The next day Pokin decided it was time to see a doctor. My bud’s family was arriving and we needed to make sure we could all share a room.
We went downstairs for breakfast by the pool area. Ate a nice assortment of breads.
And then it was time to search for a doctor.
A quick online search revealed there was actually a doctor in Santorini, and in fact luckily the doctor was located right in Oia only a few minutes walk away.
Since check out was at 11am and check in wasn’t until 3pm, Pokin decided to first crawl to bed till check out time before going to the clinic.
The clinic is located right by the main church square a few steps down. On arrival, it turns out the doctor wasn’t available (he was at the hospital), but they arranged for him to arrive 30 minutes later. Before seeing Pokin, they required a Covid test (negative) and shortly after, she was seen.
The doctor determined Pokin had a chest infection, put her on a nebulizer to dry out her lungs, checked out my bud for a good measure, and it all came to €200 – much more reasonable than we expected given the lack of insurance. The drugs next door came to another €80, and Pokin was all drug stocked up in time for Julia and Chris’ arrival.
The room wasn’t ready, spo at first we chilled out on the roof top deck. Apparently the highest point in Oia.
We were now settled into a new hotel, Canaves Sunday Suites. Pokin picked this place because it was one of the properties that had a 2 bedroom suite, allowing us to stay together while still having our privacy. The staff were kind enough to allow us an early check in, so Pokin was actually able to get in by 1:30pm.
This was the only day to do the famed Oia to Fira hike, but Julia had an evening photoshoot planned, so the guys only had a few hours to do the hike. Online accounts said it could take up to 4-6 hours, so everyone got ready fast, ditched Pokin and off we went.
The hike basically connects two of the main tourist cities in town, across streets and dirt roads. Families used to take this trail between celebrations and so it was well marked and easy to do.
My bud, Julia, and Chris flew across the trail, me bumping around in the bag, and we managed to finish the hike in under 2 hours before grabbing an Uber back into the hotel.
That night Julia had a photoshoot so she took off, and we all sat on the rooftop to get drinks while we waited. I chillaxed.
My bud had the idea to get matching outfits with Chris so we spent time getting photos of the matching guys.
Julia came back. I watched her at work.
It was getting close to time to eat. Pokin asked the hotel for restaurant recommendations, and the restaurant wrote back with one.
Roka.
Ok, I guess if that’s the recommendation, that’s where we went.
Turned out to be probably the best restaurant on the island apparently. Everyone liked everything they ordered. And the best part is the restaurant is open year round!
Because I didn’t know this – Santorini is incredibly seasonal. Most people come in some time between February and November because the pay is much higher on Santorini before spending the winter seasons in Athens.
I had remembered the country was struggling but I am really reminded of it when I hear of the wages.
In Athens, guides might expect to earn 8 euros an hour whereas they can get closer to 16 an hour in Santorini. Yet most people didn’t start with the intention of guiding. They often had very advanced degrees but just realized tourism was better pay.
Everyone had a very early photoshoot so we all went to bed early.
The drugs helped a little but Pokin still kept everyone up a bunch all night. I’m getting so tired.