So we were up before the crack of dawn - two alarms rang minutes apart at 5:30 am . We were so efficient we left the room before 6 am to check-out and get our boxed breakfast. The desk clerk gave us final instructions on taking the Metro to Piraeus but we ignored some of them for the ones we got last night because it involved one less transfer. Kara was right on top of everything and knew exactly how many stops, etc.

We took another route to the Metro station which worked out very well and we found our platform with minimal trouble. We went 3 stops and transferred to the green line that would take us to Piraeus. We carefully got on the train going in the right direction. There were quite a few people getting on the train and most were going to Piraeus. When everyone else got off, we did too. I think Kara thought we had a few extra stops but here we were. I was a bit anxious because I mis-remembered the ferry departure time. It actually was scheduled to leave at 7:25, not the 7:45 I had said. Luckily we had allotted enough time and the Metro was quicker than 1 hour to take.

When we got out of the Metro, we had a bit of confusion. It wasn't that far to walk to the port piers but we knew we wanted E7 but weren't quite sure where it was and then when we saw it, there was a huge ferry off to the side. Kara figured that wasn't it but it did have the right name - Blue Star Delos. We walked farther before coming back and trying to find the entrance . Piraeus port was bustling and looked like a port should look with its piers, big boats and cranes.

Ours was a huge ferry. The slow, less bouncy ferry - good for people who get seasick. I had new bands to try and I took a Dramamine as well. I didn't get sick - which is good - but I was awfully tired. We climbed up several flights of stairs. People getting on before us took all the good tables with views of the water so mostly inside tables were left. We did find one table on the outside but it was wet. We dried it off and it was better. Next to us were smokers and a very chatty young woman with a strident voice. I had gotten some coffees for us and we ate our boxed breakfast sandwiches and slices of sweet bread. We left the apples for later. We stayed there quite awhile before moving to the back of the boat where we didn't have a good view but we were more outdoors and the air quality was much better.

Later on Kara got us a sandwich for lunch and two nescafe frappes - at least that is what I think there were . We vowed never to get them again if it could be avoided. They were basically nescafe powder whipped up with ice into a dense foam that tasted exactly like eating nescafe granules straight up.

For the early part of the trip, we didn't pass many big islands just some smaller dots in the sea. Then we stopped at Paros. Close to Paros we stopped at Naxos and people got on and off at both of those islands. We and a couple from Las Vegas who were now sitting next to us wondered if we had any other stops. No, but there seemed to be a succession of other large islands. Then the Las Vegas lady got all excited because she thought she saw Santorini. She had done her research and knew a lot more of what it was going to be like. This was their first trip to Europe. She was nice...and very enthusiastic. It turned out it was Santorini and a very spectacular island it is. We went into the bay which is a huge caldera from what the husband said was the most violent or biggest volcanic eruption in the world .

When we docked, somehow Kara and I were right in front as the car ramp was lowered. I was afraid of getting trampled by the people behind us but it was very civilized except for the woman who ran over my heel with her wheelie bag. Once off the boat, we were accosted by a young man who wanted to know if we needed a transfer. It happened that they had a minivan which we decided to take and we were driven right to our hotel George of Hotel Antonia gave us the low-down on everything there was to see...without taking a breath I think. We didn't understand everything but enough to decided we should do a tour because we can't get around well enough by bus to see much in our short time here. We are now recuperating in our rather small room but we have a beautiful huge patio (three times the size of our room) that is much cooler. Now that I have gotten this far, I need to stop because Kara is antsy to get going and see some of this magnificent place.!

So, after getting settled and resting for a bit, we went out for a walk in Fara. We walked along the main road looking at the stores until we ran out of stores and then we climbed up the hill to the next main street where there were more stores and restaurants and souvenir shops and upscale jewelry stores and downscale souvenir shops. I forgot to mention that our drive in the minivan was around the caldera and up the side to a city perched on the top of a cliff and composed of those iconic gleaming white cubes of buildings . Our hotel was across the main street from the center of Fira that looked over the caldera.

We walked past the cathedral and when we saw a performance across the street, we stopped. I saw that the church was open and then we went in and looked around. I looked in their courtyard because I thought you could see the sea better from there but you couldn't. Then we walked down the hill on the other side where there were the thick cement walls, blue doors and other features that I associate with Santorini. I took some photos...of course. About now I was starting to get hungry. We walked back up the hill until we ran out of shops and turned around. As we found the street leading to our hotel, we decided to go in search of the recommended restaurants. Kara headed back up the hill. I needed to figure out where the restaurant actually was before forging up hills. Old people need to conserve their energy sometimes. Finally we found the Rostoni Restaurant overlooking the Old Port and the caldera. It was a stunning view. By the time we sat down - about 7:20 pm -- the sun had already disappeared. A big cruise ship sat in the harbor and lights began to twinkle as we ate our dinners. This place was pricey - even with our 10% discount so we only ordered a glass of white wine each. I had a fava bean & shrimp dish and Kara had a kebab plate. Hers was much better, but mine was good - only skimpy on the shrimp. We had some nice bread with what seemed like pink yogurt spread. That cost 6 euros on the check. It was a lovely meal in an absolutely stunning setting. It got cold and I needed to hurry back to warmth rather than linger looking at the stupendous view. Very sad.