Final day of my sailing trip today and it’s a quick breakfast before catching a small boat to Ammoudi Bay in Santorini and then we all go our separate ways. I’m sad to say goodbye to Fotis as he’s been such an amazing skipper and all-around human being. He has a quick wit and dry sense of humour. He has three trips left before he can go home to his little house and cactus that he hasn’t seen since June.
Santorini is a lot busier than the other islands I’ve visited and I’m already not sure about the vibe here. It’s a relief not to be here in high season as it must be so crowded and stifling.
My taxi driver, Georges, has worked on the island for the last seven years and lives in Athens in the off season. Santorini’s season is quite bit longer than the other islands as most people come here for the beautiful buildings and not necessarily the beaches. It runs from April to November and Georges says he’s counting the days until he can see his family again. He has a six year old daughter and thirteen year old son that he hasn’t seen since April, other than FaceTime. Although it’s difficult to be away from them, he’s grateful for the job as employment is difficult in Athens. He said he would never have thought that this is what he would be doing with his life but after the extreme recession seven years ago, he does whatever he can to feed his family.
I explore Oia briefly while waiting for my room to be ready and I’m already done with the bloody tourists. It seems some of the worst ones come here…pushy, rude and self-involved. I suppose those types are everywhere but it seems prevalent here.
I brave the crowds at sunset and head to Oia Castle which is supposed to be the best view. Despite arriving over an hour before the sun is to set, there are massive crowds hanging precariously over the edges of every building that affords a view. I feel deflated but persevere and find a little spot with a somewhat decent sight line.
I see a young Russian couple hop over a wire fence obviously meant to keep people out and climb onto a decrepit roof, an Italian girl is hanging onto a rock that is overhanging the cliff, and a group of boys have climbed onto the roof of a church and drape themselves over the church bells. Climbing onto the roofs of churches is a big no-no here but clearly people don’t give a shit and the entire area is covered with people hanging off of buildings. There’s also numerous signs advising that drones are not allowed and fines will be enforced, but no one cares about that either. This place is a free for all and zero respect for the Greek people or their culture.
I don’t mean to paint such a negative picture of Santorini. This is just not my thing. I enjoy meeting locals and I try to respect their country. I’m hoping that the early morning hours will show Oia in a different light with less crowds as the architecture is absolutely outstanding with an array of whitewashed buildings mixed in with colourful ones. I’m looking forward to exploring more tomorrow.
