Day 3 on Mykonos started out with an early exploration of the Old Town. I think early was the best time to enjoy Mykonos - later on, there were just too many tourists for me and I don't deal with crowds well. But it was nice to see more of the real side of Mykonos - the old man fixing his scooter, the markets at the wharf, and the Greek people going about their business before all the tourists clog the alleyways.
I wanted to go to this church on Mykonos from which a walk started, so I caught the bus to Ano Mera, located in the middle of the island. I got off the bus and visited the monastery of Panagia Tourliani, which was just across the road from the stop. It was a beautiful church inside; not surprising, as Greek churches in general seemed to be really lovely.
The next plan was to pick up some food and a drink and go on a hike I'd read about from Ano Mera to the beachside village of Lia and then to Kalafati. It was a good plan, which seemed very doable, but I got into trouble at every step of the way. First, I couldn't find the road leading off the main road that I was supposed to take. Then I couldn't find another path. Then the path seemed to not be looked after and I was traipsing through the middle of nowhere in Mykonos by myself, with a bottle of OJ, a litre of water and a sandwich, and no map other than google maps (which was not being very helpful).
About 45 minutes into the walk, I decided to turn back. I really didn't want to be that stupid tourist who got lost in the back country of Mykonos and had to be rescued. Disappointed, I turned around and made my way back to Ano Mera to catch the bus, deciding to put safety first. It would have been a lovely walk I'm sure, as it was pretty interesting countryside on the short bit that I did.
So, after my failed walk, I went back to the Old Town. In hindsight, I should have just caught the bus to Kalafati, but I was too cross with myself! So I wandered around the town a bit more and basically said goodbye to the last of the Greek Islands. I was catching the ferry back to Athens tomorrow. But first, dinner! I went to this place called Niko's Taverna, where I had a very delicious lamb shank that was cooked in wine and lemon. Definitely the food highlight of my time on Mykonos!
