A Walk Through Chora, Mykonos, Greece.
We began our walk through Chora, the major city of Mykonos, about 3:30 in the afternoon. The bus had to be parked outside of the main town area so we walked along the shore of the old harbour, southward, towards the town. One of the things a first-time visitor notices about Mykonos, like many Greek islands, is that most homes and buildings are painted with whitewash.
Since tourism is the major economic engine of the island, restaurants, taverns, and dance clubs are well represented. Museums and rental residences also add to the mix of buildings. For those who like to make their own way around, cars and scooters are available for rent.
When we have walked to the older part of town, our tour guide leads us into the narrow streets.
When we emerge from the narrow streets we see the iconic symbol of Mykonos, the windmills of Kato Mili. Since the island is in the path of a prevailing north wind, it makes sense to build them on the hill and use the energy of the wind to grind the grain into flour.
Up the hill to the windmills.
From here we have to walk back to the bus. There is still more to see.
One last look at the windmills before we leave. Seven windmills have been preserved on the island. The latest one continued to operate into the 1960s. A guide on another tour pointed out that wind power went into decline when steam and gas-powered engines were determined to be more efficient. Now we see wind power coming back into style to generate electricity to power electric motors.
On the way back we have to walk through the seaside patio of the restaurant where we meet another of the icons of Mykonos, Petros the pelican. He is the official mascot of Mykonos and is actually Petros II. There may be more than one on the island.
Worship places often have domed rooves, some red, some blue, some white.
– Where do You want to go today? –
