Amelia's Amazing Oia

Our little Amelia

As we sit in the airport this morning waiting for our flight to depart the island of Santorini, we have mixed emotions – there’s some yearning to get to back to reality but sadness to leave this indescribably beautiful island. There are so many amazing works of nature and architecture – we saw the effects of volcanic activity with a red beach, a black beach, a white beach. We toured the highest spot on the island and the ruins of the ancient city of Thira. We saw countless blue domed churches, white houses built into the cliffs, gorgeous sunsets, even the full moon rising... and of course we can’t forget our little dog friend, Amelia.

Amelia is one of the “village dogs” of Oia. She is one of many dogs that are cared for by the small village in Santorini. Some of the taxes paid by the local businesses go to feeding and caring for the dogs. They all have names and are loved by everyone. We found Amelia howling on our patio the first night we were here. She slept there every night, following us on walks around the island and waiting patiently for us by lying outside when we went in shops, restaurants, etc. We didn’t see her last night on our patio and assumed she had moved on to some other tourists who would occasionally sneak her some meat or water or give her a small scratch on the head, but as we were leaving our room this morning – there she was to say good bye. She sat there as our bags got loaded into the van and wagged her tail – then as we drove away, she ran off to join her other village dogs for the days’ adventure and to see what tourist she could charm with her soft brown eyes.

One of many blue domed churches in Santorini

Oia (pronounced like E-ah) at Sunset

Red Beach

Sunset in Oia

Full moon rising over Santorini