July 11 - Hot Springs Optional Excursion

Another week of hard work in the books, and now we’re ready for Saturday! Today was the optional excursion to Santorini’s volcano, which was a day to remember. Students began the outing with their private bus transport to the town of Fira. They hiked down the stone-paved path that switchbacked down the side of the islands enormous cliffs, passing donkeys and horses along the day.

At the small old port, they boarded a boat and sailed out to a small island entirely formed by volcanic eruptions. Students slathered on their sunscreen before beginning the rocky trail up to the summit of the island. From the summit, they could see all of Santorini stretched out across the water. The group followed along the edges of the volcanic crater before hiking back down to the boat. After a short second sail, the boat anchored in a small bay, where a hot spring pours into the seat. One by one, the students leaped from the boat into the sea, then swam or floated into the hot water from the spring. After that hike, students enjoyed splashing around and floating with the pool noodles, which felt amazing! Back on the boat, they had a relaxing sail back to the old port while drying off in the sea breeze. To get back up the cliffs of Fira, they boarded the scenic cable car for a ride with stunning views of the volcano they had hiked earlier. They then grabbed a late lunch in Fira before heading back to the hotel.

While the group on the excursion enjoyed their amazing adventure, the rest of the students were able to enjoy a slow morning and sleep in. After a mid morning check in, most students made their way down to the beach for a day of sun, swimming, and doing some reading of The Pearl for those in English. There was lots of playing in the water, naps, frisbee, football, and good times as the students were able to relax and rejuvenate. In the evening, the group enjoyed another delicious beach side meal before their Saturday night free time.