GREECE: Mykonos

It’s not exactly clear why I came to this island other than the fact that it is one of the most visited of the Greek islands. I don’t drink, and that is one of the major pastimes here on Mykonos.

Also, loud and crowded venues hold little interest for me either so it is probably a wise move that I booked into a peaceful, luxurious hotel with an ocean view and a pool for six days. Tranquility in a beautiful setting is my trip these days.

It will, however, be a nice, posh chill out before my 20 night Russian Adventure where I will spend the entire visit in hostels. I’ll find plenty here to busy myself with, in between the naps, gastronomy, and lounging by the pool. OPA!

ILIO MARIS – FOUR STARS WITH A VIEW – Every so often I throw myself a bone, and since there isn’t much in the way of economical lodging on Mykonos, I managed something wonderful at a reasonable price. Also, there was no way I was going to put myself in a party hostel on this island. This is tranquility central except for the group of Brits celebrating their friend’s 50th. birthday. Blogging in the shade with this view is most relaxing.

MYKONOS TOWN

CUE THE CLOUD

CLEAR THE SET

AND CUT, PRINT…I can’t tell you how much vile invective I churned out in the process of getting this shot without all the selfie-shooting morons getting in the way.

MEGA YACHT MORNING

OLD PORT & FERRY TERMINAL

Tourists kept bugging this old man, taking pictures with him, and getting in the way of my shot. None of them had the decency to toss him a euro for his trouble. My cursing reasserted itself once more.

CHARM PERMEATES THE ISLAND – Although, I would surmise that it dissipates considerably when crowds of tourists descend upon the island in July & August so make sure and get here during May or the beginning of June to avoid the Mongol hordes.

As a rule it is best to avoid the waterfront restaurants due to the fact that the food usually takes a back seat to the view. If you must go seaside then check the rating and reviews on TripAdvisor. That will save you a costly disappointment.

Labyrinthine shopping can be found around every corner in Mykonos town.

A WONDERFUL AESTHETIC TOUCH

NOTHING BELOW 25,000 EURO IN THIS ROOM!

                                           TRIP TO DELOS

FERRY TERMINAL

DELOS – An island with a wealth of archaeological treasures is just 30 minutes from Mykonos.

RELIC WITH RUINS IN THE BACKGROUND

MOUNT KYNTHOS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL THEME PARK

As you can see these are more than just piles of rubble. Serious restorations are underway. Unfortunately, due to Greece’s financial woes, they are not going as quickly as they would like, but the French are helping out and maintain an ongoing presence on the island. There are a number of modern buildings dedicated to research, housing, and restoration.  Only one-tenth of the dig has been completed so many discoveries await.

AN ALTAR OCCUPIES THE CENTER OF THIS SPACE

TEMPLE OF CLEOPATRA

Beautiful Wall Restoration

TEMPLE OF DIONYSUS – The House of Dionysus with its striking mosaic in the center of its court which depicts the god Dionysus with open wings riding a tiger which wears a necklace of vine and grapes.

Another Beautiful Wall Restoration

CISTERN SYSTEM FOR THE THEATRE

THEATRE

SEATING

HOUSE OF THE DOLPHINS

MOUNT CYNTHUS – KYNTHOS CAVE – That small mostly manmade cave-like structure is a small temple which is unfortunately inaccessible. It is roofed by monumental slabs of granite. It had a statue of Heracles in its center and an altar by its entrance. I would have loved to see it up close and personal. Those lucky archaeologists.

We thought we might get to the Temple of  Hercules via these stairs but just ended up with a 360-degree view of the surrounding islands.

Not a bad consolation.

TEMPLE OF HERA – Circa 500 BCE

TEMPLE OF ISIS

Isis was worshipped as the ideal mother and wife as well as the patroness of nature and magic. She was the friend of slaves, sinners, artisans and the downtrodden, but she also listened to the prayers of the wealthy, maidens, aristocrats and rulers.

Nice Restoration – It would be worth a trip in the years to come to check in on further developments as they continue the extensive work on this enormous site.

ISIS

HOUSE OF HERMES – It is an affluent home of the 2nd century BC . It was built on four graduated levels.

WELL

If that boat leaves before I get there, I’m spending the night in the Temple of Hermes unless I can prevail upon an archaeologist for the use of a sofa.

ILIO MARIS SUNSET

ILIO MARIS NIGHTFALL – Now just click your heels together three times and climb a really steep hill.

ELYSIUM SUNSET CABARET – And you will find yourself at the highest elevation drag show on the island.

One of my former coworkers knows the owner and filled me in on the place. It’s str8 friendly and a lot of fun.

The show is free, but the drink prices are as steep as the hill leading up to the place.

Coke Zero = 10 euros  Red Bull = 12 euros  Alcohol = Cher Tickets

What a dress.

CAMPING OUT – These two guys are not actually part of the act but have a whole YouTube thing going on called Mommie and Me.

The two interlopers were clearly having the time of their lives.

I just had to set this shot up using the palm tree as a showgirl headdress.

                                 TINOS DAY TRIP

TINOS TOWN

SYMPOSIUM – Up those stairs and through those three doors is an amazing restaurant, and I’ll show you why.

Sole lightly battered, sautéed in clarified butter, and served with grilled vegetables and basmati rice. Look at that mushroom, will you. There is no way I can fully express how delicious that piece of fish was. It was cooked to perfection, but never in my life have I had sole with such a flavor. It literally melted in my mouth. It would have been worth the 45 minute ferry ride just to dine in this restaurant.

And I thought they rolled out the red carpet for me until I did a little more research.

PANAYIA EVANYELISTRIA CATHEDRAL – I just found out the reason for the strange outdoor carpet on the street going up the hill to the church. It seems that people crawl up the hill on their hands and knees on the two feast days every year. And here I thought the red carpet was a welcome mat instead of yet another tool for compelling forced humility and groveling before an imaginary being. At least it’s only compulsory two times a year. Those poor Muslims are on their hands and knees five times a day.

Looks like a baptismal urn of some sort. Dipping a child in some magic water accomplishes what exactly? You get to have a nice party afterward.

People were crossing themselves right and left. For Christ’s sake, why do they do that? Do they think Jesus would enjoy being reminded constantly of the torture device he was nailed to and left to bleed and suffer upon? It’s a reminder of the day of his murder for goodness sake. If Jesus were to return, why would he come back to people who would constantly remind him of man’s brutality toward him while wearing that symbol of his execution around their necks? Seriously, think about it. If you want Jesus to return, it’s time to ixnay on the ossingcray, and while you’re at it ditch the miniature execution devices you’re wearing around your necks. If you have to wear something, give the fish a try.

I just realized what this statue is all about. It is on the hill with the carpet runner leading up to the cathedral so it must be a representation of one of the faithful crawling up the hill beckoning to the savior for a little help. Okay, enough groveling already.

DENOU – One of the few really interesting shops in Tinos town center. Inexpensive handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and artworks adorn this small unassuming store.

Most of the stores on the main street leading to the cathedral are heavily laden with Jesus based paraphernalia. Icons, rosaries, images of the Virgin Mary, and the bleeding Jesus line the streets. Frankly if you’re not looking to stock up on Christian ornamentation then you’re pretty much out of luck because everything else is pretty much run of the mill jewelry, bric a brac, and other lame souvenirs.

Thankfully this little store presented itself as I took a stroll out of the main part of town. I wandered in and found an interesting ring for 12 euros, and was able to have the rubber strap changed on one of my other rings for a pittance. It turns out my strap was just about to break. It’s not particularly easy to find someone with the materials and wherewithal to do it. So between my lunch, good conversation, and the timely repair, my day was a complete success.

PAROS JET – Our sleek ride back to Mykonos.

FINAL SUNSET