I was deeply touched by the warm welcoming and genuine care that the hosts offered. This is a real counterpoint to the corporate style of interactions within the hospitality industry.
The apartment is located in a peaceful scenic village near Thira. There are some lovely little shops, bakeries and a supermarket nearby. It is very easy to feel included in this sub-culture, with shopkeepers being eager to get to know you as a person, often sharing aspects of their daily routines and worldviews. I admired the authenticity and sense of agency that this place offered its community members, expressed in the way they inhabit their bodies, voices and space. You will hear the loud idiosyncratic kallimeras in the morning, the dynamic call of motorcycles, and cooing if dove-birds in the morning.
The apartment is furnished in traditional minimalistic style and has everything that you need, to make you feel at home. The window shutters isolate all sound and light in the night, to ensure a restful evening. The balcony overlooks a windmill memorial and the east sea shores of the island. Overall, this encounter with Santorini has inspired me and filled me with love and awe, that I am sure will leave lasting memories in my psyche.