Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Our Hellenic Adventure - Part 5

 We are writing this chapter as we sail on the fast ferry CHAMPION JET. Fast, compared to other ferries we are moving at 25 knots or about 10 knots faster than any of the previous ferries we were on. Actually due to engine problems we are cruising at less than full speed.
 
We completed our visit this morning and left Mykonos at 1115 hours. We have a short stop at Nexos and then to Santorini.
But first our thoughts and some comments on our stay on Mykonos. Firstly this island is only 15 km wide by 7 km long. It is somewhat mountainous but nothing to want someone to go mountain climbing. It is very rocky. The population is about 12, 000. Mykonos City is the largest city on the island. The only other town is Ano Mera. Ano Mera is known for two things. A monastary that was built in the 16th century. The second is a convent for nuns. 
We wanted to visit this town and walked about 30 minutes from our pensione, located on the south west side of the city, to a bus station on the northeast side. We waited about 60 minutes but no bus showed. A kind tourist came by and informed us that the buses were on strike. Oh no! One of those infamous Greek strikes. Why a strike? Well it seems that the taxis have taken over the bus depot. The bus drivers wanted it back and were striking until it was returned. They were still on strike when we departed this morning.
We ended up taking a taxi for 10 Euros and a return taxi for 13 Euros. Each ride lasted about 15 minutes. The three additional Euro was required as we called the taxi to come and get us. The bus fare would have amounted to about $6.00 US.
There is not much else to Mykonos. If it were not for the beaches no tourists would come. 
The beaches - we spent three different days, about four horus at a time on Paradise beach. This is the most famous of Mykonos' beaches. It is easily assessable by car, motorbike and bus. The buses run about every half hour at a cost of about $1.75 each, each way. It was nice to be on a beach where textiles and nudist coexist. In some cases actually occupying ajoining spaces. A picture attached showing a drawing on the entrance should explain it all.
 
Would we live here? No, too expensive and nothing to do.
 I will post this after we arrive in Santorini. 

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