Losing friends with a single post

I suspect we’ll lose a few friends once this post is published. Why? Take a look at these images from our first 24 hours in Mykonos and you’ll see what I mean. I'm sure everyone will hate us. Since arriving we’ve been blessed by two breath-taking sunsets; the first from our hotel balcony and the second while standing in the shadows of the famous windmills of Mykonos. You can see below that Garry gritted his teeth and endured nature’s unfolding spectacle on our first evening, while reluctantly sipping on his complimentary champagne.


Last night’s sunset was amazing. We caught a cab into town just as the sun was setting. Dozens had the same idea. The shoreline in front of the Mykonos windmills had become a brief tourist Mecca as cameras everywhere were pointed at the same dazzling red orb on the horizon. The sunset was indescribable; and once again we were forced to endure the spectacle.


As the windmills testify, Mykonos is known as the ‘windy island’. The islands windmills were once its primary source of industrial energy and remained in use until recent times. Today, abandoned conical towers dot the landscape around the main town of Hora. A handful has been preserved as an iconic tourist attraction. The largest group of five sits on a hill overlooking a small bay, known affectionately as Little Venice. Here the buildings have been built to the water’s edge, housing bar after bar offering cheap cocktails with an ocean view.


After sunset we made our way through the old town’s narrow cobbled streets to the main harbour where restaurants and bars clutter the shoreline. Here we picked up tickets for our ferry to Santorini before wandering the back streets until we came across a delightful vine-covered courtyard serving local delicacies. We dined under candle-light, watching the world wander by. Garry enjoyed a steak the size of small child, while I tucked into a lamb roll stuffed with cheese and vegetables.


Despite its reputation, since arriving in Mykonos the weather has offered nothing but blue sky and still air. In fact, when I woke this morning, the Aegean Sea was so calm and so flat it actually reflected the image of ships passing distance islands. The boat you see in the image below was more than a kilometre away. What a perfect way to greet a new day. The locals tell us the weather was completely the opposite the day before we arrived. We’ve heard taxi drivers, waiters and bartenders all talk of storm winds so strong you barely stand outdoors.


Enjoy the photos. I must get back to the view on our balcony. A new sailboat has appeared in the bay. Finally, sonmething other than white houses, blue sky and aquamarine water to look at!