Ah Santorini. A paradise to some, a tourist trap for others and a way of life to those who live on this island. Over the years I have been asked by friends why we keep returning to Santorini. Why here and not some other place. I answer, “Because Santorini is not just a place, it’s a feeling.” Of course when asked to explain, I found it hard to explain because what I feel and how Santorini feels seems intertwined. To me, Santorini is a feeling I can not quite describe yet it’s a feeling which I feel deeply. It is not just the way I feel when I’m in Santorini but the feeling of the ambiance, the place itself.
My first trip to Santorini and also each subsequent trip has given me a feeling of peace, serenity and holistic calmness. Despite all the hustle and bustle throughout, I still feel a connection to the nature, the simplicity and honesty of the land. To me it is more than this.
The moment I land, either by sea or air, an excitement fills me. This excitement continues to build as we travel to our hotel. Once out of the vehicle, as I walk down the many steps, the anticipation of what is to come consumes me. I can feel the sun shining hot upon me while smelling the deliciousness of flowers, food and sea all blended together. Then suddenly spread below me is the caldera in all its glory. The shimmering water of the deep blue Aegean Sea is hypnotic while it reaches out to the equally blue sky as it has for millennia. Mother Earth is at her finest.
Later on, walking along the caldera in Imeroovigli, I stop to gaze at Skaros Rock which stands majestically near the sea. Looking old and a bit rough yet holding hundreds of years of secrets around and within it. Secretes of both of triumph and disaster. This rock, to me, symbolizes peace, strength, and grandeur. It also represents timeless changes, which are seen all around Santorini. Yet at this moment, it is if I can sense all of this wrapped into a feeling I cannot describe.
As I stand here I am at total peace. I feel one with the land, sea and sky. A feeling of tranquility, agelessness, and wholeness combined continues to engulf me. Yet it is more than how I feel and what I sense. It is more than my words can describe.
All of this together is the feeling of Santorini.
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If you want to read more detail about this trip and read more of my short stories, you can click on the following links!!
First Taste of Greek Wine-A Short Story
What’s Souvlaki?- A Greek Travel Short Story
The Promendade- A Santorini, Greece Short Story
5 Great Beaches in Milos, Sept 2018
8 Day Greece Itinerary, Sept 2019
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Santorini, Greece looks like a magnificent island to visit, or, indeed, to call home. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your adventures, Lori 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Phil!
What a beautifully written post. Thank you.
Thanks you!
Senator in looks best to me when not burdened by the tight schedule of a cruise ship. Of course, there are so many other island choices to consider in this region. My all time island favorite would be Moorea near Tahiti.
So very many island! We are going to Crete, Amorgos and Koufonisia this year with a stop back in Santorini. Thank for commenting!
Change Senator to Santorini – sorry
No problem! I knew what you meant!!
I mean to say How beautiful is the place.
This is such a beautifully written piece, Lori!
Thank you!
This is like a beautiful love letter to Santorini. It makes me excited to go one day.
Santorini is one of a kind. We love it!
Beautifully written. I love it when a place makes you feel this way 🙂
Thank you! I do too!
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Your nirvana!
Yes indeed!!
Hard to beat the beauty of the place Lori. We hve never been but our son and daughter went during the summer season. It was mobbed, but they still enjoyed it. Have a great Wednesday. Allan
Thanks Allan. I feel the same way when I arrive in Santorini as I used to feel right before skiing down a mountaintop. Odd analogy but both are serene experiences. Lori