We’re cruising the Greek Isles. This morning we pulled into Santorini, where we had lunch. Tonight we’ll have dinner in Mykonos. That’s how it goes when you’re cruisin’!
Our legs haven’t quite recovered from our stop at Santorini. We spent too much time having an amazing lunch in the hilltop town of Fira. To get back to the boat on time, we had to walk down the 588-step Downward Walk of Doom. It was brutal.
The Cyclades Islands
Mykonos is 70 miles north of Santorini. Both are part of the group of islands called the Cyclades. (The name refers to islands surrounding or cycling around the island of Delos). Hundreds of Cycladic islands dot this part of the Aegean Sea.
As we made our way from Santorini to Mykonos, everywhere we looked we saw islands. Islands and ferries. Ferries carrying people, cars, and cargo keep these little islands connected.
Mykonos is famous for its beautiful beaches, windmills, and for being the playground of rich and famous jet-setters. If you’re rich and famous and you need a break from the complexities that go along with being rich and famous, Mykonos is the place to go.
You don’t have to be rich and famous to party all night in Mykonos, although I’m sure it doesn’t hurt. Clubs open at 10:00 pm or later and stay open ’til sun-up.
Long before people like Aristotle Onasis, Grace Kelley, and Brigit Bardot discovered Mykonos, it was an island in the Roman empire.
A thousand years after the fall of Rome, Venice laid claim to Mykonos. In those days, Venice ruled the Mediterranean. Enterprising Venetians built windmills on a windy stretch of Mykonos for grinding wheat. Those windmills have probably been on a million postcards.
Mykonos
Our plan is to see the town, have dinner, and head back to the ship. I know. Boring. Hey, the legs are still sore from Santorini.
Like (apparently) all towns on the Cycladic islands, Mykonos town is a warren of whitewashed buildings with blue trim. There aren’t many straight lines or 90-degree angles. Everything is curvy.
After disembarking, we walked through Mykonos town to the area known as “Little Venice”, so named because its buildings are built right up to the water’s edge. We found a restaurant with a large outdoor eating area right next to the water. Nice.
A cute kitty-cat joined us for dinner. He was very well-behaved. Most of the time he just sat there at our feet, looking around. Occasionally he would look up and smile. It was definitely a “feed me” smile, but he wasn’t pushy about it.
We ordered a combination of all kinds of Greek goodies. Most of them were Greek dishes we have at home, just tastier.
Start with Saganaki
For appetizer number one, we started with saganaki – fried Greek cheese. In this case, it was served with honey and nuts on top. Then we had a small Greek salad, (of course), and dolmades – stuffed grape leaves.
There were a few things we’d never had, too. Kolokithakia tiganita is fried zucchini. Yum yum. If you ever order it, just say “tiganita.” They’ll know what you mean.
Another dish new to us was a dip called taramasalata. Based on looks alone, I didn’t think I’d like it. It was pink. Then I took a bite. Oh, man. It was so good. But what the heck was it?
Our server explained that it’s made with fish eggs (!) mixed mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, potatoes, bread crumbs, and spices. Fish eggs. No wonder it was kitty’s favorite!
As we finished off one plate after another of Greek goodies, the big red sun sank slowly into the Aegean Sea. The air was warm and there was a slight breeze. It was another little piece of Greek heaven. So far, the Greek Isles are two for two.
Nightcap
After dinner we strolled around town. Twinkling lights illuminated the narrow lanes through town, giving everything a golden glow.
If you ever need to spend a large amount of money in a short time, try Mykonos town. Lots of jewelry stores. Lots of Rolex’s on display. I saw a ladies purse that cost more than a Rolex.
On the way out of town, we ran into friends from the boat. We decided to have a nightcap at one of the restaurants facing the harbor.
By our standards, it was starting to get late. As we sat there, the quiet town started changing right before our eyes. Partiers were waking up from last night’s revelry and wandering into town to have another go at it.
Glitz and glamor were on display. These were not your basic, run-of-the-mill partiers. These guys were pros.
After a nightcap or two, we walked back to the ship. It had been a big day, starting in Santorini and finishing here in Mykonos. We’d sleep like babies tonight.
Next stop: Rhodes.
To be continued…
