How Mykonians Survive a Tourist Summer

Happy Birthday, AZI!!.

Jeff—Saturday 

 

Nah, only joshing about the belly-dancing to get your attention, though the young lady is a friend of mine. 

 

I was intending to rerun a piece on the celebration of Easter tomorrow in Greece—one of my favorite times to be home on Mykonos. But with all the troubles confronting the world today, I thought I’d revisit another topic.  One that might provide a bit of guidance on coping with the many trials we all face at this moment, e.g., Covid, war in Europe, a burgeoning worldwide refugee crisis, climate Armageddon, suicidal politics, inflation, and [add your choices here].

 

So, I’m focusing instead on how Mykonian locals manage to survive their biggest test of all: tourist season. It’s not even May and roads are packed with seasonal homeowners and workers…while Mykonians look on and brace for the onslaught yet to come.  

 

The answer is simple…straight faces. 

Now, I’m not talking about the kind put on by TV talking heads pontificating on subjects of which they know little and care about even less, or politicians whenever their lips are moving, I mean the faces of everyday common folk doing what they must to make their living off of tourism. 

Ken Richards, Artist and Musician

Imagine the stress of dealing face-to-face, 24/7, six months a year, with the many ilk, shapes, and demands of international tourism when virtually 100% of your income is dependent on making people happy.  Add to that mix the occasional thorny visitors who act as if they walked on water to get to the island and insist on being venerated as such even when their fly (or gender equivalent) is down.  Make that especially so on such occasions.  It is enough to drive one mad.  

 

As proof I submit the following two photographs, one of a Mykonian at the beginning of the season, another at the end. 

 

I rest my case.  Sort of, for I have more exhibits to present.  I want to show you the variety of expressions relied upon by Mykonians to make it through nearly twenty-hour days, seven times each week.  

 

Some are pretty good at hiding their thoughts.

 

Others are not.

 

Some see life through rosé-colored glasses.

 

Others chose to view it from another planet. 

 

Some grin at it all.

 

Others do just the opposite.

 

There are those who tune out and those who tune in, both to the same end.

 

There are the sophisticated who seem to remain above it all.  And those who lose it to laughter.

 

There are some who can legitimately claim not to understand.

 

And others in blinders making them oblivious to what’s going on about them.

 

But of all the faces, the ones I enjoy the most are found on those who cope the best and remain above it all. 

 

Yes, the young children of the island, for in their innocence they have no need for guile.  Or work.   

 

Ahhhhhh, to memories of days long gone.  

 

—Jeff

 

Saturday, May 14, 11:00 a.m. ET

Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books

Duolingo

5900 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA

In person event, register here