The irony of Santorini is that one of the most tranquil spots on earth is actually the byproduct of one of the most violent volcanic explosions in recorded history.
The whole island is really the rim of a giant caldera, and the peaceful lagoon in the middle was once a seething, lava-filled crater. Not that you'd really guess it from these digs.
These days, Nature's fury feels a long way away. You know a spot is a winner when Mei's first act isn't to test the wifi password.
To infinity and beyond! Actually, why bother going all the way to infinity, this spot will do this fine.
Pool. Ocean. Sky. Mythos. Enough said.
Sunset over the caldera. Apparently the eruption of Santorini was the Aegean's most famous event until the fall of Troy centuries later. Now, an equally momentous event takes over: a coveted J00ster write up.
Helen of Troy not included. Unless you have a flotilla of one thousand ships at your disposal.
Remember when "living in a cave" was a bad thing?
The rim of the caldera north of the main city of Fira is a World Heritage-listed stretch of traditional, whitewashed houses hanging precariously on the edge of the 300 meter cliff. Locals call it Santorini's balcony. We call it paradise.
One more cocktail and the Chinese Diving Team could have a new member.
Which way to the beach? Uhm, straight down.
Most are content to admire this jutting volcanic feature over the rim of a sparkling champagne glass from the comfort of their balcony.
Rock of course insists on climbing it in the middle of the scorching day.
Here come the Trojans! Oh wait, no they don't, the NCAA has slapped a two year bowl ban on them. False alarm.
The final ascent will quickly become a final descent with one misstep.
Looks like they made it back to paradise. Cappuccino Freddo anyone?
It's not every day your main street is also a cliff top walk. Welcome to Fira town.
Hang on, you couldn't manage four wheels. Less does not equal easier to drive.
The town is spread out on a flat section of the crater rim, a perfect tabletop draped with a whitewashed tablecloth. The only thing missing is the big platter of grilled octopus.
Don't worry, someone isn't going to end up at the bottom of the cliff. Just practicing the new Greek clubbing moves. Mykonoooooos! Boom, boom, boom, boom.
You know you're high up when a giant cruise ship looks so small. Shame about the cable car that allows even its most wobbly cargo up to the top.
If you don't like blue you may need to consider a different travel destination.
Why waste time with a giant, hollow horse? Looks like they left the gate open.
Sailing into the sunset. Literally, judging by the steady stream of titanium hips and alloy knees heading back down to the dock.
Sunsets in Santorini are a spectacular reminder that not all islands need skyscrapers.
This is where Mei lost interest. How come the darn thing is moving so slowly?
Day two calls for an excursion to Oia, on the north tip of the crescent-shaped main island.
Forget 600 page ECB reports. Forget the troika. Just devalue, bring back the Drachma, and we'll bring you buckets of hard currency every year. Deal?
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oia, Oia, Oia!
The downside of having perfect weather is your windmills are for decorative purposes only. Which explains why Palmerston North's turbines generate buckets of power.
Finally a boat Rock won't get seasick in.
Whoops, spoke too soon.
Do you really want to sit this close to Rock on a moving boat? At least make sure you're on the upwind side.
The secret is out, one of the 300 did survive! Probably because he was so out of shape they didn't believe he could possibly be one of Sparta's finest.
Those whitewashed houses have nothing on this pasty chest.
The end of the Odyssey. Just not quite as well written as the original.
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