The Sunset at Oia, Santorini

Observing the sun set at the steps of the cliffs at Oia, Santorini. It was approximately seven o'clock and people were already crowding along the steps of the town of Oia, the best place to watch the sunset on Santorini Island in Greece. While the residents of the houses along the strategic slopes had access to comfort while admiring the beautiful and amazing phenomenon, we had to resign ourselves to the hot and hard surfaces of stones. Despite that, I have to say that it was worth it.

The sun was still high up in the sky when we reached the spot. As we waited, we had the opportunity and time to admire the beautiful colours created by the sun on the waters. It was heavenly.

Minutes passed and the sun was moving slowly down the horizon. We watched the colours changed from bright red to orange. Slowly, the sun touched the horizon and went below. While this happened, a string of clouds formed a horizontal line across the sun. It seemed to me that the sun is very shy that so many people was watching it perform its duty. The clouds had a mixture of colours from blue to red to pink. The view was just indescribable. No words could describe the beauty. Very plainly, one could say that it was a display of colours in a natural setting. However, if we look beyond that, we may see something else. We see the wonderful creation of MOther Nature. We see that the harsh work of the day has come to an end and people could finally get some rest and rejoice in food and wine. For some people, perhaps it means an end to an ordeal that they have been going through. For other, it could mean an end to a chapter in their lives and the beginning of another.

When the sun finally set, everyone clapped and cheered. I wonder why. Was it to mark the end of a wonderful performance by Mother Nature? Or was it to celebrate a phenonemon that happens everyday but we do not appreciate?

Suddenly, I was reminded that the sun rises and sets everyday. So why is it that we do not appreciate the things around us so often? WHy do we go to the extremes to appreciate the little things around us? I have not come across a satisfactory answer to this question so far in my life. Perhaps, one day, I will be able to find the answer.

What brought the entire evening to the climax was an opera played by one of the residents. While the sun was setting, an opera was played. It was a lady's voice, high-pitched and sharp. THe music and singing got more aggressive and strong. THe tempo increased with a crescendo. Finally, at that very moment when the sun went below the horizon, the singing peaked and a decrescendo commenced.

What an evening....opera and the sunset....an experience of a lifetime.

I feel blessed to be able to experience that. Thank you Lord.