Now maybe this story has been hyped up beyond how interesting it actually is and my ability to retell the most epic journey up a mountain…
On the island of Santorini, there are two ports – the old port and the new port. The new port is where most ferries come in and to get up to the island there are a series of switchback roads that present some remarkable views (and a few squirms) as you drive up, down and around the cliff. The old port, to my understanding, was used at one time and they only way to get up and down is via cable car. I had actually never been on a cable car myself and was a bit excited about that possibility. However, there is also the traditional option – to ride a donkey up the switchback stairs (over 500 of them) which also presents some very remarkable views and even more squirms.
I’m a bit of a cautious traveller (and person in general) and I am also very critical. I don’t trust many forms of transport and always think about what could happen if it were to go astray… I also actively try to be more adventerous, so as you can imagine, I was a bit indecsive about how I was going to get back up to Fira from the bottom of the hill at the old port.
Tyson thought we should definitely take the donkey route. It cost nearly the same amount as the cable car and of course, would be an adventure.
When our boat docked at the old port following our volcano excursion, we followed the Greek men who were shouting “donkey”. Because of my North American prepardness and the abudanance of rules and procedures that I’m used to, I assumed that these gentlemen would somehow explain how exactly we were getting to the top.
Instead, the brought a donkey to me, expecting me to get on and gallop away. I got a bit apprehnesive and decided this route was not for me… it was a long way up. So, they gave the donkey to Tyson and as soon as he had his leg swung around, the donkey literally started galloping up the hill. I think the gentleman sensed my reserve and as a kind gesture, brought the smallest donkey to me. No problem. I swung my leg around and I was on my way. Really wasn’t so bad! After passing two corners, my donkey started slowing down and eventually stopped in the middle of the track. I had no idea how to make it go or do anything actually. Luckily, one of the Greek men came and shouted something at it with a long whip and I was on my way again. I was really pleased with the decision that I had made.
This is not my picture but it shows the steps that go up.
Several meters later, I spotted a large group of other donkeys who were tied up to the railing with thick rope. My donkey clearly spotted this as well and thought it would be a sensible idea to walk towards his donkey friends.
These donkeys that were tied up were much bigger than mine, but my donkey friend was not stopping. He walked right in front of the group of donkeys where the thick ropes were attached to the railing…
… resulting in me getting ‘clotheslined’ as the ropes were right in line with my neck… and since my donkey kept trotting, I of course, fell off while half hanging on the ropes that had tripped me up.
Not sure what was happening, and pretty sure that I was half lying in donkey shit, I was very confused (and not surprised that my apprehensions had been confirmed). All I remember is the Greek gentlemen shouting “madam! Madam! No problem” and as I got up, he told me to get back on the donkey.
I thought he must have been completely mad. Get back on? Yeah, right. But then I looked up and saw the 490 steps in front of me. My options were very limited.
I got back on that little baby donkey and held on as tight as possible. Those 490 steps and 10 minutes were the longest of my life. Finally, I caught up with Tyson who was literally elated and having a great time. I was a mixture of emotions – smiling (not really), half crying and trying to relax. And because I am such a cautious, critical and baby of a traveler, the donkey whisperer followed me all the way up the steps, periodically shouting at my donkey as he walked into the side of the railing and smashed up my legs – since he was shorter than all the other donkeys. I had bruises for weeks.
I probably should have gotten on the first donkey since Tyson had a blissful ride. I didn’t look over the edge once.
jmb
Tjones
The Crown and Canuck 