Subject: The Greek Islands

First stop – Two nights on Mykonos, the party Island so we are told.  Also called ‘The Windy Island’ and so it was while we were there.  We didn’t mind as it kept the temperature down.  We spent day one exploring the main township – Chora.  We wandered through ‘Little Venice’ where the sea almost laps up to the bars and restaurants.  There we came across Petros the Pelican, apparently an old celebrity of the water front, who has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.  I’d forgotten how huge they are.  There are 3 resident pelicans.  Children were stroking one and as it closed its eyes in ecstasy it almost looked like it was purring!  We then went to see the lovely blue and white church which clings to the cliff edge and Chora’s famous windmill and yes you guessed it – they are blue and white too.  We had a lovely meal out at a restaurant recommended by our host.  We returned there the next night.

Day 2 we hired a car and spent the day exploring Mykonos.  No wonder the American girls next to us got lost.  Mykonos is a warren of twisty, narrow roads and some sort of a vehicle is a must to get around.  The young girl on the other side of us has broken ribs and foot – hence we opted for the more sedate option rather than quad bikes.  ‘With age comes wisdom’ or maybe just a lack of the need for excitement offered by such modes of transport!  Mykonos is stony and barren but has lots of lovely beaches.  We sort out a quiet beach rather than one crowded with beach umbrellas and loungers for hire and lots of people.  It also had this amazing Taverna that we had been recommended.  The food was to die for!  They have the most delicious selection of salads of which I chose 4 and shared these with Nick.  Tabouli was one Col – and I have to say it was up to your high standard.  To accompany the salads, the four of us shared a barbequed squid. Tender and tasty- what a treat.  Something new to try on the bbq when we return home.  If only I could replicate the large bean salad.  It was particularly yummy!  We all swam in the inviting, but surprisingly chilly waters of the Aegean Sea.

Second stop- 2 nights on Santorini. Also windy here.  Sheer lava cliffs rise up from the blue Aegean Sea topped off by cliff top towns that look like a sprinkling of icing sugar.  Much greener as grapes grow everywhere – an ancient variety which grow along the ground, as it is too windy to stake them and it also protects the fruit.  They primarily produce a desert wine though, we have bought a bottle of red to try.  To save time we once again hired a car to explore the Island.  We drove first to Fira – the main town which perches on top of the caldera (volcanic crater) with the old port below.  Tour boats dock here and visitors can reach the town via the 588 steps up the steep cliff but most use the cable car or donkeys (very uncomfortable I am told!).  Lots of lovely jewellery – if only we had more time to shop (sigh –wistful from me, relief from Nick).  Seeing pictures of Santorini I assumed Fira would be all blue and white but, not so.  Oia is the only village with this colour scheme.  Here we of course took all the standard photos Santorini is famous for.  Lots of shops, very touristy but beautiful.  We had a delicious lunch at a little café with a stunning outlook over the Aegean Sea –magical!  Most of the beaches have black sand – not fine as we know it but grainy.  ‘Red Beach which earns its name from the rocks in the cliff face towering above as well as the red sand was worth the climb over the very rocky trail to check out.  Very isolated but there they were ‘the rent an umbrella and chaise lounges for € 8, crowd!  We finished the evening with a scrumptious meal at a local Taverna on the beach front.