Sunday 29 September 2013

SANTORINI PUBLIC BUS SERVICE (KTEL)

http://www.ktel-santorini.gr/
THE FIRST TYPE OF BUS I TRAVELLED ON WHEN I FIRST CAME 15 YEARS AGO WHICH HAVE  CHANGED TO NEW AIR-CONDITIONED LUXURY BUSES   AND SO HAS THE SERVICE . WHICH IS EXCELLENT

This has been an eye-opener for me this year using the buses  on a daily bases and really been able to give an insight as to how the drivers and conductors have been the main backbone to keeping tourism running as smoothly and efficient to meet the needs of 1000s and 1000s of visitors ,workers and local people
Getting people around Santorini is not as simple as it looks when the drivers have to deal with traffic jams caused from parked cars on the main streets by people  who seem to me to be  unaware at the time it is fine and safe  but the roads of Santorini were not make for such a high  demand of traffic created by tour buses,  minibuses ,taxies ,rental transportation and motorbikes ,but the staff on most occasions make small jokes which releases stress and the visitors find them funny and laugh taking on many occasions photographs to catch the moment for memories.
This year i have noticed a lot more people using the 24 public buses and for that reason there has been extra buses  put on to the point during the high pick rush hours and the high demand from the passengers from the cruise boats  commuting to and from Oia and the seaside resorts this takes a lot of team work and communication using their bus radios to inform the bus deport.
The amount of times i came in contact with passengers and they have said nothing but good reports and are more than willing to get back on them again to have a return journey with several of the conductors  that have made them laugh  and that is no easy job for anyone when the temperatures are 35-40 degrees in high season and  you have an international bus full of different languages and very happy people.Some of these gentlemen are of 17-30 years old  but represent greece and santorini tourism with amazing stammer and politeness on the whole .   .
 
 On behalf of the thousands of tourist to santorini  we say thank you to KTEL








Tuesday 24 September 2013

#SantoriniBeaches #Santorinisun #Thinkingofholidays #TouringSantorini




 Everyone comes to Santorini to visit the historical sites of the island and then relax on one of the many beaches on the island. The first question they ask is which it the best to go to here I have to say that  Perivolos is my first choice as you can get into the sea easily as there are very few  stones, the only warning I give to  people is the sea is great but for children the shore line is shallow and can in some parts drop suddenly into deep waters. This beach meets all ages from quiet spots to full party atmosphere beach style fun with water and beach  sports,coffee bars to tavernas and restaurants.

I can describe  Kamari and Perissia  as two similar beaches they both have spots where you can get into the sea due to  small pebbles which make it a little bit slippery  getting  into the sea  but then has a clear seabed.I have found that these two beaches are more child friendly in the amenities on and around the beaches that will keep them happy .As will the tavernas restaurants  and coffee places that cater for kids portions .      https://www.facebook.com/ammosrestaurant?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser 

As all the coastlines of Santorini are great for snorkelling and observing the small fish below, but if you are looking to catch the big  fish then I suggest you go towards  Akrotiri in  the caldera or if in Oia try your fishing skills in Baxedes  or Amudie and kathros beach these are just a few of the places that I go to as a hobby and relaxing.

 But as you all know Santorini is famous for it's sunsets and no matter where you are on the island the colour formations and now that we are in  winter and heading into spring  the clouds create fantastic memories of what makes you want to live or return again and again as so many visitors have said to me over the years.
 


 




Friday 20 September 2013

Sitting on a bus after leaving home this morning at 8:15am and returning at 11:15 pm

 Sorry i have been away for a while but i have been busy trying just to get through the last few weeks of working two part-time jobs and a few hours with the cruise boats and a private tour i had .This has been a summer of really becoming aware of Santorini and it's life in a way i never believed i would ever see .The island has its own beauty and mysteries that i can never describe or put in a photograph as much as i would love to bring to you and my words are simple in explaining the richness of a history of the local people of the island who for me are a very close-nit community that over the years allowed me to call  my second home .
 At the beginning of the season  i let myself be taken in by someone and loss out in been able to stay in Oia but it was a chance for me to see where my love and comfort zone is and it still after 15 years is in Oia where the local people ask me why i'm living in fira each time i answer it makes me yearn to be back in my village but i have to wait until the season finishes and the one or two houses become available for rent again as most property in oia is rented to holiday accommodation demand to stay in..
There are so many shops ,hotels and restaurants on the island that i can recommend on my blog  but i kept it simple by suggesting the places that make me  martina a person who from the heart always expresses to visitors what they should do or go to knowing that in the end they would find that joy i have had over my years here and the feeling of finding the greek hospitality that keeps me here .