Twitter

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Santorini


Today Santorini is a rock shaped like a fishhook. Centuries ago it was called Thera and was shaped like a cone. But that cone was formed by a volcano that erupted before 1600 BC. Excavations began in 1967. and scientists wondered if Thera was not part of the lost continent of Atlantis described in Greek literature.


The current name of the island comes from its patroness, Saint Irene of Thessalonika, who died in 304. The Venetians called her, Sant’Irini and the name stuck.
The present capital of Santorini is the town of Thera built on top of the cliff.
Views from this picturesque town are especially beautiful.
The highest point of the island is marked by the monastery of the Prophet Elijah. On the eastern shore of the island there are beaches of black sand from previous volcanic activity.
In addition to a temple dedicated to Apollo, there is a shrine cut out of rocks to honor the Egyptian gods Isis, Serapis and Anubis, a reminder of the Egyptian presence during the Ptolemaic period.

You can reach the top of the cliff and the town of Thera walking or by cable or riding on a donkey which is by far the most popular and fun way.
We used the cable. Since I am terrified of height I held my husband’s hand and closed my eyes, then opened one eye when my husband insisted the view was terrific and I was missing half of my life by not looking.
Once up on the cliff top, I agreed it was worth the scare. Look at the gorgeous pictures and be the judge.
Santorini is an ideal place for honeymooners.


If you like to travel and love to read, come and enjoy my international romances. I will take you around the world through stories that simmer with emotion and sizzle with heat. Meet the spirited heroines and the alpha heroes who share irresistible chemistry.

You may soon receive my first newsletter.

17 comments:

LK Hunsaker said...

So gorgeous!

I'm afraid of heights, also, but loved your husband's comment.

Liana Laverentz said...

Oooh, I got dizzy just looking at that picture of the water!

Molly Daniels said...

Beautiful pics! I have the opposite problem. I can go up, but have trouble coming DOWN!

Unknown said...

MONA--absolutely gorgeous, so pristine, shining in the sun. One of my favorite things is a beautiful travel photo. You have a good eye for photography! Thank you--and I'll be looking for your newsletter--I'm thinking about one. Celia

Emma Lai said...

Beautiful pictures, Mona! Thanks so much for sharing!

Mary Ricksen said...

Surely after seeing this there is a new story percolating in your head Mona. You take us to places I will never go and make me feel as if I was there!
Great pictures Sam!

Mona Risk said...

LOL It's funny I am not the nly one afraid of height. But I am glad you like the pictures.

Jane said...

I had heard about how many believe Santorini was once Atlantis. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Mona, I loved your pictures. They're so eye catching. Thanks so much for sharing a little bit of Greece and its history with us. I love your travels!

Maggie Toussaint said...

OHH! These pictures are so beautiful, Mona! I feel like an armchair traveler. And - confession time - I'm also not good at looking down from high places. Thanks for the pictures and the tour of Santorini.

Mona Risk said...

Mary, I took all the pictures and take credit for them. LOL Love my little camera.

Marianne Evans said...

Wow!! Just beautiful pictures and a wonderful set of blog installments about your vacation. You're so blessed to be able to embrace these opportunities. :-)

Joanna Aislinn said...

Oh Mona, your photos are stunning! One of my dreams is to see Greece one day. Your pictures of Rome took me back to my trip there--more years than I care to mention!

Thanks for sharing!

Joanna Aislinn
NO MATTER WHY
The Wild Rose Press Jan 15, 2010
www.joannaaislinn.com
www.joannaaislinn.wordpress.com

Sandra Cox said...

Beautiful pictures, Mona.
Thanks for sharing.
I don't like heights either...

Barbara Monajem said...

Wonderful pics, Mona. Perfect indeed for a honeymoon. Or second honeymoon...

Mary Marvella said...

Color me green with envy but thankful to you for sharing. We miss so much about the world away from our little space, or even our own country. Brave Mona.

Scarlet Pumpernickel said...

Mona, thanks for sharing all these wonderful pictures. I love Santorini! It was one of my favorite port on our Greek Isles Cruise.