2014年6月21日 星期六

The Aegean Sea : it is blue and white

Each summer, millions of tourists from around the world come to the Aegean Sea. They come to enjoy its beautiful sunshine, to cruise around its islands and to visit some of its historical sites.  The Aegean Sea lies between Turkey and Greece.  The early Minoan and Hellenic civilizations developed around the Aegean Sea and its islands several thousand years ago. 

(The Duden waterfall in the seashore of Antalya, Turkey)
          
(The St. John Castle in Bodrum, Turkey)

Taking pictures in the Aegean Sea, you will find blue and white as their main colors - blue sea, blue sky, white clouds and white houses.  With abundant sunlight and beautiful environment, you will be surprised by your ability in taking many good photos.

(St. Paul Bay in the Rhodes Island)
 
Among the islands of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of the most interesting one.  Its sea coastlines are composed of high cliffs, volcanic rocks and flat land.  Santorini was known as Thera in ancient Greek time.  About four thousand years ago, major volcanic eruptions took place in the Thera island.  The eruptions were so strong that it blew off part of the island.  Such nature disease also started the decline of the Minoan civilization. 

(High cliff formed by volcanic activities in Santorini)


(A small uninhabited island of volcanic rocks in Santorini)

Nowadays, tourism is the main support of the local economics in Santorini.  If you stay in the island for two to three days, you can enjoy its great natural beauties in leisure.  You can also hire a donkey taxi taking you through its narrow streets and many white houses.  There are over three hundred churches in the island.  They are more than enough for the locals if not for the tourists.

(White houses and hotels built on the cliff of Santorini)

(One of the many churches in Santorini)

(A little girl in Santorini showing off her pet)

When taking the cruise in the Aegean Sea this summer, there is time for personal reading.  Homer's Lliad and Odyssey or Apollonius's Voyage of Argo can be interesting.  They will take you back to the ancient Hellenic world and their exciting sea journeys through the Aegean Sea.