MYKONOS is "one of the Cyclades islands, set like a gem in the sparkling blue Agean Sea. Like a scene from a postcard: whiter-than white houses with brilliant blue shutters, vibrant bougainvillea, and beautiful blue harbor drenched in warm sunlight." Are the brochures exaggerating?

After getting off the tender at the main town of Chora, started walking toward the windmills stopping first at the Panagai Paraportiani Church (Our Lady of the Side Gate, 17th century), famous for its unusual shape and architecture. Walked up the stairs on the empty lot across the street and looked down at the church, which was a great place for pictures.

Strolled along the water's edge, past "Little Venice," a row of houses that seem to come out of the sea, which were built in the mid-18th century by wealthy ship captains/merchants. The walkway continues through restaurants lining the shore. Best view of Windmills!

Uphill to the 16th-century Venetian Windmills of Kato Myloi, the ionic symbols of this "Island of the Winds" that were used for grinding grain. Five still stand in a row on a seaside hill with their paddles spinning in the wind. Great photo spot!

The plan is No Plan, just meander through the maze of narrow streets (originally designed to thwart pirate attacks) admiring the pretty squares and immaculate white buildings with bright blue trim.

Perfect time for a break at Giorious Wood Bakery for fresh-made pastries--baklava and almond cookies.

Kept walking until we ended up at an outdoor theater. While trying to determine our location, a lady showed us on the map.

Headed toward Barkia Pasta, our cousin's favorite Mykonos restaurant; however, it was closed.

Wandered around the pretty Harbor area with its beach, boats, vendors, and the scenic tiny blue-domed white church Agios Nikolaos (named for St Nicholas, patron saint of fishermen-sailors, 4th century). Worth a quick peek of the quaint interior--golden chandeliers, black and white tiled floor, and a beautiful painting of the starry night on the ceiling.

Wanted to swim in the Agean so went back to the boat for bathing suits and ended up eating lunch on board. Found out the nearest beaches are the one in the harbor or a 20-30-minute walk; definitely not the harbor. Trudged back up the hill past the windmills (should have worn our bathing suits this morning). The bad part was walking on a narrow road with no shoulder to Megali Ammos Beach, which was not very good--more little stones than sand and very rocky next to shore. No wonder there aren't very many people here. Getting in the water was difficult; tried to float out over the rocky area but it was too shallow. The sandy area was too deep to stand but so refreshing on this hot day. Didn't stay in very long but at least had the experience of swimming in the Aegean Sea's deep blue water.

Mykonos definitely lived up to the description; enjoyed it more than we imagined.

Our balcony faced the island so the views in the late afternoon were THE BEST!!

July 26 - DAY AT SEA

So nice to have a relaxing day starting with room-service breakfast on the balcony. The sunlight hit the waves just right to create a rainbow for a couple of seconds. Tried to send emails to family; guess everyone else on the ship had the same idea. Couldn't get it to work. On some afternoons, a professor of history gives a presentation about the next day's port of call. Today's on Valetta was excellent!