YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)

justwheels · 22nd April 2011, 02:25

Well Let me start with some hats off!

For the writing prowess of Mr. Sam Kapasi "The Yeti"
For bringing us near to the beauty that Greece is.
For...wait, let he complete the log.

Sincerely, the pics are captivating and so is the place and no words for the architecture. I wonder you ever want to leave such a serene and calm place. Bring it on Sam, we are waiting for Athens.

rajesh1868 · 22nd April 2011, 08:34

Brilliant as ever Sam. The setting for your WC finals has to be the next best after the one in stadium

Sam Kapasi · 22nd April 2011, 09:30

A few more photos at the lower level settlements

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_02061_l.jpg

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0209_l.jpg

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0210_l.jpg

What next?
Well further down towards the centre of the island is the highest peak - the telecommunication tower where one can get a 360 degrees view of Santorini.

The path is narrow and quite steep and despite all of Jenny's groaning (did I mention that she is afraid of heights?) we're soon there.

Beautiful.

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0196_l.jpg

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_01971_l.jpg

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_01891_l.jpg

We wrap up the day in another Taverna. The tavernas are full of families dressed mostly in black. It's Sunday today and they're probably returning from Church.

I've had just about enough of Feta cheese to last me a lifetime already. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The salads are really something else though.

And the tomatoes? Don't ask. The Greek tomatoes are sweeter than apples. I've never tasted such delicious tomatoes.

I've got it. Pasta with sauce. And they have it. And as expected it is bloddy awesome.

A fantastic meal later he brings us dessert, compliments of the house. This is not the first time they do that. I look at 4 diamonds on a plate, made of...
Made of...

It looks awfully familiar.

What is this called?
Halwa he says proudly.
Halwa?
Halwa he says again, nodding slightly wth both his eyes closed pleasantly.

Itni door se aaye hai, Greece mein Halwa khaane? I mumble to myself.
What? asks Jenny

Nothing says I. Eat your halwa.

ch.nathan · 22nd April 2011, 10:44

Thanks for bringing in another wonderful travelogue, Sam.

Just wondering, does this place appear in the below song?
(Watch from 2:50 to 3:50)

YouTube - Bachna Ae Haseeno (Khuda Jaane) FULL SONG HQ

lsp · 22nd April 2011, 13:28

Nope
Khuda jaane is mostly Venice and Capri, both in Italy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch.nathan

Thanks for bringing in another wonderful travelogue, Sam.

Just wondering, does this place appear in the below song?
(Watch from 2:50 to 3:50)

samy3660 · 22nd April 2011, 16:08

Its purely awesome, mind blowing and whatnot, i have always been a sucker for nature, and its a pure bliss, i will keep this place in mind and will visit it sooner or later. I can now just feel myself up there on the terrace, me and my hukkah, and the beautiful surrounding, sitting lazily all day. O.M.G .

driveanddrive · 22nd April 2011, 16:36

Unbelievably Beautiful!

Thank you so much! What amazing vistas!

vivekiny2k · 22nd April 2011, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ch.nathan

Thanks for bringing in another wonderful travelogue, Sam.

Just wondering, does this place appear in the below song?
(Watch from 2:50 to 3:50)

He must have had a terrible backache after all that arching of his back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

Itni door se aaye hai, Greece mein Halwa khaane? I mumble to myself.
What? asks Jenny

Nothing says I. Eat your halwa.

interesting! Was it any different?

Halva - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sam Kapasi · 22nd April 2011, 20:47

Ah but the day is far from over.

We drive though ancient settlements, ancient areas called Megalochori and Akrotiri. We want to go to the ancient protected areas, but find the gates closed. drive around until we come across a large cafe called Panorama.

Panorama cafe is just that. A massive family run cafe with a 220 degree view of the sea. Gorgeous view and great greek coffee. The family sits there enjoying the view.

Some of the kids are studying, one is surfing on her laptop. She smiles brightly at us as we enter. Takes our order for Greek coffee and disappears into the kitchen.

Greek coffee is similar to Turkish coffee. It is unfiltered. Basically roasted and ground coffee is boiled and then poured into a cup and allowed to settle. It is usually already quite sweet (too sweet and strong in fact) and then the coffee sludge kind of muddily settles at the bottom of your cup and you sip off the top.

Not recommended for the faint of heart. lol.

But the view, sigh.

OH. MY. GOD.

I just sounded like Janice from Friends.

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0228_l.jpg

The cafe.

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0216_l.jpg

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0219_l.jpg

The view.

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_02181_l.jpg

So I want you to pay extra special attention to this photo above because it will kind of explain the topography of this crescent island.

See the ship in the middle of that picture? Take a good look at it because it's going to pop up at a different angle pretty soon.

Now take a look at the black island to the left, just behind the ship. That's the volcano. Uninhabited.
Just off the volcano tip towards the right of the photo, do you see a few white specks? That's Oia. Pronounced Eeya.
Now just above the ship, on top of the cliff, do you see the entire cliff settlement? That's Fira. Or Thira. Depending on how thick your greek accent is.
Fira is like a capital of this island. And that's where we're headed next. Tourist central.

Before that a visit to the sea side is in order.

YetiBlog® - Greece! (and a wee bit of Germany)-dsc_0231_l.jpg

Next stop, fascinating FIRA!

VLOCT · 22nd April 2011, 21:20

Sam, superb photographs. You have managed to capture the appropriate mood with them. I bet when you look at them years down the line, they'll evoke the exact feeling you felt at the time they were taken.

Great going.

vaibzi · 22nd April 2011, 21:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

OH. MY. GOD.

I just sounded like Janice from Friends.

LOL. That cracked me up! I guess you even waved your hands just like Janice does(?) That would have been hilarious to watch

. BTW, stunning pictures, keep em coming!!

A M · 22nd April 2011, 22:21

Got a new keyboard today to save one key my laptop's keypad taking the toll.

Another great YetiBlog!!

The above post can be added to the "Yeti guide to coffee".

BTW, I was wondering, how to punch the "®" symbol from the keypad?

Had to copy and paste it.

YaeJay · 23rd April 2011, 00:35

Greece! Lovely! as usual Sam!

Sam! This is a confession. I love everything you write here. Ofcourse everyone loves your way with words and your perspective! I know what you look like from the pics, ok you got a bizarre hairstyle ( might even be a wig? Man your not bald r you!!!! ) you are tall very very tall, hmm then you got some sort of a beard? I haven't studied all that so cant be sure.

But, coming to the point sam, everytime I read Sam Kapasi I get this mental pic of one Yeti, ( ok never seen an yeti yet, from what I have heard etc) hmm what looks like a cross between a large human and a very hairy but happy polar bear thats got one retarded grin ear to ear and dancing to music. ofcourse, we got all kinda crazy lighting in the background.

I am also seeing 'theone' ( if you dint know I love smileys) dancing around with the yeti.

my question is has anyone else reported the same or similar 'vision' ?

Anandg · 23rd April 2011, 02:22

Ahh Sam,
Here you go with your fascinating blog that glides the reader straight to the surreal places you visit. I always avoid, as much as possible, reading your blogs, but within hours I end up reading and dreaming. You really have a natural flair to teleport the readers to these heavens, via your blogs. Bring on more Sam. You are a living guide to international paradise in Team-bhp.

sagarpadaki · 23rd April 2011, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by A M

Got a new keyboard today to save one key my laptop's keypad taking the toll.

Another great YetiBlog!!

The above post can be added to the "Yeti guide to coffee".

BTW, I was wondering, how to punch the "®" symbol from the keypad?

Had to copy and paste it.

Regarding the "®" symbol.hold ALT and punch 0174 and release ALT(ALT+0174) in word,excel or anything.You will get that symbol.Similarly for

Trademark- ALT+0153
Copyright- ALT+0169.

Sorry for going off topic SAM BHAI

22nd April 2011, 02:25	#91
justwheels BHPian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 620 Thanked: 1,192 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Well Let me start with some hats off! For the writing prowess of Mr. Sam Kapasi "The Yeti" For bringing us near to the beauty that Greece is. For...wait, let he complete the log. Sincerely, the pics are captivating and so is the place and no words for the architecture. I wonder you ever want to leave such a serene and calm place. Bring it on Sam, we are waiting for Athens.
	(1) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 08:34	#92
rajesh1868 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 515134 Posts: 321 Thanked: 335 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Brilliant as ever Sam. The setting for your WC finals has to be the next best after the one in stadium
	(1) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 09:30	#93
Sam Kapasi Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (but wat Posts: 6,997 Thanked: 2,378 Times View My Garage	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! A few more photos at the lower level settlements What next? Well further down towards the centre of the island is the highest peak - the telecommunication tower where one can get a 360 degrees view of Santorini. The path is narrow and quite steep and despite all of Jenny's groaning (did I mention that she is afraid of heights?) we're soon there. Beautiful. We wrap up the day in another Taverna. The tavernas are full of families dressed mostly in black. It's Sunday today and they're probably returning from Church. I've had just about enough of Feta cheese to last me a lifetime already. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. The salads are really something else though. And the tomatoes? Don't ask. The Greek tomatoes are sweeter than apples. I've never tasted such delicious tomatoes. I've got it. Pasta with sauce. And they have it. And as expected it is bloddy awesome. A fantastic meal later he brings us dessert, compliments of the house. This is not the first time they do that. I look at 4 diamonds on a plate, made of... Made of... It looks awfully familiar. What is this called? Halwa he says proudly. Halwa? Halwa he says again, nodding slightly wth both his eyes closed pleasantly. Itni door se aaye hai, Greece mein Halwa khaane? I mumble to myself. What? asks Jenny Nothing says I. Eat your halwa.
	(4) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 16:08	#96
samy3660 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 49 Thanked: 7 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Its purely awesome, mind blowing and whatnot, i have always been a sucker for nature, and its a pure bliss, i will keep this place in mind and will visit it sooner or later. I can now just feel myself up there on the terrace, me and my hukkah, and the beautiful surrounding, sitting lazily all day. O.M.G . Last edited by samy3660 : 22nd April 2011 at 16:15.
	(1) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 16:36	#97
driveanddrive BHPian Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Nagpur/Mumbai Posts: 224 Thanked: 517 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Unbelievably Beautiful! Thank you so much! What amazing vistas!
	(1) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 20:47	#99
Sam Kapasi Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (but wat Posts: 6,997 Thanked: 2,378 Times View My Garage	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Ah but the day is far from over. We drive though ancient settlements, ancient areas called Megalochori and Akrotiri. We want to go to the ancient protected areas, but find the gates closed. drive around until we come across a large cafe called Panorama. Panorama cafe is just that. A massive family run cafe with a 220 degree view of the sea. Gorgeous view and great greek coffee. The family sits there enjoying the view. Some of the kids are studying, one is surfing on her laptop. She smiles brightly at us as we enter. Takes our order for Greek coffee and disappears into the kitchen. Greek coffee is similar to Turkish coffee. It is unfiltered. Basically roasted and ground coffee is boiled and then poured into a cup and allowed to settle. It is usually already quite sweet (too sweet and strong in fact) and then the coffee sludge kind of muddily settles at the bottom of your cup and you sip off the top. Not recommended for the faint of heart. lol. But the view, sigh. OH. MY. GOD. I just sounded like Janice from Friends. The cafe. The view. So I want you to pay extra special attention to this photo above because it will kind of explain the topography of this crescent island. See the ship in the middle of that picture? Take a good look at it because it's going to pop up at a different angle pretty soon. Now take a look at the black island to the left, just behind the ship. That's the volcano. Uninhabited. Just off the volcano tip towards the right of the photo, do you see a few white specks? That's Oia. Pronounced Eeya. Now just above the ship, on top of the cliff, do you see the entire cliff settlement? That's Fira. Or Thira. Depending on how thick your greek accent is. Fira is like a capital of this island. And that's where we're headed next. Tourist central. Before that a visit to the sea side is in order. Next stop, fascinating FIRA! Last edited by Sam Kapasi : 22nd April 2011 at 20:50.
	(2) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 21:20	#100
VLOCT BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Las Vegas, USA Posts: 558 Thanked: 633 Times View My Garage	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Sam, superb photographs. You have managed to capture the appropriate mood with them. I bet when you look at them years down the line, they'll evoke the exact feeling you felt at the time they were taken. Great going.
	(1) Thanks

22nd April 2011, 22:21	#102
A M BHPian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Panchkula Posts: 554 Thanked: 649 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Got a new keyboard today to save one key my laptop's keypad taking the toll. Another great YetiBlog!! The above post can be added to the "Yeti guide to coffee". BTW, I was wondering, how to punch the "®" symbol from the keypad? Had to copy and paste it.
	(1) Thanks

23rd April 2011, 00:35	#103
YaeJay BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . Posts: 489 Thanked: 131 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Greece! Lovely! as usual Sam! Sam! This is a confession. I love everything you write here. Ofcourse everyone loves your way with words and your perspective! I know what you look like from the pics, ok you got a bizarre hairstyle ( might even be a wig? Man your not bald r you!!!! ) you are tall very very tall, hmm then you got some sort of a beard? I haven't studied all that so cant be sure. But, coming to the point sam, everytime I read Sam Kapasi I get this mental pic of one Yeti, ( ok never seen an yeti yet, from what I have heard etc) hmm what looks like a cross between a large human and a very hairy but happy polar bear thats got one retarded grin ear to ear and dancing to music. ofcourse, we got all kinda crazy lighting in the background. I am also seeing 'theone' ( if you dint know I love smileys) dancing around with the yeti. my question is has anyone else reported the same or similar 'vision' ?
	(1) Thanks

23rd April 2011, 02:22	#104
Anandg BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 324 Thanked: 47 Times	Re: YetiBlog® - Greece! Ahh Sam, Here you go with your fascinating blog that glides the reader straight to the surreal places you visit. I always avoid, as much as possible, reading your blogs, but within hours I end up reading and dreaming. You really have a natural flair to teleport the readers to these heavens, via your blogs. Bring on more Sam. You are a living guide to international paradise in Team-bhp.
	(1) Thanks