MY life at the moment is a never-ending series of steps. Up. Down. Around. Sideways.
But that's all part of the pleasure and pain that go hand in hand in Santorini.
Sore calf muscles will result from all the uphill walking and step climbing but you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas you can spend all day viewing if you wish.
Sunburn may result from failing to reapply sunscreen on an Affroditi traditional sailing ship cruise that will take you to the rim of the active volcano on neighbouring Nea Kameni, a swim in natural hot springs, dining in the harbour of Thirassia and watching a glorious sunset just off world-famous Oia with a golden glow projecting on to the white structures built into the side and top of the cliffs.
Over-full stomachs and slight damage to the wallet are inevitable as you take a gastronomic tour from a couple of euros for a gyros pita at Lucky's Souvlaki in Fira or Why Not in Firostefani to perhaps an entire octopus dish at a traditional Greek restaurant such as Strogili in Oia.
One 8GB camera memory card will never be enough to take in picture-perfect snaps at every corner, the fairytale world of Fira at night, clear blue waters dotted with yachts, fishing boats and cruise ships and blue-domed chapels and churches on hilltops or the water's edge.
And the morning after the night before may be a little fuzzy after a session on ouzo, Santorini reds and donkey beers.
Like any new lover, Santorini's seduction is even better the second time around.
While we had had the pleasure of her company on a full-day shore excursion as part of our Star Clipper tall ship cruise from Venice to Athens last year, we couldn't wait to see her turn on her charms after dark as well with three nights at Efterpi Villas on the caldera rim in Firostefani.
There, we could watch the passing parade of traditional sailing vessels and modern cruise liners to our hearts' content from our table by the pool, retreat for siesta to the cool of our "cave apartment", and toast the sun setting on another magical day of sightseeing, shopping or sailing before venturing out to watch the World Cup dramas unfold amid a United Nations of football fans watching on a big screen at a late-night bar or cafe.
Yes, our beloved Santorini is a pain for lack of sleep, the uphill slog and spending money but it is even more painful to say goodbye.
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