Red, White & Black Beaches

Mom, the insomniac, had already been awake when Lauren and I went on the balcony around 10:30am. Another hot one - perfect. We were a little nervous that Lauren wouldn't get to experience the glorious weather we've been having. Changed into our suits and went on a mission to find red, white and black beaches. Mom and Dad had taken a local boat to the different beaches when they were in Santorini so we were determined to do the same (even though the tourist offices claimed to have no idea what we were talking about).

Stopped at a bakery in Fira for breakfast on the way - banana and nutella pastry for me and Mom and Lauren had vanilla cream pastries. We headed in the direction of Akrotiri and found the spot where M&D had taken the boat from. Lots of cute tavernas along the water which we checked out while waiting for the boat. The boat is supposed to run pretty frequently, but it was taking longer than expected so we waited around for a while. I'm glad we did because it was so worth it.

It was so incredible to see the different beaches from the water. The captain only seemed to know the words for red, black and white beach and €5. He motioned to his waist, knees or ankles to show us how deep the water would be at each beach if we decided to get off the boat. We chose to hop off at black beach where we found our own little area to lay out our towels. It was so hot out that we had to jump in the water immediately. Little beach houses built into the sides of the cliffs - some looked deserted or unfinished, but we peeked into one that was totally furnished with beds and everything. What a spot - how cool is that?

 

Worked on my journal so I didn't fall too behind and then we headed to the family-run taverna on the beach for a snack. We tried the fava bean spread, which was really good. 

The last boat comes to pick up people at 5pm so we were a little confused when one showed up around 4:20. We figured it was the one that was supposed to come at 4 because we'd never seen that one, but we decided to gather up our stuff anyways waiting for the last boat. 5 o'clock rolled around, but we still had hope so we went in the water again to waste time and enjoy everything to the fullest.

Well the boat never showed up! I wasn't concerned - all about the adventure. Mom asked a man by the taverna what we should do and he told us to ask someone that was leaving for a ride (I think this happens a lot). Ended up asking an Austrian couple for a ride and they were more than happy to help us out so we piled in the back of their car. They've been to Santorini 10 times now as well as many of the other Greek islands, coming for weeks at a time. We were so grateful that they gave us a ride because it would've been quite the hike.

Hopped in our Fiat towards Oia. Stopped at a bakery and had the cutest homemade mini icecream pops and split some sort of gingerbread nut cake. 

When we got back to our villa we hung out on the balcony to play cards and drink some wine while the sun was still shining. 

Took turns showering and then walked up the road to a restaurant called Santorini Mou where Mom and Dad went on their visit. Such a cute authentic Greek place - perfect atmosphere and menu for our last time in Santorini. Lots of cats and dogs running around our feet (and hopping on Lauren's lap) begging for food. The owner Mihalis was the happiest guy walking around every table all night singing and playing his guitar. He told us that he's been to San Francisco every winter for the past 12 years because he stays with Green Day (he showed us all of the pictures of them together as well as him and Jennifer Aniston). He brought out a huge photo album from 2004 for us to look through and find Mom and Dad's picture, but we didn't have any luck. He was absolutely hilarious and he took pictures of us to put in the June 2009 album (which he had us write a note in as well so hopefully someday we can go back to find it!).

We started with grilled garlic bread, tomato balls (which aren't really balls - more squished like crabcakes), and the amazing gigante beans in sauce that Dad loves and makes for us at home since their Greece trip. I had a spinach pie, Mom had a kebab, and Lauren had a gyro. So good. Way too full for dessert. As we finished our jug of red wine, Mihalis serenaded us some more (especially Mom once he realized they were around the same age). His big song goes "Thanks for your smile, I like your style..." So funny - I was loving it.

Our waiter gave us complimentary after-dinner shots which tasted like firewater. Tried to get Mom to take a shot (which I realized she'd never done before), but it didn't happen. Mihalis gave us his signed CD, a signed Green Day photo, and his card (which is him with Jennifer Aniston) before we left. 

Definitely a night to remember. Stopped at the villa and then walked into Oia to show it to Lauren at night. Everything was closing up, but still beautiful. Lots of stray dogs that I found to pet. Got back to the cave around 12:30am exhausted.