Good morning Paros ⛴ Goodnight Thira 🌅

Spent our last morning in Pirikia at the Archeological Museum and the Byzantine temple. Have really loved Prikia town and Paros.

There are pieces dating back to 5th century BC from all over Paros and its smaller islands. Lots of sanctuaries (healing temples) on the island, dedicated to Apollo, Artemis & Athena used from the 8th to the 5th century BC. Him loves old stuff.

In Parikia near the harbour is the Temple of Panaya of Katapolian. I must say, this had a real feeling of St. Helen, mother of Costantine the great Over 1700 years old.

Caught the slow ferry today as the wind had picked up and makes the fast ferry slower than the slow 🤔 – after some great local advice.

Arrived after a very relaxing three hour trip via Naxos into Thira (Santorini), taxi dropped us off practically at our hotel door. If only we had known … Bonus travel tip #1 (courtesy of hotel concierge): google maps does not work in Santorini 😬 Dragged bags down through the streets of Thira, almost down to the donkey terminal to the harbour. Conceded defeat – called the hotel for rescue who sent someone out to met us – back up the steps we go! Got our steps up for the day – Bonus 👍🏻👍🏻(👎🏻)

Glad we found it – nice ! Amble through Oia, delicious seafood dinner, entertainment from the wedding in a nearby restaurant, great way to end the day.

Not hard to move on this morning – off to Oia and much anticipated meet up with Kelly, Millie and Joel ! Have literally been counting the sleeps until today.

Smooches all round – slight hiccup – previous folks remain current in our house, plan B: food and drink at local tavern across the road. We are in Oia, all good!

Wander back over to the house – so great.

Up early for a day sail in the gorgeous cycladic sunshine.

Such clear water, great fun splashing around in the Aegean. Cruised around for the morning, swam in the hot (warmish 😉) volcanic Spring, yummy BBQ lunch on board. The crew were great, especially with Millie – a fantastic day!

Back for a walk through Oia, and another stunning sunset.

Kelly, Joel and I brave the local bus for a trip back to Thira for the morning. Hairy experience, soooo many buses, cars, taxis, motorbikes and quad bikes -absolute madness! Arrive safe and sound, gyros and beers, rounds of the markets to fortify us for the bus trip home, packed to the roof with folks and I barely make it off the bus at our stop. Thanks Joel for shouting to the bus driver to stop as it starts to roll away before I get my second foot on the ground trying to escape the closing doors – eeeeek, think I need a drink to calm the nerves 🍷🍸🍹🍺