Written by on May 17, 2009 – 6:48 pm
The first time I had Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts was in Santorini. We traveled there in May. The wind is fierce that time of year and because of that, the jet stream is filled with sand from the Sahara desert. When asked about it, shop owners look worried - they’ll inevitably need to paint the building once it’s through. Most of the building are either white or light pastels like pink and yellow. They need to sparkle for the tourists, not look weathered and worn.
Despite the wind, it’s warm in May. The tourists don’t really start showing up until the end of the month which is just fine with me. I could do without the cruise ship crowd on any day. Sure, it’s wonderful for the local economy. But they swarm the streets for only a few hours and then they leave. What can you really see during that time anyway?
We spent our time on the island in Oia. It’s small. The cable car up and down the volcano’s sides is in Fira, I think, which is quite a ways away. To visit the fish tavernas and the beaches down by the water, we need to hike ourselves. No donkeys that I can see either. Years earlier I actually was a cruise ship reveler. I had my first taste of ouzo in a taverna after the donkey ride to the top. I was 19.
I enjoy eating and drinking in Santorini. In Oia I rediscovered how magical a perfectly ripe tomato is. I also realized that the island produces a wonderful white wine which goes particularly well with the seafood found on the island. We were at one such restaurant sampling the local cuisine. Meal over, it was fairly clear from our body language that though we were done our meal, we had no intention of getting up. The server brought over a large plate slathered with fresh Greek yogurt dripping with honey and sprinkled with walnuts, on the house. I am forever ruined. The runny, chemical laden American style yogurt just doesn’t get the job done anymore.
It’s hard to remember Santorini without remembering fondly the places we walked, the moments that we sat, and the things we had eaten. “We” being the key word. Though I don’t believe I have ties in Santorini (though who knows, my ancestral roots are all over Greece) the thing that really mattered is that my husband and I shared all those experiences together and that he got a glimpse of the culture that has etched its way into my American life.
Whenever I miss being in Greece I eat Greek yogurt with honey and let it transport me back to that little fish taverna beside the tourist shop with the scarves (I bought one) and the whole trip in all it’s glory comes rushing back.
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You made your holiday in Santorini come alive for me…
I need to visit the Greek islands, Santorini is now firmly on my list of “must visit ” Greek island…:-)
Thank you Abimbola! It’s fun writing those little snippets when they pop in my head. I have a growing list of places I want to go as well!
Lovely story. It’s amazing how everything ties together and becomes an entire experience. Places, people, and food, without even one of those the experience just wouldn’t be the same.
Hi Katherine,
My wife and I went to Santorini about 3 years ago and stayed in the cave hotel Perivolas in Oia. It really is a wonderful place and we hope to go back there in the not too distant future. We both loved the wonderful sunsets sitting sipping wine looking out over the caldera….what wonderful memories!
i love the look of your website by the way…very snazzy!!
Alisha, I agree - it’s hard to understand a culture without turning to all those things. I also try to learn some of the language, even if it means I go to the hotel lobby and ask how to say some basics. They’re usually surprised.
Keith, thanks for stopping in! There’s a cave hotel? Nice! We stayed at the Cheladonia which had an amazing view, but I am intrigued by the caves. Maybe next time we go
And thanks for the compliment on the look of the site - I had the basic (ok vague) idea and my talented designer did the magic!
Hi again Katherine! Yes the cave hotel is fantastic here is the link http://www.perivolas.gr/ it has been featured in Vogue, Conde Naste Traveller etc and whilst we were there a photo shoot was in full flow by the infinity pool.
I told my wife Melissa that I had been reminded of Santorini by accident again when I came across your site and she wants me to take her back there asap!
Tell your designer they are very talented it looks great. I am still working on mine as haven’t decided on the final structure yet but nearly there. I have signed up for your writing success email course as I need some help with my blog!
Thanks for the link, Keith - is it down by the water near the Fish Tavernas and the rocks? I’ll keep it in mind because I’m sure we’ll be returning! What time of your did you go?
Thanks for signing up for my course! I have a new excited project in the works about blogging - it’s a member site. I’ll make an announcement when the time comes.
I’ll pass along your compliments to my designer! Here’s her blog: http://www.writersroundabout.com