I had a 5:30am wake-up in order to catch my ferry to Mykonos. I’m still struggling with jet lag so didn’t get much sleep but excited for my first glimpse of the islands where I’ll be spending the next three weeks.
I opted to sit outside on the deck to soak up some sunshine and fresh air. I had a large table to myself until a Greek family with two young children sat with me. The husband spoke a bit of English and for the next two hours I learned about the political and refugee climate within Greece. Let’s just say he is not a fan of Islamic refugees and feels they are ruining his country. He made some interesting points and I tried to see his point of view. He believes that refugees aren’t as invested in his country as he is and they will never be true Greeks even if given a Greek passport. His grandparents, parents and himself have served in the army and he is very patriotic. He would prefer his government take the land and money that’s provided to refugees and give it to struggling Greeks. My knowledge of the refugee status is extremely limited so I could only listen and empathize with how strongly he felt. While he ranted his young wife managed the two kids and nodded and smiled at me whenever I looked her way. I’m assuming she’s used to his diatribes😄.
I had dinner at Caesar’s after watching sunset at the windmills. Upon greeting me, Caesar states that “ sometimes it’s good to be alone.” Not sure if that’s supposed to make me feel better about eating by myself or he wishes he could be by himself instead of touting his wares, so I nod in agreement. I need to paint the picture of what Caesar looks like because he’s the quintessential Greek to me. He’s wearing a white sleeveless linen shirt opened to the navel, a silver chain with a large crucifix dangling against his hairless chest, scrawny tanned arms and is taking puffs on his vape in between serving tables😄. Classic! The grilled octopus with beetroot and lentil salad was delicious!
As I’m meandering my way through the maze of Mykonos I see I’m slightly underdressed for the evening. I had run out the door to photograph the sunset, not go clubbing. Everyone’s dressed to the nines in high heels (how the hell they’re walking in heels on cobble stones I don’t know) and make-up caked on. Apparently less is more with regards to clothing. Meanwhile, I still haven’t showered today, my hair hasn’t been washed in four days, zero make-up on my sea salt covered face and I’m wearing shorts, a dirty t-shirt and sweatshirt while lugging my camera bag. It’s a wonder I’m single🙄
