April 12, 2017
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Today we decided to have a relaxing day (i.e. no hiking) and explore the southwest portion of the island, and in particular, the prehistoric city of Akrotiri. Dating back to 5,000 B.C., Akrotiri predates the volcanic eruption that created the iconic caldera of today. The city was not discovered until the 1960s and was remarkably preserved, similar to Pompeii. Akrotiri was surprisingly advanced with clay sewer systems, an aqueduct, and multi-level buildings. One of the more interesting things about the site is not so much what they found, but rather what they did not…people. Due to the lack of human remains, it is theorized that the people fled the island knowing that the volcano was going to erupt.📷Akrotiri 📷📷📷📷📷After Akrotiri, we walked the short distant to the Red Beach. Created by the large amount of red lava rock present that the area, the Red Beach is unique to the island, the rest of the beaches being black.📷📷Red Beach 📷📷Doors? After our short walk down the beach we headed back to Fira via bus. For lunch, we made it just in time to beat the rush at Salt and Pepper. This wonderful restaurant is run by a sweet older couple who are very much the embodiment of loving grandparents refusing to let you leave hungry, or before your picture has been taken for the photo wall. Our meal was absolutely delicious (especially the tomato balls) and even included a goodbye hug and kiss.📷Hip Hoppy Kick-Ass Ale 📷Spinach cheese pies 📷Tomato balls! 📷📷Free dessert is the best dessert After gorging ourselves on lunch we headed back to our room, did some work, and eventually passed out. An eventful day, I know.
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