Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, August 22, 2014: Postcards from Greece – The Donkeys

Santorini-5560Gazing out over the seas of the Caldera of Santorini are 3 donkeys part of the herd of a hundred or so that these days carry tourists up and down the 600 steps between Santorini’s old port nearly 1000 feet below the main town of Fira.

 

Up to 1979 the donkeys were the only way for tourists to get down to the port but that year a new cable car service was started providing a faster and less worrisome method of making the trip! Today, the cable car company contributes part of its earnings towards the upkeep and health care of the donkeys.

 

In years gone by the donkeys were also the only method of getting all the supplies up from the port to the town.

 

Share the Post:

Comments

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
10 years ago

When I stayed on Santorini 10 years ago, on a walk around Oia, I saw the donkeys used to collect trash.  I sincerely wish they’d adopt the practice where I live.  I’d so much rather wake to the sound of hooves than the crash and roar of garbage trucks.

Admin
10 years ago

Mac, I think your photo is using a tricky angle.  I believe there’s a small television in front of those 3 donkeys that you’ve cleverly concealed.  Everyone loves World Cup football, even these three!

 

Honestly when I first saw that image it looked to me like they were watching something small near the ground and a television was the first thing that popped into my mind!

Featured Destination

recommended by Travel Gumbo

Gumbo's Pic of the Day

Westward Reflections

Sometimes the fishing ain’t that great, but you still get quite a reward. On a calm evening, with only a few bites, I watched as the sunset turned incredible before my eyes. The smooth lake created a perfect reflection of the sky above.

Read More

Posts by the Same Author

January 15, 2016: Stonehenge Summer Solstice

The sign of times soon to come! This was my first summer solstice sunrise at Stonehenge in England and I love the picture because it heralds the warm sunny days that are yet to come (please!) after the dark days of winter. The solstice sun-rises are the only occasions these days when the public are allowed to be within touching distance of the old stones that comprise ‘the Henge’.

Read More