The Story Behind This Photo - Riding a Moped Around Santorini

While working as a music director a cruise ship, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Santorini many times. It is one of the most beautiful places I have been to.

If our orchestra had the day off, or we had a late rehearsal, I would rent a moped and drive around the island. The scenery you see is stunning. I got a few miles away from the town and I saw this view. I parked the moped and took this pic. The city in the background is Fira. It is where most people from the cruise ship go when they travel to the island.

When the ship is approaching the island, it looks like snow on top of a mountain. All the buildings are white. When the ship gets close to the island we stay at sea (we don't dock because there is no dock for larger ships) and then we tender our guests by small boats to the island.

Once you get on the island you have to find a way to get up to Fira, which is at an elevation of 1,312 feet (400 metres). There are three ways to get up there. You can walk the path uphill in very hot weather, hire a donkey or take the cable car. I always took the cable car up and sometimes I walked down the path when I was leaving to go back to the ship. I wanted to get some close up pics of the donkeys and the local guides in charge of the donkeys.

If you ever get a chance to go to Greece, Santorini is a must see. It is one of my favorite places that I have been to. I highly recommend you rent a car or a moped to see all of the island. Don't forgot to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. It gets very hot in the summer time. And make sure you have your camera. There are amazing views everywhere.