ADVENTURES UNEXPECTED ARE SOMETIMES THE BEST

After several wonderful days exploring the magic of Oia we decided to visit Fira, the capital of Santorini.  The day brought unexpected adventures.  How refreshing it was to hop on a local bus and pay the attendant Euro 1.30 each for the journey.  No travel cards necessary just cash at the door.  We stopped at the busy, dusty bus terminal and after a short walk uphill we were at the cliff top. The sprawling, never ending arches of the Atlantis Hotel marked the start of a boulevard bordered by Haute Couture on one side and bars and restaurants perched perfectly on the other making the most of the magnificent views of the Caldera and the never ending Aegean Sea.  

"Cable Car" appeared on a sign ahead and before long we found ourselves searching out the arrows which marked the way.  I requested two return tickets at the booth and was told that I could only buy one way tickets.  Return tickets were availabLe at the port below. Down we descended.   The port was quiet offering all sorts of sailing options. Within minutes we found ourselves on a boat and set sail, or at least the captain did, to enjoy the sea and the sun for a few hours.   

Upon returning the port was bustling. Canopies, sun umbrellas and lines of people filled the quay. Oh dear the queue for the cable car was over half a kilometre long. Hundreds if not thousands of passengers from two cruise boats were all attempting to ride to the top and sample Fira's delights. 

Choices - (a) wait in the queue for hours (b) walk a kilometre up uneven stone steps in the afternoon sun (what is that say about mad dogs and Englishman) (c) take a donkey to the top. The donkey it was to be. I wasn't to sure about Mrs J on a donkey but my fears were allayed. Mrs J's donkey (aka Phar Lap) took off. After a clatter of hooves all I heard was a Yell and a Yay as Mrs J disappeared around the corner and up the hill. My donkey (aka Plod) made it to the top just as Mrs J was dismounting, ever so gracefully, thanking Nick the donkey whisperer for giving her such a capable donkey. The unexpected adventure's are sometimes the best.