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WEBVTT
Kind: captions
Language: en
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000
(CALMING MUSIC)
00:00:13.520 --> 00:00:18.240
Santorini is like stepping inside a picturesque
post card.
00:00:18.250 --> 00:00:23.641
The 1, 2 punch of its iconic blue domes coupled
with its breathtaking sunsets has made it
00:00:23.641 --> 00:00:28.140
an incredibly popular destination, complete
with the crowds.
00:00:28.140 --> 00:00:32.340
Since the top 2 tourist locations are built
into its own cliff face, you are met with
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incredible vista almost everywhere you look.
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With shops, restaurants and accommodation
all sharing this view, to be honest they already
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had me at “hello”.
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Food may never have looked so good, our bedroom
view, never so peaceful, and if you like window
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shopping, then you will not be disappointed
with their cool collection of boutiques.
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In this vlog, my wife, Chiaki and myself,
your travelling narrator will be taking you
00:00:57.890 --> 00:01:03.809
on our journey around Thira and Oia, Santorini’s
2 main hotspots.
00:01:03.809 --> 00:01:10.070
You’ll see how we chose to spend our time
here, navigating through some easily ignored
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streets, giving the best views and sunsets.
00:01:12.880 --> 00:01:17.890
We’ll talk using public transport to get
around the island, and share some of our favourite
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dining spots.
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We’ll also cover how the world has apparently
gone mad at getting a good Instagram pic and
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what perhaps you should or shouldn’t do,
with a donkey.
00:01:28.330 --> 00:01:33.300
This is Suitcase Monkey, spending 4 sunset
nights in Santorini.
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We arrived mid afternoon into Santorini’s
International Airport and quickly found our
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pre booked taxi.
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Taking us through the islands flat lands,
the 15 minute drive was over before we knew it.
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We would be staying in Thira, which along
with Oia is the most populated region.
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After being dropped off, we still had a short
walk to our hotel.
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However something strange happened en route.
00:02:05.329 --> 00:02:09.740
After turning the corner with our luggage
in hand, we were both overwhelmed and distracted
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with our first classic Santorini view.
00:02:13.860 --> 00:02:15.860
(OFF CAMERA) "This is Crazy!"
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It’s rare for me to have suitcase in hand,
and pose like a giddy tourist.
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And this was the most fun I’ve had carrying
heavy luggage down a steep decline.
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We must have stopped for about 10 minutes,
just taking photos, forgetting of course that
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our hotel was literally 30 seconds away and
the same view would still be there after check in
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But that’s one of the best parts of Santorini,
we found.
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That it’s just so picturesque and you never
know what view will greet you around a corner.
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Our hotel was built into the side of the cliff
face, overlooking the sea.
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Santorini Reflexions Volcano, as it was called
was fairly minimalist inside but had a cozy,
00:03:02.220 --> 00:03:03.870
authentic feel to it.
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The stone and tiles added a much needed respite
from the intense heat outside.
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The bathroom was small with its curved ceiling,
but felt almost carved into the rock side,
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adding to its charm.
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As with everything in the movie, and everything
I’m about to cover, I’ve linked to Reflexions
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in the description below, along with links
to follow us on social media so you can join
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us live for our next trip as it happens.
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After a change of clothes, we set out to explore
the area.
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Wandering through its pedestrian streets,
window shopping, grabbing a bite to eat and
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just generally taking it all in.
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(FUNKY ELECTRONIC MUSIC)
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(SOUND OF CASH REGISTER)
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Like fireworks on a New Year’s Eve, everyone
pauses while the sun sets over Santorini.
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During the 40 minutes that the sun draws closer
to its own reflection, things start to slow
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down to a momentary pause.
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(SOFT PIANO MUSIC)
00:05:05.960 --> 00:05:10.370
Staying in Thira has the benefit of being
close to the islands largest bus terminal,
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meaning you can easily get to most places
of interest from here.
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It’s certainly not a perfect system but
it gets the job done and at the cheapest price.
00:05:18.150 --> 00:05:22.121
Compared to Oia, which you’ll see later,
Thira station has more space to wait, and
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at least a degree in clarity when it comes
to what bus you should get on.
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The buses are actually coaches so not built
primarily for public transport so people getting
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on and off was not the easiest.
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A few stops after Fira and we were already
full, leaving people at the bus stop to wait
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for the next one.
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Unfortunately, in some ways, Santorini has
been a victim of its own success.
00:05:46.770 --> 00:05:51.800
It has so much going for it that stupid tourists
such as myself visit and its small size cannot
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cope with the demand.
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But for us, getting on at the first stop meant
we easily found a seat and we got off at the
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last stop.
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Nice and simple.
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(OLD STYLE JAZZ MUSIC)
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We would be spending our day in Oia.
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If you Google Santorini, you’ll most likely
be seeing the blue domes from this area and
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we were eager to hunt them down and get acquainted
with this new bustling town.
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Even though we thought we had peaked in Thira,
there’s certainly an argument that Oia is
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the more picturesque of the two, but only
by a whisker.
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(OLD STYLE JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES)
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After a pit stop lunch we consulted a few
online resources and followed directions blindly
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for one of the prime viewing spots for the iconic shot.
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(GENTLE GUITAR MUSIC)
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After taking way too many pictures, we wandered
to the tip of the island, towards Oia Castle
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and Amoudi Bay.
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(GENTLE BUT UPBEAT GUITAR MUSIC)
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Amoudi Bay is known for a couple of things.
00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:09.270
As well as a place to swim with its clear
waters and rocks further out, its also a popular
00:08:09.270 --> 00:08:11.110
sun set location.
00:08:11.110 --> 00:08:17.330
Nestled inside its own recess, the bay is
well situated to capture all the suns rays.
00:08:17.330 --> 00:08:20.800
A reservation at its facing restaurants would
certainly be required here.
00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:24.780
But it’s also known for its potentially
intimidating descent.
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It’s 200 plus steps in Santorini’s hot
temperature can be a bit exhausting but its
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definitely doable and not too crazy.
00:08:32.300 --> 00:08:37.530
There’s a road that also twists around the
outside of the island so a walk or drive down
00:08:37.530 --> 00:08:41.360
the longer scenic route is another good option.
00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:45.500
Walking down the steps, you get your first
few hints of something else Santorini is known for
00:08:46.730 --> 00:08:51.080
Donkey rides which is something of a current
hot topic in Greece.
00:08:51.080 --> 00:08:56.040
Ignoring the instinct I had of NOT walking
behind a donkey became impossible about half
00:08:56.040 --> 00:09:00.890
way down when suddenly you are met with a
massive breathing, waiting taxi rank.
00:09:00.890 --> 00:09:05.910
There are two strong opposing sides within
Greece itself, one that feels the donkeys
00:09:05.910 --> 00:09:11.110
are part of the islands image and tradition,
supporting tourism and employment for its people.
00:09:12.110 --> 00:09:16.400
And then the other side that is concerned
for the animals welfare which you can decide
00:09:16.400 --> 00:09:18.100
on for yourself.
00:09:18.100 --> 00:09:21.650
The Greek government recently put forward
legislation to limit the weight the animals
00:09:21.650 --> 00:09:26.150
can carry which lead to some ever interesting
headlines.
00:09:26.150 --> 00:09:29.560
Which ever side of the fence you land on,
I do think it’s important to think about
00:09:29.560 --> 00:09:32.590
both of those sides before you opt for the
donkey ride.
00:09:32.590 --> 00:09:38.380
For us, the steps were well worth the effort,
with seafood, views, a rest and a drink all
00:09:38.380 --> 00:09:41.220
being part of our reward.
00:09:44.640 --> 00:09:49.640
With one of our donkey friends showing gratitude
for not riding him back, the climb was well
00:09:49.640 --> 00:09:50.840
underway.
00:09:50.840 --> 00:09:53.020
(UPBEAT PLAYFUL MUSIC)
00:09:57.000 --> 00:10:00.340
For what remained of our day, we only had
2 things on our minds.
00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:03.260
Food and our first Oia sunset.
00:10:03.260 --> 00:10:08.280
Our meal was fairly uneventful, opting for
a double serving of pasta and the most mahousive
00:10:08.280 --> 00:10:10.920
watermelon serving you’ve ever seen.
00:10:10.920 --> 00:10:15.610
But as our shadows grew longer and the sky
golden we started to get in place for our
00:10:15.610 --> 00:10:17.380
sun set ritual.
00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:30.560
I think this is probably the perfect time
to address the elephant in the room.
00:10:30.560 --> 00:10:35.820
We as a society, and I’m including myself
in this, have unfortunately become a right
00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:37.900
massive bunch of posers.
00:10:37.900 --> 00:10:43.590
I have never before felt more like I was living
inside Instagram where everything became a
00:10:43.590 --> 00:10:46.810
photo shoot and often took over from the moment
itself.
00:10:46.810 --> 00:10:51.630
Now I’m sure that for some people, these
moments were less about a holiday and more
00:10:51.630 --> 00:10:56.080
about social media being their business (or
at least I hope that is what’s going on here).
00:10:56.780 --> 00:11:01.610
But, some people deemed it a good idea to
step over the ledge and stand on a curved
00:11:01.610 --> 00:11:03.830
roof, just for that epic pose.
00:11:03.830 --> 00:11:09.190
Then there were those just wanting a better
view, and even this bloody cat.
00:11:09.190 --> 00:11:15.270
And yes, I know as a vlogger I am totally
part of the problem myself but I mention it,
00:11:15.270 --> 00:11:19.570
since it was something so abundant during
my time here it would be strange if I skipped it.
00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:26.600
Of course if it makes you happy and its harming
no one else, then do whatever works for you.
00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:30.830
But personally, even though it may not be
obvious through this video, I’m always super
00:11:30.830 --> 00:11:34.820
aware of having time away from the lens and
just living in the moment.
00:11:34.820 --> 00:11:39.440
But while we’re at it, just follow me on
Instagram.
00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:43.620
Wanting to beat the inevitable rush hour back
to Thira, we waited for not too long at the
00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:44.620
bus terminal.
00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:48.620
If you don’t want to miss the last bus,
I’d advise keeping an eye on the time.
00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:51.950
It was admittedly a bit of a squeeze, standing
on the exit steps.
00:11:51.950 --> 00:11:56.110
But it was a super cheap journey back home
where we then enjoyed some night shopping
00:11:56.110 --> 00:11:57.760
before bedtime.
00:11:57.760 --> 00:12:01.670
Tomorrow would be an excursion day, where
we’d learn about the fact that we had actually
00:12:01.670 --> 00:12:05.000
been staying right on top of an active volcano.
00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:12.460
(UPBEAT POP MUSIC)
00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:23.120
If we zoom out and look at Santorini from
above, it starts to become one giant magic
00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:24.440
eye puzzle.
00:12:24.440 --> 00:12:28.810
Because once you notice something about its
shape, you can’t un-see it.
00:12:28.810 --> 00:12:35.180
Santorini is in fact the outer rim of a flooded
volcano and you’re looking at its crater.
00:12:35.180 --> 00:12:40.050
This caldera as it’s known, is the result
of centuries of eruptions and over hundred
00:12:40.050 --> 00:12:45.250
of years these volcanic lands emerged upwards
in the very centre of it all.
00:12:45.250 --> 00:12:51.790
Nea Kameni as its called, translates to “New
Burnt Island” and it would be here that
00:12:51.790 --> 00:12:55.000
our half day excursion would begin.
00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:56.980
(UPBEAT POP MUSIC CONTINUES)
00:13:24.280 --> 00:13:28.760
It’s worth noting that a volcanic eruption
is something that can be detected before it
00:13:28.770 --> 00:13:32.540
actually happens so there is no real danger
here.
00:13:32.540 --> 00:13:37.860
The last eruption here was in 1950 and lasted
for 22 long days.
00:13:37.860 --> 00:13:42.680
This area is an active but dormant volcano
however, meaning it’s expected to erupt
00:13:42.680 --> 00:13:49.250
at some point in future but history has seen
gaps of up to 700 years between activity.
00:13:49.250 --> 00:13:53.720
It still is hot enough though, that you can
feel the heat coming from below.
00:13:56.680 --> 00:14:00.580
(POP MUSIC FADES, NEW STEADY GUITAR MUSIC BEGINS)
00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:07.780
Our second and final stop was a swim around
the islands hot springs.
00:14:07.790 --> 00:14:12.170
However I must say that with the currents
dragging the heat around, it actually started
00:14:12.170 --> 00:14:14.620
off as quite a cold spring.
00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:19.580
After swimming closer to the rocks, I finally
felt a stream of warmth come my way.
00:14:19.580 --> 00:14:25.020
Which perhaps meant I was heading in the right
direction or I was swimming in someones else’s piss.
00:14:25.300 --> 00:14:28.210
Either way, a jolly good time was had by all.
00:14:28.920 --> 00:14:33.760
There are loads of excursions you can book
in Santorini ranging from prehistoric settlements
00:14:33.770 --> 00:14:38.550
to catamarans to tours around the numerous
towns and unique beaches, which are all certainly
00:14:38.550 --> 00:14:40.200
well worth a look.
00:14:41.380 --> 00:14:44.300
(VERY FUNKY UPBEAT FAST 50'S STYLE MUSIC)
00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:40.840
(MUSIC BUILDS AND ENDS)
00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:45.340
(QUIET MORNING. BELLS RINGING, BIRDS CHIRPING)
00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:53.990
Waking up on your final full day of a holiday
is often a bittersweet experience.
00:15:53.990 --> 00:15:58.130
The downside is obviously that it’s your
last day but I really enjoy the familiarity
00:15:58.130 --> 00:16:00.500
that has usually settled in by this point.
00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:04.750
You’ve finally mastered how to say thank
you in Greek, you’ve ticked off that to-do
00:16:04.750 --> 00:16:08.430
list, so can just relax and take it all in.
00:16:08.430 --> 00:16:12.940
So we had a relatively calm day by returning
to our favourite spots but still discovering
00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:17.740
some hidden gems we missed the first time,
first in Oia, and then back in Thira.
00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:20.520
(GENTLE, STEADY PIANO MUSIC)
00:16:41.520 --> 00:16:46.260
We prebooked our last nights meal to end up
with this unobstructed view for our final
00:16:46.260 --> 00:16:47.670
Santorini sunset.
00:16:47.670 --> 00:16:52.350
I plan on doing an accompanying video to this
one, focusing more concisely on a list of
00:16:52.350 --> 00:16:56.480
tips when visiting this beautiful island so
please stay tuned for that.
00:16:56.480 --> 00:17:00.690
If you’re living in the future, I’ll link
it here, and if you’ve enjoyed this video
00:17:00.690 --> 00:17:04.670
then please give it a like since it really
helps us spread the word and subscribe for
00:17:04.670 --> 00:17:07.130
more travel vlogs.
00:17:07.130 --> 00:17:11.120
For a relatively small channel that uploads
every 6 weeks or so, its easy for me to get
00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:15.610
lost in the shuffle so please hit that notification
bell to keep in touch.
00:17:15.610 --> 00:17:17.920
Thanks for watching Suitcase Monkey.
00:17:17.920 --> 00:17:20.720
(AND THANK YOU FOR READING! :)
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