Mykonos, Greece. 22 June 1987

Caught the metro train from the square [in Athens] to Piraeus dock. We were late so bought tickets to Mykonos from the first agent, 1,200 [drachmas – pre the euro] each. Virtually ran to the ship, lots of ferries we didn’t know which one, made it with a couple of minutes to spare.

Then a fairly tedious six hour trip to Mykonos stopping first at Sifnos and then Tinos.

Once we arrived after 2pm we were besieged by touts for accommodation. All had photo albums. Quite expensive, settled for one at 1,500 [less than 5 euro]. Extremely hot and bright, we were driven up the hill to a lovely hotel – white-washed cubist architecture with blue window frames. In keeping with the rest of the town. A small room, two beds, separate toilet and shower.

After sleeping out the hottest part of the day we walked into town and checked out the souvenir shops, cafes, bars, restaurants etc. A lovely town, narrow alleys, old women sitting in the shade, cats on wooden stairways, donkeys carrying baskets of bread and vegetables. Everywhere tourists and the ubiquitous tricycles and scooters.

Had an early good meal. Near sunset we wandered round the windmills, very photogenic, the sea-shore restaurants and the dock area. A few large cruise liners berthed in the harbour.