Olives and ouzo

The Greek Isles. Sun-drenched beaches set in the Aegean Sea. Unlike the idea most Americans have of islands, palm trees and long sandy beaches like the Bahamas, the Greek Isles are more mountainous and much rockier.
Mykonos is probably one of the better known of the Greek Isles. It has a quaint town with the classic white washed building and winding streets. A rocky beach fronts the main town and it is lined with shops, cafes and bars. Exploring deeper into the town I recognized a familiar name, The Ramrod, with its rainbow flag painted over its door. We did not have a shore excursion on Mykonos so we just wandered through the town. The climb up the windings streets was quite picturesque. The concrete had been painted to resemble large stones set in concrete. Window boxes overflowed with flowers. On the ridge above town, their is a line of windmills. The Greek versions seem much lighter and airy compared to their Dutch cousins. The vanes are sleeker and more graceful. The view from the ridge is spectacular of the town cascading down to the shore.
On our ascent we ran into a few people off the ship that actually live one town away in Hollywood. Since we worked up a thirst, we decided to stop on the descent for some ouzo. The small bar had only a handful of tables and stools. The ouzo was good and the conversation lively. Our bartender was half Greek and born in Iowa, go figure. On the way back to the ship a bathroom break was needed, so another beer was purchased at a beachfront bar.
Rhodes was probably the most fascinating of the three islands visited. It boasts the largest medieval town still inhabited. It was a stop for crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. The high stone wall, turreted buildings, and gates made on to expect Lancelot to come riding out and any minute to save Guinevere. Vehicular traffic is prohibited in most of the old town, so walking is the best means of seeing the buildings. Try some of the local far at one of the many side walk cafes.
The last island visited was Santorini. A possible location of the famed city of Atlantis. The crescent shaped island is the remains of an ancient volcano that's caldera collapsed on itself with its last eruption. The steep climb from the harbor up to Fira is best accomplished my bus or cable car. The donkey are a little aromatic, and the steps will exhaust you. We toured a winery and then walked around town. The city offers fantastic views of the flooded crater. White washed houses cling to the edge of the cliff. Our visit was at the end of the season and some bargains were to be had. Fusion glass is a popular item, colored glass is fused with metal and other materials to produce a mosaic and formed into platters, bowls or sculptural forms. Having a fear of heights made boarding the cable car a little on the spooky side, since the waiting area in on a 45 degree downward slope with only a metal rail at the bottom.
So if the Greek Isles are calling your name like the Sirens of myth, contact Damron Vacations and answer their alluring songs. The agents can help plan your vacation either by land or by sea(best choice), and maybe you will meet your own Greek God. OPA!!