Another Dream Fulfilled

For as long as I can remember, even prior to the movie, Shirley Valentine (which was filmed here in Agios Ioannis village and beach), I've wanted to visit Mykonos.  There have been various reasons that hadn't happened including, most recently, wind prevent my cruise ship from docking and, this spring, a cruise being cancelled.  Anyway, I finally took the bit in my teeth, so to speak, and flew here from Nice via Athens last Sunday.  It was dark when I arrived so I couldn't see too much but what I could see all looked quite lovely.  Because it is the end of the season, hotel prices are greatly reduced so my lovely 4 star hotel is half the price it would be "in the season".  It is located about a 15 minute walk from the town centre.




From the Internet:  Mykonos is known as the "island of the winds", and is located in the heart of the Cyclades group. Its fame has spread across the world as a cosmopolitan and luxurious holiday destination beckoning visitors to dance and have fun in the beach bars and clubs, go for a shopping spree in luxury stores, visit its art venues, and, in short, have a memorable stay!  There are, however, two faces to this island that not many people know of. The first one is the obviously intense, shiny and cosmopolitan aspect of it; the other one is particularly picturesque, with stone-paved alleys, whitewashed houses, country chapels and windmills that ooze calm and peace. What makes this island special is that it can cover a variety of demands: you can visit it for its archaeological sites; get to know the local traditions in its picture-perfect villages; and explore its amazing beaches, considered by many as the top ones in the Aegean Sea.  Chora (Mykonos town) is quite an impressive and picturesque Cycladic town. You will find top hotels and resorts, designer clothes and jewelry boutiques, art galleries, and some of the most famous restaurants and bars in Greece. You can also take a boat trip to nearby Delos Island to visit its a big and impressive archaeological site.

Monday, I awoke to sunny skies, a fairly warm temperature for November (18'), and strong winds.  I had breakfast in the pretty breakfast room at the hotel before heading out. 

Although I had a tour of Mykonos booked for the following day, I decided to walk into the centre and explore it myself.  It was an easy walk along the seafront.  Because it is the end of the season, there were few people wandering around which made picture-taking pretty easy,  The downside is that many of the shops and restaurants are closed.  However, the town gave me lots of great photo opportunities.  









I even managed to walk up to the famous windmills and get a couple of photos there even though I know the tour tomorrow will go there.



After a bit of a rest back at my hotel, I headed back into town for an early dinner at a restaurant called Raya, recommended by the hotel, and one of the few still open.  I could see a new moon over the harbour as I walked back.  Day 1 went quite well, I'd say!





Next up will be all about my tour of the island and town.


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