enjoyed... until I had true greek yogurt with honey in Santorini. Smooth, creamy, and refreshing the yogurt was lightly sweetened with gooey, silky honey! Every spoonful was heaven! If I were to describe Oia, Santorini in three words, it would be: Calming, Refreshing, & A Great Wonder! Every building I strolled by was picture worthy. Paying attention to little details within the walls of the village is something I enjoyed doing. Oia made me feel like an artist, but also a part of a painting. I felt as though I was living in a dream where the soul meets the sun. It is the simple things that created the most joy. Nothing hectic, nothing loud, only the echo of donkey hooves walking along the paved path was the tune, which motivated my mind and energized my body. An island getaway with a hint of culture is what makes Santorini a great learning & relaxing vacation. Opa! Love Always! Mia.
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AuthorHi guys! My passion is anything and everything SWEET! I am a graduate from Los Angeles, California with a hospitality degree. I have experienced many inspiring delights of the world as I have traveled here & there. Whatever the future may bring, I will always observe with my eyes & enjoy with my heart. Love Always, MARIA CEKO (Mia) Always #HEARTInspired Archives
January 2017
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