The end

A un certo punto il film finisce e le luci si riaccendono.
I titoli di coda elencano i personaggi e interpreti:
Daniela, nel ruolo della guida turistica sorridente, semi-astemia e piena di energia che molla tutto e si trasferisce in un'isola greca.
Lisos, nel ruolo dell'imprenditore turistico che arruola ragazze mai viste per fare da fotografa o da guida.
Yorgo, nel ruolo dell'amico del ristorante, silenzioso e timido che mentre serve ai tavoli colpisce il cuore delle turiste.
Alessandro, nel ruolo del macho del bar, abbronzato dagli occhi verdi e dalla parlantina abbondante di avventure, probabilmente inventate.
Tasos, nel ruolo dell'albergatore un po' imbranato, che ha appena scoperto booking.com e con la mamma che prepara da mangiare per un reggimento.
E mentre il sole, il blu e il bianco restano lì dove sono nati, i titoli di coda finiscono, le luci del cinema si accendono definitivamente e io torno alla realtà.
L'aereo atterra, io sto bene e penso che a volte ci costruiamo da soli le nostre prigioni, per poi passare giorni, mesi e anni a cercare di scappare. Solo che alla fine la prigione ce la portiamo dietro dovunque andiamo.
This is the end.

The photographer

Meet the Greeks.

Studios owner's mama brings you lunch and flowers.
Tavern owner gives you Ouzos every time you pass by.
Tour agency owner offers you a free boat trip if you take photos for them. And offers a job to your friend.

Meet the Americans.

Go for the boat trip as 'professional' photographer and explain to the American family your life as free lance.
Give them tourist tips.
Get tipped.

Sweet and spicy, as good life

Streets with no signs, but I drove them.
Stones under my feet, but I kept walking.
Wrong shoes on the cliff, but I climbed.
Little and big drops of egoism, but I smiled.

I'm almost perfect. I only need a tattoo.

Beach discovery

By car today, trying to discover hidden beauties while coping with the local efficiency and with the street indications.

First conclusion of the day: here distances are measured differently and 1km can be anything between 2 and 5 of the km you are used to.

So, 1 or 2 local km away, we reached Vlychada, with its white cliffs and 1-2 more km took us to the beautiful red beach: the spectacular view was worth the flip-flop climbing experience.

Perfect end of the day can be only sunset and cocktail on the caldera. Besides, by now I know my way around even without signs.

Touring the south

Day starts at Profitis Ilias monastery, on a hill about 500 mt high, with nice views, 2 small churches, priests aged between 24 and 44 and thousands of lady bugs (shall I believe in so much good luck?).

Next stop: Megalochori. Very cute and quiet traditional village, land of wineries, where grapes are grown in baskets to protect them from wind and volcanic sand. At some point we gotta taste it!

Beautiful Emporio comes next with ancient castle, a labyrinth of small streets, and cute white round buildings. Nicest village so far.

Off to the beach finally.

Fira and Oia

"You can't compare it to Venice" was the first thoughtful insight collected in Fira, courtesy of some unknown French girl.
What to say? She is certainly right.

A long stroll along the caldera gives plenty of satisfaction to the beauty seeking eyes, as the warm sun helps healing some winter wounds.

Absolutely impressed by the views, though not impressed by the attitude in those posh pretentious cafés and hotels occupying much of the town.

Yet, definitely pleased by the breeze and by the peaceful breaks between the international hordes crowding the white streets whenever a bus or a ship stops by this tiny port.

Next comes Oia, home to more stunning views and to the most romantic sunset. And sunset is the main theme here: no restaurant or bar will fail to promise the 360 degree view every visitor deserves. Unfortunately, having arrived a little too early, this waiting for the sunset is starting to make me a little anxious. I'm getting a bit afraid of the moment when the sun goes down and hordes of lovers - or of photo fanatics - arrive to take control of the whole town.

Trying a glass of white on one of those sunset view terraces to recover my Zen.

Well, u know what? This Oia sunset is overrated.

Going to Greece

Even after so many flights, taking off never fails to make me smile. A smile of pleasure and of expectations, of joy and of wish. That superb feeling of conquering the sky.

Then comes the landing, in a strip of land half sunk by an earthquake, black of lava and blue of cobalt. Can't wait to start taking pictures.

But the kiss of the southern sun on my skin is too tempting to ignore. A gentle touch, a light caress is all I need for today. Discoveries, adventure, pictures, maybe tomorrow. Sorry world, today is for me.