It was dark and cold when I left for the airport this morning. As we neared the airport the snow was becoming heavier. I was wanting to leave istanbul and I was hoping that the gods saw to it.

At check in I was very surprised to be told that my bags would not be transferred all the way through to Santorini and that I would have to collect my bag and then check in again all in the space of an hour. I told the guy he was dreaming and he gave me some bullshit story and just let my bag disappear into the system. I argued with him but to no avail.

When we landed I headed to passport control and asked if I could skip the queue and the guy told me I had plenty of time even though there were over 100 passengers waiting in front of me.

I approached him a second time and this time he did a few more sums in his head, counted on his fingers and then told me to go through. My bag was waiting for me, how nice. I ran as fast as my ankle could cope and got checked in once again. Found the gate and even had time for a coffee before we boarded the plane, which was a small 50 seat prop.

Very bumpy take off and landing, the wind and snow had returned and we got our monies worth. All the while the sun is shining but the wind chill would cut you in two. Its only a short flight to Santorini, less than an hour which is good. I have a car picking me up so I’m being quite the jetsetter and I like it. But it’s also expensive.

My driver is there and takes me to my hotel high on the hill, this is going to be a kill or cure moment for me ankle. After about ten minutes or so I head down to find the main street and see what’s what. I get a sim card, and then a kebab

I’m still hungry so I pop into the supermarket and buy a few supplies. I’d passed a small taverna and the menu looked good and there were gas heaters burning so I’m thinking this will do me. Big cubes of meat in a tomato paste with rice and a bucket of red wine and I’m set. I park beside one of the wonderful gas heaters and shed a couple of layers, this is the life. I’ve been looking forward to this part of the journey and I’m actually looking forward to getting back to the house and the car and go sit in my own home, but for now I’m going to indulge on Santorini.

Tomorrow I’ll explore and get my clothes washed. See what’s on offer and check out the buses and the like. The weather is supposed to get slightly warmer but that’s OK as long as the rain and the snow stay away that will be just fine.