It was amazing to begin my vacation on the island of Santorini, because I have dreamed about visiting Greece for years. After three relative short flights, with long layovers in Casablanca and Rome, I arrived before dawn into the soft cool air of the Mediterranean. I had the first day to myself to explore the island in a little red Fiat, before my friends from Oregon arrived by ferry early the next morning. It was so much fun to drive again, since PC doesn’t allow volunteers to drive in their country of service, and I’m not so sure I would enjoy navigating the traffic and roads in The Gambia.

First order of business was coffee and breakfast at a beach front restaurant, then off to check out this very hilly island. Every twist and turn opened up another stunning vista, and even though I only had a few hours sleep in the previous two days, it was invigorating to be in this magical place. The climate itself was refreshing, since it is the hot muggy rainy season in West Africa, so 80+ degrees felt delightful.

Our villa was on a side road, away from the busy main tourist street, and near the ancient ruins of Kamari. Swimming in the pool was a perfect end to my first day in paradise, before walking a short distance to the beach, and having dinner in a Greek restaurant. It was early to bed for this tired traveler because I needed to drive to the port to pick up Dave and Arwen Rhodes who were arriving by ferry at 3 am.

Dave and Arwen owned the property next to me when I live in Oregon, but have been full time travelers for the last 8 months. They started their journey in Thailand and so far have visited Japan, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy before we joined up in Greece. They have become my mentors for what I hope is my next career move after PC – World Traveler! Some of the most interesting experiences they are having is staying with Work Away Hosts trading labor for room and board, and that is something I look forward to doing in my future.

After a few hours of sleep the beach was calling to us, so we drove to Red Beach which required a hike over a hill to the water. It was fairly crowded but we found a sunny spot to lay our towels and I managed to get my knees sunburned. In The Gambia I am required to wear clothes that cover my legs, so they hadn’t seen the light of day for eleven months. The water is various shades of blue-green, clean and clear, and the perfect temperature.

We managed to see most of the island during our five day stay. The next day it was off to the town of Fira, the original port for Santorini. The streets were overrun with cruise ship tourists, but the architecture is amazing, with all the buildings built on the side of the cliff and the multitude of swimming pools for the fancy hotels. We walked the switchback cobblestone street to the bottom of the hill and rode the cable car back to the top.

Other adventures included visiting Venetsanos Winery, hiking the 8 mile ridge top trail from Fira to Oia, and time swimming in the ocean each afternoon before returning for a dip in the pool at our Villa. Early one morning Dave and I walked to the Ancient Caves of Kamari, but saved exploring the Kamari view point until later in the day, when we could drive the steep winding road to the top of the mountain.

It is a real treat to travel with Dave and Arwen, and having them teach me how to use the various tools needed to be a traveler. I now have lots of great apps on my phone for accessing trains, taxis, ferries, lodging, maps and they have given me the confidence to pursue incredible travel adventures.

My next post will be about our time together in Athens, visiting archaeological sites and eating more great Greek food. Stay tuned!