Ok, what can I say about Santorini? First, there were a lot of high fiving as we walked along the caldera knowing that we just scored the u petsit for a month (which later became almost two!) Santoroin had been on our list, but we had ruled it out for time and weather. But it came up on the website, we applied, Skyped, got a yes and viola! Awesome!

We were given the responsiblity of petsitting three dogs at the lovey Caveland hostel. (www.Cave-land) Klara, her daughter Mini and a new stray, Uva. We loved them (and still miss them loads)

One of favourite things has been taking them to the black volcanic beaches. Klara is obsessed with the ball, while Mini and Uva go running up the cliffs. The first time we did, we were still getting to know them and we weren’t sure whether Mini and ova were going to return! It’s a bit of a stress when you look after someone else’s pets.

Highlights…
– the dogs. Uva could be a handful, but honestly, I absolutely loved her.
– Waking up to the dogs, when Wayne would open their door first. Happy!
– Playing on the beach with the dogs.
– Caveland. What a lovely boutique hostel. Seriously, stay here. Cave dorms, old wine cellars. Lovely.
– Walking from Fira, The main town to Oia (E-a) over a few hours. Looking at the caldera from many different angles, passing through gorgeous, white villages, and ending up in the most beautiful little town. And all without the hordes of tourists. Joy!
– The sunsets. A cliche, but it’s true.
– Coffee and bread at the Cretan bakery in Karterados
– Akrotiri. Old. Very old stuff.
– Fira without tourists.
– The caldera. It’s just a really stunning island/volcano.
– Meeting lovely locals and being taken to festival on the island in a cave
– Most villages on the island. Emporio…
– SAWA. Santorini Animal Welfare Association. We took two dogs for a walk on the beach. They do an amazing job on very little. They love having volunteers.

Dislikes…. not much. Though way too many street dogs and cats. Like everywhere, many Greeks care for their pets, but many dump them, bury them alive or throw them over the fence of SAWA. Yes. Really. Especially pointers. They are the most abused dog on the island as they are used for hunting and locked in small cages most of the year. Once they are useless, they’re dumped.