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Classy customer service: An oxymoron?Mykonos, Baklava Heaven
January 26, 2012 in Places
Baklava
The Greek island of Mykonos is a paradise. Named after Apollo’s grandson, Mykons it serves as a playground for the rich and famous and the wannabes. Though once very poor barely surviving on fishing and stock breeding,Mykonos developed their tourist industry starting in the 1950s. There are approximately 10,000 people living on the island in many little villages. However, the port village which is called Mykonos(also known as Chora) is the most populated. There are ten villages on the island, but Chora is the largest. The island is approximately 33 square miles.
One of the island traditions is spotting the Mykonos mascot, Petros the Pelican. If you see him it’s good luck. Well, I saw him and his lady friend, so I think it’s a sign I should live there, okay that and the amazing food. Moussaka, fresh fish, and Greek salads were prepared for me with care. And to top it off I had strong coffee and baklava. The baklava was incredible. Stacked paper thin layers of buttery golden pastry with honey and crushed walnuts drizzled in between the layers. It was ultra sweet. I was sure I would eat only a bite. But before my small coffee was done I was running my fingers along the plate in frantic attempts to get every last piece of honey soaked walnuts. The waitress laughed. “Many people do that. You like it? Good. I will tell my mother, she made the baklava this morning.” So there I sat sipping the last of my coffee with a sugar rush to beat the band and looking out at crystal clear water where the fishing boats tied to moorings seemed to float in mid-air. I had just had one of the best meals of my life.
When I finally dragged myself out of the comfy chair and into the streets I found, to my delight, a sidewalk along the waterfront to the hill where the windmills stood. A traditional sightseeing point, the windmills of Mykonos are now homes facing the bay. From the hill of windmills I wandered aimlessly (remember my sugar buzz) through alleys and narrow passages filled with homes, shops and cafes. I was lost, giddy and happy. Then what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a jewelry shop with affordable gear. I must have purchased every Christmas gift on my list for the next three years.Mykonosis a shopper’s seventh heaven.
The buildings of Mykonos are white washed with blue trim. One of my favorite shops was the Greek Orthodox icon shop. The shop was overflowing onto the sidewalk with both very old and new wooden carved and painted plaques honoring various saints. All of the chapels on the island had carved icons. Many were sequestered in small wall closets that were open for viewing on special occasions. Most of the chapels are privately owned. There over 500 chapels on Mykonos. The most famous church in the town is Paraportini. It is actually four churches in one structure with massive walls, free flowing lines and a beautiful bell tower. It can be found walking in the general direction of the windmills.
The people of Mykonos were charming, helpful and they spoke English. That is usually not an issue, except for the aforementioned baklava-brain. The shopkeepers helped me find my way to the ship reminding me to return often. That I will.
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