Gallimaufry#102

DAY 5— SANTORINI

We had a couple of hours to chill at the divine Porto Mykonos Hotel before our 3-hour ferry ride to Santorini.

Breakfast with a view

Love the quaint cubic architecture.

Ferry ride to Santorini

FIRA

Santorini Main Square

Meet Marcos, the mascot of Santorini

He’s a nice tribute to the Santorini donkeys, who were once the lifeline of the island and were essential for carting goods, building materials, and people up and down the cliffs of Santorini.

When in Greece, you must indulge in a gyros.

Gyros

A picturesque settlement perched on the cliffside of a caldera

Evil Eye

The Greek evil eye, known as "mati," holds a captivating mystique and cultural significance. Its cobalt-blue hue, often depicted in various forms like jewelry, keychains, or ornaments, serves as a talisman against malevolent intentions and negative energy. This potent symbol, deeply rooted in Greek folklore, is believed to safeguard against envy and ward off misfortune. 🧿

Our ambitious plan to conquer the 588-step Donkey Path (Karavolades Stairs), zig-zagging down to the old port, was abruptly halted by my protesting knees that groaned with every step I attempted. Besides, the stifling heat and smell of donkey poo were overwhelming. After descending no more than 10 steps, I called it quits. The hubs and Son#2 ventured a bit farther, but they too turned back. We detoured to ChillBox for a delicious frozen Greek yogurt instead!🍨

The Karavolades Stairs

Best frozen Greek yoghurt ever!

Gallimaufry#101

 Day 4—Mykonos

The day started with a wake-up call at 4.45 AM! With only a simple boxed breakfast provided by the hotel, we had to leave for Port Piraeus to catch the first ferry to Mykonos.

I can't seem to get my fill of this incredible Greek spinach pie!  Yummm! 😋

Breakfast—Spanakopita

Boarding the fastest Guinness world record-holder high-speed vessel.

We reached Mykonos following a three-hour journey across the choppy waters of the Aegean Sea.

 

The sea's vibrant shades of blue and turquoise provide a stunning backdrop to the island's landscape.

Marble bust of Manto Mavrogenous

Manto, a prominent heroine during the Greek War of Independence, ardently supported the cause, using her wealth and influence to fund the revolution. Her dedication extended beyond financial support; she organized hospitals, supplied provisions, and even led troops in battle, defying societal norms.

The island's iconic windmills

Group photo—all 20 of us from Malaysia.

Azure waters meet cerulean skies

I adore the charming, narrow, cobblestone alleys that zig-zag through whitewashed shops and residences. 

Vibrant blue and red railings, shutters, and doors add a splash of colour to the pristine white buildings. It felt as though I was stepping into an another realm.

Cycladic Greek Orthodox Church, Old Town Chora

Lunch @ Paraportiani Taverna

Plucked right out of the azure waters of the Aegean sea!🦐🌊🦀🎣

 Taste of the sea at its finest

PARADISE BEACH

60 euros for a front-line sunbed!

The most memorable aspect of our Mykonos vacation was the time we spent at the Porto Hotel. We had our very own private swimming pool! If heaven were a place on earth, then this could be it! Exploring the hotel grounds was an adventure in itself; there was so much beauty to behold. At every turn and corner, we were greeted by a view more majestic than the last.

Mesmerizing sunset vistas

The evening ended with a buffet dinner in the hotel.