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Took a 5 1/2 hr ferry from Pireaus (Athens) with stops in Pyros and Tinos. Wow, the ferry was complete choas, we've never seen anything like it before. Having spent 23 yrs on an island I have put my time in on ferries to feel confident that I can comment on when a ferry is busy, overcrowded and just chaotic. We had a reservation which guaranteed us seats and was worth every dime. People and luggage were displaced everywhere, so much so that all the hallways were unwalkable and the outer decks - don't even try going out there, not even to jump over board let alone get into a life raft.

We stayed at Hotel Omiros (great place, fantastic views, owners etc.) which was by far and away the best part of our (3) nights stay in Mykonos. The place was fanatastic for chilling, taking in the incredible terrace views and chewing the fat with the owner. As we are neither gay, single or swingers or maybe we are just old farts - Mykonos did not do much for us. If there is a gay heaven this may be the place. It has all the ins & outs of a gay community, no pun intended. There are numerous rocky, pebbly beaches scattered throughout the island catering to all types of crowds - partyers, gays, families, nudes, semi-nudes etc.. The one thing the majority of the beaches had in common was no sand, 25 knot winds and no area to lie down without renting a beach chair and smelling your neighbors B.O. Still struggling with the fact that beaches throughout Europe don't have sand, 4-5 volleyball nets set up and personal space with a friend, spouse or child is only created by lying on top of each other, thus stacking vertically - very uncomfortable I'm sure.

The island is incredibly under developed (which is a good thing) and once you get away from the town center the barren and rugged land resembles more of a desert than a beach holiday destination. We rented two 50cc scooters and did our best to visit, although briefly, the most popular beaches. If you like to party this place has everything from loads of beach bars, cheap beer and club music blasting away all day and night. The energy certaintly is contagious, but one is also very mindful of the thousands of scooter and atvs on the narrow roads that aren't to friendly to the numb body and cross-eyed drunks.

The food was awesome and cheap. Gyros, souvalkis, beer and water are so cheap that the conscious minded budget partier need not worry about blowing there hard earned pennies on drink, drink food and drink medicine. Besides food and beer, one has to mention the chocolate (Nutella) filled crepes - they make for a good dessert or breaky!.

Mykonos also has plenty of wind which makes for good windsurfing and cools the warm temperature for those who don't want the relentless heat of a barren land. The positive about rocky/pebbly beaches is the fact that sand storms are not an issue!!

Off to Santorini to see how the topography and beaches differ from the previously visited Greek islands.

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