To Preach or Not to Preach...

I had this really catchy title for my post today.  “From Never Neverland to One-Half-Too-Cleverland.”  I planned on exploring the differences between Mykonos and Athens, for on Tuesday I leave the former for the latter.  

It seemed the appropriate occasion for such a piece, what with Mykonos having come off a high season seemingly impervious to the financial crisis wreaking havoc upon the rest of Greece—the island still attracts rich tourists spending as if there’s no tomorrow, though the current crop hails from countries east (near and far) of here…and I don’t mean Cyprus—while Athens is laid siege by editorial headlines suggesting a polity unable to stay out of its own way: “A country striving for normality,” “Greece wanders in uncertainty’s wasteland,” “Doing business, but with rules,” “The specter of early elections,” and “Words are a dangerous thing.” (All from today’s Kathimerini, Greece’s equivalent of The New York Times)

But why get into all that on my last week in Greece?   Yes, the current government is dancing along a tightrope as special interest groups clumped on both ends take turns yanking on the line, desperately hoping the government can’t make it across (Feel free to work with me on the metaphor), but as a famous statesman once said, “What? Me worry?”

Honorable Alfred E. Neuman

Nope, not this week. Maybe next. This week it’s all peace and love, calm seas and rose sunsets, tranquility and food, and in keeping with that admonition, today we headed off to a late lunch at one of the most idyllic (and iconic) spots on Mykonos: Kiki’s at Agios Sostis Beach. You can’t get there by bus. Only by car, motorbike…or construction vehicle. (Sorry about that last bit of societal commentary, it just slipped out. I’ll try to control myself in the future.)

Agios Sostis Beach

View From Kiki's

More of a view from Kiki's

Good friends who live on Mykonos as many months each year as I do, suggested lunch there, at what “old Mykonos hands” know to be the chicest spot on the island.  In season, if you’re not in line for lunch by 1PM be prepared for an early dinner.  No line-jumping privileges for flashy spenders in this tiny, vines for a roof, gem.  I rarely get there during season as it’s on the other side of the island from my home, but in October (just before it closes) Kiki’s is simply magical. 

Outside

Inside

Inside looking outside

Don’t take my word for it; decide for yourself.

 

Some of the regulars

The remains of the meal

Sharing the remains of the day

Until next year, my friends

If you want to know about the car, it’s an old Volkswagon Kurierwagon.  My friends brought it with them from Germany many years ago, along with a deep love and appreciation for all things Greek.

Nuf’ said. 

Now on to Athens.

Jeff—Saturday