When we arrived at Mykonos Harbor, we immediately got in line for the ship to take us to our next island, Santorini.

There was an American family in front of us. They were all former military and currently all in law enforcement. Two of them even wanted to join Homeland Security and protect the Southwest border. It was nice being with other Americans who shared our own values. Their four year old daughter, Carly, was messing with a Rubik’s Cube, and we asked if she could figure it out. Within a minute she had one entire side completed. I’ll have to admit, I’m definitely not smarter than a four year old!

More than half the people on the boat are Chinese citizens who seem to have little concern for anyone but themselves. The best thing is to allow them passage to the front of the line since they’re going to take it anyway.

There was also a very pleasant British gentleman named John sitting with us. He just retired and left the boat on the island of Naxos. I think he was the smart one since that island is much cheaper and less crowded.

We arrived in the port of Santorini to a crowd of drivers, souvenir hawkers, and of course, a gaggle of Chinese tourists all fighting to be the first one on the bus. We found our private driver, and he loaded our belongings in the van for the trip up the side of the island to our hotel. When we arrived, the reception people greeted us and showed us into the front lobby area. We weren’t there five minutes when one of the receptionists, Sophia, whispered that she was going to upgrade us at no charge at a sister hotel. You wouldn’t believe this room. It’s the honeymoon suite, with two floors, two bathrooms, a spa in the main bathroom, a private balcony overlooking the beautiful Caldera, but best of all…a private swimming pool. I just tried to get in and jumped right out when the water got my waist. It’s still very cold! But what a nice surprise to be given this upgraded room upon arrival to this very beautiful island paradise.The doorway to The Petit Palace

Built right into the side of the mountain..breathtaking!

One of the many walkways to rooms in the hotel.

Our downstairs bedroom and patio to our pool.

Our own private pool.. I can almost see George and Amal in a room like this..Honestly, my imagination isn’t capable of dreaming up these accommodations.

Here’s the upstairs patio

After a great dinner, we went back to the room to rest a little. That’s one thing we’ve been neglecting. As a result, we’re exhausted by the end of the day. It’s just we’ve felt obligated to do and see everything we can while we’re here.I know you’re tired of seeing horiatiki but I’m not tired of eating it. I had a wonderful pasta dish and Jack had an angus steak that was, I kid you not, fork tender.

The sun set on Santorini at 7:50 pm. We took our first pictures of the island’s famed sunset. It was rather hazy. Tomorrow we already have planned some events, and they should be relaxing. A massage for two and a sunset sailing cruise in the Caldera with dinner on board.

It’s going to be a great day tomorrow. Today we saw new sights, learned some fascinating information, and met some interesting people. We need to do that everyday, no matter where on this Earth we are.