Our Strange and Unpredictable Backpacking vacation in Greece! During The COVID-19 Pandemic (Santorini day 5, 6, 7 & 8)
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| The iconic Three Blue Domes of Anastasi church |
Santorini
Day 5 - The Journey on board Blue Star Ferries 7.5 hours.
Today is Saturday 14th March 2020, we woke up at 5.30am quickly brushed our teeth, dressed up, went down to the reception to check-out and off we went to take the metro to Piraeus to catch the Blue Star Ferries to SANTORINI! Its going to be a 7.5 hours ferry ride.
We reached Piraeus at about 6.15 am. Cross the street and walked towards the direction of the port; Gate 7E. There.... across the main road is the HUGE Blue Star Ferries. Its was very very busy here, it was bustling with activities...we saw lots of people lagging their bags, luggage or goodies walking towards the ferry and cars, lorries and trucks are queuing up to board the ferry too. Please refer to below video.
At the side entrance, we showed out tickets to the purser and up we went, following everyone to the staircase to look for a comfortable seat with an incredible view. One of the staff told us to go straight to the front. Below is a video of the part of the interior of the ferry.
It's going to be a very comfortable journey just like on board a cruise ship. This ferry will be stopping at Paros and Naxos island. On board, we ate our breakfast and lunch, I read a bit while Emily slept almost the whole journey. I explored a bit and when out to the open-air deck when the ferry stopped at Paros Island. On deck I saw lots of pets dogs and cats in cages or on leash enjoying the sea breeze with their owner.
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| The port of Paros |
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| Paros Island |
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| Paros |
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| The clift side around Oia |
Luckily we were staying in an Airbnb apartment right in the middle of Fira town....meaning there will be minimum contact with others and we will be able to cook our own meals when needed. We disembarked at about 3.00pm took the bus to Fira bus station, the bus ride took about half an hour. By 4.00 pm we were already in our apartment ready to explore our surrounding area and look for food.
We found this fantastic Gyro restaurant called Yogi Gyro, their gyros was delicious esp. the lamb gyro (2.90 euros) which Emily had, for me; the Chicken gyro (2.60 euros) and the fries with bacon and cheese (3.60 euros). It was really delicious as well as very reasonable priced. I foresee myself having this regularly here in Fira.
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| We found a gyros takeaway called Yogi Gyro in-front the square |
By the time we came out of the supermarket, it was almost dark, so we decided to go straight back to our apartment to rest and prepare for tomorrow Hike around the Caldera from Fira to Oia.
We started @ about 10am from Atlantis Hotel, it was about 10 kilometres hike and will take about 2 to 5 hours depending on which route and detours. The pix below, on the left is the slip road from Degikala road, walked up the slope we saw the Atlantis Hotel. From here-on: was 'a piece of cake' we just walk up north following the cobblestone path, with the Celdera on our left and many many beautiful white-washed small quaint restaurants, apartments or hotels & Spas on our right.
Toilet breaks was challenging, as we found out there weren't any restaurants open at all not even for take-out! OK there is this Cable-car station which was closed during lock-down but luckily its toilet was open to tourist. Before we turn left to the Catholic Church of St. Stylianos facing the Caldera.
We did a lots of detours for photos taking and admiring stunning views when we came across them. We were in no hurry to reach Oia before 4pm, on-top-of that, we have been waiting for the weather to improve too.
Below is one of our detour just below the Orthodox Church of Gerasimo. After taking tons of pixs, its a very beautiful holiday apartment: Its called Kafieris Blue Studio.
We carried on along the above path around the caldera then came across many Spas & Resorts being renovated or half-finished building. I can still remembered this beautiful Spa Resort called Rocabella Santorini, with a very beautiful swimming pool and lots of throw-pillows surrounding it, facing the Caldera. In fact there are quite a number of Spa resorts here along this section of our hike. We eventually reached the back of a small totally white chapel of St Marcus, walked along the circumference of the chapel then followed the steps down at the front to another dirt path, about 10 mins, we saw another church Profitis Ilias Church where we stopped for toilet break.
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| Theoto-Kopoulou Square - Emily carrying our grocery shoppings back to our apartment around the corner. |
Day 6 - Hiking Around the Caldera from Fira to Oia.
Please refer to below; this is the route (some detours) we used for our hike, all pixs affixed were taken from my iPhone 8 along the way.
We were mindful to carry enough drinking water and foods with us, as we are not sure if there were any shops or restaurants open for business or not. Its been quite "strange" cause we hardly see any tourist at all! To us, now; Fira was not the vibrant town we had visualised but a sleepy old village. Below are all the landmarks pixs I took along the way, you could see there was hardly any people around!
We crossed 2 villages ie. Firostefani & Imerovigli than finally Oia, there are all very seamless... blending from one village to another. The only path that are a bit wild are the path starting from the little church called Profits Ellias Church to Oia. Where we had another toilet break at the church. The Priest was very kind to unlock the toilet for us when we inquired.
Toilet breaks was challenging, as we found out there weren't any restaurants open at all not even for take-out! OK there is this Cable-car station which was closed during lock-down but luckily its toilet was open to tourist. Before we turn left to the Catholic Church of St. Stylianos facing the Caldera.
We did a lots of detours for photos taking and admiring stunning views when we came across them. We were in no hurry to reach Oia before 4pm, on-top-of that, we have been waiting for the weather to improve too.
We claimed back up and continued our hike to Anastasi Orthodox Church next we saw the Scaros Rock, we decided not the hike over the due to the weather wasn't improving plus the wind was blowing very strong.
We carried on along the above path around the caldera then came across many Spas & Resorts being renovated or half-finished building. I can still remembered this beautiful Spa Resort called Rocabella Santorini, with a very beautiful swimming pool and lots of throw-pillows surrounding it, facing the Caldera. In fact there are quite a number of Spa resorts here along this section of our hike. We eventually reached the back of a small totally white chapel of St Marcus, walked along the circumference of the chapel then followed the steps down at the front to another dirt path, about 10 mins, we saw another church Profitis Ilias Church where we stopped for toilet break.
From this Church on the left we follow this marker below, all the way down hill on very loose rocks and stones path till be hit the main road. We walked along the road maybe for less then 5 mins, on the left there was this small foods-shack which was closed, there we saw another sign to Oia at the left side of the road. We just followed the sign and claimed up.
After claiming this dirt rocky path was down-hill all the way to Oia, its the most scenic path of the hike cause we were walking really close-along side the Caldera.I even managed to captured lots of wild flowers blooming along the path. pls check my Facebook Caldera's wild flowers in Santorini
Finally we reached Oia at about 3.00pm, by this time the weather had improved and was very sunny. Luckily we had packed lunch, there wasn't any restaurants opened on sight at all. We had our lunch under a shade and walked around the square a bit till, at about 4.30pm we went around looking for the Photo spot to shot the famous "Three Blue Domes" of Anastasi Church.
Within 10 mins, we found the 'The' spot to take the Three Blue Domes of Anastasi Church, as expected there aren't many people there. Sunset was about 5.30 to 6.00pm. So we just hung around here and took some great pixs before more tourists arrive.
"LUCKY US", while waiting for the sun to set, we made friend with a lone tourist, Roger. What was more amazing?!!, He is Singaporean too!! We offered to take pixs for each other, he was so very friendly and offered to give us a lift back to Fira as he was staying there too. We were eternally great full as we were not very sure of the bus schedule.
Eventually we left Oia at about 6.15 pm. We had Grilled Calamari & Fries take-out for dinner. Overall, we had a very great day, even-though our 'Sunset' shot weren't that great compared to some other lucky tourist. Tomorrow's weather wasn't great too, according to the weather forecast; its going to be very windy & cloudy. We had decided to explore the town area or take the bus to other part of Santorini, maybe the beach area.
Day 7 (16th March 2020) More Restriction was Implemented!
Today, we stayed in bed later than our usual routine of 7am, was our free & easy day to go with the flow and go wherever we fancied.
Woke-up with an unusual email from Hostelworld informing me that our booking at Meteora Central Hostel, Kalambaka was cancelled due to the Total Lock Down!, the Hostel will be closed and unable to take in any new guest as of 16th March 2020. Our booking was from 21st to 23rd March 2020. Immediately, I booked us an apartment with Airbnb for the same date. I gathered Airbnb was a safer choice, less interaction with others.
We made and ate our breakfast leisurely....packed lunch, off we went to explore the Fira or maybe further away. The weather wasn't great, very windy and cloudy, so we just stuck around Fira, dare not go too far off.
By late-afternoon, we decided to check on our bus to the port & ferry schedule for tomorrow from Santorini to Mykonos. We were booked on Seajet ferry, we went to the office to inquire. Was informed today's ferry was cancelled, most probably tomorrow too, due to rough weather. He informed us to come by tomorrow morning 9 am to inquire. Our ferry suppose to leave at 12.25pm from Thera Port.
We just walking around everywhere taking pictures of every small alley/ lane with interesting designs or unique features. We even visited the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
These photos were taken outside the Cable-car station
After visiting the Seajet office, we went to the Supermarket to get some grocery for our journey tomorrow if the weather permit, never knew when we reaches Mykonos if there are any stores nearby or any restaurant open for take-out.
As a precautionary measure, in case we could not leave for Mykonos tomorrow, I contacted our current host to extend our stay one more night if necessary.
WOW!!, this time round the supermarket was really really very strict with social distancing and MORE!. Once we enter the supermarket, we have to take our temperatures, then clean our hands with the disinfectant, a pair of surgical gloves was given to each of us to put on. We were each given a coupon for us to purchase anything. Was told to distance ourselves from other shoppers at least 2 meters apart. Strange! wearing mask was not compulsory. We quickly gotten what we needed and left the supermarket and made our way home.
On our way home we went to Yogi for gyros takeout for dinner. That evening we packed our bags and cleaned up the apartment for tomorrow morning we have to be at the Seajet office by 9 am with our bags.
Day 8 (17th March Tuesday): All our plans when HAYWIRE!!
Woke up early, ate our breakfast of scramble eggs, hams with breads. Quickly packed out belongings and packed food for today and tomorrow, we left for the Seajet office.
Very disappointed! the ferry was cancelled again, was prepared to stay for another day and leave tomorrow but what if the weather do not improve by tomorrow? We went back to our apartment to consider our next plan. Then I received a text from Eva informing us that:
The European Commission is planing to ban all non-essential travel throughout Europe's Schengen free-travel zone as more countries close their borders to try to limit the spread of coronavirus.
She further stated that; Flights to Greece from Singapore will be cancelled soon. With this latest information, I immediately texted Eva to change our flight to the next earliest flight back to Singapore ie. 21st March 2020 Saturday, instead of 24th March 2020 as scheduled. Little did we know....in fact 21st was the last and only flight out from Athens to Singapore, as Singapore is closing its border on 22nd March 2020.
We have decided to skip Mykonos, no-point waiting for the unknown for the weather to improve. Once again, we left our apartment and when to Blue Star Ferries office to check if there's any ferry leaving for Athens later today. Once reaching the office, we saw many people queuing outside, we joined the queue, was told they only allowed 2 persons at a time into the office. YES!! at 3.30pm a ferry leaving for Athens, reaching Athens almost midnight.
I quickly changed our tickets from Mykonos - Athens for Santorini - Athens and paid the difference of about 23 euros in total.
We then went to Seajet office to cancelled our tickets for Mykonos. Due to the last minute cancellation they refunded us 50% of the ticket price. Once all was settled, we went to the bus station to wait for the bus to Thera port later the afternoon.
Due to all these last-minutes changes, I set down and rectify hotel bookings and cancellation:
1) To book a hotel in Piraeus port for later to-night
2) To cancel our Airbnb booking in Mykonos, check if there any refund
3) To inform our current host, we are leaving Santorini today, so no extension needed.
4) To reschedule the check-in date for the Airbnb at Kalambaka from 18th to 20th March 2020 instead.
5) To Cancel our booking with the Hostel in Athens for 23rd night.
Once all are done, I settled down to eat our packed lunch and waited for the bus. The ferry ride back to Athens was uneventful, everyone was very quite and solemn. The ferry ride was rough, everyone was either asleep or playing with their phone. Me....I had my trusted Kindle to accompany me beside my beloved sister Emily who slept almost the full journey. We reached Athens 10 mins before midnight. Our hotel was just a short distance away from the port, we checked in quickly, bath and slept. We planned for an early start tomorrow morning as the morning train to Kalambaka leaves Piraeus at 6.30 am.
My thought now, while writing this blog; Let's be Assured!, we will come be BACK to Santorini and Greece! There is so many many things we did not experience yet! like
1) We have yet to visit Mykonos and other islands.
2) Did not have a sit-down dinner in a Greek restaurant with a view of the Caldera during sunset with a glass of local wine in our hand.
3) Wine sampling!
4) Visit all the beaches
SOON!!
My next continuation blog will be ME: Ticking my bucket list!! METEORA
Today, we stayed in bed later than our usual routine of 7am, was our free & easy day to go with the flow and go wherever we fancied.
We made and ate our breakfast leisurely....packed lunch, off we went to explore the Fira or maybe further away. The weather wasn't great, very windy and cloudy, so we just stuck around Fira, dare not go too far off.
By late-afternoon, we decided to check on our bus to the port & ferry schedule for tomorrow from Santorini to Mykonos. We were booked on Seajet ferry, we went to the office to inquire. Was informed today's ferry was cancelled, most probably tomorrow too, due to rough weather. He informed us to come by tomorrow morning 9 am to inquire. Our ferry suppose to leave at 12.25pm from Thera Port.
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| The View outside of the Orthodox Church of St Gerasimos |
We just walking around everywhere taking pictures of every small alley/ lane with interesting designs or unique features. We even visited the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
 |
| St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Santorini |
These photos were taken outside the Cable-car station
After visiting the Seajet office, we went to the Supermarket to get some grocery for our journey tomorrow if the weather permit, never knew when we reaches Mykonos if there are any stores nearby or any restaurant open for take-out.
As a precautionary measure, in case we could not leave for Mykonos tomorrow, I contacted our current host to extend our stay one more night if necessary.
WOW!!, this time round the supermarket was really really very strict with social distancing and MORE!. Once we enter the supermarket, we have to take our temperatures, then clean our hands with the disinfectant, a pair of surgical gloves was given to each of us to put on. We were each given a coupon for us to purchase anything. Was told to distance ourselves from other shoppers at least 2 meters apart. Strange! wearing mask was not compulsory. We quickly gotten what we needed and left the supermarket and made our way home.
On our way home we went to Yogi for gyros takeout for dinner. That evening we packed our bags and cleaned up the apartment for tomorrow morning we have to be at the Seajet office by 9 am with our bags.
Day 8 (17th March Tuesday): All our plans when HAYWIRE!!
Woke up early, ate our breakfast of scramble eggs, hams with breads. Quickly packed out belongings and packed food for today and tomorrow, we left for the Seajet office.
Very disappointed! the ferry was cancelled again, was prepared to stay for another day and leave tomorrow but what if the weather do not improve by tomorrow? We went back to our apartment to consider our next plan. Then I received a text from Eva informing us that:
The European Commission is planing to ban all non-essential travel throughout Europe's Schengen free-travel zone as more countries close their borders to try to limit the spread of coronavirus.
She further stated that; Flights to Greece from Singapore will be cancelled soon. With this latest information, I immediately texted Eva to change our flight to the next earliest flight back to Singapore ie. 21st March 2020 Saturday, instead of 24th March 2020 as scheduled. Little did we know....in fact 21st was the last and only flight out from Athens to Singapore, as Singapore is closing its border on 22nd March 2020.
We have decided to skip Mykonos, no-point waiting for the unknown for the weather to improve. Once again, we left our apartment and when to Blue Star Ferries office to check if there's any ferry leaving for Athens later today. Once reaching the office, we saw many people queuing outside, we joined the queue, was told they only allowed 2 persons at a time into the office. YES!! at 3.30pm a ferry leaving for Athens, reaching Athens almost midnight.
I quickly changed our tickets from Mykonos - Athens for Santorini - Athens and paid the difference of about 23 euros in total.
We then went to Seajet office to cancelled our tickets for Mykonos. Due to the last minute cancellation they refunded us 50% of the ticket price. Once all was settled, we went to the bus station to wait for the bus to Thera port later the afternoon.
Due to all these last-minutes changes, I set down and rectify hotel bookings and cancellation:
1) To book a hotel in Piraeus port for later to-night
2) To cancel our Airbnb booking in Mykonos, check if there any refund
3) To inform our current host, we are leaving Santorini today, so no extension needed.
4) To reschedule the check-in date for the Airbnb at Kalambaka from 18th to 20th March 2020 instead.
5) To Cancel our booking with the Hostel in Athens for 23rd night.
Once all are done, I settled down to eat our packed lunch and waited for the bus. The ferry ride back to Athens was uneventful, everyone was very quite and solemn. The ferry ride was rough, everyone was either asleep or playing with their phone. Me....I had my trusted Kindle to accompany me beside my beloved sister Emily who slept almost the full journey. We reached Athens 10 mins before midnight. Our hotel was just a short distance away from the port, we checked in quickly, bath and slept. We planned for an early start tomorrow morning as the morning train to Kalambaka leaves Piraeus at 6.30 am.
My thought now, while writing this blog; Let's be Assured!, we will come be BACK to Santorini and Greece! There is so many many things we did not experience yet! like
1) We have yet to visit Mykonos and other islands.
2) Did not have a sit-down dinner in a Greek restaurant with a view of the Caldera during sunset with a glass of local wine in our hand.
3) Wine sampling!
4) Visit all the beaches
SOON!!
My next continuation blog will be ME: Ticking my bucket list!! METEORA
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