Hopping to Mikonos and Mykonos (and others)

 

The great taxi strike of 2024 Athens forced our wavering hand a little and meant we had to get up and out to the Port via Metro.  I had thought we might treat ourselves to the fare and final breakfast but workers rights quite correctly took precedence and we stood / and sat in solidarity on our fairly easy walk and train (one change, many stops) to the port of Piraeus.

E7 was our embarkment point and it was so easily visible on leaving the Metro the 2.40 Euros for 2 tickets was in fact the best choice on all fronts!  Sea Jet Olympic Champion was the name of our vessel to take us on a journey through time and space (if you used your imagination)

Our final stop today was Mikonos but the 2 stops before meant we have sort of squeezed a couple of other Islands in early doors. The first, the administrative capital of the Cyclades Syros, the main ship building centre of the Greek empire before Piraeus stole the crown, having become quite a stronghold in the Greek war on independence as I understand it. 

Next was Tinos, a much smaller place, a pilgrimage as I understand it for those of the orthodox christian disposition. My 'jacks on tour' water bottle took in the sights on my behalf and perhaps added a bit of .. ahem .. perspective?

The ferry itself was very comfy, we had our own reserved seats, the coffee expensive, but the sandwich, and coffee we bought in a cafe at the port beforehand sort of counterbalanced that. Was all reading and crosswords and looking out the port hole for the few hours on the waves.

Arriving in Mykonos quite exciting, watching all the crew like a well oiled machine getting us in and off quick smart. A 2 Euro (each) boat taxi took us from the ferry into the main centre of Mikonos and that was a good way to arrive thank you very much.

Rucksacks all going well even for our getting lost walks to Air Bnbs, and the windy passageways had just about enough room for us. We probably doubled the actual distance needed to get there but always a bit of impromptu sightseeing, the finding of our lodgings. Our host met us, showed us the ropes, a simple, functional and well appointed Airbnb. Definitely a step up from our last one which avid readers might recall being in the warzone of East Palo Alto. Was that really a year ago?

We took our first stroll and bearings of Mikonos, a lovely looking town of primary colours, and those narrow, character driven streets. Oh, and many, many bars and restaurants. Those white house and the narrow streets definitely the cooler parts of town in every sense of the word.  Windmills too, it was a bit blustery, another temperature regulator.  Found the ruins of Mykonos castle, built in the 13th century, slightly less preserved than Loughor Castle which has stood the test of time better, both appear to be drinking spots for the local teenagers though.  We found a nicer drinkink spot.

Tonight was or became appointed a non backpackery night out. By that I mean we spent a few extra euros on food and drink, so many nice options here it felt too good an opportunity to miss. We'd even done the scouting thing on an earlier walk and liked both the look (food) and positioning of Baboulas  Good service, not overly forward, in fact a nice lamp on the table you could turn over and it changed colour for service call.  Food wise we went mezze in reality, multiple hummus dips, cheese saganaki with tomato marmalade.  I am keen to get a bit of octopus down me whilst out here and enjoyed the vinegary salad approach they took here, and I sort of turned the starter into a main course.  The home made bread, warm and soothing very much ensured we didn't leave hungry.  Some local beer and a cocktail aperitif added to the ambience, has did the sunset and waves lapping the nearby rocks. Found a local bar for a night cap, an old fashioned for me.  Perhaps the whole evening was a bit like that ...