Shagadelic Mykonos

Having survived another ferry ride in the Aegean Sea (Poseidon going rather lightly on us this time), we arrived on the island of Mykonos, 5 miles from one of the most sacred of the Greek islands: Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Very different from Santorini, Mykonos is flat in comparison and very cosmopolitan. We're staying at a shagadelic hotel that harkens back to the early 70's when Jackie O. and Brigitte Bardot made Mykonos their playground. The Theoxenia Hotel is in fact the lovingly refurbished hotel of the 70's that such luminaries frequented. You expect Truman Capote and Andy Warhol to walk in at any moment. The decor is very Austin Powers and overall it's a wonderful, luxurious place, right near the famous Mykonos windmills and a short walk from the island's town center.

But for those of us interested in the Greek myths, Mykonos is a very special place. Delos is considered to be the center of the Cyclades islands of Greece--they in fact "cycle" around Delos. And Mykonos is reputedly where Hercules slew the giants--and their petrified bodies are still discernible as the magnificent rocks you see all around.

Having lived in a cave 200 meters above the watery crater of the Santorini volcano, it's nice to be right on the water again, hearing the waves on the shores, seeing the colorful fishing boats up close, and even hanging out with the enormous pelican that appears to be the island's mascot--he walks through the town like he owns the place.

So far we are content to lounge by the super cool pool (with its own islands), slurping fruit and honey smoothies and occasionally dragging ourselves into town for some food, shopping, exercise. Philip is still wondering if he should trade in his boardshorts for the European options...please someone talk some sense to him!