Delos

                                                Delos's residential area

One of the favorite sites to see while on Mykonos is the uninhabited island of Delos, a 30-minute ferry ride away. Rich in history from its beginning over 3,000 years ago, Delos was a sacred destination for religious pilgrims who brought offerings to the gods. 

Centuries later, with its central location half-way between Greece's mainland and today's Turkey, Delos became a bustling commercial center and shipping port under the Romans. The city faded into history after slaughter and looting by the soldiers of the Kingdom of Pontus, an enemy of Rome, pirate attacks, and changing trade routes.

Judy checked the weather forecast last night. She said, "Uh-oh. Rain. High winds, 50 mph. Temperature in the 50-degree range." With extra layers of clothing, gloves and hats, and rain gear, we were ready this morning. As a precaution, we slipped on our Sea-Bands, knit wrist bands that prevent nausea by applying pressure to acupuncture points on the inside of the wrists. (We were happy we had them as we watched several fellow passengers start turning green with the fierce, choppy waters of the return trip.)

Rain fell just as we were leaving the hotel for the pier in old Mykonos Town, and the wind whipped our pants legs. The crossing was fairly easy, and soon we were strolling among the ruins and remnants of what had been one of the finest cities in the Aegean. Sporadic sunshine warmed us a little, but the winds never quit. That didn't keep your intrepid photographers from doing what we do.

            Bundled up for the tour

                Statue of a woman

          Columns in the Sanctuary area

                                                             The Theatre

    Mosaic in the courtyard of the house of Dionysus 

                                                      Lions of the Naxians

                                                             Column caps

            

                                        Temple in the Sacred Lake area

                                       Delos and its highest point, Mt. Kythnos

Back on the terra firma of Mykonos, we were windswept into a local establishment where Judy asked the server, "Do you have soup? Hot chocolate?" 

He replied, "But, of course." And we were soon seated in an enclosed patio near the propane heater, overlooking the water, in view of the windmills. "Beetroot salad is my favorite," the server said to Annis. After reading the description she decided to order it -- to his delight, and ours.