(Thompson) Small and Friendly

 



Turns out our Airbnb isn't just for the independent, single minded traveller. They also tout out to the big tour companies, I noted a Jet 2 rep hanging shiftily out by the pool this morning to welcome new guests. Not us!



Alarm went at 7 as a legacy, but that was it. I had to get up. Haven't run for a few days, thought I'd see if I still could. Wasn't easy, in a daze for most, but got it done. Perhaps even a tad more comfortable than other runs recently. Yesterday, and this is not a great boast, is the one day in this fairly long trip where we haven't had a 'drink drink.'



With us now being in package dream, albeit small and friendly, so still measured, we had a less than inspiring breakfast, pool and sun lounger experience to get through before we reached high noon. Even a little hot tub, like to get full use of all the facilities. Listened to some of the 'lifers' sharing their top tips, spent some time on our terrace/balcony.





It was then onto the volcanic beach for the second part of our holiday day.  Mandatory hiring of the kayak and after 30 mins back and forth wondering what new there was to see. Those first 30 minutes cracking though, and chance to get some photos of the land from the sea.







Had earned my smoothie, milkshake and ultimately a cocktail after that ... 'sex on the beach' .. had to be done.





Quick change back at the ranch, trying to find some clothes to wear amongst the mass of used discard across the room floor. Think I have a few cleanish things left, better stocked on some garments than others on this trip.  Will bear in mind for future ruck sack related adventures.

Our third and last night on Santorini and a bit of seafood in order along with some old faves.  So many restaurants to choose from, the problem is as soon as you start examining the menu, you are being ushered in. There is clearly a knack to avoiding the constant haranguing without being too rude, but I haven't found it. I sort of knew that the Fish Tavern O Perivolos would do what it said on the tin, but was still pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Straight down to business with complimentary raki and beetroot dip and bread, the sweet beetroot soothing the sharp intake of raki.  More of the famous santorini tomato fritters and the spicy cheese, Tirokafteri, and some of the local santorini wine, apparently all the better for the fertile volcanic soil.  I went seafood linguini for main, octopus (of course), shrimp, mussels all interwoven nicely.  And then a a nice portion of that honey and orange cake that has followed us around here, and very pleased it has taken the time to do so. Washed down with the greek brandy, Metaxa number 7. 












Not ashamed to say we wobbled a bit on the way home, conscious we had plans to get up in about 5 or 6 hours to see the sunrise ...





Did we make it?

Comments

  1. Dorothy21 July 2024 at 08:02

    Brings back so many memories of our times on the many Greek islands we visited . Chrissi can you remember the first holiday abroad it was to a Thompson small and friendly

    ReplyDelete
  2. Haydn21 July 2024 at 08:59

    I'd forgotten Thompson (Tui) still did small and friendly, but they were favourites of mine in my less adventurous days. Sounds like a very comfortable one, but pity about the breakfast, given how well you did in the Airbnb on Naxos (and elsewhere). Still, that is the fun of a touring holiday, every day brings something different.

    The volcanic landscape we were talking about yesterday is very evident in the photos from the Kayak.

    The seafood pasta also looks good. What did Chrissi have? I can only see a photo of one meal! I hope you aren't starving her 😂

    I guess we have to wait until tomorrow to find out if you did make that sunrise this morning!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lloyd Williams21 July 2024 at 19:15

      Chrissi had been calling it that so became a bit of a joke although I thought she was serious and spent 15 minutes this morning trying to find on Tui!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous21 July 2024 at 19:19

      Far from starving! I had vegetable orzo last night which was lovely, but other highlights have been vegan gyro, Greek salad, greek pizza, stuffed tomatoes, grilled vegetables, aubergines with cheese...

      Delete
    3. Haydn21 July 2024 at 19:30

      Glad to hear it Chrissi - I was wondering we seem to have seen lots of Lloyd's food but less than yours. But as you know I'm food obsessed!!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous21 July 2024 at 09:44

    Looks lovely, you’re making me feel hungry, and I only just had breakfast 😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Simon Cawthorn21 July 2024 at 09:50

      That was me, not anonymous 😂

      Delete
    2. Lloyd Williams21 July 2024 at 19:16

      good to know you are out there Si. You gonna start blogging your trip?

      Delete
  4. Nan mum21 July 2024 at 16:30

    More relaxing day - you guys deserved it but you still managed to make it interesting, describing the food and surroundings. Lots of washing to do on return, eh, haha!!! Like the Kayak reference and the photos you took from it - very good, well done!

    ReplyDelete

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