Mykonos arrival and the nutbag ferry ride

Lessons for a ferry in the Cyclades:

1. don’t be there an hour ahead

2. do get your e ticket and not ask the desk to print it (they charge you)

3. when you see the boat, get in line.
   

4. when the passengers coming off are complete, nearly trample them so you can get on the ferry, all the while being whistled at by several men telling you to run with your suitcase faster

5. take people out with your bags to stow luggage under deck, including the cars trying to park at the same time.

6. finally get to seat.

Similar to train rides in India, I feel badly for anyone disabled or elderly or with young kids trying to use these forms of transport. If you’re able bodied it’s like the running of the bulls.

We arrived in Mykonos early afternoon and checked into Mykonian Kyma, quite a nice resort. Our suite overlooked the rooms with private pools, the port, and had perfect sunset views. After a brief nap, we ventured to the town to explore. I had made dinner reservations at a place it seems no one in the world did not like called ‘M-eating’. So we wandered, got lost in old town amongst the narrow streets where everything kind of looks the same, but eventually found the restaurant and a bunch of other fun places on the way.

M-eating I cannot rave enough about the restaurant. Highlighting local ingredients, high end gastronomy, and a lovely setting on the porch overlooking old town, it was one of the food highlights for sure. We had tomato and goat cheese three ways, ahi tartar with grilled portobellos, lamb with artichoke purée and roasted artichok, and a fabulous fresh pasta with truffle and feta cream.

Other bits of Mykonos knowledge. The island is easily navigable with a small car, scooter, or ATV. We waffled on getting something rather than taxi transpor, but settled on a larger ATV. At $50 a day, it’s a lot cheaper than taxis in the end. They don’t really teach you how to drive it, however…a couple of random instructions and a lap around the lot…off you go! There are several lots that have free parking on the outskirts of town so don’t get stuck paying $25 to be 100 ft closer to the action.

Also, auto insurance is like free money in Greece. We had someone in the hotel parking lot (likely employee), deploy our safety break while we were at dinner causing it to roll back into one of the concierge cars. We were 200 ft away at the time and they somehow knew exactly who we were and where we were sitting. Shady. So park as far away from everyone at the hotel and in a spot that the e brake still won’t cause it to move.