Island of cars and stone, square flat roofs interspersed with blue domes and brilliant steely blue doors and windows.

I stumble out of the bus after the steep winding road down to Oia (Santorini) just in time before throwing up. I join lots of other people milling around the bus station at Oia. I am about to see the Santorini we see in photos,

We start off to the castle and the edge of town which promises views and sunset experiences. The views are spectacular. The people walking down and along the narrow twisty path with art shops and bars at the sides are slso enjoying the Santorini experience.

Just don’t trip. Steps are different widths and turn at strange angles . The trickiest are the small, narrow steps which lurk in the stone unseen. Suddenly a jolt as I step forward, and a sharp pain in my shoulder .

But yes, this Santorini is very very pretty . The small art shops, souvenir and clothing places, rooftop bars and eateries are colourful and organised. The narrow winding paths, interspersed with cacti and tall palms and well shaped olive trees in colourful pots, are gleamingly clean. The paintings on display are the quintessential Santorini portrayals ( minus us tourists shuffling around hip to hip). But the jewellery is exquisite.

I spent ages looking at one of the jewellery shops. The owner has made the puppets and small figures.The jewellery is from other craftspeople.

More views. I did not climb to the castle .

We walk the twisted path below back to the bus station. Not many people walking here, just buses and cars that wait patiently for us to squeeze to the side. A Banana smoothie at the restuarant and we join the queue for the bus back to Fira. Thankfully the driver goes around the bottom of the island so there is no steep winding and a lurching stomach.

Conclusion ? I’m glad I had the Santorini experience. But am even more glad we watched the sunset from Fira (We are staying in Fira) last night and will do so again tonight before boarding the overnight ferry to Rhodes . Seasick tablets I reckon, for the steep winding path back down to the port as well as the boat.