greek travel PSA: don't be a pain in the ass!!

in psyching up for our upcoming honeymoon i came across a message worth sharing!

the mule taxis of santorini are one of the most iconic activities on the island.  tourists traveling from the port of fira up the cliff to the island town have the option of walking up the winding stairways, taking a cable car lift, or riding on donkey-back up from the harbor.  though many travelers choose the donkeys for their "traditional" charm, wide reports of abusive conditions and animal cruelty have plagued the practice of the mule taxi service.  extreme overwork, animal violence, and undernourishment are only a few of the offenses animal activists and laypeople tourists have reported in recent years. 

though steve and i look forward to enjoying many of old-fashioned the traditions of the island (such as our cave dwelling hotel in oia), we will be choosing the cable car service over the mule taxis... or maybe if we're feeling extra rugged after being cooped up on the long ferry ride, we'll hike the 600 steps ourselves.