Day two on Santorini dawned, another clear, blue sky above and the beautiful blue sea below. Our afternoon tour was not due to start until late afternoon so shopping sounded like a good thing to do. Linen is for sale all over and white is especially alluring. So, we found an alley that was lined with cool, crisp garments. It was fun looking and trying a few on. I bought a fun top and shorts that would be cool to wear. Jim was very kind to go along with us without complaint. His reward was a cold beer at one of the taverns overlooking the sea.
Finally the time arrived for our tour. The guide and driver picked us up at the hotel and we headed out. First we climbed to the highest point on the island to visit a monastery and church. The monastery is only for the Monks but we could visit the gardens. At the entrance is a fountain. The custom is for one to wash away your sins in the fountain before entering the church. One of the few springs on the island feeds the fountain so the water was cold and fresh. The spring gives them the ability to grow the tomatoes. There was a time when grape tomatoes were grown all over the island. They are unique in flavor and only grown here. Now, because of both lack of water and farmers to grow them, families grow them for their own use only. The Monks also grow these tomatoes and a few Olive Trees. Olive oil is made that they can sell to help sustain themselves. The monastery goes back hundreds of years and once housed over a hundred Monks. Today, there are only about 40 Monks left. We enjoyed the gardens and the view as well. There was a small stand where they sold dried tomatoes and other things they produce. I bought some of the dried tomatoes that I will put in Greek Olive Oil as soon as I get home.
Our guide took us inside the small church. Typical of Greek Orthodox churches, it was decorated with beautiful paintings and icons. He explained that the chairs lining the walls of the main worship area were only for the elderly and pregnant women. All other worshipers stood through the three hour service, yikes. I took the opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer for Dan.
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the Art Space Santorini, a winery as well as a gallery. It was not actually on the tour, but our guide told us this was our tour so we could do whatever we liked. Of course, we liked the idea of a winery. This winery has been in continuous operation since 1861 and has remained in the same family as well. The building was made up of three caves and housed not only the wine making but also moonshine too! The present head of the family decided to add art to the mix as well. The walls are lined with paintings of all types. In one room, sculptures of a famous Greek sculpture were on display. He actually designed a life sized one for the 2004 Olympics. They were amazing. The basic structure was actually olive wood with the branches and leaves encased in gold. There were olives on the trees, some ripe and some not. I wanted to get one but talked myself out of it. Now, I regret my decision. Perhaps once I am home, I will reach out and buy one anyway.
After touring the facility, we enjoyed a tasting. They only grow white grapes. Grapes are not grown here like we see them grown in the US or France, etc. in rows, upright and wired. Here because of the lack of water and the fierce north winds that pound the island, the vines are grown on the ground. A circular “basket” shaped foundation is used to train the vines to grow. As the vine fills out and grapes form, they grow inside this circle where they are protected from the wind. The volcanic soil actually pulls water from the clouds and air around the plants which allows the grapes to flourish. Pretty amazing. I am not much of a white wine drinker, but I do like a Vensanto. We tasted a 2005 Vensanto that was soooo good! So good in fact, we purchased six bottles to be sent home to NC. What a treat.
Part of the tour was to see the sunset from Oia (pronounced Ea). We made our way there but our guide told us that we would not stay there to see the sunset but just to experience the “crowds”. He would take us to a secret place where we could see it just as well. Oia was a mob! So many people rushing to get a good spot well in advance of the sunset — it was crazy. But, he wanted us to have the experience. We hopped back into the van and headed out. We climbed up what amounted to a donkey trail, more track than road. At the top, a church and a view that was nothing short of spectacular. There were a few other people there, sitting on the stone wall sharing bottles of wine and champagne. George, our guide commented that he guessed his secret was out. No matter, the view was wonderful. A perfect ending to a good day. As the sunset gave way too evening, we made our way back to the hotel. Perhaps a game of Uno to wind down from the afternoon of touring.
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