Santorini

After an early breakfast, we called a taxi to get to the port for the ferry. The receptionist told us that we didn't need to be at the ferry too early as it would take no more than 10 minutes to get to the port. Given what we experienced, we insisted to allow more time for boarding. Just luck would have it, the taxi dropped us right next to the boat and a crowd already congregated at the entrance. We relaxed a bit and looked for signs that we  were lining up with the right boat. It was then we realized the departure time to Santorini was different than the one we booked (20 minutes later) and we may have been on the wrong spot. After looking for a staff person, we were told that our boat was at the other end of he port. The distance between the two ends would take at least 10 minutes to walk and by then, we were much too close to the final call for boarding. We all ran, along with the luggage and bags. As we ran near to the ferry, we could not find the entrance as we were blocked by a fence. Again, we had a glimpse of what those immigrants may have felt, so close to the destination, just a fence away but no way of entering in. We were directed to the very end and then had to run back to the middle to board the ferry. It was stressful but we did have a good workout. 

After boarding and settled in, we looked around and found the ferry was mostly empty.  Just then, the announcement came in and stated that the departure time would be delayed due to another ferry was malfunction. We waited for another 30 minutes and the ferry started to move. But it was not moving toward the sea. It went to the gate that we initially mistakely lined up. It dawned on us that our ferry was going back to pick up those passengers because their ferry was not working. We were on top of the deck at that time and took some pics of the huge crowd. So we ended up having an over crowded ferry where every seat wast taken. Once again we were glad that we did not have to catch anything so the delay was not much of consequences to us.

The famous and popular Santorini was indeed picturesque. However, it is also incredibly commercialized, particularly in the town of Oia where you see the signature blue top dooms and white washed houses built on the cliff rocks along the Aegean Sea. Most of the view points were bought by hotels and restaurants and tourists were restricted. Given its popularity, many people from mainland China hired professional photographers to occupy the view points to take pics and making the rest of the tourists frustrated. Most people had to wait for a long time to take pics at the view points. We were not impressed by the island at all as so many facilities and services were tailored to the rich and famous. Too commercialized for our liking. On the second day, we explored the rest of the island and focused on those less beaten tracks to experience the true islanders life and history. Sunset at the lighthouse was spectacular!!

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